The Mini Token Blog

Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea palida, Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea is
a known herbal plant through out the world. It is also called Samson roots,
purple coneflower, red sunflower and black Samson. Native American was the
first to use Echinacea. The plant was used to heal wounds such as animal
bites specifically snakebites. The root part of the plant was being used to
cure, sore throat and other mouth sores. It is also used to treat
toothaches.

All the plants’ parts are usable. Its leaves, roots and purple flowers are
the parts used. According to the many researches are conducted on this herb,
researched and proved to really have curative properties. Roots and flowers
of Echinacea contain echinacosides, while leaves of the plant contain
polysaccharide heteroxylan.

As of today, the plant is widely used as an infection-fighting agent because
of its healing properties. Scientist and community health groups have proven
that the plant Echinacea is of good health benefits.

Properties of this plant are believed to be alternative, anti-fungal-
anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, carminative, anti
bacterial, depurative, immune stimulant, digestive tonic, sialagogue,
vulnerary and stimulant. With all of these, it is truly obvious that
Echinacea is a wonder plant.

The plant is obviously a food supplement. A food supplement is an addition
to your food that that you eat. This includes vitamins, minerals as well as
herbals. The FDA or U.S. Food and Drug Administration consider this. These
food supplements do not require manufacturers to be effective and safe. You
should also keep in mind that these supplements can give you benefits but
can also possible to harm you.

How is it used? Actually, there are no specific explanations on how does
this plant works. The possibility of its stimulation to immune system is
identified. With studies mad, it is proven that somehow Echinacea acts by
doing the following.

• By stimulating phagocytes. Phagocytes are a process by which white blood
cells and lymphocytes consume foreign organisms in the body.

• By increasing the rate on which the foreign body is ejected by the immune
system in the body.

• By increasing the production of the major component of the body’s immune
system, the interferon.

• By increasing the amount of cells working as part of immune system.

As a food supplement, the possible health benefits of Echinacea are the
following:

• It heals sore throat than other mouth problems
• Helps in some cases of peritonitis
• Helps in wound healing as well as in other skin problems such as
abrasions, boils, psoriasis and eczema.
• Helps reduces inflammation
• Helps in the healing of fever blisters
• Helps reduce signs and symptoms of flu and colds
• Helps in bladder problems
• Helps in treating kidney infections
• Helps fights fungal infections
• Helps fight viral infections
• Helps fight bacterial infections
• Helps strengthen the immune system
• Helps promote wound healing
• Helps in healing burns
• Soothes insect bites and stings
• Helps treat sinus infections

So far, side effect may or may not appear. In rare cases, allergic reactions
may occur and can be serious. The plant should not be taken more than 8
weeks, over use of it can cause the suppression of the immune system.
Echinacea is used to stimulate immune system; immunosuppressant may be
cancelled out if it is being overused.

This plant are not recommended for use by people with systemic diseases such
as, AID1S, HIV, MS, TB, leukosis and collagenosis. It can also cause harm to
following conditions, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis,
crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma and other autoimmune
disease not included.

In addition, people who are taking immunosuppressant by any reason are not
allowed to take Echinacea. People with these diseases cannot use the plant
as a dietary supplement as it can cause undesirable reaction to the body.
Pregnant women should also avoid taking this herb.

In some cases adverse effect can also occur. Some of the side effect that
has been noted were, nausea, vomiting and abdominal upset.

The plant is available in several forms, lozenges, pills, tablets, extracts,
capsules and tinctures. It is also available in topical ointment form, with
mixture of other healing agents. Echinacea is truly a gift we should truly
be thankful of.

http://www.for-your-vitamins.com/Echinacea.html

The basic coverage for personal liability in standard homeowners, rental, and auto insurance policies often will not cover high losses of court awarded damages. Additional personal liability insurance will add a higher level of protection. This additional policy forms an umbrella because it covers protection above and beyond standard homeowners and auto policies.

Additional costs will vary with insurance companies, but usually average from $200 to $300 a year for additional protection of 1 million dollars. This coverage may insure automobiles, boats, homeowners, and renters insurance. Most insurance companies require basic insurance of $100,000.

