Using the glycemic index is a great way to add minimally processed food ingredients to your diet. You can swap heavily processed ingredients with healthier, better tasting ones. A good move would be to start a natural foods pantry of ingredients. The first thing you’ll need to do is get a copy of a Glycemic Index (GI) food chart to use for reference. There are many GI chart resources available freely on the Internet too, so you might be able to simply print those out and stick them on your fridge.

If you’re a diabetic or hypoglycemic taking medications to help manage your blood sugar levels, you’ll also need to inform your doctor that you’ll be trying the GI diet, or integrating some of the GI principals into your eating plans. This way your doctor can help monitor your blood sugar levels, and adjust your medications as needed. Diabetics who take insulin regularly will need to keep a close eye on their blood sugar levels too, and call their doctor if you start noticing frequent blood sugar lows.

Now here are some simple tips for trying the glycemic index food charts in your daily eating plans:

1. Realize there is almost always an alternative food choice. If you happen to like having oatmeal for breakfast, you can lower the glycemic load and speed of blood sugar impacts by eating old fashioned cooked oatmeal instead of instant. You can try sweet potatoes, or yams, instead of white potatoes. Try boiled white potatoes instead of baked, and try pumpernickel or whole grain breads instead of white.

2. Learn different cooking styles. The GI rating of many foods will change based on how it’s prepared. Generally the longer something is cooked, the higher the GI rating is. Raw foods tend to have the lowest blood sugar impact, but not everything can be eaten raw. Many things can be cooked less though. Pasta for instance, can be made “al dente” style, meaning it’s still firm when eaten. This will cause the pasta to have less of an impact on your blood sugar levels than fully cooked soft pasta will.

3. Realize your personal blood sugar responses. The best way to integrate the glycemic index into your diabetes or hypoglycemia management program naturally, is to keep a diligent watch on how different foods affect you.

4. Some diabetics can eat a food and have little to no major impact on their blood sugar levels, while others will see their blood sugar go through the roof. When the food affects you can be different as well. You might notice that when you eat one thing for instance, your blood sugar levels will start rising in less than an hour. Something else however, may not start a rise for up to four hours later.

5. Think in terms of meals instead of foods. If you choose to eat a food which has a higher GI rating, you can help minimize the overall impact on your blood sugar levels by having lower GI foods in the same meal. So if you want to have instant oatmeal for breakfast for instance, you can help balance it out a bit by sprinking some fiber bran on top and having strawberries.

6. You don’t have to avoid most high GI foods, you simply need to eat them in moderation. Eating smaller food portions will help lower the GI load on all foods, and only eating high GI foods occasionally will help minimize the overall impact those foods have on your everyday blood sugar levels.

7. Adding proteins, fiber, and good fat food sources can lower the overall GI load of your meal too, as can adding acidic foods such as lemons or vinegar. These foods help reduce the speed at which carbohydrates are absorbed into your body, thus creating a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels instead of quick high ones.

8. Finally, realize that the Glycemic Index is a guideline to help you. It’s not a set in stone diet that says what you can or cannot have. Some foods are very high in nutrition even though they may have a moderate to high GI rating. Don’t avoid those foods, just eat them in smaller portions. You need the nutrition they provide.

Subliminal means anything that is below the normal perceptive level. A subliminal message is the message that bypasses the normal level of human perception. Normally, perception is the level at which the conscious mind is able to receive and understand messages. Subliminal messages are beyond the perception of the conscious mind.

The conscious mind is not able to register all of the numerous messages that we receive every second. But all these information is filtered by the subconscious mind and is stored for later use and only that information which is needed for the moment will be received by the conscious mind.

It is the unconscious mind that controls human emotions (like fear, joy, sympathy, love etc), shape ones character, forms opinions and values etc. It has been scientifically found that subliminal messages could be used in changing behaviors, characters and emotions of a person. It is on this basis that subliminal audios have been developed.

