Celebrity diets are weight loss diets that are endorsed, modeled or created by a celebrity. People are generally curious about the manner in which celebrities maintain their look, body and physique and want to emulate the various diets that are adopted by them. More often than not, this is done to be able to achieve the look that the celebrities have. The slim figures and six packs of the various celebrities endorsing the diets are normally enough to make the diets popular.

Over the years many not-so-healthy weight loss plans and diets have been associated with celebrities. There is a thin line that exists between being slim and looking good. Whether celebrity diets are targeted purely towards loosing weight or towards loosing weight in a healthy manner is today a matter that needs some thought.

Some of the most popular celebrity diets that are known are:

• Jennifer Aniston follows the Atkins Diet. This diet advocates high-protein and low carbohydrate intake. This basically means avoiding bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and other carbohydrates and concentrating on meats, poultry and fish.

• Madonna follows the Macrobiotic Diet. Even though it is not primarily a weight loss diet, its recommendations of low calorie foods and eating only when you are hungry help you to lose weight. Madonna is also known to have adopted the popcorn diet immediately after having her first child to shed the extra pounds that she had gained during pregnancy.

• Sarah-Michelle Gellar follows the Soup Diet. It is a detox diet that is primarily based on cabbage soup. The diet does not allow sugar, dairy products or fried foods and recommends living practically on soups.

• Sarah-Jessica Parker swears by the Zone Diet and ‘everyday exercise’. She prefers to walks rather than to take a cab! Similar to the Atkins Diet, the Zone Diet is a high protein and low carbohydrate diet.

• Liz Hurley was a fan of the Hay Diet before she became pregnant with her first child. The diet is based on an assumption that the body metabolizes proteins and carbohydrates in different ways and should not be taken together in the same meal.

• Lisa Kudrow follows the Weil Diet, which recommends a complete ban on commercial foods. Foods like chicken, pasta cooked al dente, salads, fish, olive oil, soy products, nuts and vegetables are allowed.

• Courteney Cox was brought up in the South where the normal diet is rich in carbohydrates and fats. She has adopted the Carbohydrate Addict Diet, which is about eating meat, seafood, butter, eggs, cheese and vegetables, but restricting carbohydrates to one ‘reward’ meal.

• Oprah Weight Loss and Bob Greene Diet are two diets that have been created by celebrities.

• South Beach Diet attained popularity simply on the basis of rumors that the former US President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hilary Clinton were using it.

For celebrities, the incentive to maintain desired weight is far higher than just health. Their financial worth depends upon how they look. The paranoia of gaining weight is so high that some celebrities have fallen seriously ill after crash diets. It is noteworthy to realize that celebrities may be able to afford a few weeks in hospital post a crash diet but such instances can leave a large hole in your pocket. Missing school, college, work or other daily commitments is far more difficult for you than missing a few dates for shooting for the celebrity.

Article by Tess Thompson, courtesy of Native Remedies

To understand whether there is a connection between emotional wellness and endorphins and serotonin at all, it is important to understand what endorphins and serotonin are. It is also important to understand their role in the functions of the body.

Endorphin is a neurochemical, an organic substance that occurs in neural activity. Serotonin, on the other hand, is a neurotransmitter, a neurochemical that transmits nerve signals across a synapse (the junction between two neurons or a neuron and a muscle).

Endorphins are produced during strenuous exercise by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in the brain that controls the autonomic nervous system, the system responsible for involuntary actions including a sense of emotional wellness. The term endorphin is derived from endogenous and morphine, implying that it is a morphine-like substance that is derived from within the body. Endorphins have analgesic properties and their action is similar to that of opiates. Its action in the body is also similar to a corticosteroid biochemical.

There are differing opinions about the level of exercise required for the release of endorphins in the body. Runner’s high, a much publicized phenomenon, is believed to occur when a person crosses a threshold, (when breathing becomes difficult). This phenomenon is known to activate the production of endorphins to deal with the stress and pain caused during arduous exercise. The contrarian’s view, however, is that the feeling of emotional wellness comes from accomplishment rather than from exertion.