The insured should ask the following questions:

1. How much do I have to lose? 2. What is the monetary total of my assets? 3. How much would legal fees cost me? 4. Are umbrella personal liability policies which cover one million dollars or more worth the extra premiums? Most insurance advisors recommend that they are.

Rate yourself and your family:

Are you careless? Do you own a pool or an active recreation room? Do other people work in your home? Have accidents occurred in your home? Add to this list of possible personal hazards.

If you answered yes to any question, you need additional protection of the umbrella liability insurance policy. Don’t forget to buy additional auto insurance.

Study liability insurance on the internet or consult your insurance needs with a reliable agent. The internet has many clear, illustrated paragraphs of available types of policies. Individuals may study thousands of agents and companies, have questions answered, and purchase all types of insurance policies online from the leading insurance companies of the world.

Do not risk future financial disaster because you failed to act by saying, “It can’t happen to me. I don’t need extra coverage.” The coffee table in your living room that you gingerly step around could cause a house guest to topple over. Another friend on an overnight stay slips on the staircase as she is on the way to the kitchen to get a cup of warm milk. These people might not be injured, but it is possible.

If anyone has an accident in your home or on your grounds, they could be severely injured. That is when you are in dire need of a personal umbrella policy. The insured needs to evaluate all possible situations that could lead to a major loss.

Remember personal liability insurance does not cover any business whether it is operated in the home or at an independent location. They are separate entities. The insured needs business insurance to cover any losses. Umbrella policies are available to cover the insured’s business.

If you still have doubts, get assistance from a certified public accountant who does not make a commission on insurance sales, but charges for the office visit and the advice. Also, and very important, take the time to read every word of your policy, and if you don’t understand it: ASK QUESTIONS.

For more information about liability insurance of all types go to:

http://www.liab ility-insurance-central.com

There are many people who are looking for cheap health insurance for their family. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have health insurance cover provided by their employer and cheap health insurance is the only realistic option. This would provide the most basic cover but would at least make some provisions in the event of a medical emergency.

Cheap health insurance tends to cover a very limited amount of services but it is worth shopping around as you may find the options vary greatly between health insurance providers. If you are, or have been, a smoker I am afraid you are less likely to be able to find the really cheap health insurance policies as you are considered to be in a high risk category. Don’t be tempted to hide the fact that you smoke simply to qualify for a cheap health insurance policy as your cover may be refused should you have a smoking related illness. It is best to disclose everything and to fill in the policy application form honestly and completely.

If you indulge in so-called dangerous sports then you are also less likely to be able to find cheap health insurance easily. These sports include motor sports, snow sports and some water sports. Again, it is vital that you state your participation in any of these sports to ensure that your health insurance is valid.

On the positive side, you can narrow down the options that you require to help find a cheap health insurance policy for your family. If you’re not concerned about which healthcare professionals you’re able to have treatment from then you’ll find that you have a greater choice of cheap health insurance policies. Try to be as flexible as possible and not expect too much choice and you will be surprised by just how inexpensive the cheap health insurance policies that you will be offered are.

Another area of coverage that you may not want to have is for pregnancy and childbirth. If you think that your family will not need this included in your policy you will again find that some of the insurance companies will offer you cheap health insurance without this provision. This is only one such example but it highlights the need for you to analyse all of the potentially cheap health insurance providers to determine whether you can have lower priced coverage if you remove some of the specialty areas.

The best place to start your search for cheap health insurance providers is undoubtedly the internet. However, don’t be tempted to simply perform a search for ‘cheap health insurance’ as there is a high probability that almost all health insurance providers have this statement somewhere in their site’s text. Try using some of the insurance brokers who offer free services to find you a list of cheap health insurance providers for you to compare and pursue those that you feel are appropriate and genuinely lower priced.

Mike Spencer has been helping people protect their health for many years. To find out how you can help protect your family with affordable health insurance visit Mike’s site at Affordable Health Insurance, or read the full article about find cheap health insurance here. You can also keep up to date with the latest news at Mike’s Health Blog here.

What is the best way to measure statistics? The best way is to take the number from before and compare it to the current number. Is it higher or lower? How often you measure statistics is dependent on your needs. For an example, if you are measuring the statistics of the amount of rainfall in a year, you can compare it to the year before. It will either be less or more. If you want to see how the rainfall has compared over many years then you would compare the numbers based on the years. You can also tie in a percentage of increase or decrease, like the rainfall has increased by thirteen percent compared to the rainfall of last year.