Subliminal audios contain recorded messages that could be perceived only by the unconscious mind and it is masked in music or sounds like those of ocean, soft music etc. The subliminal messages are recorded at inaudible levels. The messages in subliminal audios go all the way to the subconscious mind, bypassing the logical mind.

Subliminal audios are used for many purposes.

Behavioral improvement:

• To quit addictions like smoking and alcoholism
• In the de-addiction treatment for drugs
• To build self confidence
• To lose weight
• As a method for learning
• To overcome phobias and eating disorders

These are a few areas where subliminal audios are used.

Subliminal audio can be considered as an alternative to hypnosis. Both are used to influence the subconscious mind. However, with subliminal audio, you yourself could bring about changes to your subconscious mind quite naturally and without much further effort required.

Download a free subliminal album and try it for yourself – - – > Click here.

If you can’t eliminate all the stress in your life — and who among us can — then try to manage it through using natural herbs. There are plenty of time-tested herbs you can take either in capsule form or, better yet, as a tea. If you drink calming herbal teas, you’re not only getting the benefits of the phytonutrients in the herbs, the hot liquid in itself has a calming effect on your body.

Try the passionflower.  Despite its name, this herb has been used for centuries to produce calming effects due to anxiety as well as insomnia –- sometimes a symptom of stress –- and even hysteria.

In fact, two scientific studies have confirmed the effectiveness of this herb. The studies examined a total of 198 people who suffered from anxiety. The first research project found that passionflower was more effective than the class of benzodiazepine drugs in treating the symptoms of anxiety. This class of drugs works to curtail the symptoms by depressing the central nervous system.

Calm Day Tea

• 1/3 ounce Damiana
• 1 ounce lemon verbina
• 1/3 ounce dried bacopa leaf
• 16 ounces boiling water

Instructions:

Combine and mix Damiana, bacopa and lemon verbena. Add 1/2 cup of mix to teapot. Add boiling water. Let soak.

The study concluded that those individuals who were administered passionflower instead of drugs not only performed better at work, but experienced less drowsiness as well.

Some individuals experienced a few adverse side effects with passionflower. These included nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and a rapid heart beat.

Another herb that is legendary for calming the nerves is valerian. It’s been used for centuries as an aid in sleeping for those suffering from insomnia. Usually valerian is used about an hour prior to going to bed. If you decide to use this herb, don’t expect it to work immediately. It takes about two to three weeks for you to notice any effects.

Don’t Panic Syrup

• 2 ounces dried kava
• 2 ounces dried scullcap
• 2 ounces dried valerian
• 6 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups sugar (or dehydrated cane juice)

Instructions:

Add herbs to water. Simmer on low heat for about an hour, to 1/2 the volume (three cups.) Strain liquid. Add sugar in a 1:2 ratio to the liquid, (1 1/2 cups sugar to three cups liquid.) Stir thoroughly. Store in glass corked bottle or jar.

Dosage:

1 teaspoon – 1 tablespoon every 15 – 45 minutes during times of acute anxiety or panic Up to 6 tablespoons in 12 hours

Additionally, herbalists suggest that you don’t use valerian longer than three months at a time. Side effects of this herb include mild indigestion, as well as headaches and some dizziness. Most people take valerian as a capsule even though it’s available as a tea and a liquid extract. The smell of the herb keeps most individuals away from the last two forms.

Then there’s the legendary chamomile. Even the ancient Egyptians were known to use this herb to promote calming effects and relieve anxiety. As a tea, it’s renowned as a relaxant, as well as an excellent aid to many gastrointestinal disorders.

It’s also used by some to relieve menstrual cramps. As a tea it possesses a light apple-flavor. You may want to give this herb a try. It’s one of the more popular teas and can be found not only in health food stores, but also mainstream grocery stores.

