Anemia and a Healthy Diet

By CH Woods

Anemia develops whenever a person’s red blood cell level is below the normal amount and the hemoglobin amount in the bloodstream drops below normal. Hemoglobin is made of protein and iron. Both of which are needed for providing nutrients and oxygen to all areas of the body.

Signs and symptoms of anemia include a memory loss, exhaustion, depressive symptoms, and overall weakness. Your physician can identify the problem with a simple blood examination. A balanced and healthy diet is essential if you are anemic. You should have foods that have folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron.


Listed below are the best foods you can add to your diet to help with anemia.

Peanut butter is a great way to get some iron into your body. The best way to eat it is to have a peanut butter sandwich with a cup of orange juice. The orange juice is necessary because the vitamin C which will boost the intake of iron in the peanut butter.

Beetroot, either in salad or cooked vegetable, is among the most effective ways to get that extra bit of iron. You can also drink beetroot juice. Beetroot has many detoxing qualities in addition to a fair amount of iron.

Red meat, like pork and beef, has a large quantity of heme iron, which is much easier for your body to take in compared to non-heme iron, which is gained from plants. Heme iron is the deep red, nonprotein portion of hemoglobin that contains iron. Liver is said to be the most effective choice for improving your blood with vitamin B and iron.

Eggs have a lot of antioxidants along with proteins which can help replace missing vitamins loss due to anemia. Eggs supply your body with a good amount of nutrients and have hardly any calories.

Whole grain bread is a great food for iron, which the body must have to prevent or combat iron deficiency anemia.

Spinach: Leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are a wonderful way to get iron along with vitamin C. Spinach, kale, and similar vegetables are also made up of other important nutrients for our body such as beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin B9, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin E.

Pomegranates have iron, fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A which are all needed to keep the body healthy. It is possible to maintain healthy blood circulation in your body by consuming pomegranates in just about any form, even juice.

Soybeans: All the various types of beans are an excellent source of iron, however you must make them correctly to get the benefits. It is necessary to soak the beans overnight for maximum effectiveness.

Tomatoes, which are loaded with vitamin C, can also help fight anemia. The vitamin C in tomatoes can help your body process iron. Make an effort to consume a cup of raw tomato juice at least once a day. Stay away from caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea since they can hinder iron intake. Tomatoes also have vitamin E and beta-carotene, which can improve the condition of your hair and skin.

Oatmeal: Despite the fact that oats are full of iron, they also contain phytic acid which stops iron absorption. On the other hand, you can purchase oatmeal fortified with iron. Normal oatmeal does not usually have iron added to them; while countless brands of instant oatmeal do. This type of oatmeal also includes various forms of vitamin B.

Extra Tips Including these foods into your diet can help you fight anemia and improve your health. Furthermore, make sure you drink a lot of water, exercise, and go outside for sunlight on a daily basis.

Be sure to speak to your doctor before making any changes 

to your diet to ensure that you are not allergic to any of them.

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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic & Environmental Products.
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles and free ebooks on health and environmental solutions.

An Overview on High Blood Pressure

By CH Woods

Free Ebook on High Blood Pressure - Link Below

Your heart has the ability to pump blood into the arteries with enough power to drive it all throughout your entire body and back to the heart. The blood pressure can be thought as the speed of blood as it flows through the body. Blood pressure is at its highest while its leaves the heart and slowly lessens as it moves through your body.

Hypertension is the clinical name for high blood pressure. This condition has no early symptoms and can become a long-term condition and other problems. Most people who have high blood pressure don't even realize it.

Problems brought on by unchecked high blood pressure include conditions such as kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, and congestive heart failure; a form of heart failure in which the heart is unable to pump away the blood returning to it fast enough, causing congestion in the veins.

Causes of High Blood Pressure 
In many people with high blood pressure, the cause of it is not clearly known and is termed as essential hypertension. Although the precise cause is not known, there are many risk factors that can play a role in developing high blood pressure such as:

• Old Age
• Thyroid Disorders
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Genetics
• Stress
• Lack of Exercise
• Excessive Salt
• Heavy Alcohol Consumption
• Being Overweight
• Smoking

Most of the above factors can be changed by making simple changes to your life.