If you want to measure your weight loss statistics after supplementing with the Acceletrim diet product you could take your weight from each month and compare the changes, or if you want to use your waist size, that would work too. Say you were a size ten, you would measure the size nine, and then after a month you would re-measure, and hopefully it will be lower and down to a size that you want. If you ended up at a size seven, that would be a thirty percent reduction in waist size. Statistics allow us to be real clear on what the changes are, after we find out what we need to change from the statistics we can make the right decisions on what to do.

There’s no question that vitamins are essential to live a healthy and disease-free lifestyle. And eating a balanced diet is the best way to get vitamins. However supplements may be necessary to round out your vitamin intake, just in case you may not be able to take in all the necessary vitamins due to a dietary restriction or a food allergy or a small appetite.

But if some vitamins are good, are more vitamins better? Is it possible to get even healthier by doubling your vitamin intake? The simple answer is: no!

Depending on the vitamin, it can actually be dangerous to have too many of these chemicals in your body. While they do exist in nature and your body does need them, your body functions best in a balanced moderation, rather than taking in too much of one thing.

Two of the most dangerous of vitamins that you can take too much are vitamin A and vitamin D. Believe it or not, too much of either one of these vitamins can actually lead to vitamin poisoning!

Excessive amounts of vitamin A can lead to weak bones and even osteoporosis, birth defects, hair loss, and excessively dry skin.

Excessive amounts of vitamin D can lead to higher than normal amounts of calcium in the blood, which can damage bones and kidneys and even lead to kidney stones.

It is not easy to be poisoned through vitamins, but it is not unheard of either. You can experience vitamin A. poisoning by eating too much liver (which might not be a problem for very many people!) And you can experience vitamin D poisoning usually through having too many vitamin D. supplements (since most foods do not carry a large amount of vitamin D). Also, these poisonings take place over time, and rarely happen immediately from an overdose.

So how do you know if you are accidentally poisoning yourself? Again, our bodies work best in moderation so when something is “out of whack” with the way it’s supposed to be, our bodies have a way of alerting us. If you experience inexplicable headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dehydration, constipation, or blurred vision, you should talk to your doctor about the possibility of vitamin poisoning.

So how can you avoid vitamin poisoning? First, you need to recognize that a little bit of extra vitamins in your diet is okay, since your body will often excrete the excess. So by eating a balanced diet, and by supplementing it with a multivitamin, you are likely in range for healthy eating. However, if you find yourself eating specific foods and taking a lot of specific vitamins, you may be at greater risk. The best thing to do, is make sure that you are following the directions on the bottle.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Vitamins Information a website providing information on Vitamins

Every person on earth has experienced pain at one time or another. Likewise, everyone has also dealt with inflammation in the body, even if they weren’t aware of it. However, only a handful of people know what glyconutrients are and how glyconutrients relate to pain and inflammation.

Glyconutrients are just recently coming to the forefront of medical research. In the past, glyconutrients, or monosaccharide sugars, were thought of as nothing more than calories that were consumed in our food. Lately, however, we are learning that glyconutrients actually play an extremely major and important function in the human body. Glyconutrients, in fact, are the means by which every one of our cells recognizes and communicates with each other. There are millions of cellular “conversations” going on at all times in our body. For example, some may signal cells to start the inflammatory process while others may signal pain receptors to fire.

Inflammation is a normal process occurring within our body to protect it from infection and foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. When viewed as such, inflammation is a good thing, not something to be interfered with. The body, as usual, knows what to do without our meddling in its actions when invaded by harmful substances or organisms.

However, what we do have to do is supply our body with the necessary raw materials to enable it to undergo inflammation at the appropriate time and in the correct fashion. Without the proper tools, our body’s inflammatory defense mechanism can’t work optimally. A major component of these raw materials, which must be supplied to the body through food or supplementation, is glyconutrients. By giving the body the correct equipment it will perform the way it should to ward off foreign invaders and infection.

The same can be said about pain. Pain is an indicator of “something isn’t right”. When the body is equipped with everything it needs, in the proper amounts and in the appropriate places at the right time, there is no reason for pain to be present. Most pain inducing symptoms can be reduced and possibly cured if the body is functioning in its optimal condition. One of the things needed to function at optimal condition is having the correct raw materials, such as glyconutrients, available to the cells of the body.

