This is big news for those with emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, often referred to as just COPD, is a term used to describe progressive lung disease. This chronic inflammatory lung disease includes chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, and certain forms of bronchiectasis.

COPD is increasingly common, currently affecting over 30 million Americans. In 2014 alone, it was pronounced to be the third leading cause of death among American citizens. Some of the most common symptoms include wheezing, tightness in the chest, frequent coughing, and breathlessness, all of which may aggravate over time and make it hard to breathe.

Causes of COPD

1. Smoking

Individuals over 40 years and those with a history of smoking are the most susceptible to this disease. In other words, both current and former smokers are likely to develop COPD.  Statistics show that up to 90 percent of people who develop COPD have smoked at a certain point in their lives.

2. Genetics

Genetic factors can largely contribute to the development of this disease. The most common genetic risk factor for emphysema is called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Also known as AATD, it is caused by deficiency of this protein, which is needed to protect against lung deterioration.

3. Environmental Factors

Those who have been exposed to detrimental pollutants in the workplace are also at an increased risk of COPD.   Detrimental lung irritants include fumes, dust, and chemicals.  In addition, second-hand smoke and other household lung irritants can also contribute to COPD.

These days, there are various advanced treatments, over-the-counter, and prescription drugs available. Not long ago, a research done on COPD has shown that there is a more natural way to address the issue.  Dr. Gloria De Carlo Massaro teamed with Dr. Donald Massaro to conduct a research at Georgetown University School of Medicine.  For the aim of the study, they used ATRA, a derivative of vitamin A, which proved to be effective in reversing emphysema in rats.

Approximately 12 days from the beginning of the treatment, Dr. Donald Massaro noted, “It appeared that the treatment regenerated the adult rat’s ability to produce alveoli, the small air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide move between the lungs and the bloodstream.”

Cigarette smoke leads to a depletion of vitamin A, due to benzopyrene, a carcinogen found in cigarettes. Unfortunately, the production of alveoli is often diminished during childhood.

The good news is that vitamin A and beta-carotene can really help treat COPD. Even better, these compounds are found in many natural sources.  Beta-carotene, the compound that gives fruits and veggies their vibrant color, is converted into vitamin A when ingested and processed by the body. Hence, the best way to boost beta-carotene levels in the body is to eat well-balanced and healthy diet.

Top 10 Foods Rich in Beta-Carotene

1. Carrots
2. Sweet potato
3. Winter squash
4. Tomato
5. Cantaloupe
6. Broccoli
7. Roman lettuce
8. Peas
9. Sweet red peppers
10. Dried apricots

Natural COPD Treatment

This particularly research shows that COPD sufferers may use a natural approach to regenerate their damaged lung tissue.  The lies in beta-carotene, a plant compound that turns into vitamin A and helps stimulate body`s ability to produce alveoli. As recommended by Linus Pauling Institute, the best would be to combine beta-carotene containing foods with healthy fats in order to increase its bioavailability. You can either juice the fresh fruits and veggies that are high in beta-carotene or chop, puree and cook them in oil.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com/

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The water that heals migraines, sinusitis, fibromyalgia, asthma, chron’s, epilepsy, hypothyroidism

Coconut water, often referred to as ‘The Fluid of Life’, has a robust nutritional profile and offers a wide plethora of health benefits. Many studies have shown that it acts as potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral agent, aiding in the treatment of many health conditions.

It is packed with sugars, vitamins, minerals, phytohormones, and amino acids. Its health benefits, such as lowering high blood pressure, are attributed to these nutrients.  During World War II, coconut water has been used as alternative to human blood plasma due to the fact that it is the only natural substance which can be directly administered into the bloodstream.

10 Reasons Why Coconut Water Will Revolutionize Your Health

1. Lowers Blood Pressure

It has been scientifically shown that coconut water works as an amazing natural solution to lowering blood pressure in people with hypertension. Regular consumption of coconut water will help you keep your blood pressure levels in check.

