OXYGEN HEALTH SECRETS

Simon Evans asked:


Copyright (c) 2008 BrainFit For Life

As the Brain Fitness industry continues to gain momentum, and people explore all the incredible brain-training tools being developed, we hope that enthusiasts don’t take their eye off the importance of the physical health of the brain and all the systems it communicates with. The brain is unique in that it houses our cognitive and emotional capacities in the form of the mind. It is a ‘cognitive’ organ that hungers for stimulation from new experiences and challenges. Many brain fitness programs strive to satisfy this need. Yet the brain is also a physical organ that plays by many of the same rules as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. To stay healthy and perform optimally it requires quality nutrition, physical activity and optimal sleep. The brain, especially, relies on a healthy vascular system to efficiently deliver oxygen and key nutrients and remove waste. In fact, the brain uses approximately 20% of the oxygen we breathe to satisfy its high-energy demands. Given that the brain only weighs about 2% of the body, we can consider it an energy hog and we must cater to its needs very carefully.

Nutrients play key roles in brain function. Several have shown efficacy in clinical trials treating cases of mood disorders, cognitive decline and of course benefiting the physical health of the brain. Nutrients are both the raw materials employed in creating new neural connections and important components in regulating the activity of genes involved in these processes. Specific nutrients involved in mitochondrial efficiency, the energy factories of brain and body cells, are particularly important for many aspects of brain function. Other nutrients are involved in the inner workings of neuronal membranes, responsible for ensuring that electrochemical signals, which make up our thoughts, transmit efficiently and reliably. Finally, antioxidants, important throughout the body, are especially important in the brain due to its high energy production rates and concurrent high capacity for free radical leakage. Keeping this in mind, it is readily apparent that nutrition provides the building blocks for our brain’s structure and function, and therefore cannot be ignored.

Exercise is a clearly established component for promoting brain health as well. No longer can we think that the brain is completely separate from the brawn. Human studies have shown the value of exercise in controlling stress and maintaining positive mood states; in improving cognitive function, including performance on memory and executive tasks; and in improving the brain’s two-way communication streams with the rest of the body. Some of these benefits are likely due to the positive effects of exercise on neurovascular health, which parallel cardiovascular health. Other benefits seem due to increased grey matter in ‘front office’ functions of the cortex; and neuronal birth, or neurogenesis, in the hippocampus, a brain region that controls aspects of memory and mood regulation. Whatever the mechanism, giving your body a workout will produce substantial benefits in terms of brain health. Remember, a body in motion tends to stay in motion, and your brain and body will be together your whole life.

Mental activity is an obvious, and critical, ingredient for optimizing and maintaining brain function. Studies have established relationships between the degree of life-time mental activity and late-life cognitive function. It’s clear that those who engage in intellectually challenging endeavors on a regular basis reap the benefits of a clear mind. There is, however a need for each individual to balance sufficient variety with a proper degree of challenge. Without variety and challenge, tasks become too mundane and too easy, eventually growing stale and losing their capacity to adequately stimulate the brain. We must also realize that mental activity goes beyond ‘cognitive’ tasks. Mental activities also include practices like meditative focus, relaxation and stress reduction techniques, as well as social interaction. These active and dynamic processes challenge the mind as well. Mixing cognitive challenges with emotional regulation provides a more complete mental workout that will help you to use it to improve it.

An often neglected component contributing to brain health is optimal sleep. On average, we sleep approximately 1.5 hours per night less than we did 100 years ago. Modern technology makes it easier to get less sleep and our busy lives encourage us to do it. Sleep is far more than a time of rest, and is too often misclassified as a period of lost productivity. It is an active metabolic period for our brains. Sleep is a time when we consolidate memories of the previous day, a time when we re-synchronize the circadian rhythm of at least dozens, if not hundreds, of hormones controlling our metabolism. Sleep loss is associated with a high percentage of mood disorders and certainly reduces our cognitive efficiencies. We must give ourselves permission to sleep by realizing that it is counterproductive to steal from it.

We encourage a equal attention on the cognitive, emotional and physical health of the brain and all of the lifestyle factors that come into play to maintain them. Today’s aging population is becoming increasingly focused on the maintenance of cognitive health and the value of ‘brain training’ programs. But we must realize that such training is not unlike that of an athlete, who must focus on their diet, sleep needs and psychological preparation in addition to their physical skill development. We must explore specific aspects of nutrition, exercise, mental activity and sleep and discuss how they regulate emotional, physical and intellectual functions of the brain. After all, they are not separable.

“To keep the body in good health is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Buddha, circa 500 B.C.

Jerry Wanga asked:


We all want a healthy and fit body. But just like anything in life, it takes some work. But the effort sure is worth the work. So if you are among the few willing to delay gratification to achieve results then this is for you read on.

1. Eat Fruit and Vegetable

Getting enough antioxidants (disease fighting vitamins and minerals) generally means eating enough fruit and vegetables – an acceptable guide being five portions daily. Fruits and vegetables should roughly make up about a third of the food eaten each day. Making sure your main meal is rich in vegetables is a good way towards achieving this, while snacking on fruit is another way to keep intake high.