Scott Saunders is a full-time wellness consultant and can be reached through Whole Earth Health

As you’ve probably heard before, your post-workout meal may very well be your most important meal of the day. The reason is that when you’re finished with an intense workout, you’re entering a catabolic state where your muscle glycogen is depleted and increased cortisol levels are beginning to excessively break down muscle tissue. These conditions are not good and the only way to reverse this catabolic state (and promote an anabolic state) is to consume a quickly digestible post-workout meal as soon as you can after training. The goal is to choose a meal with quickly digestible carbs to replenish muscle glycogen as well as quickly digestible protein to provide the amino acids needed to jump start muscular repair. The surge of carbohydrates and amino acids from this quickly digested meal promotes an insulin spike from the pancreas, which shuttles nutrients into the muscle cells.

The post-workout meal should generally contain between 300-500 calories to get the best response. For example, a 120-lb female may only need a 300-calorie meal, whereas a 200-lb male may need a 500-calorie post-workout meal. Your post-workout meal should also contain anywhere from a 2:1 ratio of carbs:protein to a 4:1 ratio of carbs:protein. While most of your other daily meals should contain a source of healthy fats, keep the fat content of your post-workout meal to a bare minimum, since fat slows the absorption of the meal, which is the opposite of what you want after a workout.

When choosing what to make for your post-workout meal, the first thing to realize is that you DON’T need any of these expensive post-workout supplement formulations that the magazines (who advertise for them) will tell you that you absolutely NEED! As with any nutritional strategies, natural is always better. A good source of quickly digestible natural carbs such as frozen bananas, pineapples, raisins, honey, or organic maple syrup are perfect to elicit an insulin response that will promote muscle glycogen replenishment and a general anabolic (muscle building) effect. The best source of quickly digestible protein is a quality non-denatured whey protein isolate and/or some fat-free or low-fat yogurt. Here are a couple ideas for delicious post-workout smoothies that will kick start your recovery process:

Chocolate Banana - blend together 1 cup water, cup skim milk, one and a half frozen bananas, 2 tbsp organic maple syrup, and 30 grams chocolate whey protein powder - 38 g prot, 72 g carb, 0.5 g fat, 440 calories.

Pineapple Vanilla - blend together 1 cup water, cup vanilla yogurt, one cup frozen pineapples, 2 tbsp honey (preferably raw), and 30 grams vanilla whey protein powder - 35 g prot, 71 g carb, 0.5 g fat, 425 calories.

When looking to lose body fat, keep in mind that post-workout meals should have the opposite characteristics of all of your other meals throughout each day. While post-workout meals should have quick high glycemic index carbs, quickly digested proteins, and minimal fat, all of your other meals throughout the day should be comprised of low glycemic index, slowly digested carbs, slow release proteins, and ample healthy fats. These are powerful strategies towards developing a lean muscular body with a low body fat percentage. Another great thing about post-workout meals is that you can satisfy even the worst sweet tooth, since this is the one time of the day where you can get away with eating extra sugars without adding to your gut. Instead, it all goes straight to the muscles! Enjoy!

Visit http://truthaboutabs.com/Training-and-Nutrition-Articles.html to receive your own personalized metabolic rate calculator as well as 4 of my secret hard-body workout routines - both FREE, with no purchase necessary.

Michael Geary is a nationally dual certified personal trainer (NCSF-CPT, AFAA-CPT), and author of “The Truth about Six Pack Abs” ©2004-2005.

The quality of food we eat (or lack thereof) has a profound affect on Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD. For many people, nutrition alone can effectively work as an ADHD alternative treatment.

A growing body of research points to nutritional deficiencies - especially with essential fatty acids and amino acids - as a contributing factor of Attention Deficit Disorder and learning deficiencies.

Put down the Ritalin bottle for one minute to consider these Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD nutrition research findings;

• A George Washington University School of Medicine study found that hyperactive children who ate a meal high in protein did equally well, and sometimes better, in school than non-hyperactive kids.