2. Helps with Diabetes

Being packed with electrolyte, potassium, and other vital nutrients, coconut water is needed by diabetics to keep their blood sugar levels in check.

3. Cardiovascular Health

Mounting evidence suggests that coconut water increases good cholesterol in the body, which in turn makes it ideal for keeping your cardiovascular health at optimal level.  It also improves circulation and helps reduce plaque formation.

4. Promotes Weight Loss

What makes coconut water effective in stimulating weight loss is its high electrolyte content. It is also a natural isotonic drink, which helps boost metabolism.

5. Boosts Immunity

Coconut water is packed with lauric acid, which is known to have fat-burning, antimicrobial, antibacterial, hormone-balancing properties.  It boosts immunity and helps fight off infection while helping remove candida and intestinal worms.

6. Strengthens Bones

Due to its high calcium content, coconut water helps strengthen bones, muscle, and tissues.

7. Balances pH Levels

As stated by Mr. Morton Satin, Chief of FAO’s agricultural Industries and post harvest management service, “Coconut water is a natural isotonic beverage with the same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood”.

8. Improves Digestion

Bioactive enzymes like RNA polymerases, peroxidase, diastase, dehydrogenase, catalase, phosphatase, and folic acid found in coconut water boost metabolism and improve digestion.

9. Replaces electrolytes and minerals

Coconut water maintains good health of your muscles and nerves due to the 5 essential electrolytes it contains which are needed to keep body`s temperature in check.

10. Anti-aging

Cytokines present in coconut water act as a preventative measure against aging and cancer. Its antioxidant protect the body from toxins and detrimental chemicals, which in turn keeps the skin vibrant and smooth.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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Garlic In Milk- Cures Asthma, Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Cardiac Problems, Insomnia, Arthritis, Cough And Many Other Diseases!

Although combining garlic and milk seems unusual, it`s definitely worth trying!  Given that this drink is made of garlic and milk, it`s called Garlic Milk.  Both ingredients are beneficial on their own, but when combined their effects are even more enhanced.

“Garlic Milk” Recipe

Ingredients:

• 250 ml of water
• 500 ml of milk
• 10 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 2-3 tsp of sugar

Instructions:

• Pour the water and milk in a large pot
• Add the garlic and bring the mixture to boil
• Simmer on medium heat, until the amount is reduced to half
• Strain and add the sugar
• Drink while it`s still warm

“Garlic Milk” Benefits

1. Asthma

Only three garlic cloves a night are enough to alleviate the symptoms of asthma.

2. Pneumonia

Drinking garlic milk three times a day effectively treats pneumonia.

3. Cholesterol

Drinking Golden Milk for a week reduces LDL cholesterol levels, known as bad cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol levels, known as good cholesterol in the body.

4. Cardiac Problems

As mentioned above, Golden milk, especially if prepared with low fat or skimmed milk, lowers LDL cholesterol levels, which in turn prevents blood clotting, improves circulatory system, and helps treat cardiac problems.

5. Cures Jaundice

Given that garlic activates the liver enzymes, it is extremely effective at eliminating toxins from the system.  Garlic is an excellent source of sulphur, a compound which is needed for liver detoxification. Due to its selenium and allicin content, garlic stimulates the production of bile, which in turn reduces the amount of fat in the liver.  Drinking Garlic Milk for 4-5 consecutive days effectively cures jaundice.

6. Arthritis

Drinking Garlic Milk every day reduces inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

7. Insomnia

Due to garlic`s soothing properties, this warm beverage helps alleviate sleep problems such as insomnia.

8. Cough

When combined with turmeric and honey, this warm beverage is extremely effective in treating persistent cough.  Garlic works as potent antibacterial agent while honey acts as expectorant which treats the cough itself.

9. Tuberculosis

The sulfur content in garlic makes this beverage an effective tool against tuberculosis. To prepare tuberculosis-fighting drink, mix a liter of water, 240 ml of milk, and 1 g of garlic. Boil the ingredients and consume this mixture three times a day.

10. Sciatica

It has been shown that regular consumption of this drink over a certain period of time effective treats sciatica pain.