Serotonin is synthesized within serotonergic (relating to serotonin) neurons in the central nervous system. It plays an important role in certain physical and emotional responses. It is actively involved in anger, aggression, mood swings, sleep, vomiting, sexuality and appetite. Serotonin also a peripheral signal mediator and is found in the gastrointestinal tract. Stimulants and antidepressants like SSRI can terminate the uptake of serotonin thus restricting its action in the body. The effect of neurotransmitters like serotonin on human moods, state of mind and consciousness is difficult to ascertain. But the therapeutic modulation caused by drugs suggests that serotonin has an affect on a large part of the brain that is responsible for overall emotional wellness.

The study of the human brain is a subject matter of neuroscientists but the human mind is a mystery that still defies all logic. Neuroscientists are involved in finding a link between brain chemicals and neurotransmitters and human behavior and emotions. Philosophers, on the other hand, have been trying for ages to rationalize and develop theories with regards to emotion. Despite scientific research and theories, moods, mood swings, emotional distress or wellness are still far from being explained completely.

Article by Tess Thompson, courtesy of Native Remedies

Women face a typical problem from the yeast, Candida albicans, which is otherwise a harmless fungus that lives in all of us. Just like there are bacteria in our mouths, Candida albicans is a part and parcel of the intestinal flora. The problem arises when the friendly bacteria that eat up the yeast are less than required for effectively combating the yeast. Reduced numbers of the friendly bacteria is one of the main causes behind a typical problem called vaginitis, inflammation of the vagina that is usually associated with candidiasis. The itch that it causes is a source of major embarrassment to women who suffer from genital candidiasis.

The healthy balance between friendly bacteria and Candida albicans is usually disturbed by the reckless use of antibiotics, birth control pills, spermicidal agents, hormones for menopause, chemical douche and nicks in the vaginal wall due to use of tampons. Pregnancy and diabetes too are commonly responsible for vaginitis.

Once the gynecologist or an obstetrician diagnoses the condition, it is normal that she will initially advise topical creams as part of Candida treatments. However, home remedies are an essential part of any Candida cure and as effective in conjunction with other treatments or as a standalone yeast infection treatment.

• Keep the area ventilated. A moist vaginal area is an invitation to yeast as it thrives in damp environments. Make sure that you take off your panties before sleeping to allow for air circulation.
• Wear fabrics that breathe. Plastic, leather and polyester fabrics do not allow for the free circulation of air. Whenever possible, prefer skirts over tight pants. If you are wearing jeans, do not wear panties under the panty hose. Remove extra layers of clothing once you reach home.
• Avoid after bath powders. Never dust powders in your panties. Most of the powders are starch- based and therefore a perfect medium for growing yeast cultures.
• Keep chemicals out. Unnecessary addition of chemicals to an already delicate situation leads to an aggravation of the problem. Avoid chemical douches, contraceptive jellies and sprays. If you must douche, use plain cool water as the vagina has natural self-cleaning properties.
• Vinegar mixed with water is another natural substitute for a douche liquid. Vinegar has practically the same acidity as the vagina.
• Keep spermicides out of the vagina and place them in the reservoir tip of the condom, which is exactly where they should be.
• Stick to cotton panties. Cotton not only allows for air circulation but also absorbs moisture and keeps your skin dry. Prefer panty hoses that have a cotton crotch. If you do not have one, use a panty liner or a mini pad instead.
• Keep yourself clean. It is always better that both partners urinate before and after an intercourse. This helps in preventing infection from each other.
• Observe a period of no sex if you have vaginitis. Sex can cause more irritation in an already itching vagina. It can also lead to the risk of re-infection from your partner.

