Articles

The Healing Power of Trees

by www.ZlatkoUnger.com

Copyright (c) 2008 Karin Marcus

During fall, it almost becomes a national past time to appreciate trees, especially in the northeast where they fully display their glory in brilliant techno color. Personally, I’m a year round tree hugger and proud of it! There is something very special about walking in the woods, or entering the silent sanctuary of a pine grove, or just sitting in the cooling shade of a tree’s expansive branches. I find trees both majestic yet comforting, elegant yet solid, enduring yet ever changing. When I surround myself with trees, my breathing becomes deeper, all my senses are satiated, and I feel peaceful and grounded.

The Japanese have a special word for this feeling ‘shinrinyoku’ or ‘forest bathing.’ What a wonderful poetic image, ‘bathing’ in the refreshing atmosphere of the woods. The Japanese have also accumulated some hard scientific data on the physical benefits of ‘forest bathing.’

In 2004, Japan’s National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization conducted an experiment on the healing effects of forests. The study compared the physiological benefits of walking in the city with walking in one of Japan’s few remaining old leaf forest. They found concrete evidence that a forest stroll had beneficial effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and the immune system. Their findings also detected an increase in the intracellular anti-cancer proteins. This boost in activity of the natural killer cells that fight cancer sometimes lasted for as long as thirty days. They also discovered that walking in the forest decreased the blood glucose levels of diabetic patients. And that people who even just viewed forest scenery for twenty minutes had a 13% lower blood concentration of the stress hormone cortisol.

While this evidence of the physiological benefits of nature is ground breaking and exciting, the psychological benefits have also gained long over due recognition in recent years with the relatively new field of Eco- Psychology. The basic idea of Eco-Psychology is that humankind’s disconnect with nature and its renewing rhythms are a central contributing factor to most emotional woes. The mind which has been shaped by the modern world is readily comforted by the wider natural world from which it evolved.

Eco-psychology has three basic premises. First, there is a deep reciprocal relationship between humans and nature. Second, the separation of humans and nature leads to suffering for both the environment and for people. And third, realizing the connection between humans and nature is mutually healing.

As a Life Coach and Retreat Leader, I have always thought of nature as an essential partner. My preferred method of one on one coaching of “Walk and Talks” is done outdoors. And my retreats are held at eco-resorts, national parks, and arboretums. Being fully present in nature has a wonderful way of centering a person. And the natural world is always full of metaphors that help put life into perspective.

So,the point of all this information is to get outdoors! Enjoy this wonderful autumn weather. You will feel better physically and emotionally if you take the time to reconnect with nature. And you will probably become a better steward for the world because of it.

A Healthy Whey of Life

by Philms

Let’s not get it mistaken, protein supplements are not the most important ingredient in the muscle gaining recipe and they will not compensate for a poor diet or lack of training. There will never be a magic pill or an easy way to a lean muscular body. The truth is the entire equation consists of diet & nutrition, supplementing, training, and rest & recovery. Understanding and incorporating all of these elements into one bodybuilding program will maximize your results. Protein supplements are however essential in optimizing the body’s results and keeping it properly nourished to prevent deficiencies. There are many different advantages to using protein though and it is magical in many ways. Whey is an excellent protein choice for anyone in any walk of life and will not only help to gain muscle but will help maintain and improve general health.

In terms of physical performance, whey protein contains every essential amino acid required in a daily diet and will enhance athletic performance and body composition. It is known as the fast protein because of how quickly it is absorbed into the body and since it is a rich source of BCAA’s, whey will replenish and rebuild muscle tissue extremely well. Whether you are just getting into muscle training or increasing the intensity of previous workouts, the new increase in activity will cause the body to have a much higher demand for vitamins and minerals, protein in particular. The goal is to feed your muscles what they need to perform at their best and not supplementing can easily cause a deficiency which can even ruin muscle growth no matter how vigorous the training maybe. Whey Protein has the highest biological value of all proteins which means it is the most easily absorbed and utilized protein. In terms of weight management whey contains little to no carbohydrates or fats. It also takes more energy to digest whey protein than other foods, which will cause more calories to be burned after supplementing.

Another benefit of supplementing with whey protein is the strengthening of the immune system. Athletes and individuals who suffer from diseases like cancer may be susceptible to infections and illnesses due to a reduced level of glutathione which causes a weakened immune system. Studies have shown that the amino acids in whey raise the body’s glutathione levels, giving the immune system a boost. Another amazing fact is whey protein is rich in the amino acid cysteine which may help lower the risk of breast cancer up to 56%, and helps to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors.

Whey protein is widely known to benefit wound healing, infants, diabetics, dieters, and it promotes healthy aging. It is an excellent protein choice for people of all ages and more discoveries continue to be made for the application of the wonderful product.

Sweet Tea for Diabetic patient

by pirate johnny

Besides kick starting your morning, your cup of tea could be a defense against one of the biggest life-threatening diseases- diabetes.  This is a piece of good news especially to those diabetics who are tea enthusiasts.   Many research findings support the positive effect certain varieties of tea have on diabetic patients.  If you are a diabetic who wants to control diabetes by drinking tea, black tea, herbal tea and herbal tea are the varieties of tea that must be seen on your kitchen shelves.

Green Tea and Diabetes: The positive effect of green tea on the health of a person has been much discussed of late.  The goodness of green tea can benefit diabetes too.  EGCG is the primary component in  green tea. that can help prevent diabetes and reduce the effect of diabetes on the body.  ECGC helps diabetics by breaking down glucose, which eventually lowers the blood glucose levels in the body.   The catechins in green tea are known to balance the insulin levels in the body.

Black Tea and Diabetes: Here comes yet another natural way to combat diabetes. Aflavins and arubigins found in black tea mimic the action of insulin and help the body to covert sugar into energy.  Drinking black tea regularly can benefit diabetes by regulating the blood sugar levels.  It is also a good idea to make a black tea infusion be adding spices such as bay leaves, cinnamon and cloves which help the body use insulin more effectively.

Chamomile Tea and Diabetes: the flowers form the herb chamomile, when infused with water makes a soothing tea that is known to reduce the symptoms of diabetes.  Drinking chamomile tea can prevent loss of vision, kidney damage, muscle anomalies and other complications associated with diabetes.

While it is true that drinking tea can help prevent and treat diabetes, the fact that tea cannot alleviate diabetes completely should be remembered.   Using tea in addition to your doctor’s prescription can treat diabetic symptoms most effectively.  The quality of tea used is also a chief determinant in how well tea works for a diabetic.  However, there are no side effects associated with tea drinking, in fact tea drinking, especially the ones mentioned in the article are known to enhance the overall health of the body.  So while you are enjoying your cup of tea, your body benefits by all the goodness in your tea.