11. Impotence

To fight off impotence, consume this drink on a regular basis and boost your garlic intake.

12. Digestive Health

The potent antiseptic properties of garlic are extremely important for maintaining digestive health as well as for eliminating toxic waste from the system.  In addition to this,  garlic stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, which in turn relieves diarrhea.

source: http://holisticlivingtips.com

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Vitamin D protects against asthma, reduces attacks by 50%

According to a recent research review by Cochrane Collaboration, vitamin D supplements lower the risk of a severe asthma attack by staggering 50%.

Cochrane Collaboration is a renowned, international network of researchers, health professionals, and patients who all work together to assess existing scientific researcher, promoting evidence-based treatment.

Adrian Martineu of Queen Mary University said that he was taken aback by the findings, adding that while earlier studies had failed to recognize this effect, their thorough analysis showed that the protective effect of vitamin D was “statistically and clinically significant.”

Fewer severe attacks

It has been long known that vitamin D has a critical role in maintaining bone health, but in the 1980s researchers found that vitamin D receptors are found throughout the body, especially in white blood cells and the epithelial layer of the respiratory system.  This finding sparked an interest in whether vitamin D potentially plays a role in respiratory and immune health.

Since then, many studies have confirmed that it does play a role in immune regulation. Lack of vitamin D in the body has been associated with many autoimmune diseases, which all share the same characteristics with asthma and allergies. Additionally, observational studies also found that asthma patients with lack of vitamin D are more prone to asthma attacks.

For newer studies, researchers studied 81 separate studies into the link between vitamin D and asthma attacks.  They spotted nine that were double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trials, considered as the gold standard in medical research.

The team of researchers looked at various asthma-related outcomes, including worsening of symptoms to the extent of requiring hospital admission or oral corticosteroid treatment; exhaled nitric oxide, biomarkers of airway inflammation, and lung function.

It has been concluded that those taking vitamin D supplements were 50% less likely to suffer from asthma attacks severe enough to require hospital admission. In addition, they lowered the risk of oral corticosteroid treatment.

Vitamin D fights infection, inflammation

The design of the earlier studies is the reason for the researchers` inability to determine whether taking vitamin D supplements helped all patients or those who were deficient in vitamin D before the beginning of the study.  Consequently, they partnered with the investigators of the nine studies in order to review individual patient data.

Even though it is difficult to say why vitamin D lowered the risk of attacks, earlier studies offer a few possibilities. For instance, some studies have shown that vitamin D is able to suppress inflammatory responses, including the ones that produce asthma attacks.

It has been also shown that vitamin D helps induce immune responses when the body identifies infection with an upper respiratory virus, such as flu or cold, both of which are the major causes of asthma attacks.

Martineau pinpoints two major cautions in regard to this research.  First, he noted that only half of asthma patients suffer from a form severe enough to be at risk of the attacks. It is not clear how vitamin D affects those with more mild forms of the disease.  Second, he noted that vitamin D supplementation was used in addition to regular treatment in all the trials, not as a replacement.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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How To Eat Okra To Treat Diabetes, Asthma, Anemia And Failing Eyesight

Okra, also known as “woman’s finger” is a well-known yearly vegetable which grows in subtropical, tropical and warm temperature areas, and it has gained its popularity for being so high in supplements and low in calories. It is loaded with folate, vitamin A, C as well as fiber, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc and more.

In order to reap the most benefits from the vegetable, take 3-4 bits of raw okra separated from the stem, before soaking the vegetable in some water and placing it in a glass container. Once you start consuming this vegetable, studies have shown that people experience a significant decrease in their glucose levels, which is why medical experts recommend thousands to implement this tropical vegetable in their diet.

How to do:

It is recommended to always buy okra with a small-to-moderate size, and consume it while it is fresh, as this is when it’s natural properties are at it’s peak. Also, be sure to avoid using okra that has been sitting in your home for a longer period of time, as it will not provide the benefits that a natural vegetable would.