A few of the lifestyle changes you could make are:

1. Lose Weight: As weight increases, blood pressure does as well. Carrying excess fat adds to the risk of high blood pressure. Medical professionals suggest that all overweight people who have high blood pressure slim down until they are at least fifteen percent of their recommended body fat.
2. Exercise More: An inactive lifestyle plays a part in the development of obesity as well as high blood pressure. Working out will help to increase blood circulation and get rid of that extra weight.
3. Reduce Alcohol: Drinking one or more drinks of alcohol daily is likely to increase blood pressure in people who are sensitive to alcohol. It is suggested that women stick to one drink while men should only have two.
4. Stop Certain Medications: Specific drugs, like stimulants, birth control, weight loss supplements, and some medicines for colds are likely to increase blood pressure.
5. Lower Sodium Intake: Your body might not react well to salt which may cause your blood pressure to soar. Lowering sodium intake will lower blood pressure levels. Refined and processed foods have especially large levels of sodium. Many over-the-counter medications also have a lot of sodium as well.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure 
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms in the beginning. Those who have high blood pressure usually are clueless about it until their blood pressure is measured when they get a physical.

Occasionally, people who have noticeably increased blood pressure may develop symptoms like:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Blurred Vision
• Chest Pain
• Shortness of Breath
• Headache

People do not often seek medical treatment right up until they have organ problems as a result of high blood pressure.
The organ conditions below are typically seen in people who have long-term high blood pressure:

• Eye Damage
• Heart Failure
• Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Kidney Failure

Treatment for High Blood Pressure 
Many signs and symptoms occur slowly after many years of bad blood pressure management. Often, the first signs of high blood pressure happen when a patient complains about chest pain or has symptoms similar to a stroke. Blood pressure can be checked at most drug stores or when you visit your doctor. 

Speak with your physician if you believe you have high blood pressure and before making any lifestyle changes. Your doctor will tell you exactly what to do and how to handle high blood pressure.
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic & Environmental Products
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.
We offer many Free eBooks on Health and Possible Natural Remedies

A Quick Look at Gallbladder Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

By CH Woods

Your gallbladder found underneath the liver. It is responsible for storing bile created in your liver. The is a small muscular sac on the right underside of the liver, in which bile secreted by the liver is stored and concentrated until needed for the digestion of foods, fats in particular. 

There are two main types of gallbladder disease:

1. Cholelithiasis: Causes gallstones.
2. Cholecystitis: Inflamed gallbladder.

You may develop gallstones with no signs or symptoms at all. On the other hand, if the stones are big then they can obstruct the duct that leads from your gallbladder. This may result in discomfort and will need professional treatment to take care of it. 

 In the beginning the gallstones might obstruct the bile pathways and then shift aside which results in a slight pain. Constant congestion can be deadly. 



Signs and Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease

• Less Hungry
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Pain in Upper Right Side
• Pain After Eating Foods High in Fat
• Nausea

Causes of Gallbladder Problems
Gallbladder problems typically develop due to blocked pathways in the gallbladder from gallstones. Gallstones are produced in your gallbladder when the chemicals in bile create hard substances. Females are at a much higher risk of having gallstones as compared to males. Obesity as well as fat loss accompanied by putting on weight can be other factors that can increase the risk of gallstones. 

Nutritional Tips for Gallbladder Problems: The suggestions below can help minimize the symptoms of gallbladder disease:

1. Stay away from alcoholic beverages and tobacco products
2. Exercise 3-5 days per week.
3. Consume more fiber. 
4. Only use vegetable-based cooking oils.
5. Avoid all foods that may cause allergic reactions. Your doctor will be able to perform a few tests to find out if you are allergic to anything.
6. Stop eating any foods with trans-fatty acid (a fatty acid of a type occurring in margarine and manufactured cooking, consumption of such acids is thought to increase the risk of atherosclerosis) which is present in refined and junk foods.
7. Consume foods rich in iron and vitamin B.
8. Stay away from processed foods like white pasta and sugar.

Herbs for Your Gallbladder
There are many herbs that can help with gallbladder disease naturally and boost your health overall. Gallbladder problems may be a sign of an even worse problem, so do not use this as a substitute for treatment. Use the herbs to help in coordination with professional treatment. 

The herbs below are very popular for those with gallbladder diseases.

• Turmeric: This herb is best used to improve your liver function. Large amounts of turmeric can thin your blood however, so you should keep this in mind if you are on medications that thin your blood as well.
• Milk Thistle: Milk thistle is great for detoxifying your gallbladder as well as your liver. Those who are allergic to ragweed should use milk thistle with care.
• Artichoke: This vegetable can help assist the performance of your liver and gallbladder. Because of the artichoke's effect of increased bile production, there is a possibility that it can cause gallbladder pain if you have problems with blockage of the bile pathways in your body.
• Green Tea: Green tea is well-known for its antioxidant benefits and weight loss properties, though you might not have known that it can help improve your gallbladder and liver function as well. It is best to drink decaffeinated green tea.

