Organic Well Being

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Organic Authority

Organic living tips to add a little green to your everyday life covering everything from organic food, sustainable living, gardening, health, recipes, cooking, and news.

FDA Sued For Withholding Info On Dangerous Animal Growth Drugs
10/9/2013 8:05:11 AM

Public interest groups have sued the FDA for withholding records related to the widespread use of ractopamine, a controversial animal growth drug.

Bill Gates Invests In A Vegan Meat Start Up
10/9/2013 8:00:00 AM

Bill Gates is a vegetarian that believes that the future of this world depends on a plant-based diet. So strong is this belief that Gates has invested in the vegan start up Beyond Meat.
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How to Store Root Vegetables For The Winter
10/9/2013 8:00:00 AM

Are you lucky enough to still have root vegetables in your garden? Depending on where you live, it will soon be time to pull them out of the ground before freezing weather or soil pests appear. This post will teach you how to properly store your root vegetables in a cellar, garage or cool room so that they stay crisp and tasty all winter long.
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6 Ways To Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup This Halloween
10/9/2013 8:00:00 AM

It's that time of year again--time to dress up the little ones and hit the candy circuit, right?!. Well, not so fast. Most candies that hit your child's Halloween bag will be loaded with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Also referred to (somewhat misleadingly) as corn sugar and corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup has been linked to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and tooth decay. With a little forethought you can protect your child from this dangerous sweetener without missing out on Halloween fun.
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Superfood Spotlight: Fantastic Figs
10/9/2013 8:00:00 AM

A staple of the Mediterranean diet, figs are more readily available dried than they are fresh, but that's no reason to avoid the superfood fruit -- you might be surprised to find a raw fig provider in your area. Its dried counterpart is also universally available and universally delicious! Regardless, given its superfood health benefits, figs should be a regular, if not daily, part of your diet. Eat up!
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5 Natural Fragrance Options That Won't Give You Cancer
10/9/2013 8:00:00 AM

The problem with today's perfumes is that while they may smell beautiful, they often contain harsh chemicals and carcinogens that are absorbed into the body. Who knew Mother Nature had her own options? The followng five perfume options are unlike any other store-bought fragrance you've used in the past -- they are 100 percent natural, pure, and free of health-compromising toxins. Enjoy their variety and the pleasant reaction of people around you!
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Virginia Schools Ditch All-Beef Burgers, Opt For Patties With 26 Additives
10/8/2013 7:00:13 AM

After switching to burgers made with 100 percent beef last year, schools in Virginia have backtracked.

Watch Out CrossFit! MovNat Is The New Paleo Workout
10/7/2013 8:00:00 AM

When it comes to the paleo lifestyle, what's on your plate isn't the only thing that's important. While many paleo eaters have embraced the CrossFit workout, there's another workout that may be even more in line with the ideals behind the primal or paleo way of approaching food. MovNat, a workout designed by Frenchman Erwan Le Corre.
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5 Pumpkin Carving Tips For The Perfect Jack O' Lantern
10/7/2013 8:00:00 AM

Halloween is my favorite holiday, but pumpkin carving isn't my best skill. I can draw, paint, even sculpt, but perfect pumpkin carving somehow eludes me. So this year, I did some research on Pinterest well in advance to glean these five tips for perfect pumpkin carving.
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11 Mouth-Watering Gluten Free Recipes The Entire Family Will Love!
10/7/2013 8:00:00 AM

Are you trying to incorporate more gluten-free meals in your weekly meal plan? Well, you've come to the right place. We've rounded up of our favorite gluten-free recipes that taste downright amazing and are much better (and cheaper!) than all that pre-made gluten-free stuff you can find at the store.
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Government Shutdown Means Wisconsin Could Run Out Of Food Stamps
10/7/2013 7:00:27 AM

government shutdown wisconsin food stamps

Thanks to the continued Government shutdown, families in Wisconsin may find themselves without sufficient funds for food.