Avoid squeezing okras as they have a stringy surface and feel free to consume them with an additional spice or food as they can have quite the ‘green taste’ if you don’t steam or pan-fry them well.

The efficiency of okras has been proven by a number of studies, most of which have shown that the vegetable is incredible useful when used to treat the following conditions:

• Anemia
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Bad cholesterol
• Bone strength
• Diabetes
• Constipation
• Weakened immunity
• Pregnancy
• Skin and vision health

source: http://healthandwellness365.com

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Heal Your Lungs With THIS Tea: Cough, Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Infections …

Oregano has been long used for its potent healing properties and its wide plethora of health benefits. Most of its benefits are attributed to its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

Nutritional Values

Oregano contains vitamins A,C, E, and K, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, fiber, niacin, zeaxanthin, carotenoids lutein, and cryptoxanthin. It possesses detoxifying properties as well, which makes it beneficial for treating many conditions, including balancing hormones.

Oregano has one of this highest antioxidant activity ratings, and is listed Listed at 175,925 for oxygen radical absorbance capacity or ORAC value. As a matter of fact, it contains over 42 times the antioxidant punch of apples.

As for dried oregano, it is worth mentioning that it contains numerous compounds, including volatile essential oil, borneol, rosmarinic acid, and triterpenoids, meaning oleanolic and ursolic acid.

Oregano In Cooking: Reduced Oxidation By 71 Percent

Oregano is highly versatile and thanks to its aromatic flavor it goes well with many food, including veggies, eggs, and salad dressings. It is recommended to add it to meat before cooking it, as it may diminish the toxic compounds formed during the cooking process.

According to a certain study, adding a blend of antioxidant-rich spices to meat prior cooking reduced the oxidation in them meat by 71% and the level in participant`s urine by up to 49%. The blend consisted of garlic powder, ginger, oregano, paprika, black pepper, cloves, rosemary, and cinnamon.

How To Use Oregano For Medical Benefits

Oregano can be used in various ways to reap its benefits. Its leaves can be used fresh or dried, and it can be also taken as tablets or in its oil form.

Steeping a tea is one of the most common ways to use oregano for medical benefits.  You need approximately 5-10 grams or 1-2 teaspoons which should be steeped into a cup of hot water for a few minutes. It is recommended to have up to three cups of this tea a day.

As mentioned in the very beginning, you can also use it topically to treat fungal based condition or take it in its oil form or as tablets or capsules. Oregano capsules and tablets disintegrate in the stomach, while enteric coated tablets disintegrate in the intestines.

Anticancer Properties In Oregano

Oregano is packed with antioxidants and as little as a teaspoon of this spice has the same power of two cups of red grapes in terms of their antioxidant activity.

According to a study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, carvacrol found in oregano is a potent anti-cancer agent, particularly in the case of prostate cancer.

“Oregano has been studied quite a bit,” said lead investigator Supriya Bavadekar, assistant professor of Pharmacology at Long Island University’s Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.  “There are so many beneficial effects such as antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory properties.  There is also some literature that shows this compound has some effects against breast cancer and other cancer cells.”

Health Benefits Of Oregano

• Headaches
• Heart conditions
• Heartburn (acid reflux)
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Digestive disorder
• Muscle pain
• Acne
• Dandruff
• Bronchitis
• Toothache
• Bloating
• Intestinal parasites
• Earache
• Fatigue
• Repelling insects
• Urinary tract infections
• Menstrual cramps

How To Use Oregano For Maximum Benefits

Regular consumption of oregano tea helps heal cough and cold, infections, chronic asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, sinusitis, and many more.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups of water
• 4-6 tablespoons of dried oregano leaves
• A slice of organic lemon to increase bioavailability (optional)
• Organic raw honey to taste, if desired

Instructions:

• Put the water in a small pot to boil
• Remove from heat when boiled
• Add the oregano leaves and let it steep for a few minutes
• Strain the leaves and add lemon and honey, to taste
• Sip warm during the day for optimal results

Add Oregano Leaves In Your Cooking

As mentioned in the very beginning, oregano is highly versatile and it goes well in many dishes, particularly tomato-based dishes like pizza, chilli, and spaghetti bolognaise.