The Importance of Professional Medical Advice
Do not try any type of treatment without first talking with your doctor. The natural remedies listed above are meant to help along with medical treatment and should not be used as a substitute. Gallbladder disease is a serious health condition and if you show any signs or symptoms of it then you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.

A Quick Guide to the West Nile Virus

By CH Woods

West Nile virus is the result of being infected with a virus carried by mosquitoes.

The majority of people infected with the West Nile virus do not usually suffer from any symptoms, though in uncommon cases a person may suffer from minor conditions like a headache or low fever.

On the other hand, there are rare cases where people who are infected with West Nile virus end up with a deadly condition that involves the inflammation of their brain. Minor symptoms of the West Nile virus infection typically start to disappear without any type of treatment, however severe symptoms, like a high fever, overall weakness, and migraines, will need instant medical attention or else death might become a possibility.

Needless to say, being bitten by mosquitoes where West Nile virus is found raises your chances of being infected with it. Make sure you properly protect yourself from mosquitoes with mosquito repellent and by putting on clothing that covers most of your skin in order lower your risk.

Signs of the West Nile Virus
As mentioned, typically there are no signs or symptoms that come with West Nile virus. Roughly one out of five people will develop a condition known as West Nile fever, which includes several symptoms apart from a fever, such as:

• Skin Rashes
• Headaches
• Body Aches
• Back Pain
• Swollen Lymph Glands
• Eye Pain
• Fatigue

It is estimated that one out of one hundred people infected with the West Nile virus will suffer from severe brain infections. This kind of infection can include brain inflammation along with swelling of the membranes around the brain.

Severe infections might also include problems such as inflammation and contamination of the membranes around your spinal cord and severe flaccid (soft, limp, or lacking firmness) paralysis.

Indications of these complications can include:

• Partial Paralysis
• Pain
• Migraines
• Stiff Neck
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Coma
• Loss of Balance
• Tremors
• Muscle Spasms
• Muscle Weakness
• High Fever

Symptoms of West Nile fever typically keep going for a couple of days, however the signs of brain inflammation along with similar conditions can stick around for weeks at a time. There are cases where certain symptoms, mainly muscle weakness, last for the rest of your life.

West Nile Virus Prevention Tips
The best way to protect against West Nile virus along with other mosquito-related diseases would be to steer clear of them entirely. In order to prevent the West Nile virus, you need to eliminate any breeding grounds nearby.

To reduce your risk one should:

• Do away with any used tires or old containers that can hold water which act as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Get rid of any standing water in your yard since mosquitoes reproduce in standing water. 
• Regularly change the water in your birdbaths.
• Empty out your swimming pool if it is no longer in use.
• Clean out your roof gutters to prevent breeding.

In order to reduce your chances of coming in contact with mosquitoes, you should: 

• Put on fully sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are traveling through mosquito-infested areas.
• Wear mosquito repellent approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Select the concentration according to the length of time you need the protection for. 
• Refrain from taking part in avoidable outdoor pastimes during times when mosquitoes are out which includes dawn, dusk and the evening. 
• Whenever you are outside, protect your infant's baby stroller or playpen with a mosquito netting to keep them out.

When to See A Medical Professional
Minor symptoms of the West Nile fever typically get better by themselves. In the event you suffer from symptoms like a stiff neck, loss of balance, confusion, or a severe headache then make sure you seek professional medical care as quickly as possible. 
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.

A Possible Diet Plan for Those with Diverticulitis

By CH Woods

Diverticulitis typically develops when the pouches in your large intestine become swollen. Nutritional changes can help the colon recover. Diverticulosis is a problem by which little protruding pockets known as diverticula form within the lower part of the intestinal tract, generally in the colon. 

Constipation and forcing in the course of bowel movements can aggravate the condition. A diet full of fiber might help soften stools and protect against swelling. Dietary fiber is a vital part of a diet for sufferers of diverticulosis. Eating fiber daily will help you to pass stool quickly with ease.

The Best Diet for Diverticulosis: If you have diverticulosis then you need to add more fiber to your diet. As said, fiber helps to soften stool which prevents constipation. Additionally, it might help lower the pressure in your colon and help reduce flare-ups of diverticulitis symptoms.

Foods that you should add to your diet include:

• Whole Grain Cereals
• Beans
• Corn
• Apples
• Whole Wheat Bread
• Bran
• Bananas
• Whole Wheat Pasta
• Legumes
• Broccoli
• Brown Rice
• Squash
• Carrots

If you presently do not have a diet plan full of fiber, you need to include fiber gradually to your diet. If you add fiber to your diet too fast then problems such as abdominal discomfort and bloating may develop.

