Archive for June, 2008

Dairy products and the pH miracle diet

Dairy products and the pH miracle diet

The pH miracle diet attempts to control many different conditions in the body, including obesity, through the omission of acidifying foods and behaviors. One of the most surprising inclusions on the list, at least to Westerners, is milk. Dairy products, although a mainstay of the Western diet, are not included in the diets of most of the populations around the world. So what does the rest of the world know that we don?t? Dairy is not necessary for health; from a pH perspective, it is actually harmful to the body.

Many people believe that dairy and milk are essential for bone density and for overall health. However, dairy products have large amounts of protein and fat, which are both acid forming elements. Cow?s milk and products made from cow?s milk produce acid. Goat and sheep milk and cheeses, which have less fat and protein, produce less acid. The only dairy exception is clarified butter that is alkalizing due to the short chain fats within it.

In 2003, the Harvard School of Public Health released an alternative pyramid to the FDA recommendations based on imbalances that the members saw in the original pyramid. Although it did not mention acid and alkaline foods specifically, the pyramid shows a tendency toward alkaline foods. One of the most striking differences between the FDA pyramid and the Harvard pyramid is the inclusion of a dairy serving or calcium supplement 1 time daily. The FDA recommends 2 to 3 servings per day, in addition to dietary supplements.

Dr. Meir Stampfer, a professor in the departments of Epidemiology and Nutrition and the Chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, points out in an explanation of the Harvard pyramid that Americans should be eating less dairy products. The body needs calcium, but not at the levels present in the two to three servings recommended by the FDA. Calcium is necessary for normal bone development and maintenance; yet the average adult can get enough calcium from a supplement. The levels of calcium present in 2 to 3 servings of dairy per day can actually be harmful to health. Excess calcium intake may increase the risk for certain cancers and there have been no links between massive amounts of calcium and osteoporosis prevention.

In addition, dairy is far from being a pure food. The dairy industry has worked hard to proliferate the image of cow?s milk being essential and harmless. Consider, however, that fifty years ago the average cow produces 2,000 pounds of milk per year and today cows average 50,000 pounds per year. Drugs, antibiotics, hormones, specialized breeding and forced feeding all up milk production so dairy farmers can produce in mass quantities. All of these additives are part of the milk that people drink everyday.

A growing number of Americans, including those who follow the pH miracle diet, are eliminating dairy from their diet and having fantastic results. In recent studies, milk has been linked to intestinal colic, intestinal irritation, anemia and allergic reactions in infants and children. In children, the main problems were allergy, ear and tonsil infection, asthma, colic and childhood diabetes. The studies showed that adults suffered from heart disease, arthritis, allergy and sinusitis as a result of conventionally produced milk.

Just a quick search on the dangers of dairy can really open your eyes about this ?safe? food. Reading the research and seeing the acidic effects of milk and other dairy products make it clear why it is excluded on the pH miracle diet.

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First Chiropractic Care Visit: What To Expect

First Chiropractic Care Visit: What To Expect

Individuals who are going to have their chiropractic treatment for the first time might have a lot of questions about the treatment procedures. Some might be scared, while others are nervous due to lack of proper knowledge about what to expect. Read on to learn more about what usually goes on during your first visit to a chiropractor to make you better prepared for it.

Patient Health History

Any consultation with a chiropractor or other medical practitioners will begin with a consultation. You will be provided a form that must be filled out as a means for your chiropractor to gather background information needed on any symptoms or conditions currently being experienced. That way, they’d be able to trace if you have any history of other conditions and better able to determine the source of your current complaints.

Among the questions you are expected to answer on the form include the following:

? When did you first felt the pain?
? How did the pain start?
? Where could you have possibly acquired it?
? Does any factor cause it to ease or become worse?

Basically, the idea behind these questions is to provide the data your doctor needs to assess the extent of your condition. These observations are also placed in comparison to any medical records that the patient previously have.

