Self-Criticism Is A Female Flaw

My husband worries because he doesn't think I eat enough. I worry because I think I eat too much.
We are both aware of exactly what I eat so why do our judgments vary so greatly?
It is partially a matter of goals. I want to be model-thin so that I can wear the clothes I love and look just like the glossy pictures in the catalogs. He wants me to be comfortable and relaxed and could care less how much I weigh or what size I wear. I suppose if I became humungous, he'd wince, but it would probably require that I be clearly obese before he noticed.
Men give out such mixed signals. They profess their undying devotion but scan every pretty or well-endowed female on the street and read Playboy and other soft pornography, delighting in seeing any woman in some level of nudity. Ask any happily married man and he'll admit he enjoys looking at other women but has no interest beyond the occasional once-over when a female form grabs his attention.
Women feed themselves equally mixed messages. We don't believe in casual looks, feeling driven to actively compete with whoever captured our honey's eye. We critique the pictures he enjoys, pointing out the too-thick ankles, the pre-cellulite dimples, the obviously collagen-enhanced lips, or the lack of class or taste.
Men enjoy looking at women and are remarkably non-judgmental. They appreciate the view for what it is and fail to notice the minor defects we are supremely happy to enumerate.
Now if we could only learn to look at ourselves as uncritically as men do! We look in a full length mirror and instead of appreciating our assets, we groan with horror at our shortcomings. We camouflage less than perfect legs with draping pants or long skirts. We conceal a small bustline with vests and overblouses. We add to our diminutive size by tottering on platforms or stilettos. We cover aging skin with layers of makeup and add extensions to give thinning hair length and volume.
But underneath, we know exactly what we are. We stand in the bathroom and stare at the creases in our skin, the lines in our forehead, the swell between our hip bones. We grimace at every flaw and hate the imperfections of heredity, genes, an unhealthy lifestyle, and the ravages of time.
Then we wonder why we lack the self-confident manner of our male coworkers, relaxed and comfortable in the bodies fates dealt them, blissfully ignorant of their physical faults.
One day, we'll get there - maybe.

_____________________________

By Virginia Bola, PsyD

Virginia Bola is a licensed psychologist and an admitted diet fanatic. She specializes in therapeutic reframing and the effects of attitudes and motivation on individual goals. The author of The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, and a free ezine, The Worker's Edge, she recently published a psychologically-based weight control e-workbook, "Diet with an Attitude" which develops mental skills towards the goal of permanent weight control. She can be reached at http://www.DietWithAnAttitude.com. She provides support and guidance in use of the workbook through her regular blog, http://dietwithanattitude.blogspot.com

Healthy Diet Healthy Women

Women’s health (physical and mental) is closely related (and somewhat “mimics”) hormonal status and “balance” in the body. Hormonal status here refers to the interplay between female sex hormones (oestrogen and progesterone), stress hormones (specifically cortisol), and thyroid hormones (TSH, T4, T3). Sex hormone production and balance is particularly sensitive to levels of stress hormones. Stress has a profound effect on oestrogen/progesterone balance, as well as creating unnecessary inflammation in the body.

A hormonal cycle in perfect balance helps a woman to feel confident, empowered, healthy and happy. A woman who feels “out of sorts”, is depressed for no apparent reason, or shows other common signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance (of which there are many), is either under too much stress, not taking enough exercise, and or, is eating a poor diet. She herself is out of balance! Eating poorly results in the body not getting sufficient nutrients necessary to produce enough of the correct hormones in the correct balance. Nutrients often lacking include essential fatty acids (especially GLA, EPA and DHA), B vitamins (especially B6), calcium and magnesium.
A “healthy diet for a healthy woman” should be “designed” to encourage normal healthy production, balance, detoxification and excretion of oestrogen and other hormones. The organs involved are the ovaries and adrenals (for production), the liver (for detoxification), and the kidneys and bowel (for excretion via faeces and urine). Naturally, these organs need to be in good working order, and nourished correctly! The diet should contain a vast array of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to dampen any internal inflammation. It should aim to lower insulin levels (minimising fat storage), and improve insulin sensitivity, i.e. the way in which the body handles sugars. This helps to burn fat, as well as minimising excess fat being converted to oestrogen.