Vaginitis is a problem faced exclusively by women but Candida can also cause rectal irritation in men. It can also affect the nervous system and cause other physiological symptoms as well. Long term prevention is better than looking for a Candida cure after it has surfaced. Avoiding too much sugar and simple carbohydrates and proper hygiene are some of the long term solutions that can keep Candida at bay.

Article by Tess Thompson, courtesy of Native Remedies

In the constant search for a perfect diet, the world has tried practically anything and everything.  The realization of the benefits of coconut oil is one of the results of that search.  The Coconut Oil Diet is based around the coconut rich diets of South Pacific cultures.  Coconut oil is also the standard cooking medium in the coastal areas of practically all South Asian countries.

The Coconut Oil Diet is inspired from cultures where people have stuck to their natural eating habits developed over centuries without worrying about carbohydrate or protein content.  These diets typically include a regular healthy mix of meats, fish, vegetables and dairy products.  The only difference, however, is that as coconut is readily available locally, so they use its oil as a cooking medium and fresh grated coconut to make pastes, sauces and curries.

Coconut oil is one of the healthiest fats available.  This leads us to believe that if all food is cooked in this coconut oil, there is a significant increase in the quality of fat being ingested compared to more conventional cooking oils.

The Coconut Diet is similar to a low carbohydrate diet with a few variations and coconut oil thrown in as a primary source of fat.  It claims that coconut oil helps to lose weight while also enhancing thyroid capabilities.

Since the Coconut Oil Diet is a no-carbohydrate diet, the emphasis is primarily on foods rich in protein such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, cheese and nuts.  The diet also suggests drinking at least ten glasses of water every day.

Like many of the other low carbohydrate diets, the Coconut Oil Diet has a strict first phase where no deviation from the recommended foods is allowed.  The focus is mostly on low carbohydrate content with two to three spoons of coconut oil added to every meal.  The next phase, over a period of four weeks, focuses on detoxification of the colon and other organs.  The last two phases are for slowly reintroducing carbohydrates and maintaining proper weight.

Due to the premium attached to slimness, we often put more stress on how to naturally lose weight fast rather than looking at all the health aspect of diets.  While evaluating any diet it is first necessary to see whether it qualifies under healthy weight loss plans or not.  And as is the rule with any diet, anything that recommends extremes, promises miraculous results and does not include exercise as part of the regimen is really a fad or crash diet.

Article by Tess Thompson, courtesy of Native Remedies

Considering all of the running around that most of us do just to make a living, it’s only natural that we are always pressed for time.  There were days when mothers made it a point that everyone had a home cooked meal, but that has practically become a thing of the past.  Apparently we hardly seem to have enough time to sit down and eat nor to pay attention to what we are eating anymore.

Our bodies were never meant to consume chemicals and toxic substances.  Despite advertisements to the contrary, we don’t know what actually goes in them that increases the shelf life of ready to eat snack bars that are touted as nutritional supplements.  The less said about commercial foods, junk foods and fast foods the better it is.  They all seem to focus on our taste buds while giving little or no regard to their effect on our health.

Another common threat comes from conventional medications.  Despite vociferous warnings that certain drugs should not be taken without a proper prescription and still only in the recommended doses, there is an alarming tendency to self medicate.  Conventional drugs are based on single compounds that bacteria can easily use to their own advantage and can become resistant to it over time.  Newer discoveries too, meet the same fate.

Herbal remedies, unlike conventional drugs, comprise of complex compounds which are difficult for bacteria to metabolize and use for colonization.  This secret of nature’s remedies was used for the benefit of mankind by ancient and traditional therapies like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Homeopathy is the more recent entrant into the field of natural remedies that uses herbs, minerals and metals to prepare remedies using a typical process of dilution without using anything that does not occur naturally.

Herbal remedies can make use of any or all components of a plant, tree or shrub including roots, flowers, fruit, bark and even branches.  They come in various formulations meant for topical applications and oral ingestion for medicinal purposes, as well as natural supplements.