Physical Examination

Patients undergo a thorough physical examination before a chiropractic treatment is performed. The tests are pretty general such as blood pressure, reflexes, pulse, respiration, or other required orthopedic neurological tests. All of these are performed to gather crucial data needed for proper diagnosis of the patient’s condition.

Among the aspects of a patient’s health that are determined through this stage include strength and tone of muscle, range of motion in the specific area of the body that is affected, and neurological imbalances. In addition, a patient might be required to execute a few physical motion to see exactly how well the body executes the assigned movements. Therefore, you might be asked to change into some light clothing to make it convenient for you.

Diagnostic Studies and Diagnosis

Once the gathering of medical history information and physical chiropractic examinatin is complete, diagnostic studies are now conducted. In this stage, this is where evaluation of those previously gathered data are done in the hopes of making an accurate diagnosis. Some equipments used for diagnostic study include x-rays, MRI scan, and other laboratory procedures.

When your chiropractic doctor has all these elements put together, they now have all the tools needed to make an accurate evaluation. The next step would then be to determine whethe a patient will proceed with chiropractic care or if there are other suggested treatment methods for their condition.

How Long Will It Take?

Your first visit to a chiropractor would typically lasts for not over an hour. This should be enough time to perform all of the above steps needed to gather medical information and evaluate them for proper diagnosis. Since it is your health condition that is on the line, it is important for chiropractors not to proceed in haste since some crucial information could be left out in the process, thus risking the health of the patient.

Deciding on a Treatment Plan

Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, some chiropractors can already begin the treatment plan upon the first visit. However, a few others would have to schedule another appointment to begin the treatment session.

Using the information available to him, your chiropractor will prescribe a set of goals for your treatment. Again, the extent of the damage and the treatment method determined for you will impact the length of your treatment period. Short-term treatments are usually suited for patients who merely suffer from pain caused by dysfunction in the joints or muscles.

Meanwhile, those that require full restoration of their health system to retain function and improve daily life might require a long-term treatment plan.

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Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

One of the reasons for the continued rise and growth of chiropractic care in the medical field is due to the wide array of benefits that can be derived from it. Plus, many recommend this particular treatment method due to the non-invasive approach and its insistence on awakening the body’s natural ability to heal.

Common Chiropractic Benefits

Dysfunction in your muscoskeletal system does not exclude anyone. Therefore, anyone will benefit from the healing ability of chiropractic care to provide relief from any form of discomfort that one undergoes when they have misaligned spine, back, or neck. But for individuals who are required to remain active, the presence of such dysfunction disables them from performing well and limit their motor capacity. This is due to the fact that any form of movement on the traumatized area of the body can result to pain or discomfort.

Regardless of the cause of your initial discomfort, among the benefits you can enjoy are as follows:

? Improved circulation
? Reduction or elimination of lactic acid
? Smoother travel of oxygen and nutrients in the body
? More flexibility
? Elimination of any pain or soreness
? Faster recovery time
? Reduced muscle spasm
? Prevention of future injury
? More relaxed feeling

Combination Treatments

If you want to enhance the benefits of chiropractic care, it is best to combine your efforts with natural techniques. Even chiropractors recommend it in order to help your body adjust to the treatment provided. The relief from any pressure or source of discomfort will allow your body to attain maximum mobility and better performance.

To enhance the results, you must try to develop a routine that incorporates the following physical activities:

? Keep your body properly hydrated.

? Follow a healthy nutritional plan.

? Do some stretching exercises or develop a healthy exercise routine.

Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Several people have misconceptions about chiropractic care. One of them being that it is not a valid form of treatment and is used only for mild cases of back pain, headaches, and the like. However, this form of treatment method offer adjustment benefits even to those suffering from extreme cases of spinal or vertebral misalignment. But the benefits extend beyond muscoskeletal and different people who suffer from these illnesses experience varying results as well:

? For pregnant women, they are able to deliver much easier.

? For babies, they have improved developmental abilities and prevent the possibility of acquiring scoliosis.