Tips for using oregano in cooking:

• Add the oregano leaves at the end of the cooking process so that it doesn’t lose its flavor
• Use oregano a little at a time as excessive use can cause the meal to become bitter
• Crush dried oregano leaves in your palm before cooking, to release the essential oils
• Use a teaspoon dried oregano for every tablespoon of fresh oregano leaves

Use Oregano Oil As A Natural Antibiotic

Oregano oil is one of the most potent antibiotics, capable of fighting off many infections, especially Candida infections.  You can use it differently, depending on the health issue:

• Inhaled to treat sinus infections or colds ( Put a few drops of oregano oil in a pot of steaming water and inhale the steam)
• Under your tongue to help treat infections or parasites (Dilute the oil with a carrier oil and place it under the tongue. Hold for a few minutes before rinsing it off)
• Topically for athlete’s foot or nail fungus ( Soak the feet in a basin of water with a few teaspoons of oil, or rubbing the diluted oil on your nails/skin.)

source: http://juicing-for-health.com

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Sweet Potatoes Prevent Inflammatory Problems Like Asthma, Arthritis, Gout and Many More

Sweet potatoes are one of the oldest vegetables in the world and the Center for Science in the Public Interest describes them as vegetables with a robust nutritional profile. There are two types of sweet potato: dry and moist.

Huge Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin B6, which is crucial in breaking down homocysteine, a compound which hardens the blood vessels.
• High vitamin A and beta-carotene content in sweet potatoes promotes skin health as beta-carotene fight off free radical damage.
• Sweet potatoes contain a solid amount of potassium, which in turn prevents muscle cramps. Potassium also stabilizes blood pressure while antioxidants prevent inflammatory issues like asthma, gout, and arthritis.
• Sweet potatoes have a glycemic load of 17 as opposed to regular potatoes which have a glycemic load of 29, raising the blood sugar quickly by producing insulin in large quantities.
• This vegetable is an excellent source of iron, manganese, folate, copper, calcium, potassium, and beta-carotene. Moreover, only a cup of sweet potatoes provides 65 percent of the minimum RDA of vitamin C.
• As already mentioned, sweet potatoes are abundant in antioxidants which prevent inflammatory problems like gout, arthritis, and asthma.

While sweet potatoes can be found in grocery stores all year round, the season for fresh sweet potatoes is from October to January.

How to Store Sweet Potatoes

The shelf life of sweet potatoes is 1-2 weeks, as long as they are stored in cool and dark place.

How to Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Never boil sweet potatoes since this destroys their beneficial compounds. On the other hand, baking and steaming them boosts the bioavailability of beta-carotene.

The skin is highly beneficial and it has the most fiber content, so make sure you eat it. As a matter of fact, most of the healing properties of sweet potatoes are found in the skin. According to a recent research, boiling or steaming sweet potatoes keeps their glycemic index low.

Sweet Potato Benefits for Skin

Eating sweet potatoes on a regular basis can notably improve the health and the appearance of your skin due to its high beta-carotene content, a compound that turns into vitamin A in the body. It is a well-known fact that vitamin A stimulates the production of new skin cells.

Sweet Potato Scrub:

• Make a paste by mixing  half a cup of boiled sweet potatoes, a tablespoon organic coffee grounds, and a tablespoon of kefir. 
•  Use this mixture as a scrub in the shower, following up with a coconut oil moisturizer.

Sweet Potatoes For Weight Loss

Sweet potatoes are useful for weight loss as they are low in calories, low on the glycemix index, high in potassium, and high in fiber.

And, according to the Mayo Clinic,

“Because low glycemic index foods are absorbed more slowly, they stay in your digestive tract longer. This is why these foods are sometimes called slow carbs. These foods may help control appetite and delay hunger cues, which can help with weight management. Balanced blood sugar also can help reduce the risk of insulin resistance.”

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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