7 Things To Know Before Cooking Fish In the Dishwasher
10/6/2013 8:00:00 AM

Cooking fish and canning foods in the dishwasher is becoming a trend among efficient foodies, but food safety experts say it can be dangerous. Explore our dishwasher cooking pros and cons to find out if this is really a safe option for your family.
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Martha Stewart Speaks Out Against Cruel Pig Gestation Crates
10/6/2013 8:00:00 AM

Martha Stewart has written an open letter to members of the New Jersey legislature, urging them to rethink their decision to veto S. 1921 – a bill that would prohibit the use of gestation crates when breeding pigs. Although these crates are standard practice in the pork industry, many consider them inhuman because pigs are left without room to move in any way. According to Martha Stewart, these pigs are being treated worse than we treat our most violent criminals, yet have committed no crime.
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Meatless Monday Roundup: 4 DIY Pickle Recipes
10/6/2013 8:00:00 AM

This Meatless Monday, it's time for a walk on the sour side. Pickles are easy to make, delicious, and a great way to save some money. Not convinced that there's enough variety? Let us set the record straight! These 4 DIY pickle recipes are sure to please.
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21 Butternut Squash Recipes to Make This Fall
10/6/2013 8:00:00 AM

Full of antioxidants, big on Vitamin A and an excellent source of dietary fiber, you'll want some butternut squash recipes on your plate this fall. Roast it, cook it, bake it, puree it; whatever you do, when it comes to this in-season squash, you really can't go wrong. Try one of these 21 easy butternut squash recipes to get you started!
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5 Mason Jar Snacks For All Day Energy
10/6/2013 8:00:00 AM

I don't know about you, but I need to have an energy-amping snack stashed away on my person whenever I leave the house. The only problem is they always seem to get crushed in my bag (plastic baggies are worthless and wasteful!). Thankfully, I recently discovered that a Mason jar can be the perfect portable packaging for in-between meals.
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FDA Bans Nearly All Use of Arsenic in Animal Feed
10/6/2013 7:00:27 AM

Since the 1940s, nearly 70 percent of the chickens and turkeys raised for meat in the U.S., as well as some hogs, were fed food laced with arsenic, a known carcinogen. Now, the FDA has banned 98 out of 101 arsenic-based drugs for food animals.

Yummy Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe
10/5/2013 3:46:55 PM

Blending a seasonal superstar with a dessert favorite into a hand-size piece of heaven, this chocolate pumpkin cupcake recipe produces deep, rich and decadent flavors. Try them as a treat on a crisp fall afternoon, after a romantic dinner or at your upcoming Halloween fiesta.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Natural Allergy Relief

According to Wikipedia:

An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment.

Natural Allergy Relief

From my personal experience, herbs have helped me cope with the allergy season without the drowsiness that comes with antihistamine. I can stay focused and alert throughout the day while providing natural relief to my allergy symptoms. Using Kshamica Md products I know I'm nourishing my body and avoiding polluting my body with unnecessary toxins. Typically, Kshamica Md products cost less than it's pharmaceutical counterpart. More importantly, her team is very personal and knowledgeable when calling them by phone.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Physical Activity (Exercise)

How can physical activity improve my health?

If you exercise a lot, formally or through natural activity, you can lower your risk of death. There is strong evidence that regular physical activity can also lower your risk of:

Heart disease
Stroke
High blood pressure
Unhealthy cholesterol levels
Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Colon cancer
Breast cancer
Falls
Depression

You can lose weight if you engage in regular activity, when combined with lower calorie intake. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can lower your risk for many diseases. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea (breathing problems while sleeping), and some cancers.

Regular physical activity can also improve your cardiorespiratory (heart, lungs, and blood vessels) and muscular fitness. Activity can improve mental function in older adults.

Body Mass Index
Figuring out your body mass index (BMI) can help you find out if you are overweight. BMI is a number calculated from your weight and height. Women with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight. Women with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese. All adults (aged 18 years or older) with a BMI of 25 or higher are considered at risk for serious health problems. These health risks increase as your BMI rises. Your doctor or nurse can help you figure out your BMI, or you can use online BMI calculator of Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Physical activity may also help:

Older adults can improve their health
Reduce waistline size
Lower risk of hip fracture
Lower risk of lung cancer
Lower risk of endometrial cancer
Maintain weight after weight loss
Bone density increase
Improve sleep quality

How much physical activity should I do?