? For kids, it helps prevent asthma, ear infection, bedwetting, among other things.

? For adults, they are able to generate more energy and increase productivity.

? For senior individuals, they attain better balance and prevent injury caused by falling off.

Meanwhile, overall results and benefits reported from patients who’ve undergone chiropractic care includes the following:

? Boost in the functions of the immune and nervous system.

? Patients attain improved vitality.

? Breathing becomes easier.

? Better digestive function.

? Sharper vision.

? Improved overall health.

When Do Results Become Evident?

Following chiropractic treatment, your body will start to realign and relieve yourself from any pressure that is causing pain in your joints. In mild cases, a patient will immediately experience relief soon after undergoing chiropractic care. Hence, this is one of the advantages of opting for chiropractic care over surgical or medical procedures that often require a long recovery period.

In other cases, there might be a slight feeling of soreness or aching that can be felt with chiropractic treatment. The reason for this is that your body has to readjust to the realignment done after being misaligned for a while.

However, it shouldn’t take long either before your body can regain its normal function and mobility.

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Cancer and the pH miracle diet

Cancer and the pH miracle diet

One of the most important points of the pH miracle diet is that cancer can be prevented and reversed by applying the principles of the diet. Although these statements have caused some controversy in the world of health and wellness, many people credit the use of the pH miracle diet in reversing their cancer and improving their overall level of health.

According to Dr. Robert Young, the creator of the pH miracle diet, cancer is not a sickness or a disease as commonly thought. It is an effect of the metabolic acids that are built up in the blood and then released into the tissues. Cancer, according to Dr. Young, is actually an acidic liquid that spills into the cells, tissues and organs. It is not a mutation of the cells.

No condition happens without a cause. There are clear and direct causes for cancer, and as the pH miracle diet books show, the cause for cancer lies in over acidity. Diseases like cancer are due to systemic acidosis, which is extremely low pH (below 7.4). Any pH below 7.0 is considered acidic, and the lower the pH is the higher the acidity level in a person?s body is.

At the cellular level, your cells consume the food that you eat and produce metabolic acids. Those acids are normally expelled by the body through sweat or urine. When you consume a vast amount of acidic foods and lead a lifestyle that produces even more acidity, your body does not know what to do with the rest of the acid waste. When you eat highly acidic foods on a regular basis, your body simply does not have enough energy to get rid of the excess acids. They collect in the body, and create disruptions at the cellular level.

Metabolic acids are first kept in the blood and then they are kept in the tissues. When acid is kept in the tissue, it causes sickness, disease and cancerous tissues. Cancer is the acidic liquid from metabolism that pools in the body. It affects the cells around it and, like a rotten apple in a barrel, the effects spread from cell to cell causing disease. Cancer is not made of mutated cells. The cells themselves do not change form but they are limited in their function due to the presence of excess metabolic acid. There is no such thing as ?cancer cells?; the cells are actually normal cells that have become highly acidic.

One of the most surprising parts of the relationship between pH and cancer is that tumors are in fact trying to help the body. They form in areas where the metabolic acid is becoming rampant and effecting cellular function. Tumors are your body?s attempt to prevent the spreading of the acidic cells to other parts of the body. The tumor is actually a signpost to where your body is collecting excess metabolic acid. Some people are genetically predisposed to collect metabolic acid in certain places. This is why some families have a history of, for example, breast cancer.

The tumors themselves are not the problem, but are just signs of what is going wrong in that part of the body. When cancer metastasizes, it is a sign of the acidic condition moving to other cells and making them acidic as well.

Cancer is not something that people get out of the blue. Cancer forming in the body is a sign of the choices that we make in what we eat, what we drink and how we live. An alkaline lifestyle that focuses on an alkaline diet and other calming behaviors will be much less likely to produce cancer, if it does at all. An acidic lifestyle and diet will be full of the pains of the build up of metabolic acid which can, in extremes, lead to cancer.