• An Oxford University (England) study evaluated the effects of fatty acid supplementation in average intelligence children with significant reading and writing disabilities. The ADHD symptoms in children receiving Essential Fatty Acids significantly improved over the children in the control group receiving a placebo.

• Researchers first tied Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD with lower essential fatty acid in 1981. Studies examining essential fatty acid blood levels in children with behavioral problems in 1983 confirmed this Attention Deficit Disorder nutrition connection.

• Researchers further documented the essential fatty acid deficiency tie to Attention Deficit Disorder in a 1987 study. Then, a 1995 study comparing essential fatty acid levels in ADHD boys against a control group of boys without ADHD found significantly lower levels of Omega-3 fatty acids.

• In 1996 Purdue University researchers have found that boys with low blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acids have a greater frequency of Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD.

Attention Deficit Disorder is the most common behavioral disorder in children. Not all Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD children are nutritionally deficient in essential fatty acids, statistics and studies show that a significant number of ADHD children are.

Physicians predominately use stimulant drugs such as Ritalin for Attention Deficit Disorder but studies show that Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD children whose treatment program includes only stimulant medication remain at a high risk for vandalism, petty crime, frequency of alcoholic intoxication, and possession of marijuana. Additionally, ADHD medications do not always work, have a host of harmful side effects and never treat the cause the Attention Deficit Disorder.

With Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD, nutrition and food is one the first aspect of treatment to consider, as an ADHD alternative treatment or used in conjunction with traditional ADHD stimulant drug treatment.

Fatty acids are used to make brain and nerve tissue in the body and are crucial for proper growth, mental function, the immune system and brain development. The body cannot produce the two fatty acids families, Omega-3 and Omega-6, on its own and therefore must receive these key Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD nutrition ingredients through diet and supplementation.

Although the typical Western diet is high in the Omega-6 family of fatty acids (found in corn, sunflower, canola and safflower oil, margarine, vegetable oil and shortening), most Americans young and old are highly deficient in Omega-3.

Learning specialists now believe many childhood behavior and learning problems are associated with Omega-3 deficiencies. This deficiency has a greater impact on males because their requirements for essential fatty acids are, in general, much higher. It is no surprise that boys are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder at a much higher rate than girls.

ADHD adults and parents of ADHD children should include food high in Omega-3 fatty acids daily. That said, many children simply will not eat the Omega-3 rich salmon, mackerel and sardines.

Enter flax seed and flax oil - “food of the gods” when it comes to Omega-3 fatty acids.

Flax seed and flax oil are the richest plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids and offers Attention Deficit Disorder nutrition vital to support healthy childhood behavioral and IQ development. One to two tablespoons of flax oil should be part of a every Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD nutrition food action plan.

In addition to the positive affects on brain functioning, flax oil also works to prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer. Flax oil helps soften skin, balance energy, burn fat, stimulate the metabolism, strengthen the immune system, manage diabetes, help prevent autoimmune disease and inflammatory disorders. Flax oil also helps alleviate PMS and some menopause symptoms.

Here are some great ways to sneak flax oil into the daily diet;

• Mix 1 tablespoon of flax oil in flavored yogurt.

• 1 tablespoon of flax oil in fruit smoothies is virtually undetectable.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of flax oil with one tablespoon maple syrup or honey as a sweetener instead of granulated sugar.

• Use 1-2 tablespoons of flax oil when making tuna salad or egg salad while proportionably decreasing the amount of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise used.

• Flax Butter: Melt one stick organic butter and mix with 4 ounces flax oil when cooled to room temperature. Refrigerate until the flax butter solidifies and use in place of margarine.

• Omega-3 “Ice Cream”: Mix 2 cups yogurt with 1 tablespoon flax oil and fresh or frozen fruit. Serve when frozen.

Most studies conducted on the affects of essential fatty acids found that at least 10 weeks of supplementation is needed to adequately raised fatty acid levels in brain cells. Follow a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids for at least 10 weeks, and preferably 12 weeks, before judging the effectiveness of nutrition on Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD symptoms.

Important points about flax oil:

• Flax oil is highly perishable and should be kept refrigerated at all time.

• Heat destroys the health-giving flax oil properties. Use flax oil only with cold foods, cold proteins are best.

• When buying flax oil, use only high quality, cold-pressed flax oil. The date pressed and a freshness date of four months or less from the pressed date should be on the label. If not, don’t buy it!