Reference:  Herbs for Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Is your life more hectic than ever? Do you find that you become tired more frequently, lose patience easily, experience moodiness, and are so stressed that you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel? Have you lost contact with your friends? Has fun completely gone out of your life? While we tend to think we can do it all; the problem is we can’t. We forgo simple pleasures, take on unnecessary burdens and, quite frankly, put others’ needs before our own. This is a recipe for ill-health, depression, and overall sadness. It’s time to sit down and determine how to live a balanced life, according to author of Happy For No Reason.

‘We live in a society where one out of five women is on anti-depressants. This is staggering. We have an epidemic of unhappiness — but there is also a happiness revolution going on.’ Marci Schimoff

Performing selfless acts is noble, but it takes a toll we may not be aware of. There is nothing wrong with being selfish. While everyone seems to be concentrating on themselves, you are focusing on them. The first step to a balanced life is to think about you and your needs. If you fall apart, you won’t be of any use to anyone. Selfishness is not defined by an inability to help others; it is the means by which you regenerate yourself by focusing on your own needs. Simple ordinary pleasures can make a world of difference in your life such as: a manicure, a day out with friends; a new outfit.

Your mental and emotional state has more to do with the balance within than you realize. Worry drains us; yet we can’t seem to control it. We tolerate many things which essentially drain our energy, leaving us feeling empty and void of feeling. Sleepless nights ensue, and the cycle begins all over again the next day. Confront the problems head on; let the water out of the tank before it bursts open. Worry about the things you can control.

Protect your space from intruders who are intent on invading your thoughts and inner peace. If someone is rude or makes a disparaging remark; walk away. If a situation arises creating angst, deal with it then let it go. Don’t let it disrupt your life by claiming it as your own. You didn’t create it, nor are you responsible for it. Try not to solve the ills of the world or place the burden on your shoulders. Life is hard enough without placing unimportant needs ahead of your own.

A path well taken is one of integrity and honesty. Love yourself; look in the mirror every morning and acknowledge the unique person you are. Empower yourself to accomplish your most intimate goals. Acknowledge the kindness and good in you; you may be hard pressed to fine anyone who will. Conduct yourself with dignity and honor. Finally, take charge of your life; nurture it, reward it; and happiness will reveal itself through the smile on your face, and the gleam in your eyes.

If you’re a woman, and you live long enough, you will eventually go through menopause. This ‘change of life’ is well known to cause some uncomfortable symptoms — hot flashes, weight gain, and vaginal dryness to name a few. But does it have to be that way? What natural remedies make this transition easier? Let’s look at a few:

Lifestyle Changes – The Most Natural Remedy Of Them All

We don’t often understand how much of what we choose to do has a bearing on how our bodies react to the natural aging process. What we choose to do is what we call our “lifestyle.”

A lifestyle some people choose, for instance, is smoking. Smoking can cause lung cancer, respiratory illnesses, colon cancer, high blood pressure, slow healing times after surgery, and early onset of perimenopause and menopause. This is how just one lifestyle choice affects health.

By taking steps to change how we live our lives, we can increase our enjoyment of life and the quality of life we all hope to enjoy.

Here are some lifestyle changes that can make this transition in your life more bearable:

Quit smoking – We have already touched on this somewhat. However, if you’re not convinced yet, go on the American Cancer Society website to see just how smoking affects all the systems in your body. Not worried about your lungs, keep reading. Smoking causes systematic deterioration that will surprise you.

Get sleep – Certain symptoms can hinder your sleep process, but you need to try to get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night. These hours will help keep you focused and able to fight the symptoms that you are having. I know it seems on oxymoron; I can’t sleep because of night sweats, but I need sleep to combat my night sweats. Do ALL the prescribed sleep methods (dark room, sound machine, rituals, etc.) as well as medication if need be to get that sleep.

Eat natural foods – Soy products contain plant-type estrogen that can boost falling estrogen levels and minimize the resulting symptoms. Eat tofu, soybeans, and other natural, whole foods to boost your estrogen naturally during this transition time.