That is exciting news because it means that cancer is preventable and treatable. A cancer patient can start taking steps toward reversing the effects of cancer and preventing the spread of it. His or her alkaline centered diet may be more aggressive than someone?s who is just trying to get better overall health. However, by applying the principles of the pH miracle diet they can effectively reduce, control and eliminate cancer from their bodies.

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Step By Step Guide To Chiropractic Care

Step By Step Guide To Chiropractic Care

Assessment of Health History

Despite the recognized safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care, it is a standard procedure that chiropractors follow to conduct an assessment of a patient’s health history before proceeding to actual treatment. To do this, a patient is asked to fill out a form that will supply all the information a doctor needs to assess their health history.

There are two reasons why health history assessment is done. First, it helps doctors recognize any risk factors that might be causing current medical condition that a patient is complaining about. Second, it enables chiropractors to evaluate the best method of chiropractic treatment to use for a patient’s condition while taking into account any risk factors.

Consultation With Chiropractor

Once the assessment of health history is through, your doctor will then discuss with you about what possible method of chiropractic care can be used to treat your condition. S/he might begin by discussing where the physical strain has rooted from and how chiropractic measures can address it. In this stage, your chiropractic doctor might even explain specific methods of spinal adjustments or manipulation suited specifically for providing relief on your health dilemmas.

Initial Examination

This phase in chiropractic care is done to create a physical assessment of a patient’s condition. This will help produce a deeper assessment of the patient’s health to back up the information provided upon the initial health history assessment.

*Tests

This particular form of physical examination on a patient about to undergo chiropractic care is aimed at understanding the extent of the patient’s condition. It often begins by checking on the patient’s spinal range of motion. This is done even when the patient does not complain about any form of spinal pain. This is essential because your spine is central to all range of motion available to the body. Other tests performed include orthopedic tests, reflexes, and neurological tests. There are two aspects of the human body that is being analyzed here: the posture and reflexes.

*X-ray

Anyone who has to undergo chiropractic treatment must be subjected to full-length X-ray tests to the spine. The purpose of the x-ray test is to ensure that your spine is in its natural state, able to bear the weight of your body. Any misalignment on your spine, back, or joints are assessed through x-rays. Along with this type of test are other related examinations such as studying the range of motion, soft tissue palpation on the spine, among others.

Evaluation of Tests

Your doctor will keep a record of all your health history check and assessment through the tests conducted. You will then be asked to return for a full explanation of the results of the test to determine whether chiropractic care can be a recommended treatment for you. For patients, make sure to ask as much questions as you like regarding your condition to ensure that any decision made poses no risks to your health.

Chiropractic Correction and Treatment

If you have been approved for chiropractic care, your doctor proceeds onto the correction or adjustment of any subluxations on your spine or joint.

The purpose of the adjustment is to restore the natural position of your vertebrae since any form of misalignment are causing you pain or irritation, especially when trying to move the body parts affected. If the misalignment continues, your vertebra’s soft tissues, ligaments, and muscles are strected. Therefore, it needs to be rehabilitated.

The length of the session varies according to the extent of a patient’s condition. Some might experience immediate relief upon their first spinal adjustment, while others might require a long treatment period.

In fact, there are some individuals who have to undergo long-term chiropractic care.

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Vegetarianism and the pH miracle diet

Vegetarianism and the pH miracle diet

The pH miracle diet is a program for restoring balance in the body by eating alkaline foods. The body?s cells are slightly alkaline and by eating alkalizing foods you can support your body?s natural function. In addition to eating alkalizing foods, Dr. Robert Young, the creator of the diet, also recommends avoiding acidifying foods like meat, wheat and dairy. Those that want better health, according to Dr. Young, should become vegetarians.

The standard American diet certainly isn?t alkalizing and definitely isn?t vegetarian. Animal protein is a mainstay of most people?s diets. However, the necessity for animal protein is a not.

