Monday, February 23, 2009

Don't Close the Door on Alternative Medicine

For some reason, we have it drummed into us that natural remedies are somehow inferior. For some reason, we believe if you haven't paid an arm and a leg for something, it's just not good enough. The good news is, this is simply untrue. Countless reports and medical research has proven that a holistic approach to medicine is just as beneficial as is the ingestion of synthetic drugs.

You may be wondering what this means for you. The answer is that you can now save money, treat your body in a more healthy manner, and heal many of your ailments through the utilization of natural alternative medicines. What could be better than living pain-free, without ever ingesting a man-made synthetic chemical that can produce a host of negative side effects? What could be better than knowing you have treated your body with the utmost care through the utilization of natural resources?

A natural holistic approach to healing has been embraced for centuries. It has only been recently, when the drug companies started making billions of dollars each year, that mainstream America began to believe that you can't get better unless you use drugs. It is guaranteed that most pharmaceutical companies will frown upon the use of alternative treatments, not because they don't work, but because they're less expensive, and the utilization of natural resources in healing would mean no money for the pharmaceutical companies.

No, we don't necessarily believe that drug companies are part of some vast conspiracy, and yes, drug companies do produce legitimate treatments for a host of chronic and serious illnesses (we in no way advise you to stop taking a medication without first consulting a physician). However, we do think it's important that before you begin taking medication regularly, you discuss the alternatives with your physician. You might be surprised at the number of holistic alternatives that can provide you with the same benefits as a synthetic drug.

You may also find it interesting to note that you can use alternative medicine, holistic approaches to healing, and all natural supplementation in the prevention of disease as well. Basically, you don't have to wait until you're sick to consider spending some time researching the many available holistic approaches to health and well-being. You may also consider consulting a physician that specializes in alternative medicine. Remember, when it comes to your health, the best thing you can keep is an open mind.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Combatting Depression and Anxiety

Stress, anxiety, and depression have become epidemics not only in the United States, but all over the world. Unfortunately, our current environmental factors combined with our Standard American diet and our many food additives and preservatives, as well as our mounting stressors, have left us powerless against the throes of depression and anxiety (and a host of other mental disorders). The good news is that you don’t have to resign yourself to living with depression or anxiety and you can take control of your mental health.
There are several factors that have a dramatic impact on the way our brains function. The human body and the human mind is a delicate balance of systems. When these systems are interrupted or imbalanced, we experience the symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. While it is normal to occasionally have the blues, it is not normal to have the blues every day, nor is it normal to have regular panic attacks or hyperventilate for no physiological reason.
If you are regularly experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, you may be deficient in one or more of the vital nutritional components that are imperative for proper brain function. You can think of your mind like a phone cord, if the wires of the cord are frayed or broken, communication is interrupted. The same can be said for your brain. If you’re brain is missing out on one of the nutritional cords that is required to communicate emotion, you will experience an interruption in communication. This can wreak havoc on your ability to think rationally.
You can combat this communications breach by engaging in a regimen of nutritional supplementation. Taking the right supplements on a regular basis can help to prevent and reduce the effects of depression and anxiety. Many people find that a healthy combination of exercise and nutrient supplementation will actually cure depression.
You will notice an improvement in your systems in a relatively short period of time. Within about three weeks you should feel noticeably better. However, you should remember that supplements will not guarantee a healing from depression and anxiety. Be sure to consult your doctor for advice on alternative methods for treating your symptoms.
It’s also important to note that if you experience these symptoms, but have not been officially diagnosed, you should consider making an appointment with your doctor to discuss your situation. Sometimes, symptoms of depression and anxiety are caused by other ailments, drug integrations, and so on. Your doctor will help you determine the cause and the best course of action for you.