(N.B. Fat cells can convert fat to a “bad” oestrogen via a biochemical process called aromatisation).

Soya protein seems to encourage fat loss in the body together with an improvement in the amount of lean muscle tissue. Soya (especially soy concentrates) contains high levels of beneficial plant oestrogens… known as isoflavones. Isoflavones help to re-balance levels of good and bad oestrogens, and promote a healthier oestrogen/progesterone balance. Non-soya food sources of isoflavones include fennel, flaxseeds (ground or milled otherwise they are largely indigestible), fenugreek, cumin and other spices, blueberries, and the herbs red clover, black cohosh and kudzu. Ground flaxseeds incidentally are a great “soluble” fibre source that promotes the excretion of oestrogen via faeces, and also minimises oestrogens being re-absorbed back into the body.

Green tea “catechins” also contribute to healthy oestrogen detoxification and excretion. A diet that is rich in cruciferous vegetables and wholegrains supports healthy liver function…. specifically in the healthy detoxification of oestrogen and other hormones through the liver.

Diet

The diet should be as clean as possible. This means eating food that contains NO unnecessary additives, preservatives, hormones or hormone-mimicking chemicals, sugars, or trans fats/hydrogenated fats. Eating only natural, unprocessed foods (in itself) will ensure that all these biochemically and hormonally disruptive substances are kept to an absolute minimum.
Highly beneficial foods…Nutritional science has come a long way, and we now know that the following foods are highly beneficial for proper hormone production and healthy oestrogen metabolism.

Soya foods and soy concentrates – tofu, miso, Tamari, tempeh, soya beans, soya milk and plain soya yogurtChickpeas and beans in general – mung beans are easy to soak and cook in 45 mins, or sproutedWhole and ground Indian spices and herbs – fenugreek seeds (wonderful when sprouted), cumin, cinnamon, turmeric etcUnpolluted oily fish (and other quality fish) and fish oil – choose high-grade unpolluted fish oil capsulesWHOLE grains – brown rice, wheat berries and rye berries (these are the whole wheat and rye grains that when soaked and cooked have a lovely chewy texture), barley, millet, whole oatsCruciferous vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sproutsGround/milled flaxseeds – 2 tablespoons per daySunflower and pumpkin seeds –preferably groundAlmonds and walnuts – preferably groundBerry fruits (especially blueberries, raspberries, blackberries etc.), a little melon and citrus fruits such as lemons. Warm/hot water with the juice of a fresh lemon is the best way to start the day.

Highly beneficial drinks…Organic Green tea – steep for 5-10 minutesMiso soup – you can buy sachets or just add hot water to a tsp of miso pasteSoya shakes – blend soya milk, yogurt, berries and ground seedsFiltered water with a little lime or lemon juice – remember that urine colour is an excellent indication of hydration status. It should be pale yellow/straw colour the majority of the time… so drink enough water and other fluid to achieve this. Drinking sufficient water is vital for normal kidney function and excretion of oestrogen via urine.

Meal ideas…The majority of the meals and foods I have chosen contain slow-releasing carbohydrates. Slow-releasing carbohydrates (often call “complex” or low-glycaemic foods) are digested and broken down in the gut relatively slowly, releasing their sugars steadily into the bloodstream. This results in a steady rise in blood sugar, sustained energy, as well as efficient fat breakdown and hormone control. Eating complex carbohydrates help increase and control energy levels; aids weight loss, and controls and encourage a natural appetite.

N.B. Re: Women’s health and hormone balance…Eating natural whole foods keeps insulin levels low – high insulin increases testosterone and oestrogen production leading to potential oestrogen and/or testosterone dominance in relation to progesterone

Breakfast

* Berries with yogurt and cinnamon – Combine ½ a punnet of blueberries and ½ a punnet of raspberries with 100g of goat’s yogurt. Mix in 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds and sprinkle on top ½ tsp of ground cinnamon.

* A small bowl of oat porridge or cooked oatmeal made with soya or almond milk (Ecomil/Evernat). Add grated apple, a handful of whole almonds, or sunflower seeds and 2 or 3 tablespoons of natural “bio” yogurt.

* Fruit bowl with yogurt and flaxseed – chop 2 pieces of fruit, top with plain soya yogurt and stir in 2 tablespoons of ground or ready-milled linseeds (flaxseeds), with a soya milk or almond milk and hot water. Add ¼ tsp of cinnamon too.

