Alternative Health
Alternative Methods to Quit Smoking
It is estimated that 70 percent of smokers want to quit, it’s no wonder that there are many quit smoking products and programs out that are designed for these individuals. These are scientifically-proven quit smoking programs that have gotten the nod of many health professionals. However, using these products may not be that effective and may bring side-effects. For this reason, many alternative therapies are out to help many individuals in their desire to be nicotine-free. These alternative methods are considered by many as safe and effective way of quitting smoking.
Acupuncture
Medical studies show that acupuncture may increase the levels of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are opiate-like substances in the body that are known elevate the mood and bring moments of relaxation. These factors may lower the cravings for that stick or pack of cigarette. Many health professionals recommend at least four sessions of acupuncture during the first month of quitting.
Herbal remedies
There are no herbs that contain nicotine. However, there are herbs like chamomile that has a calming effect that may help one’s transition to life as a non-smoker. The calming effect of this herb may help one cope with stressful situations that may lead one to light a cigarette. However, individuals who want to try this herb should seek the approval of a health professional because it might produce an allergic reaction and interact with other drugs.
Hypnosis
Smokers have natural cigarette triggers. Factors like driving, eating, watching TV, and stress may entice individuals to smoke. With subconscious reminders about the positive effects of quitting smoking, hypnosis may help reduce nicotine cravings and improve one’s ability to quit smoking. In addition to these health benefits hypnosis therapy uses no drugs and can be completed completely and there is no long-term cause.
Exercise and nutrition
Regular exercise may improve blood flow and help individuals deal with tensions and stress in life without cigarettes. Studies show that moderate exercise like 30 minutes of jogging and brisk walking may bring many health benefits. Exercise and other physical activities may also promote the production of endorphins. In addition to exercise, eating regular meals and cutting down fat in one’s diet may aid in the management of blood sugar changes associated in quitting smoking.
Massage
Having a massage may promote better moods and less anxiety which may lead to fewer and less nicotine cravings. A University of Miami Touch Research Institute suggested that a two-minute hand or ear massage may curb nicotine cravings and, therefore, cut daily cigarette intake.
There are many scientifically proven quit smoking products and alternative methods that are available. These products, however, cannot do all the work, the best and effective to quit smoking involves determination, discipline, and commitment to stop the habit permanently. Using these products and engaging in alternative methods can help smokers cut the habit by making them more comfortable and complacent to adjust to life without cigarettes. However, before taking over-the-counter or herbal products and engaging in many alternative methods to quit smoking, individuals are advised to seek the approval health professionals. They may explain various alternative methods and clarify side effects and drug interactions that may take place while under medication. With the right tools and attitude, quitting smoking can be easier than others think.
Natural Treatments for Acid Reflux
Acid-blocking drugs are widely promoted in the media and on social networking sites as a remedy for acid reflux but these medications only provide temporary relief and are not a long-term cure. However, it may be better to try these natural cures for acid reflux and heartburn:
1. Fix your Hiatal Hernia
In addition to acid reflux, do you ever get the feeling of being bloated after a few morsels of food? Do you burp up some stomach acid following a meal? These could mean a Hiatal Hernia.
There is a dome-shaped muscle underneath the diaphragm that separates organs in the top half of the body from the bottom half. In the back part of the diaphragm, there is a hole the size of a button that enables the esophagus to progress from the throat to the stomach. If this hole ever becomes swollen and the stomach gets into it, you can suffer from Hiatal Hernia.
There are steps to improve this:
- Drink a glass of room-temperature water upon rising in the morning.
- When standing, bring your arms out from your sides and bend your elbows so that they touch your chest.
- Stand up on your toes and elevate yourself as high as possible and drop down. Do ten cycles of this.
- Do short quick breaths while standing for 15 seconds. That’s all.
The warm water relaxes the stomach and the stretching of your arms opens up the hole in the back and dropping on your heels brings the stomach out of the hole and shuts it.
2. Ginger
Ginger root powder, in a teaspoon format, has some very good healing properties and can neutralize acids. Freshly grated ginger root is best, although taking it in capsule-form or buying it in bulk is also an option.