There is a prevailing belief in out society that consuming a lot of protein encourages health and especially physical fitness. Men especially are expected to eat massive quantities of meat in order to have strength and vitality. This myth has prevailed as far back in history as many can remember. In the beginning of the twentieth century, scientists began to believe that consuming meat equaled physical strength, especially in the world of sports. This specific belief, the link between sports and protein, has been one of the driving forces behind meat consumption in the last 100 years.

In actuality, the body?s need for protein is actually a lot less than many people think. There are plenty of sources for vegetarian protein that are alkalizing, and acceptable on the ph Miracle diet.

But why does the program specifically forbid animal protein? Animal protein, like meats, eggs and dairy products all have acidifying effects on the body. These effects become even more prevalent when you consume non-organic meats. Consuming conventionally processed meats can expose you to hormones, drugs and other chemicals that have been given to the animals before they were killed. There are no conclusive studies about the safety of hormones, but there are perceived risks. Animals are routinely given antibiotics as well, which will increase your consumption of antibiotics and will reduce helpful bacteria in your body. The reduction of these helpful bacteria will allow more metabolic acid to accumulate in your system, and create disastrous health effects.

The elements in meat that are good for you (protein, vitamins and minerals) can be obtained from vegetarian sources without all of the dangers. Just one cup of tofu, an alkalizing protein source, has 20 grams of protein. The average man or women needs less than 40 grams per day. Protein needs can easily be met without eating acidifying meat.

Making the switch to vegetarianism is more of mental struggle than a physical one. The body runs much more efficiently without the acidifying presence of animal protein. Eating meat is a habit and the benefits of eating it are a culturally propagated myth. There is no physical need for meat. The most difficult part of eliminating it from your diet will be opening your eyes to the wide variety of new foods that can replace meat.

When you follow the pH miracle diet, you?ll notice that Dr. Young recommends a balance of 70%PRCTG% alkaline foods and 30%PRCTG% acid foods. This means that there is some leeway for eating foods on the acidic list. Although it may be tempting to eat animal protein as part of this 30%PRCTG%, your body will be in better balance if you choose something that is just slightly acidic, like eggs, oats or pasta, instead of highly acidic meats.

Becoming a vegetarian on the pH miracle diet is certainly your choice. But you owe it to your health to start reducing the amount of animal protein in your diet.

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Green drinks and the pH miracle diet

Green drinks and the pH miracle diet

If you?ve been learning about the benefits of the pH miracle diet you?ve probably run across the phrase ?green drinks? before. In fact, a quick search of reviews on Robert Young?s book ?The pH Miracle Diet? shows that many people who use the program also use green drinks to boost the level of alkaline in their diets. What are green drinks and how are they beneficial to those following the pH diet?

Green drinks are a simple and easy way for people to get more nutrition and alkalinity into their diet. The pH miracle diet approach offers people a simple and basic understanding of why their bodies are out of balance. The key problem in health and excess weight is the presence of too much acid in the diet. That acid builds up and causes problems in the functioning of your cells. Over time, the acidity builds up in your body and makes a negative environment for your cells, organs and tissues. The solution is to eat an alkalizing diet that has a calming effect on the system. This will get your body pH back into balance and allow your cells to function as they were meant to.

You can simply and easily infuse your body with alkaline foods by using green drinks one to three times per day. Green drinks are made from grasses, sprouted grains and other green vegetables. These will help your body become more alkaline and they have the vitamins, minerals and amino acids that your body needs to repair itself.

There are many different green drinks available on the market. Most come in powder form and each day you mix a few spoonfuls with water. They are available at local health foods stores or on the Internet. Since there are so many brands to choose from the choice might be overwhelming. The main thing to look for in a green drink is the presence of alkaline vegetable ingredients. Make sure to read the label of ingredients carefully. Although all green drinks are different, most contain a few common ingredients.