* Smoothies in a glass – A blend of raspberries and strawberries, yogurt, soya milk or almond milk, and 2 tablespoons of milled/ground flaxseeds (available from some Sainsbury’s stores or health food shops), or wheatgerm. This meal provides essential fats, protein and fibre and flaxseeds (or other seeds) add a nutty taste to the mixture. A great start to the day!

Lunch

Chickpea dahl with dark green leafy and baby vegetable salad – gently fry off ½ tsp each of fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds and ground cumin. Add ½ can of chickpeas and 100g of cherry tomatoes. Cook gently for 10-15 mins. Make a salad of green leaves, chopped coriander, and add mange tout peas, sliced beetroot, cucumber, and sliced raw fennel. Drizzle with a little olive oil, balsamic or cider vinegar, and a little lemon juice. Serve with a slice of rye bread.

Dinner

Tofu and cruciferous veg stir-fry. Use a variety of cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and stir-fry with onion, garlic and ginger. Use Tamari or a spoon of miso (try brown rice miso) mixed in a little water as a base or marinade. Stir in 100-150g of cubed tofu, tossing the mix until the vegetables are “al dente”… cooked but with a slight crunch!

Snacks if you need them…

A small handful of whole almondsHummus and vegetable cruditésA small bowl of sliced melon, blueberries and raspberries

Do supplements help?

Coupled with a good hormone-friendly diet, supplements can further naturally balance and control hormone levels.
The following are examples of beneficial supplements for hormonal balance…
Fish Oil (containing EPA and DHA) – vital for production of healthy prostaglandins and anti-inflammatory substances in the body.

B Vitamins, taken as a “complex” – B vitamins together with EPA and DHA are paramount for healthy oestrogen/progesterone balance, AND liver function.Antioxidants such as green tea extract, d-limonene, turmeric or other quality antioxidants to support healthy cellular ageing.Other oestrogen-supporting agents – isoflavones, non-soy isoflavones, phytonutrients, active folates (supporting methylation), support female health at all stages as well as benefiting breast health, bone health and cardiovascular health.Calcium together with other essential nutrients to support bone health – calcium must be in an absorbable form, and taken with other nutrients, such as magnesium, vitamin D and boron. Microcrystalline “hydroxyapatite” (MCHC) is the ultimate form of calcium for proper absorption into bone, and studies show this to be effective in improving bone density in postmenopausal women.
N.B. Always seek advice from a registered Nutritionist before embarking on a specific supplement programme.
Balancing herbs can be very helpful for many women in dealing with stress or sex hormone imbalance (particularly during the pre-menstrual phase and during and after menopause). Examples include chaste berry (agnus castus), dong quai, black cohosh, red clover, ginger, evening primrose, peony root, red raspberry leaf, and St. John’s Wort. Many can be taken in isolation, or in combination with each other. Always get professional advise before taking herbs, especially if you are on ANY medication, or hormonal treatment.
ExerciseYoga and Pilates are two of the best forms of exercise for women to do regularly.

_________________________

By Lucy-Ann Prideaux

Stress management – meditation, deep breathing, cognitive behavioural therapy, transactional analysis (TA), are all useful and effective therapies and practises that can benefit women in a thousand ways!
Lucy-Ann Prideaux MSc BSc RNutr Registered Nutritionist Simply Nutrition