3. Reduce your intake of salt
Eminent researchers in Norway found out that people who regularly added salt to their meals doubled their risk of experiencing acid reflux. So to reduce acid reflux, reduce your salt intake, which is fairly simple. Some people may claim that an absence of salt leaves food to be too bland, then seasoning and spices can do this job equally well at no cost to their health. There are many tasty alternatives to season food instead of salt.
4. Chewing gum
When the acid reflux begins, chewing gum is quite an option. The gum can increase the amount of saliva in the mouth by around 140 per cent. Saliva encompasses a lot of compounds that protect the lining of the esophagus. These certainly certify chewing gum as an effective measure to prevent acid reflux.
5. Licorice
Licorice root is a good treatment for ulcers and can be used as an antidote in tablet form, when taken in a dosage of two, twice daily. It can be taken before meals or just before retiring to bed. It should be chewable so that it can be mixed with saliva and the chemicals which it contains can be filtered to the blood.
6. D-Limonene Extract
It seems that an extract that can be derived from citrus peel which is called d-limonene can coat the stomach and esophagus. It is not known why it does this, but it is an effective cure for acid reflux, having been scientifically proven. In capsule form, subjects found that the relief they got from the extract in tablet form lasted for up to six months.
Avoid Vaccines
Independent scientists have set forth with the Cochran study, a completely comprehensive and in depth study that has come to a final conclusion: Flu vaccinations do not work.
Many people do not know about this, and that is understandable. In 2010, the Cochran Collaboration studies were published without any fans from the more mainstream media. Eventually, Heidi Stevenson from Gaia Health gained light of it. Jon Rappoport cited her article in a Natural News article that can be found at http://www.naturalnews.com/037471_vaccines_mythology_fairy_tale.html
The study dismisses the “herd immunity” myth and tells readers that minor influenza is normally without any outside influences, after a report that 1.5 per million flu shot recipients were diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). This is a condition that causes major defects throughout the rest of the person’s life. They will experience seizures immediately after vaccination.
The Cochran study made use of VAERS, also known as vaccine adverse event reporting system, to evaluate the GBS incident rate. However, VAERS is not a great system and keeps a number of cases in the shadows.
The number of cases reported could be multiplied by 10 for the actual number of cases. This disease is a horrible vaccine reaction and is not to be chanced if you value your health. Some additional adverse reactions include symptoms of brain damage and autoimmune diseases.
The main point is that you are paying your hard earned money to take a chance on your overall health. It would be wise to protect yourself against influenza through safer and more natural means.
There are four easy things you can do to strengthen and protect your immune system:
Vitamin D3. We’re not talking about D2, as it is toxic and extremely harmful. It is important not to rely on any pharmacies for vitamin D, but to get it from natural food stores. Vitamin D3 is known as a pre-hormone and gives your immune system a beneficial shock if you have enough in your blood stream. If you are not receiving a lot of sunlight in order for your body to manufacture it, then you need to supplement it gradually.
Take 4,000 – 10,000 IU supplements to give yourself a sustainable dose.
Astragalus. This is an ancient herb found in India and China. There, it is used as a adaptogenic tonic, meaning that it adjusts your immune system so that it gets more of what it needs. This is similar to vitamin D3, and acts as an immune regulator. It is smart to take astragalus before the flu season, at any time during the day. You can get astragalus online at a bulk herb powder store.
You can also use golden seal and/or echinacea. These are very dependable herbs that help prevent flus and colds. You can get them in tinctures or capsules, and speak with a knowledgeable herbalist who can determine which one is better for you.
Improve your lifestyle and diet. Avoid processed food with toxic additives, oils, sweeteners, and GMOs. Ingesting a good amount of raw garlic with organic foods will help you fight toxins. Hydrate yourself with purified non-fluoridated water, or spring water if you have access to it.
You can also get reverse osmosis filtered water to destroy 35% of fluorides, and add lime or lemon to balance out the acid.
It’s important to keep stress at bay and to get plenty of deep sleep. Don’t allow light into your room and keep electronic devices away from where you sleep. Keeping stress out of your life can be achieved by giving yourself time to meditate, laugh and exercise.