• Do not use flax seed oil beyond its expiration date since the oil will turn rancid.

Essential fatty acids are not the only element needed when addressing Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD nutrition. Amino acids, from which protein is made, are an integral element since amino acids and essential fatty acids are both needed to work in the body. Therefore, adding quality protein is a key in Attention Deficit Disorder nutrition.

Attention Deficit and hyperactive people can greatly reduce the level of unfocused or misdirected energy simply by starting the day with a protein based breakfast. A solid protein breakfast can increase concentration, reduce restlessness and increase mental and physical calm.

Instead of starting the day with sugared cereals, pancakes covered in syrup, sweet rolls, doughnuts or danishes, try these brain-boosting breakfast ideas;

• Scrambled eggs, toast and fruit.

• Whole wheat toast with peanut butter.

• Fruit and yogurt smoothie with flax oil.

• Protein shake.

• Bacon and eggs with toast and milk.

• Egg and sausage patty on English muffin.

• Yogurt mixed with a tablespoon of flax oil.

About The Author

Jeannine Virtue is a freelance journalist and mother of an Attention Deficit son. To find more information about Attention Deficit Disorder and natural alternatives, go to the Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center at http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com.

jvirtue@add-adhd-help-center.com

Healthy eating starts with careful planning and organization. Since fresh produce has a very limited shelf life, regular grocery shopping is a must. Creating a menu for the week and writing out a shopping list will save you time and money; while helping you stick to healthy recipes. Local health food stores and farmer markets are very money-wise solutions. Plus, frequent visits will allow you expand your culinary horizons as well as mingle with other health-concerned people.

Healthy eating means using fresh ingredients and gentle cooking methods without adding any artificial ingredients and fats. Healthy eating requires a lot of cooking, since take-out food often contains too many refined fats and artificial seasonings. However, with modern appliances you will discover that cooking is no longer an annoying chore reserved for special occasions, but an exciting part of everyday life.

So which products should we buy when we actually decide to begin eating healthy food? Here’s what your weekly shopping list should include.

Vegetables. All vegetables should be eaten young, when they are tender and not coarse. Vegetables are best bought from fresh food markets or seasonal, when they are sold in boxes or baskets. Supermarket vegetables are often genetically modified or have been picked green and ripened in boxes when traveling long distances. Sprouts and brightly colored vegetables contain the most vitamins and antioxidants.

Fruits. Again, the trick is to buy seasonal fruit, since exotic fruits have often traveled long distances and ripened in their boxes, not on trees. Local, naturally ripened or, better yet, organic fruit are the best choice for the health-conscious cook.

Herbs. Aromatic herbs and spices can be used fresh or dried. The best idea is to plant the aromatic herbs in pots on your window and use them fresh whenever you need them. To preserve flavor, you can buy spices whole and use them freshly ground.

Cheese. Although cheese is quite rich in fats, cheese is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Buy only fresh cheeses in small quantities and try to eat them at once, since gourmet cheeses don’t have a lengthy shelf life.

Eggs. Buy only organic or free-range eggs, and shake them before buying to ensure freshness.

Fish and shellfish. The best way to buy fish is fresh and unfrozen. Again, most of the fish in supermarkets comes from fish farms where it is fed with artificial substances, and this fish cannot be used in healthy recipes. Pink salmon and other popular kinds of fish will most likely come from a fish farm. Shellfish is a more healthy choice, since shrimp, for example, does not live in chemically polluted water. When you boil mussels, discard those that do not open.

Meat. For truly healthy eating purposes it’s better to skip meat entirely, since it’s almost impossible to find meat that comes from an environmentally and health conscious farmer. Most of the meat in supermarkets has enormous quantities of growth hormones and antibiotics. The best meat for use in healthy recipes comes from small farming communities or organic farms.

Grains. Whole wheat and whole grains should become a staple of your healthy eating routine, because many healthy ingredients are contained in the grain shell. Rice is the only exclusion from the rule, because, even though the rice grain shell is removed, many nutritional elements still remain in the rice grain.

What we eat become a part of us. So make your kitchen a starting point for your new healthy eating habits, and enjoy preparing healthy meals.