Secrets Of Ephedra

For those of you who aren’t familiar with ephedra let me start by saying that ephedra has been around for thousands of years. It was discovered by the Chinese and is also recognized by the name Ma-huang. Although it is known widely around the world as, “The Miracle Fat Burner”, in recent years ephedra has been the target of some major scrutiny.
A few years ago ephedra was banned in the United States. This, in my opinion, was not only a huge mistake but also extremely unfair. There are literally millions of people all over the world who believe it is the best discovery in the weight loss industry’s history. The reason for its ban was simply the fact that some people chose to abuse it. This is why I believe the banning was unfair and a mistake because, too much of any good thing can be bad. Anyone with a reasonable amount of common sense knows that. Heck, eating too many of certain kinds of fruits and vegetables can be bad for you. The same goes for certain over the counter medicines such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Sure the two work wonders if you have a headache or some other type of pain but everyone knows that if you take more than the recommended dosage chances are pretty good that there could be some serious side effects or even a chance of overdose.
We as Americans should not be punished for a few people’s wrong decisions. As long as we are educated with what the potential side effects and outcomes could be of something is abused we should be free to make our own decisions. Lucky for us, I’m not the only person who thinks this way.
Just recently, Ephedra has been released back onto the market, just as long as its doses are within a certain range. While it is indeed possibly the most effective fat and calorie burner known to mankind, ephedra also has several other benefits. Your metabolism will increase dramatically which will help your body to process the foods you eat a lot more quickly and efficiently. It will cause your energy levels to soar like those of an active teenager. Eating is no longer your main focus because ephedra suppresses you appetite so you’ll eat less naturally but still feel full. A few major benefits that are unknown by the average person are that ephedra relaxes the air passages in your lungs to help treat asthma and cough. It promotes perspiration to help with recovery from minor colds and promotes urination to help relieve edema.
In conclusion, it’s clear to see that the benefits of ephedra are absolutely astonishing and extremely beneficial.

_______________________

By Brian Stewart

Brian Stewart, Independent Marketing Partner with NiteTrim and BetaFuel, has been researching health issues and products since his early teens. For more information visit the websites- http://www.BetaFuelFatBurner.com and http://www.BriansNiteTrim.com

Why Do We Cheat On Our Diets?

If only we could solve this question, the world (for many) would be a better place! Well, the reality is that there are real answers to this question that will apply to many people. It will take a good dose of reality and a brave heart to stop denying what really happens. Read on to discover some answers that may change your life forever and give you the impetus to lose weight and keep it off!

Justification?

Being overweight can be used as an excuse for being unhappy, especially when you do not do anything to help yourself. Subconsciously, over-eating is a comfort for many people and this then allows them to hide behind their weight problem and helps them to justify rejection and avoid being hurt. They can then shift the blame of rejection on their weight-problem, without addressing other aspects of their fears. Sometimes it seems easier to hide behind your “weight problem”, than address other matters where you may have a greater fear of failure.

Eating Without Thinking?

If you are concentrating on another activity while you are eating you are more likely to overeat because you are not fully aware of how full you are feeling. This factor can be difficult to change because it is not a conscious action. Try to only eat when you don’t have a lot of other distractions. Sit down, eat slowly and enjoy the food you are eating, and remember that it is not always necessary to go back for seconds. It takes 20 minutes for food to reach your stomach and for your brain to register that you are full.

Cravings?

The famous “Pavlov’s dogs” were conditioned to eat at the sound of a bell, and we human are much the same when it comes to habitual cravings. If you wonder why you always feel like a chocolate when you sit down to watch a movie, or you have to have a box of popcorn….think again. You are not necessarily craving these foods because you are hungry, but rather consider force of habit. During the time when you have a craving, try to ask yourself whether you are really hungry or not. If you are hungry, reach for a low fat snack rather than a chocolate bar or bag of crisps.

Indulging?

Eating or thinking about food can be a distraction from your troubles and you may therefore be unnecessarily over-eating. Emotions and hormones can trigger certain cravings, for example, if you are feeling low, chocolate and carbohydrates assist the production of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin helps you feel happier. This is why we might crave sweet or starchy foods during times of sadness or stress.

If you identify with any of the above factors, you could be on your way towards discovering what is triggering you to overeat.

____________________________

By Kim Beardsmore

Kim Beardsmore is a weight loss consultant. This world renowned, medically approved program will give you results you'll love and all the support you need! Estimate your healthy body weight, tons of recipes, articles, free newsletter and more info on overcoming the above pitfalls at http://weight-loss-health.com.au

Early Menopause Symptoms - Are You Suffering From First Symptoms of Menopause?

Early menopause symptoms - every woman at some point in her 30's or 40's will wonder if what she is experiencing is really the first symptoms of menopause. Menopause is defined as the cessation of menses or the end of menstrual cycles for a period of 12 months or more. Menopause is a natural process for a woman, not an illness. It is quite common for a woman's hormone balance to begin shifting in her early 30's to 40's, resulting in early menopause symptoms. Why? There are several reasons why.