Aside from being non-toxic and devoid of side effects, herbal remedies treat the sickness as well as the root cause of the condition – an attribute missing in allopathic treatments.  Along with those qualities, herbs also boost immunity and enhance the body’s defenses and increase the ability to combat invasion of foreign pathogens.

Contrary to general belief, herbs have naturally occurring antibiotic properties as well.  Goldenseal and garlic have natural antibiotic and anti-viral properties.  Licorice soothes the throat, ginger prevents blood clots that are harbingers of heart diseases, and herbal teas help soothe tension.  Similarly there are herbs that can address respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological and sexual problems also.  In many cases herbal remedies can even help in managing side effects of aggressive treatments like chemotherapy.

The only word of caution is that certain herbs can become toxic to the level of being poisonous in their undiluted or raw forms and should only be taken in specific potencies.  Because of this, homeopathy is the safest method, since it has a perfect system of dilution in place.

Article by Tess Thompson, courtesy of Native Remedies

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) diet ranks among those diets that are difficult to assess. Though the ACV diet is part of a recent diet craze, it also falls under the category of natural weight loss remedies. The apple cider vinegar diet is actually not a typical diet plan. It is just any diet that is supplemented with adequate amounts of apple cider. The diet, therefore, is actually based on the weight loss properties of only one item. The apple cider vinegar diet does not prescribe any menu. There are no allowed or disallowed food groups too. The diet only suggests moderation and avoidance of mid-meal snacks.

The ACV diet is primarily about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, which is prepared from crushed apples. The process involves adding yeast and sugar for fermentation. This transforms the alcohol into acid and gives apple cider vinegar its incredible flavor, distinctive taste and weight loss properties (or so it is claimed).

The ACV diet requires consumption of two to three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar before every meal. The acidic taste is typically strong and difficult for many people to take it in its original form. The apple cider is equally beneficial as a salad dressing or as part of a sauce or any other manner that suits individual culinary preferences.

There are many other health benefits if the ACV diet too.

Medical trials have shown that small amounts of apple cider vinegar, added to food or taken along with a meal reduce the glycemic index of other carbohydrates being consumed.

The main benefit for weight loss that the ACV diet offers comes from the pectin content of apple cider. Pectin is used to increase viscosity and volume of stool for easy elimination as a treatment for diarrhea and constipation.

Some studies conducted on rats have also shown show that animals fed with acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, had significantly low levels of cholesterol and triacylglycerol, the main constituent of vegetable oils and animal fat.

The acidic properties of the ACV diet help to clean the digestive system and remove calcium deposits from bone joints without the risk of decalcification of teeth and bones. The pH of vinegar is typically in the range of 2.5 to 3, which is considered to be beneficial for treating cold as the body tends to become more alkaline prior to it.

Due to its acidity, the apple cider vinegar can be extremely caustic and can burn the throat. It should be diluted with fruit juice or warm water and some honey to make ingestion easy. Such a concoction is also sold as a weight loss supplement.

The benefits of apple cider vinegar are still inconclusive despite the fact that it has been used as a weight loss supplement for a long time. On the other side, it is a known fact that the best way to lose weight is through regular exercise. However, since apple cider vinegar does not involve any apparent risks there is no harm in using it.

In persistent cases of acne that do not respond to topical treatment, an antibiotic alternative is usually prescribed by most doctors.  An antibiotic is a drug, whether synthetic or natural, that kills bacterial proteins while inhibiting bacterial growth alongside.

If it was limited to this action, antibiotics would be the most preferred treatment for numerous bacterial disorders including acne.  However, antibiotics cannot tell the difference between bad bacterial proteins and cellular proteins that are part of the body natural cells.  This is what causes the various negative effects of antibiotics, commonly known as side effects.

Tetracycline is the most commonly prescribed and first-use antibiotic for acne.  It is a broad spectrum antibiotic and also one of the most inexpensive.  Tetracycline and its derivative, Doxycycline, are taken on an empty stomach or at least two to three hours after meals, since food restricts absorption of the drug.  Minocycline, another tetracycline derivative, on the other hand is easily absorbed and can be taken with food.