Supplements

A doctor who specializes in homeopathic medicine and is open to alternative treatments can suggest to you what to take and where to get it. Here are some of the more common alternatives used currently and how they help:

Black cohosh – This is an herb that is part of phytotherapy (using herbs and roots for alternative medicinal purposes). It can mimic what estrogen does in the body and reduce the incidence of night sweats and hot flashes, which can be particularly brutal.

Red clover – This clover helps with night sweats and hot flashes. To a lesser degree, tests are indicating that there may be improvements in bone health with this plant. Watch for this treatment in the news as it becomes more widely accepted.

Evening primrose oil – This particular supplement can be instrumental in reducing breast tenderness. Flaxseed and black current oil are also in this category.

St. John’s Wort – This has been used for years as a mood enhancer. If mood swings are your problem, a little of this can even out your moods and help you feel normal once again.
Ginseng – This increases energy levels when suffering from fatigue. Many women report feeling revitalized while taking ginseng.

Before you agree to artificial hormone replacement therapy (HRP), take a look at what natural remedies can help you with your perimenopausal symptoms. Remember to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements no matter how natural they are. Research everything available and educate yourself on all the possibilities of natural healing remedies.

Hives, urticaria, affects thousands of people every year. If you’re itchy and trying hard to not to scratch your hives as you read this, you’re not alone. Nearly 20 percent of the population has been affected with hives at one point or another. One hallmark of hives is their tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.

Hives are raised areas of itchy, red skin that appear in multiple shapes and sizes. They range in size from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter. Hives can be round, or they can form rings or large patches. Hives can also manifest as welts, red lesions with a red flare at the borders. Hives can occur anyplace on the body, such as the face, arms, and legs.

If you’re like some individuals, you may not care to rely on antihistamines to relieve your case of the hives. This may be especially true if the hives tend to reoccur frequently. Many people say that histamine is a natural reaction of the body, and as such, we shouldn’t try to artificially block it with medications. These persons instead prefer to alleviate the symptoms through natural means.

You should also consult with a professional herbalist prior to starting any supplementation program. She’ll be able to help you tailor a plan suited to your specific needs. A professional will let you know if the combination of natural products you might be considering are effective and can be safely used together.

Here are just a few of the herbs that professional herbalists recommend. Before starting any program of herbal supplementation, check with your personal health care provider. She’ll be able to advise you if any of the medications you’re taking will interfere with any of the herbs you intend to take.

The first herb that many find helpful in alleviating hives is jewelweed. This herb contains a substance called lawsone, which is said to have a near instant affect on the irritating itch of the hives.

If you’re going to use this, fresh jewelweed is the best. Actually, many say it’s best to grow your own –- that’s how fresh it should be! You can crush it and then gently rub it on the area. You should feel the effects almost immediately!

Make yourself a cup of tea with amaranth seeds. Many individuals swear by this remedy. They say it is a tremendous benefit to their hives. Amaranth tea is easy to make –- and the herb is fairly common to find. To make the tea, simply add two to three tablespoons of the tea to about three cups of boiling water. Allow this to steep for about twenty minutes. Then enjoy! The next thing you know, you’ll be enjoying hive-free living again!

You might want to consider adding a small amount of jewelweed to this tea. And if you’re in real discomfort, think about using the tea in a poultice. That’s right. Apply it directly to your skin. And if you have a very large area of your body that’s being affected by hives, mix this tea with your bathwater!

Ginger is a common herb and many may not even think about using it for a case of the hives. But it’s said to help alleviate the symptoms. In this instance, you’ll want to use about a half a pound of ginger, simmer it in a gallon of boiling water and then put in with your bathwater. After you soak in this for a while, then you can even add a little chamomile tea towards the end of the treatment.

Sandalwood has been used by the Native Americans and is said to have a calming effect on itchy, fiery hives. It can be bought as an oil just about anywhere and should be applied directly to the skin for maximum effectiveness.