Women often demand much of their bodies. Stress exists in many forms for an active, involved woman today. Women have demanding and stressful careers. Women have family responsibilities. The relationship with the spouse or partner may not be the best. Aging parents can add to the burden. These and other responsibilities add up in the toll they take on the body, health and well-being of a woman.

And at the same time, the woman’s body may not be getting the support it needs to function as it was designed. Obesity, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, excess caffeine and alcohol add to the problem instead of helping the body cope with what is demanded of it. This stressful, demanding lifestyle, coinciding with inadequate support given to the body, contributes to experiencing many of the early menopause symptoms.

Common first symptoms of menopause for women are:
• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Light or heavy menstrual flow

• Lumpy or tender breasts

• Fibroid tumors

• Endometriosis

• Mood swings

• Water retention and bloating

• Sleep problems

• "Foggy, fuzzy" thinking and memory lapses

• Anxiety and depression

• Inability to handle stress

• PMS

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Vaginal dryness

• Weight gain

Then there are the hormones, the menstrual cycle and hormone production in the body. In the normal menstrual cycle and a healthy woman, estrogen is the dominant hormone that is produced for the first 10-12 days following the previous menstrual flow. Ovulation then signals the female body to produce progesterone, which happens for the next 12 days or so. If there is no pregnancy, progesterone and estrogen levels will drop at around day 28, allowing menstruation to begin. However, if there is no ovulation, progesterone will not be produced by the body that month. This event, called an annovulatory cycle, is a typical occurance today for women in their 30's and 40's - no ovulation, no progesterone. This leaves the woman with an excess of estrogen and a deficiency of the hormone progesterone.

Many women in their 30's and 40's are actually having fewer ovulations which creates hormone imbalance, resulting in many of the early menopause symptoms. And once ovulation ceases at menopause, progesterone levels fall to virtually zero. At the same time, estrogen is still being produced, again leading to hormone imbalance and the resulting first symptoms of menopause. If a hysterectomy has happened, surgical menopause means the woman no longer produces progesterone. Besides the problems created by missed ovulations or hysterectomy, excess estrogen is regularly obtained from other sources. Birth control pills, household chemicals and pesticides, certain foods that have been sprayed or given chemicals and many construction materials used in homes are all sources of estrogen which leads to excess in the body.

Doctors call this hormone imbalance condition of excess estrogen in the body "estrogen dominance". What are the symptoms of estrogen dominance? The symptoms include low sex drive, bloating and weight gain, headaches before the menstrual period, mood swings, irregular periods and excessive menstrual bleeding. If the amount of unbalanced estrogen in the female adult increases beyond what is desirable and healthy, you will definitely experience early menopause symptoms. On the other hand, when your hormones are balanced, you feel more alert, energetic and ready to take on the challenges of life.

How can a woman tell if the first symptoms of menopause being experienced are because of hormone imbalance? An easy and effective way is to take the online test provided by a leading womens health clinic for early menopause symptoms. It takes just a few minutes and the test is free. Find out more about your health, premenopause and menopause symptoms, what the symptoms are telling you and what to do about it based on your answers to important questions. Read more about hormone imbalance, estrogen dominance symptoms, side effects of a hysterectomy and physician-recommended natural treatments for eliminating the early menopause symptoms.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

_____________________________

By Olinda Rola

Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com a website of physician-recommended natural treatments for a variety of health problems. Visit the website and learn more about early menopause symptoms and ways for improving your health.

Menopause Mood

Until 1980, the American Psychiatric Association listed "involutional melancholia" - a mental disorder that supposedly occurred during menopause - in their official directory of psychiatric diagnoses. But the truth is not nearly so frightening, say psychologists from the University of Pittsburgh.

Six years ago, they interviewed 541 women in their late 40s before they had entered menopause. When the researchers checked back in four years with 101 of the women who had stopped menstruating, they discovered that menopause hadn't made them any more depressed, anxious, angry, or self-conscious than they were before. Some experienced hot flashes and a few actually became less introspective. That was all.

Even if we get some complaints from women those are in menopausal phase, we have rubrics in repertories for quicker reference:

Climacteric period agg: Lach. Cimic. Acon. Aml-ns. Arg-n. Ars. Coff. Glon. Ign. Kali-br. Lil-t. Puls. Sep. Tab. Ther. Valer. Verat. Zinc.

Anger with delusion: Coloc. Nux-v. Zinc.