Kathryn Whittaker writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on living a Healthy Lifestyle please visit www.healthy-lifestyle-guide.com/ and for additional Healthy Lifestyle articles please visit the following article page www.healthy-lifestyle-guide.com/healthylifestyle-articles/.

Do we really need a home water filter? Can’t we just assume the water that flows from our kitchen and bathroom tap is sufficiently treated for contaminants by our municipal water facility? In order to answer these questions, we need to obtain a little more background information.

Next to air, water is the most important element for our survival.

Water is an integral part of our life and we use it for many household tasks throughout the day, such as: drinking and brushing our teeth, steaming fish and vegetables, washing salad greens, face and hand washing, showering and bathing, feeding the pets and watering our plants.

Most of us take it for granted that our tap water is safe to drink and use for common household tasks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), however, estimates that 45,000,000 people drink tap water that is polluted with chemicals, lead, germs, parasites and other impurities.

A large majority of the major U.S. cities still employ the same basic water treatment technologies that have been used since before World War I. In cities such as Atlanta, Boston and Washington, D.C. consumers are relying on pipes that are, on average, over a century old. Many people don’t realize that our municipal water treatment plants are not designed to remove synthetic chemicals and as a result we find traces of health threatening contaminants in most of our public water supplies.

Situations arise when our tap water is polluted with more than the usual amount of contaminants. Municipal treatment plants have breakdowns that take time to repair. Lead leaches into our drinking water from old pipes and private wells. Smaller water-supply sources can become contaminated from agricultural and other environmental pollutants.

It is difficult to be sure of the exact amount of toxins in our water supply. The EPA has estimated that, in our modern society, we use in excess of 75,000 toxic chemicals and more than 1000 new chemicals are developed each year. The Ralph Nader Research Group after reviewing thousands of pages of EPA documents acquired through the Freedom of Information Act concluded that to date more than 2100 toxic chemicals have already been detected in U.S. water supplies.

Our planet earth reuses the same water over and over again, which means there is no “new water”. Every single chemical used in our society, eventually winds up in our water supplies. As the use of synthetic organic chemicals increases, so does the toxicity of our water. The earth’s natural filtration process is not effective at removing these toxic synthetic organic chemicals.

The human body is made up of over 70% water. The proper function of each organ system, as well as every healing process that happens inside our body, takes place with water. Optimal functioning is only possible when water, our body’s transport medium is clean. Wastes form during the body’s metabolism and if these wastes are allowed to accumulate through insufficient water intake, fatigue and even illness results.

If we drink water that contains chlorine or other organic and inorganic chemicals, we force our liver and kidneys to act as a filter for these contaminants. The liver purifies and detoxifies the blood of waste products and toxins. In addition to regulating the body’s water balance and maintaining optimal pH, the kidney also removes metabolic waste products from the bloodstream.

By providing the liver and kidneys with water, a universal solvent and transport medium, they are assisted in their role as a natural body filter. Bombarding these organs with water that contains traces of additional toxins only hinders the body detoxification process and delays waste removal.

Water may not cure every ailment, but it is a primary ingredient that allows our body to dilute and eliminate toxins that have accumulated over time.

What Can We Do To Provide Healthy Water For Our Family?

The simplest, most effective and also the most economical way to treat municipal tap water is a home water filter. Multi-media water filters that combine activated carbon with iron exchange media such as KDF are an excellent choice.

Carbon and KDF work together to remove or reduce traces of contaminants such as chlorine, lead, Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts, synthetic chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), MTBE, pesticides (lindane, atrazine), chemicals linked to cancer (benzene, TTHMs, toxaphene) and hundreds of other chemical contaminants that may be present causing bad taste and odors in your drinking water.

The result is healthy, great-tasting water that still contains natural trace minerals that are beneficial to optimal wellbeing and health.

© Copyright 2005 Andie Klein

Article courtesy of Home-Water-Filter-Guide.com, where you can get the answers you need about comparing home water filter systems and filtration methods, drinking water contamination, the health benefits of drinking water and more.

Related articles from Home-Water-Filter-Guide:

http://www.home-water-filter-guide.com/facts-about-water-pollution.html

Understanding how traces of contaminants in your drinking water can affect your health.

http://www.home-water-filter-guide.com/water-filter-comparison.html

Compare the pros and cons of home water filtration systems.