Health benefits are gained by doing the following each week:

Two and a half hours of moderate aerobic physical activity.

1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity

A combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity

and

Muscle activity for two or more days.

This physical activity should be in addition to your routine activities of daily living, such as cleaning or spending a few minutes walking from the parking lot to your office.

Moderate Activity
You should increase your heart rate, but be able to talk normally. An example of a moderate-intensity activity is walking on a level surface at a brisk pace (about 3 to 4 miles per hour). Other examples include ballroom dancing, leisurely bicycling, moderate housework, and waiting tables.

Vigorous Activity
If your heart rate increases a lot and you are breathing so hard that it is difficult to carry on a conversation, you are probably doing vigorous-intensity activity. Examples of vigorous-intensity activities include jogging, bicycling fast or uphill, singles tennis, and pushing a hand mower.

How much physical activity do I need to do to lose weight?

To lose a substantial amount of weight (five percent or more), you need to engage in high physical activity and lower your caloric intake. This is also the case if you are trying to keep the weight off. Many people need to do more than 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week to meet weight-control goals.

Does the type of physical activity I choose matter?

Yes! Engaging in different types of physical activity is important to overall physical fitness. Aerobic and strength training activities need to be a part of your fitness routine, but you need to include stretching, too.

Aerobic activities
These activities move large muscles in your arms, legs, and hips over and over again. Examples include walking, jogging, bicycling, swimming, and tennis.

Strength-training activities
The strength and endurance of your muscles is increased with this type of activity. Examples of strength-training activities include working out with weight machines, free weights, and resistance bands. (A resistance band looks like a giant rubber band. You can buy one at a sporting goods store.) Push-ups and sit-ups are examples of strength-training activities you can do without any equipment. You also can use soup cans to work out your arms.

Aim to do strength-training activities at least twice a week. You need to perform eight to ten different activities using different muscle groups in your strength training sessions, such as the muscles in your abdomen, chest, arms, and legs. Repeat each activity 8 to 12 times, using a weight or resistance that will make you feel tired. When you do strength-training activities, slowly increase the amount of weight or resistance that you use. Also, allow one day in between sessions to avoid excess strain on your muscles and joints.

Stretching
Stretching improves flexibility, allowing you to move more easily. You will be able to easily tie your shoes or look over your shoulder with this. You should do stretching activities after your muscles are warmed up—for example, after strength training. Stretching your muscles before they are warmed up may cause injury.

How can I prevent injuries when I work out?

Being physically active is safe if you are careful. Take these steps to prevent injury:

If you’re not active at all or have a health problem, start your program with short sessions (5 to 10 minutes) of physical activity and build up to your goal. (Be sure to ask a doctor before you start if you have a health problem.)

Use good shoes when walking and safety equipment when riding a bike.

Start every workout with a warm-up. If you plan to walk at a brisk pace, start by walking at an easy pace for 5 to 10 minutes. When you’re done working out, do the same thing until your heart rate returns to normal.

Drink plenty of fluids when you are physically active, even if you are not thirsty.

When you are outside, use sunscreen.

Always bend forward from the hips, not the waist. If you keep your back straight, you’re probably bending the right way. Don’t arch your back.

Stop your activity if you feel very out of breath, dizzy, nauseous, or have pain. If you feel tightness or pain in your chest, or you feel faint or have trouble breathing, stop the activity right away and talk to your doctor.

Exercise should not hurt or make you feel really tired. You might feel some soreness, a little discomfort, or a bit weary. There should be no pain. In fact, in many ways, being active will probably make you feel better.

I am a larger woman. Can I be physically active?

Yes! You may face special challenges, but you can work hard to overcome them. You may not be able to bend or move in the same way that other people can. It may be hard to find clothes and equipment. Being active around people can also make you self-conscious. But you can get past these hurdles. Keep trying different ways to make physical activity a part of your life. It is important to your health!