Anxiety: Aml-ns. Tril. Acon. Ars. Cimic. Glon. Puls. Sep.

Anxiety about her health: Kali-br. Sil.

Complaining: Kali-br.

Doubtful of her recovery: Sars.

Excitement, excitable: Arg-n. Cimic. Coff. Glon. Ign. Lach. Phys. Ther. Valer. Zinc.

Fear in crowd, public places: Glon.

Fear of insanity, of losing her reason: Cimic.

Fear that she will not recover: Sars.

Forgetful: Lach. Phys.

Hysteria: Ign. Lach. Ph-ac. Cimic. Ther. Valer. Zinc-val.

Indifference, apathy: Cycl.

Insanity, madness: Lach. Lil-t. Puls. Sep. Sulph. Verat. Aster. Cimic.

Cycl. Hipp. Ther.

Irritability: Psor. Sel.

Loquacity: Phys.

Morose, cross, fretful, ill humor, peevish: Psor.

Nymphomania: Murx. Lach. Manc.

Restlessness: Kali-br.

Sadness: Sep. Sulph. Aur-m. Cimic. Con. Kali-br. Lach. Psor. Tab. Verat. Anac. Arg-n. Arist-cl. Buth-a. Hydroph-c. Ign. Lil-t. Magn-gr. Manc. Nat-m. Penic. Puls. Zinc.

Suspicious, mistrustful: Cimic.

Weeping, tearful mood: Sulph.

Weeping and laughing at same time: Ferr.

_____________________

By Dr. Anil Singhal

Dr. Anil Singhal, M.D.http://www.SpiritIndia.com - an amazing Health site
Online best health informations - A dynamic, versatile, dedicated portal on health care news articles. Net's premier site for health articles, current topics, surveys, events, encyclopedia, reviews on alternative medicines, and a world directory, commercial and other web links and references - accessible to public.

Women Behaviours at Your Impotence

As we all must be aware that what impotence is, it’s very common in men today and people are not ashamed to talk about it. It’s the men inability to sustain an erection. This is caused due to many factors, in which age plays the major role. Diabetes, heart problems and other diseases are also its causes. And it is observed that many psychological reasons are also a great contributor to men impotency, because many times men are conscious of there performance with there partner.
Men’s greatest ego satisfaction comes with there performance, how comfortable they are with there partner and how much they can satisfy her. Today men are so open that they don’t feel embarrassed talking about there problems in sexual life’s, or there impotency. But during this phase did any of us realized that how there partner behaves while a man is fighting with impotence.
It depends on women how the way they behave; if there partner is having some problems. At this phase men want extreme support from there partner and if they don’t get it, they develop a feeling among them that they are useless, good for nothing. And if this thing comes in a man’s mind then it will definitely lead him to a depressing phase which is really frustrating.
Women’s support matters a lot in this condition, because it has the power of changing men’s life. Men are actually weak from heart they always need a woman for them to support them at each and every phase of there life, though they never say this but they actually looks for a women who can support him when he need her the most.
But many times it happen that a women tend to feel frustrated when they do not get satisfied by there partner. This causes distress in there lives. It’s always better to talk to your partner freely about each prospect. But reacting in a negative way can cause troubles in the relation. Many women even tend to leave there partners just for the reason that he is not able to sexually satisfy her. And if this happens this will definitely take your man in a vicious phase of depression.
Beside reacting negative to the situation, you should have the courage to support your partner. If you love a person and want to be with him forever then it should be the second priority. Today there are lots of drugs available in the market so it is no more a reason to worry about.
If a man is suffering from impotency then it’s his duty to talk to his partner freely about his condition, and then women should also support him completely because this is the time when he needs your support and love. To make a relation worth living these are the small things if you do. Impotence is not a concern if your relation is strong enough to fight with it.

__________________________

By Steve Clark

The author is an amateur writer focusing primarily on health related topics or on the health related research findings. For more information on Viagra visit http://www.viagrapunch.com

Seven Tips for Coping with Hot Flashes

What do you do when you suffer hot flashes? Ask most women and they will agree that the most common and irritable symptom of menopause are hot flashes. Some women refer to it as a “flash” because women report a flushed feeling about the face and neck. Those feeling usually came together with sweats.