Healthy Foods for Diverticulitis: If you have symptoms of diverticulitis, stick to a liquid diet until the problems stop. Your physician will tell you when you should move on to solids and eventually back to your regular diet.

A liquid diet means absolutely no solid foods.

Fruit juices should not even have any pulp at all. 

You should only consume:

• Beet Juice
• Cranberry Juice
• Celery Juice
• Popsicles
• Slippery Elm Tea
• Apple Juice
• Lettuce Juice
• Carrot Juice
• Broth
• Water
• Grape Juice

After you can consume solid foods once again, only eat foods low in fiber at first, which can include:

• Canned fruit with no skin or seeds like melon and applesauce
• White rice
• Ground or tender meat
• Eggs
• White bread
• Pasta
• Seedless and skinless canned vegetables
• Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Cereal low in fiber

After your problems get better, which generally takes about two to four days, you can include around ten grams of fiber back into your daily diet. 

Only eat a fiber-rich diet after all of your symptoms have cleared up.

Many medical professionals suggest staying away from nuts and seeds when on a diverticulitis diet, however there isn't any definite medical information proving this, though if you think that seeds may result in diverticulitis then it is best to simply avoid them.

A diverticulitis diet is not really required unless you are suffering from symptoms of it. After your symptoms improve you need to slowly increase how much fiber you can eat in order to let your digestive system return to normal.

Additionally, it is crucial that you have a multivitamin when on any kind of diet to make sure you are receiving the right amount of minerals and vitamins on a daily basis. It is important that you absorb the recommended amount of nutrients your body needs every day.

It is said that it is possible to prevent diverticulitis by drinking plenty of water and working out frequently. Doing exercises and drinking fluids both help to sustain healthy bowel performance which helps you to reduce the development of diverticulitis.

More fiber will also help prevent problems like diverticulitis. Common high fiber foods include several vegetable sources and fiber supplements which you can ask your doctor or dietitian about.

Medical: Your diet has an important role on your overall health and wellbeing, therefore it is important that you be sure that you have professional medical advice before you make any changes to your lifestyle and how you eat. 

If you notice any symptoms of diverticulitis or diverticulosis

then seek medical care as soon as possible.

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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products.
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions

Measles: A Disease Most Common in Children 

By CH Woods

Measles is a viral infection that usually infects children. A Virus is a submicroscopic parasitic particle of a nucleic acid surrounded by protein that can only replicate within a host cell. In the past this disease was fairly common while nowadays it can be avoided thanks to vaccinations. Symptoms of the measles often include a runny nose, skin rash, cough, sore throat, swollen eyes, and a fever.

The measles can seriously harm young children and can be fatal. Although the death rates are declining as more and more children are getting measles vaccine, this disease continues to kill thousands of people per year, the majority of them being children five years old and younger.



By the year 2000, the measles vaccine had practically removed measles from the United States. Even so, the measles does still affect people since many parents have not yet vaccinated their children. 

Symptoms of Measles: The symptoms of measles tend to show up one to two weeks after being infected with the virus.

Typical symptoms of this disease normally include:

• Fever
• Runny Nose
• Light Sensitivity
• Dry Cough
• Swollen Eyes
• Skin Rashes
• Sore Throat
• Koplik's Spots (Bumps within the mouth)

Risk Factors Linked to Measles

• Vitamin A Deficiency: If you lack vitamin A in your diet then you are more prone to developing measles in addition to having symptoms that are more severe.
• No Vaccination: Those who have yet to receive a vaccination for measles are at a much higher risk for catching it.
• International Travel: Unvaccinated people who visit other countries where measles occur naturally are at greater risk of getting the disease.
• Measles Complications: Measles can cause all sorts of complications, such as:
• Bronchitis and Laryngitis: Measles may result in the inflammation of your or swelling of the internal walls of your lungs. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, usually accompanied by hoarseness and coughing.
• Low Platelet Count: Measles may result in a reduction in platelets, which is the type of blood cells used for blood clotting.
• Ear Infection: Probably the most typical complication caused by the measles is an ear infection.
• Pregnancy Difficulties: Women who are pregnant will need to take special care in order to prevent measles since the condition could potentially cause low birth weight, pre-term labor, and pregnancy loss.
• Encephalitis: Around one in one thousand of those who have problems with measles will eventually have encephalitis, or an inflamed brain, which can cause symptoms like convulsions, coma, vomiting, and in some cases death. Encephalitis will either develop right after the measles occur or can take place several months after.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is another common complication of the measles. Those who have weakened immune systems are at a much higher risk for developing fatal cases of pneumonia

Relieve Symptoms With These Tips: If you have the measles, make sure to pay close attention to how the disease develops and watch out for possible complication.