Activities such as swimming or exercising while seated put less stress on your joints because your legs are not supporting the weight of your body. If your feet or joints hurt when you stand, nonweight-bearing activities may be best for you. Ask your doctor for help in coming up with a physical activity plan that’s right for you.

Physical activity doesn’t have to be boring or hard to do to be good for you. Anything that gets you moving around—even for only a few minutes a day—is a healthy start to getting more fit. Over time, you will be able to work out longer and vary the types of activity you can do.

If you commit to being physically active on a regular basis, your body will thank you because it can make a big difference to your healthYou can reduce your risk of many diseases (even if you don’t lose weight) by being physically active. And if you do lose weight, you’ll get even more health benefits!

Can I stay active if I have a disability?

A disability may make it harder to stay active, but it shouldn’t stop you. In most cases, people with disabilities can improve their flexibility, mobility, and coordination by becoming physically active. Getting regular physical activity can also help you stay independent by preventing illnesses, such as heart disease, that can make caring for yourself more difficult.

Disabilities should not slow you down. You can still do some physical activities to help you out? Work with a doctor to develop a physical activity plan that works for you.

What are some tips to help me get moving?

Fit it into a busy schedule

If you can’t set aside one block of time, do short activities throughout the day, such as three 10-minute walks.

Create opportunities for activity. Try parking your car farther away from where you are headed. If you ride the bus or train, get off one or two stops early and walk.

When going out, walk or bike instead of driving.

Use stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.

Take breaks at work to stretch or take quick walks, or do something active with coworkers at lunch.

When you talk on the cell phone, go for a walk at the same time.

Doing yard work or household chores counts as physical activity. Turn on some upbeat music to help you do chores faster and speed up your heart rate.

Make it fun

Do activities that you enjoy.

Vary your activities, so you don’t get bored. For instance, use different jogging, walking, or biking paths. Or bike one day, and jog the next.

Reward yourself when you achieve your weekly goals. For instance, reward yourself by going to a movie.

Set a good example for your kids by making time to play with them.

Plan active vacations that will keep you moving, such as taking tours and site-seeing on foot.

Make it social

Start or join a running club.

Go dancing with your partner or friends.

Turn activities into social occasions—for example, go to a movie after you and a friend work out.

Overcome challenges

Don’t let cold weather keep you on the couch. You can find activities to do in the winter, such as indoor fitness classes or exercising to a workout video.

If it is unsafe in your neighborhood, join a gym or work out at a recreational center. You can also find ways to be active at home. For instance, you can do push-ups or lift hand weights. If you don’t have hand weights, you can use canned foods or bottles filled with water or sand.

Don’t expect to notice body changes right away. It can take weeks or months before you notice some of the changes from being physically active, such as weight loss. And keep in mind, most benefits of working out happen inside you, so you cannot see them.

Do I need to talk to my doctor before I start?

You should talk to your doctor before you begin any physical activity program if you:

Have heart disease, had a stroke, or are at high risk for these diseases

Have risk for diabetes or already have it.

Are obese (BMI of 30 or greater)

Have a disability or injury.

Are pregnant

Have a bleeding or detached retina, eye surgery, or laser treatment on your eye

Have had recent hip surgery

Compliments of Kshamica Nimalasuriya MD, MPH

Preventive Medicine & Public Health

Monday, September 30, 2013

Rid Yourself of Acne - Naturally!

Rid yourself of Acne

Many people often wonder what the true definition of acne is. What acne is a major inflammatory skin condition that can come and go many times. When the colon, kidneys, liver, or lungs are backed up or obstructed in any way, the skin has lack of activity and these results in toxins. Acne is actually toxins coming out of your skin. It’s so common among teens and adolescents because of the food that they are eating. There is actually a study on this and it stated that 80 percent of Americans of between ages 12 and 24 have to deal with acne. Although, it’s not all just the younger generation. Some adults struggle with Acne as well.