Current theory proposes that certain brain chemicals called catecholamines and opiates may mediate hot flashes. It’s now believed that the hypothalamus, one of the glands affected by estradiol withdrawal, somehow releases a trigger substance that results in thermoregulatory instability. The body’s signals get mixed, triggering a warming and sweating sequence, in an effort to stabilize what it perceives as a change in body temperature.

To help you with that situation, here are 7 tips to cope with hot flashes which you might need.

1. Dress in layered clothing, preferably cotton, since natural fibers allow your skin to breathe. Then when you feel a flash coming on, you can simply shed layers to cool off. Since some flashes are followed by chills, it can be helpful to have a sweater to put back on.
2. Limit or eliminate altogether substances that may act as triggers: caffeine; alcohol; hot, spicy foods; diet pills; hot tubs; stress.
3. Drink plenty of water. Keeping well hydrated can help modulate your body temperature.
4. Keep a supply of ice water nearby - even at night beside your bed.
5. Use lighter blankets or a fan near your bed to deal with hot flashes at night.
6. Limit your intake of red wine, chocolate, and aged cheeses, which contain a chemical that can affect your body's thermostat and trigger a hot flash.
7. Make use of other coping behaviors. Psychological or behavioral coping techniques are getting more attention from the scientific community. For example, a small study conducted by a professor of psychiatry, Robert R. Freedman, Ph.D., at the Lafayette Clinic and Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit found that regular, practiced breathing reduced hot flashes by 50 percent in the study’s 33 participants.

Other self-help behavioral methods include practicing self-acceptance (remind yourself, out loud if necessary, that this is a temporary symptom of menopause and perfectly normal), tracking the emotions and situations that precede a flash (thus putting some degree of self-control back into the equation), and trying to keep a sense of humor (share funny moments with friends who are also going through the transition).

__________________________
By Alicia Simpson
Alicia Simpson is a mother and housewife who experience menopause. Her new guide book: “Menopause without Stress” is to tell women that menopause is part of life you cannot avoid. Visit her Website MenopauseWithoutStress.com at http://www.menopausewithoutstress.com

Women Behaviours at Your Impotence

As we all must be aware that what impotence is, it’s very common in men today and people are not ashamed to talk about it. It’s the men inability to sustain an erection. This is caused due to many factors, in which age plays the major role. Diabetes, heart problems and other diseases are also its causes. And it is observed that many psychological reasons are also a great contributor to men impotency, because many times men are conscious of there performance with there partner.
Men’s greatest ego satisfaction comes with there performance, how comfortable they are with there partner and how much they can satisfy her. Today men are so open that they don’t feel embarrassed talking about there problems in sexual life’s, or there impotency. But during this phase did any of us realized that how there partner behaves while a man is fighting with impotence.
It depends on women how the way they behave; if there partner is having some problems. At this phase men want extreme support from there partner and if they don’t get it, they develop a feeling among them that they are useless, good for nothing. And if this thing comes in a man’s mind then it will definitely lead him to a depressing phase which is really frustrating.
Women’s support matters a lot in this condition, because it has the power of changing men’s life. Men are actually weak from heart they always need a woman for them to support them at each and every phase of there life, though they never say this but they actually looks for a women who can support him when he need her the most.
But many times it happen that a women tend to feel frustrated when they do not get satisfied by there partner. This causes distress in there lives. It’s always better to talk to your partner freely about each prospect. But reacting in a negative way can cause troubles in the relation. Many women even tend to leave there partners just for the reason that he is not able to sexually satisfy her. And if this happens this will definitely take your man in a vicious phase of depression.
Beside reacting negative to the situation, you should have the courage to support your partner. If you love a person and want to be with him forever then it should be the second priority. Today there are lots of drugs available in the market so it is no more a reason to worry about.
If a man is suffering from impotency then it’s his duty to talk to his partner freely about his condition, and then women should also support him completely because this is the time when he needs your support and love. To make a relation worth living these are the small things if you do. Impotence is not a concern if your relation is strong enough to fight with it.

_________________________

By Steve Clark

The author is an amateur writer focusing primarily on health related topics or on the health related research findings. For more information on Viagra visit http://www.viagrapunch.com

Blood Tytpe & Diet

Eating right to suit your blood type" is a subject that is come up a lot in the chat rooms lately, so as promised, here is more information about the topic.

