Successfully Dealing with Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the worst feelings in the world. That sensation of worry and unease gets mixed in with the anticipation of a negative outcome about an event. Other times, it is simply the unknown creating a nightmare-like scenario. Even though there are times we know it is in our minds, the fact is a sizable portion may, in fact, be in our chemistry.

In Natural Medicine, each major organ not only has physiological functions associated with it, but they also have specific emotions. So when an organ is “weaker” or imbalanced in some form or fashion, the given emotion can come to the forefront. In other words, at times, we are at the mercy of our own chemistry.

Anxiety is considered a variation of fear. The organ that is responsible for fear (and courage) are the Kidneys. The kidneys are part of the urinary system. Their physiological purpose is to filter wastes from the blood and excrete them (along with water). When the organs are weaker than what they should be, problems such as low back pain, problems with the bones, knees, and ankles, hair, memory loss and yes, fear/anxiety come into play.

Please note that Natural Medicine is not nearly as cut and dry as standard care. Terms are used a little more freely and variations are commonplace. Thus, the use of “weakness” does not necessarily mean any time of (diagnosable) disease(s). It simply means that the organs should be stronger and when they are not, anxiety can result.

What weakens the kidneys? There are several factors:

• Hereditary weakness. Think genetics in this instance. Some people are unfortunately dealt a tough hand. There are substances and methods that can help but it is an uphill battle.
• Excessive sexual activity. Pretty self-explanatory.
• Chronic Illness(es). Those who suffer from any type of chronic illness(es) will invariably weaken the kidney energy.
• Overwork. Those who push it hard – 50-60 hours a week in the office for example – will find that the kidney energy will weaken over time, leading to many health and energy issues.

As mentioned, when the kidney energy weakens, anxiety is often expressed. A person is at the mercy of their chemistry. When this energy is weak, the anxiety will usually be experienced as vague or unknown and phrases such as “Nothing in particular happened. I just feel anxious.”

(It should be noted that this type of anxiety is different than an anxiety attack. From a Natural Health stand point, an anxiety attack is typically the result of a blood vessel being damaged from a trauma. Vitamin E taken on a regular basis can often alleviate the typical signs and symptoms of this type of anxiety.)

What Can Be Done?

The great news is that there is much hope for individuals suffering from anxiety. Correct the chemistry and most of the time, the “true” personality shows itself. The confident, happy, joyful person rises like the Phoenix, now that the body has strengthened and repaired itself.

One of the best and safest substance to use for long term anxiety, in particular, is called Fo-Ti. It is an inexpensive herb that can be found in most health stores. As mentioned, it is safe and strengthens the kidney energy, thus alleviating many (all?) of the signs and symptoms of anxiety.

Additionally, one can experience side-benefits of increased energy, improved skeletal health, alleviation of joint pains and other healthy-aging benefits. (It should be noted that I have treated 1000s of patients and have never seen a negative reaction from this particular substance.)

The kidneys by nature like to be kept warm. Therefore, herbs such as ginger and cinnamon are very nourishing and healthy for them. Keeping ice cold drinks and cold foods lower in volume is also recommended.

Life can be challenging enough without compounding it by having to deal with issues such as anxiety. Fortunately, with some effort and time, the body in its infinite wisdom, can heal and correct itself. When it does, such negative feelings have a tendency to dissipate. Courage, anxiety (and fear) counterpart will make its way into your life. Watch the real changes then!

Most Drink It. Is THIS What is Adding Weight?

For starters, it has a tendency to leech minerals and trace minerals from both the bones and the teeth.

Look at your teeth, particularly the upper 2 front ones? Do they appear a little “clear” on the bottom (the contact surface area)? If so, there could be a problem.

It also may be THE thing that is the source of weight gain and/or the inability to lose weight.

What is being referred to here is the drinking of carbonated beverages.

While the fizz (the actual carbonation itself) of carbonated drinks such as soda or mineral water including Perrier and others,  is not a direct contributor to weight gain, add in the amount of sugar that is included or worse, the artificial sweeteners and now you have unwanted pounds and the inability to lose them.

As a general rule, non-carbonated drinks are much healthier. In addition to the 2 factors mentioned – added sugar and the fact that the carbonation pulls minerals and trace minerals from the system – many of these drinks have added citric acid into the mix. This substance in this form is quite unhealthy to the teeth and even the bones.

Pass of the fizz. There are just so many other healthy options, why risk it.

Add This to Your AM Schedule To Lose Weight

Everyone is always looking for an edge. How does one become better at this or achieve that. Such is the case with fat loss too. Here are some minor changes that can make major differences. Here is a great one.

Here is a great one.

A daily serving of pomegranate juice in the morning has been shown to drain fat stores and shrink the belly.

Nutritionists at Queen Margaret University in Great Britan found that a glass of the polyphenol-rich, tasty drink can reduce levels of the hormone cortisol. This is the hormone which promotes fat storage.

When the drink is consumed, cortisol is reduced by over 33%.  Pomegranate has the ability to inhibit the enzyme which produces cortisol. (For entertainment purposes, the enzyme is called. . . .ready? 11-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1.)

End result of all of this? The body’s response is to lower blood sugars, cholesterol and insulin levels and improve digestive function results in fat loss. NOT just weight loss (as in water loss) but actual fat loss.

Doc’s Thoughts:  For the patients that I have worked with using this, on average, fat loss was 8.8 pounds over 5 weeks. This is very significant as it was fat and no adjustments were made with diet or training.

Why Men Should Be Eating this Fruit (Women too)

It is now that time of year for it. Fresh and tasty, it is a summer time favorite. In fact, ask yourself this question: “Have you ever once heard anyone say they do not like watermelon?”

Watermelon is not only a tasty, refreshing fruit, but it has some major health benefits. Men, in particular, should be adding it to the “Must Eat” list. Here are 3 reasons why:

1. Watermelon is high in antioxidants. Therefore, it can elevate the immune system as well as prevent dehydration.
2. It is a great source of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. The former will also help elevate the immune system as well as clear any time of inflammation. Vitamin B6 will improve the quality of the blood and also is considered one of the “foods” for adrenal support
3. Lastly – this is where men should take note – watermelon is a  good source of the carotenoid lycopene. Lycopene, along with zinc is a great substance to keep the prostate healthy.

And women will love it as newer evidence suggests that consuming lycopene can help prevent breast cancer.

Wins across the board here. Watermelon is delicious and nutritious.

Ulcerative Colitis Problems? Use This.

The Archives of Medical Research reported a recent study in which THIS substance was found to be very useful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and the painful inflammation and sores in the colon and rectum ensue.

The substance, the one that people love?

Resveratrol.

What is it?  Resveratrol is a plant compound that acts as an antioxidant. The top food sources include grapes, some berries, peanuts and everyone’s favorite, red wine. Studies have shown that it helps lower blood pressure, protects the brain, increases insulin sensitivity (helps with fat loss) and have strong healthy aging benefits.

And as we have seen above, is associated with decreased disease activity and improved quality of life as it relates to ulcerative colitis.

Doc’s Thoughts: I am a big fan of this product. I have recommended it quite a bit and use it myself. The benefits are pronounced and consistent. The key is dosage. Typically it is higher than recommended, at least that is what I have found.

My favorite: Pure Resveratrol – 2000mg – Strongest, Most Effective Blend on Amazon – 90 Capsules – Order