The causes of Acne

A diet is the biggest factor when it comes to acne. If someone eats unhealthy all of the time, they are probably more apt to get acne than someone who normally eats healthy. It’s not all about the food you eat though. It can be as simple as a hormonal balance. There is a male sex hormone that is called Androgen. This will stimulate the production of sebum and keratin. Those actually lead to clogged pores. Women can also have acne on their back as well as their face. However, when they have acne forming on their back, it’s usually a sign of not cleansing properly and can be fixed when doing so.

How to heal acne naturally

The first and foremost tip is that you need to change your diet. You should actually cut back a little or cut out completely all animal products. This goes for meat and also dairy products. You should eliminate refined grains. Most people won’t like the idea but the best diet for your health and nutrition wise is actually a raw vegan diet. If you want to rid your acne, you should also eliminate beverages that contain caffeine and are highly acidic. Consume less or no sugar at all. You should be drinking a lot of water. This will flush your system out of all the toxins. When you wash your face, try using something all natural. You should never scrub your face hard, but scrub lightly in a circular motion that way you can open up your pores. Once in awhile, you should clean your face with clay. Bentonite is actually a very therapeutic clay for cleansing. To heal your skin you have to start from the inside out. It’s the only way you will truly be able to rid this unwanted acne once and for all.

It doesn’t have to be hard; it’s pretty simple

If you want to rid yourself of acne for once, then you need to follow the above steps. It doesn’t even take much time out of your day to simply take care and wash your face properly. However, just because you get rid of your acne doesn’t mean you can just stop trying altogether. You should still always keep washing your face to ensure you don’t get the unwanted acne back. If you keep it up, you will have beautiful skin in no time.

Compliments of Kshamica Nimalasuriya MD, MPH

Preventive Medicine & Public Health

kshamicaMDherbs.com products that can assist with healing from acne include the Clear Purifying Facial Mask, Bloodand Lymphatic Formula, Liver& Gallbladder Formula, Super Greens Combo, and Colon Formula.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Does Green Tea have Health benefits?

Does Green Tea have Health benefits?

Humans have used green tea for its benefits throughout history. Modern sciene is beginning to provide us with proof that it is a beneficial beverage. It boosts almost every system in the human body. Many believe this is only the beginning of our understanding of the benefits of green tea.

Green tea is the one singled out for its benefits, but other types of tea (white and black) have their own benefits. Green tea; however, seems to be the most complete benefit.

Antioxidants

Modern science has begun to understand the benefits of antioxidants that are contained in many of our foods, including green tea. How do antioxidants work? Well, your cells are full of free radicals that cause damage to your cells. Antioxidants clean out these free radicals, promoting cell health.

Green tea has unique antioxidants other foods do not have, and these are thought by researchers to also be cancer fighting molecules. Although there isn’t much documentation, a few studies have shown that green tea can inhibit cancer growth.

In women, especially, green tea’s antioxidants seem to clean blood cells by making them more flexible and less vulnerable to the clogging that causes heart disease.

Green tea and weight loss

Green tea boosts metabolism, which helps burn fat. Some studies showed that the types of green tea that contain caffeine may help in weight loss even more than the non-caffeinated types.

Polyphenols are the substances in green tea that researchers think burn the fat we need to lose for weight loss.

Other benefits

Antioxidant and weight loss are just some of the benefits of green tea, but we think there may be others. One study discovered that green tea improves eye health, others that it might prevent Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, high blood pressure, kidney stones, low bone density, and tooth and gum decay.

Compliments of Kshamica Nimalasuriya MD, MPH

Preventive Medicine & Public Health

kshamicaMD.com products that may be beneficial for antioxidants and weight loss include:

and Body Cleanse

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Organic Authority

Organic living tips to add a little green to your everyday life covering everything from organic food, sustainable living, gardening, health, recipes, cooking, and news.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Natural Allergy Relief

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Physical Activity (Exercise)

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Physical Activity (Exercise)

Monday, September 30, 2013

Rid Yourself of Acne - Naturally!

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Rid yourself of Acne

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Does Green Tea have Health benefits?