Kamut grass can decrease cholesterol levels, help with weight loss and add protein to the diet. Broccoli is a strong anti-cancer food and it also helps boost the immune system and improve digestion. Dandelion greens help with weight loss and cholesterol levels. They are also a good source of iron and calcium. Kale contains vitamin C, A, Iron, Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium. Alfalfa sprouts can help redistribute your body weight after you lose weight. These are just a few of the powerful ingredients contained in green drinks. Some have lists of dozens of ingredients.

Another thing to look for in your green drink is notification that the ingredients are organically grown. Make sure the green drink contains no algae, mushroom or probiotics as these are acidifying ingredients. Finally, check the label carefully for non-nutrient ingredients and fillers.

The directions for taking green drinks depend on the manufacturer. Most green drinks are taken mixed with water up to four times daily. Some are available in capsules and should be taken with plenty of water. When you first begin taking green drinks, it is recommended that you take half a dose for one week in order to get your body used to the effects.

Green drinks help with instantly alkalizing your body. They neutralize the excess acids that are in your system. Many people report feeling instant increases in energy and a reduction in cravings for sugar and caffeine. If you are the type of person who cannot get moving without your morning cup of coffee, give green drinks a try for a week and feel the difference. Green drinks also help the immune system and can reduce the amounts of yeasts and toxins in the body.

You can feel the effects of the pH miracle diet instantly when you use green drinks. Research your options and then select a green drink brand that looks good to you and fits the alkalizing criteria. Green drinks are an instant way to alkalize your body and improve your health.

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pH Miracle Diet and Water Ionizers

pH Miracle Diet and Water Ionizers

The pH miracle diet is a revolutionary new program for restoring balance to the body. By eating foods and drinks that are mostly alkaline, you remove the negative effects of acidic foods. People who have started the diet report that they experience weight loss, improvement in arthritis, removal of concentration problems and more energy as well as many other benefits. The key to the pH miracle diet is eating primarily alkaline foods, however, drinking alkaline water is also important.

Alkaline or ionized water provides your body with the right pH it needs for your cells to function. The human body and all of its cells have a pH of 7.4 that is slightly alkaline. Drinking alkaline water helps support this system. Ionized alkaline water can be created in your very own home with the use of a water ionizer. The water ionizer will take the water from your kitchen faucet and pass it through an advanced filter that will remove pesticides, chlorine and other contaminants. The water will then be pulls through an ionization chamber. In this chamber, the pre-filtered water is run over positive and negative electrodes to split it into acid and alkaline water.

Alkaline water is better tasting and has antioxidant activity. It improves your body?s ability to detoxify itself and increases the oxygen delivered to your cells. The minerals within the water are microclustered for better hydration. Drinking alkaline water each day will help your body become more balanced. If you use green drinks to support your pH miracle diet, mixing them with ionized water will increase their effectiveness. Using ionized water in cooking will also produce better tasting foods. Alkaline water will help vegetables maintain their natural colors when you steam them.

Ionized water helps rid your body of accumulated acid. The water helps flush toxins from all of the body tissues and into the kidneys, where it is then excreted through the urine. If you?ve been eating a highly acidic diet and start the pH miracle diet it is recommended that you drink 4 liters of ionized water per day to get your system back in order. Four liters of water per day may seem like a lot, but it will be better for your health if you flush out the toxins as fast as possible.

A water ionizer has two water chambers, one with positive electrodes and one with negative electrodes. The negative electrodes will attract the positive minerals (which are all alkaline) and the positive electrodes attract negatively charged minerals (or acid minerals). The alkaline minerals are calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium. The acid minerals are chlorine, fluoride, sulfur, silicon and copper.

The two chambers have a special membrane between them with microscopic holes. The holes are so small that the water molecules cannot mingle, but the ionized minerals can get through. After the process is complete, there will be about 70%PRCTG% alkaline water and 30%PRCTG% acid water. The alkaline water comes through the spigot, and the acid water is expelled directly into the drain.

Water ionizers have been in use for the last 60 years and were first developed in Japan?s agricultural universities. The health benefits of ionized water were well researched and then water ionizers became available to the Japanese public. They are now available to residents in other countries as well.

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