First of all there are two bibles on this subject written by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo. The first is "Eat Right 4 Your Type" and the second, "Cook Right 4 Your Type". If you are really interested in pursuing this lifestyle, I STRONGLY recommend you buy both of these books and read them from cover to cover to see if these diets are for you. For those of you who have cancer, low blood sugar, are on medication or are diabetic, check this plan out with your doctor before embarking on any new diet. Below I have summarised the basic principles behind the Eat Right 4 Your Type, which is intended to spiritually and physically heal people by feeding the body's blood the "right" foods.

D'Adamo's theory is that certain blood types represent an older strain of mankind. Your blood type, which you can find out from your doctor, can represent a certain stage of evolution and also indicate how much ancestral history you are carrying in your DNA

People with Type O blood were thought to be the earliest humans on earth and were mainly carnivorous cavemen. Type O dates back to the ascendance of the Cro-Magnons and is still the most common blood type in the world. People with Type O blood are thought to have extremely high acid content in the stomach, which enables them to digest protein-heavy foods.

Red meat is the most recommended source of protein for Type O's followed by chicken and fish. Eggs and dairy are considered to be a poor source of protein for the Type O. Olive oil is the cooking medium of choice but they gain a lot of weight if they eat nuts. They do not digest beans and vegetables well and are allergic or intolerant to wheat or other grains. Vegetables from the cabbage family cause digestive distress for Type O's, as do melons, cantaloupes and citrus. Corn causes them to become overweight or diabetic. Good fruits for the Type O are plums, and figs and optimum vegetables are the leafy green ones such as kale and spinach.

Type A blood type did not evolve until about 25,000 B.C. These humans were cultivators who mainly thrived on a diet of plants, grains and fish. They were different than the Type O hunters who needed red meat to keep their bodies in optimal working order. The Type A blood human being could convert plant material into protein much easier.

Type As can't digest meat very well, so soy and fish should be the main sources of protein. Most of them can't tolerate dairy products at all, only small amounts of yogurt. Type A's should avoid corn or safflower oils as it raises their cholesterol. Type A's are big seedeaters and thrive on almonds, walnuts and peanuts. They also tolerate beans and grains well. All vegetables are a crucial part of the Type A diet with the exception of potatoes and peppers which aggravate their digestive system. They can also tolerate any kind of fruit, except persimmons and pomegranates.

Humans with Type B blood did not begin appearing until about 10,0000 B.C. This is one of the best blood types to have, as they are basically the hybrid blood type created by the mixing of both Type A and Type O blood types. This blood type, which is known as the nomads thrives and survives eating just about anything.

Type B's take well to any kind of protein; except for chicken and that can lower their immune systems. They should also avoid shellfish. Type B is the only blood type that can fully enjoy all dairy products, as the lactose in the milk is the primary sugar that supports their blood nutritionally. They should avoid corn oil and avoid eating nuts and seeds, which can interfere with their blood sugar levels. They should avoid all beans except for kidney or navy beans. Type B's should avoid wheat and rye, which causes them to gain weight and stick to rice and oats. They should also limit soy. They can eat any vegetable except for the tomato and any fruit except for pineapple

Approximately ten centuries ago, a new, rare blood type emerged called AB. This is the evolution of Type A and Type B bloods through evolution and people with this blood type are thought to have strong immune systems but weak digestive systems.

The primary sources of protein for AB should be seafood and tofu, except they are to avoid the lighter coloured fishes such as halibut and cod and shellfish. Dairy products are not agreeable to this blood type at all can make them very sick with illnesses such a asthma. They are to avoid nuts, which causes gallstones for them. They are usually allergic to wheat and corn. Lentils are an important cancer fighting food for AB's. They tolerate every vegetable except for the tomato and avoid all tropical fruits and stick to grapes, plums and berries to alkalinise their acidic blood.
For those of you who are interested in pursuing this further please remember to read D'Adamo's books first and check this plan out with your doctor before embarking on any new diet.

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by: Sam Stevens

Sam Steven's metaphysical articles have been published in many high-standing newspapers and she has published several books. You can meet Sam Stevens at http://www.psychicrealm.com where she works as a professional psychic. You can also read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com where she is the staff writer. Currently she is studying technology's impact on the metaphysics.