Furthermore, to make yourself more comfortable you should follow the steps listed below:

1. Rest Often: Get the proper rest and get away from busy activities.
2. Make Use of a Humidifier: You should use a humidifier to alleviate a sore throat and cough.
3. Drink Liquids: Make sure you drink a lot of water, tea, and natural fruit juices in order to replace fluids that were lost due to sweating and fever.
4. Relax Your Eyes: If you find bright light to be irritating, as lots of people with measles do, keep the light levels low or put on sunglasses.

Additionally, refrain from watching television or using the computer since the light produced from the screens can be bothersome as well.

When to See Your Doctor: Contact your doctor if you believe you might have come in contact with the measles or if you have a rash that appears similar to the condition.
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products.
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions

Cadmium: An Extremely Toxic Heavy Metal

Cadmium

An Extremely Toxic Heavy Metal

By CH Woods

Cadmium is considered one of the most toxic heavy metals and it does not have any recognized needed purpose within the body. 

Cadmium poisoning plays a role in a good number of health problems, such as the deadly conditions of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. 

Cadmium removes zinc in several metalloproteins and several of the conditions caused by cadmium poisoning can be traced to a zinc deficiency created by the presence of cadmium in the body.

Cadmium focuses on the liver, kidney and many other internal organs and it is regarded as far more poisonous than both mercury and lead. It is harmful at amounts of about one tenth the amount of nickel, arsenic, mercury, lead, or aluminum. Cadmium poisoning is being labeled even more these days as the culprit behind a lot more conditions. One of the main explanations is that a zinc deficit in many normally eaten foods.

Zinc is starting to become less and less available in the ground and therefore in ingredients. Eating processed food items additionally decreases zinc intake. As we have less zinc I our bodies, contact with cadmium, a zinc reducer, seems to be creating more and more harm.

Contact with cadmium is also escalating because of its use as a covering for copper, steel, and iron. Additionally, it is found in copper metals, supports for plastics and rubbers, cigarette wraps, fungicides, in addition to a number of other things. Generally these used then results in further contamination of the ground, food, air, and water with cadmium.

Sources of Cadmium:
Food Sources The most widespread causes of cadmium poisoning comes from foods like wheat and rice which are produced in soil infected by irrigation, manure sludge, and phosphate fertilizers. Big ocean seafood like haddock, tuna, and codfish have a fairly considerable amounts of cadmium in their bodies. Oysters, despite the fact that they have huge amounts of cadmium, also include massive amounts of zinc which acts as a protection against cadmium poisoning.

Exhaust, Oil, Paint, and Tires: Cadmium quantities are larger in cities where the burning of rubbers occurs and where automobile exhaust amounts are greater. Batteries and Semiconductors. Cadmium is needed in batteries, semiconductors, and so on. Employees in these fields have a high chance for cadmium exposure. Dental fillings could also contain cadmium in addition to mercury.

Cigarette Smoke: One pack of cigarettes build up somewhere between two and four micro-grams of cadmium within the body's lungs. Cigarettes are particularly harmful due to the fact cadmium is apparently most effectively ingested when inhaled.

Processed Foods: Many refined food products have had the defensive components calcium and zinc taken out in the processing. Cadmium, on the other hand, stays in the product and is quickly absorbed by the body because zinc and calcium are no longer able to fight off the cadmium; they are not there in processed foods.

Cadmium Poisoning Signs and Symptoms: Consuming foods or water infected with higher amounts of cadmium can lead to:

• Excessive Diarrhea
• Brittle Bones
• Kidney Problems
• Nausea
• Abdominal Cramps
• Death

Inhaling cadmium may lead to:

• Brittle Bones
• Chest Aches
• Lack of Oxygen in Lungs
• Lung Problems
• Kidney Disease
• Death

Tests for Checking Cadmium Levels:
Chelation Tests: Chelating substances may be used along with a urine sample to locate cadmium within the blood and arteries. Cadmium that is residing in the joints, bones, liver, bones, as well as other regions apparently cannot be found using this type of testing.

Hair Examination: Cadmium in the hair can indicate a connection with cadmium toxicity within the kidneys.

Blood Tests: Even if high levels of cadmium are consumed; the blood volume of cadmium continues to be incredibly low. Even IV inserted cadmium quickly vanishes from the blood. As a result, cadmium information from blood has little to no value, though there are a few cases where it might prove to be useful.
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic & Environmental Products.
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.