Tetracycline usually has the least number of side effects.  But over time, there has been an increased antibiotic resistance towards the drug and it does not seem to work as well as it once did.  This necessitated the development of its many derivatives.  Doxycycline makes the skin sensitive to the sun, requiring sun protection every time you go outside.  Both of these derivatives also tend to cause various gastrointestinal problems.

Erythromycin is a microlide antibiotic with an antimicrobial spectrum that is wider than that of penicillin.   It works on the protein synthesis of bacteria and slows bacterial growth.  The gastrointestinal upsets like flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain that it can cause are extremely disturbing and are a typical result of the bodies reduced levels of good bacteria.

Using some antibiotics over long periods of time may cause toxicity such as liver toxicity.  These antibiotics should not be taken during pregnancy.  Some antihistamines and antacids may interact with other antibiotics making it imperative to consult a doctor.  On the other hand, herbal antibiotics such as garlic, aloe and fruit based mild acids have no side effects.

Acne affects two third of all adolescents at one time or another and a considerable number of adults as well.  Oily skin or a bacterial invasion on a sensitive area is usually the main causes behind the outbreak.  Topical creams do not have the same effect on everyone due to differences in skin types.  The urgency for seeking treatment is obvious since if not prevented immediately, the infection can spread over a larger area rather quickly.

Acne is a very common inflammatory disorder of the skin.  The approach to acne treatment may either be direct or indirect.  Topical ointments and drugs are the most typical direct treatment methods.  There is a strong belief that the hormonal changes that occur at puberty are responsible for most forms of acne.

When the level of testosterone increases, the body secretes hormone like substances to fight the inflammation caused by it.  Immune system health and acne are thus interrelated and a strong immune system can effectively prevent acne.  A healthy lifestyle that avoids junk food, and includes regular exercise and herbs for strengthening immune system are natural means of preventing and fighting acne.

Article courtesy of Native Remedies

If you have problems with immunity, you are more likely to get frequent bouts of cold, flu and other minor infections.  Antibiotics may still be the wonder drugs that they are presented as, but recklessness in their use is not recommended.

It is a misnomer that antibiotics can treat and cure all viral and bacterial infections.  Antibiotics do not have any affect on viruses and unnecessary administration can actually be counter-productive.  It can make your body immune to the drug and lead to bringing down of your overall immunity.  A natural antibiotic alternative can go a long way to help prevent further damage that drugs can potentially cause, and help relieve symptoms as well.

The body’s immune system is the first line of defense against foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, pathogens, parasites or anything that can potentially cause disease.  The spleen, thymus, lymphatic system and tonsils are all part of this advanced network of organs, tissues and cells including white blood cells, which help in self healing.  Herbs for immune system and all-natural (organic if possible) foods should be made a part of your daily routine to strengthen this complex system.

Low immunity is either primary or acquired.  Primary conditions are usually due to a genetic predisposition.  Acquired conditions of low immunity are greatly influenced by eating habits, lifestyle and overuse of medications for minor ailments like the common cold or flu.

There is scientific evidence that a natural diet, herbal antibiotics and an active lifestyle will boost your immune system health and help to avoid simple diseases like the common cold or even life threatening diseases like cancer.  Some organic vegan diets are even known to promote this enhanced immunity enough to prevent or even treat some normally incurable diseases.

* Vitamin A, C and E are essential for maintaining immune system health.  A handful of almonds daily will provide you sufficient quantity of Vitamin E.  Tomatoes, guava, oranges and most citrus fruits are a natural source of Vitamin C.
* Garlic is perhaps the oldest cultivated plant in the world and its history as an effective herbal antibiotic and a booster for the immune system dates back to the days when the pyramids were built.  It is natural builder of white blood cells, one of the most important constituents of the immune system.
* Carrots and other red, orange and dark green vegetables contain carotenes, which are converted into Vitamin A by the liver. These are extremely helpful for protecting thymus gland.  The thymus is a ductless glandular organ at the base of the neck that produces lymphocytes.  It plays an important role in producing immunity and preventing atrophies due to advanced age.
* Zinc is also essential for immunity. The element is next only to iron in concentration in the body.  Its deficiency can impact the immune system in many ways.  It acts as a catalyst of immune responses for killing pathogens and is necessary for white blood cells to perform their functions.  Peanuts, peanut butter, and legumes and dark meat of chicken, beef and lamb are excellent sources of zinc.
* Six ounces of natural and fresh yogurt every day keeps the intestinal flora healthy for proper digestion.  The yogurt bacteria convert the lactose in milk into lactic acid, which is perfect for maximizing calcium absorption and preventing vaginal and bladder infections.
* Herbs for immune system such as Echinacea and the Ayurvedic herb, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are worth mentioning for their stimulating affect on the immune system.

There is an old saying that says: “When in doubt, go back to nature.”  A more natural lifestyle and home cooked food coupled with daily exercise will keep many ailments at bay.  Prevention is always better than having to treat something after its already become a problem.

Article courtesy of Native Remedies

Changes in our modern-day lifestyles have become instrumental in affecting the immune system in a highly negative way. The immune system is a complex system that involves the spleen, liver, thymus, the lymphatic system and bone marrow, which work in tandem to maintain resistance to illness and disease.

This immunity is partly inherited.  It also depends upon the lifestyle that individuals choose to adopt. The hurry with which we want to treat minor ailments is probably a major reason behind the more frequent attacks of common cold and flu or an increased susceptibility to disease.

Instead of waiting for the body to simply heal itself or looking for an antibiotic alternative, such as an herbal antibiotic, the tendency is to just take the conventional antibiotics for quick relief.  In most cases, immune system health is greatly compromised due to an excessive use of antibiotics.

Moreover, just any antibiotic will not be effective if it is taken without a correct diagnosis or prescribed without determining the specific bacteria that has caused the disease.  Ginger and other dried herbs for immune system health steeped in boiling water, for example, will relieve symptoms of a sore throat, common cold, and the flu while boosting the immune system health.

Homeopathy provides many natural alternatives to avoid indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Homeopathy believes that the same substance that causes a disease will cure it in its diluted form. For example, coffee can cause sleeplessness, but an extremely diluted remedy prepared from coffee itself will ultimately cure it.  Some of the basic principles of homeopathy include:

* The first priority would be to boost the immune system so that the body can heal by itself.
* Symptoms are manifestations of the body’s attempt to treat itself.
* Only natural substances and herbs should be used to prepare a homeopathic remedy.
* The focus should be on treating the individual as a whole, rather than simply providing temporary symptom relief.

Homeopathic remedies stimulate the immune system to help the body repair any imbalances that may have occurred.  The immune system has to be in perfect condition to perform correctly.  A hyperactive immune system will cause autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis where the body starts attacking its own cells.  A weaker immune system will lead to deficiency diseases like the common cold and flu, which often extend to more serious conditions.

In homeopathy, an appropriate remedy is chosen on the basis of the constitution of each individual after considering all physical, mental and emotional symptoms.  The homeopathic Materia Medica contains detailed descriptions of each remedy meant for possible characteristics that can be expected to be present in individuals.   Nux vomica is known as a constitutional remedy for more energetic and ambitious people.

Sulphur, on the other hand, is meant for more energetic yet less practical individuals.  A Pulsatilla patient is one who is shy, kind and gentle, and always ready to follow rather than lead.  Arsenicm album is indicated in an ambitious but tense person who is always worried about their health.

Homeopathic remedies are easy to take, gentle, non-habit forming, easy to obtain, good value for the money, and at the same time focus on strengthening the immune system to increase the body’s capability of self-healing rather than working against it.

Article courtesy of Native Remedies