2. Easy on Saturated Fats

Saturated fat found in foods such as chocolate and cake is one of the major contributors to serious illness such as heart disease. Most of the fats we consume should from unsaturated fat – the good fats that comprise Omega 3, 6 and 9 and are found in foods like oily fish, seeds, nuts, olives and avocados. Several major studies have linked high (two or more portions a day) red meat intake to cancer. The accepted advice is to eat more fish – about 80 g every other day.

3. Take up aerobic exercise

Many people lead overwhelmingly sedentary lives. Investing in your health by walking, cycling or swimming for 30 minutes a day is one of the key ways to stay young. Aerobic exercise – which doesn’t have to be too vigorous – maximizes the amount of oxygen in your blood and releases endorphins, natural painkiller that promote an increased sense of well – being.

4. Get Enough Fibre

Many people don’t eat enough fibre. Recommendations vary, but around 26 grams a day seems to be about right. It’s important to eat enough insoluble fibre (from bread, for example) as well as soluble fibre (the main source being vegetables). A fibre – rich diet is important for a healthy digestive system and hart, as well as protecting against serious disease such as cancer.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

humble H2O is vital for the proper working of all outrogans, from the liver and kidneys to the lymph system and our skin. Estimates vary, but most advice suggests that adults should drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day. This is especially important in hot climates where the risk of dehydration is far greater.

6. Looking after you Skin

As the largest of body’s organs, the skin reveals plenty about our age. Taking care of your skin is one of the key secrets to looking young. Skin that has overdosed on sun can end up looking wrinkled and taut. Be sensible in the sun, particularly during the hottest periods of the day. Cover up with light cloths and a hat, and wear sunscreen – organic if possible.

7. Go easy on the alcohol

Official advice on how much we should drink varies from country to country and can be confusing. In UK government advice is to drink not more than two to three units of alcohol a day. What we do know is that long – term consumption of large quantities of alcohol lead to permanent damage to major organs such as the brain, throat, stomach, intestines and liver.

8. Do not overeat

There is growing evidence that people who do not overeat live longer. In west, obesity is a big problem; in Africa, too, it’s cause of growing concern – almost a fifth of adolescents in South Africa are now overweight. Many of us eat too much without even realizing, and by doing so put on weight while straining the major organs or the body. Try cutting down portion sizes at mealtimes by a third.

9. Get 7 – 8 hours sleep a night

The body does most of its repairing when you’re asleep. Cells regenerate at a faster pace at night and body tissues are repaired. There is even evidence that too little sleep makes people age faster. There is little arguing with the fact that a good night’s sleep makes all the difference to energy and concentration levels the next day.

10. Stay away from cigarettes

Along term smoker increases his or her risk of a grim selection of illnesses that include various cancers, asthma, reduce lung capacity, high blood pressure and heart disease. More that 700 chemical compounds are found in cigarettes, some of which are toxic and not allowed in food. For anyone wanting to stay youthful for as long as possible smoking is no-go zone – on to of the risk of serious illness, a smoking habit ages skin prematurely and yellows skin and nails.

11. Limit caffeine intake

Studies on the effects of drinking too much tea and coffee are always in the news, and many are contradictory. What we do know is that high caffeine intake can adversely affect blood pressure and therefore heart health. Stick to one or two cups of tea or coffee a day, or cultivate a taste for herbal teas.

12. Take supplements

The market for vitamins and mineral supplements has rocketed in recent years. While not everyone agrees that dietary supplements are beneficial, most would agree that there is little harm in boosting your diet with a tablet packed with the vitamins and minerals the body needs to stay fit and healthy. A combined vitamin/mineral tablet is the best, and simplest, format. However, you should always take medical advice before taking supplements, especially if you are on medication.

13. Learn to meditate

No one finds meditation easy. The idea of sitting still and trying to calm the mind sounds far, far easier that it is in real life and demands time, dedication and patience. It is however, one of the best ways of keeping the mind calm and the problems and challenges of life in perspective. Regular meditation improves psychological wellbeing by reducing anxiety and stress levels, helping us to stay more fully in the present and to let go of negative thought processes.

14. Practice yoga regularly

According to yoga philosophy, it’s the flexibility of the spine not how old you are, that determines a person’s age. Introducing yoga into your daily or weekly routine is one of the best things you can do to stay young. Its benefits include improving posture, toning the skin and muscles, eliminating tension from the body, strengthening the core stomach muscles as well as those in the arms and legs.

15. Breathe properly

Yoga’s emphasis on breathing also brings huge emotional and psychological benefits, calming the mind, alleviating stress, anxiety and depression and helping us to focus on the here and now. But you don’t have to be a yoga enthusiast to breathe properly. Get used to breathing from your abdomen, not your chest. Experiment with taking long, slow breathe, with a greater emphasis on exhalation than inhalation. Taking even a minute a day to fill your lungs with oxygen can provide instant benefits.

16. Surround yourself with good friends

Numerous studies show that supportive friendships can provide emotional help during difficult times, as well as improve our health and increase longevity. Women tend to be naturally better at surrounding themselves with friends, but there is no inherent reason why this should be the case. A sense of belonging is crucial for emotional health and wellbeing and those without that network are far more likely to suffer from depression.

17. Find hobbies you enjoy and keep busy

Older people who look and feel young tend to have full busy lives. Make a point of discovering what you enjoy and do it regularly. As well as connecting you to other people, regular participation in a hobby can relieve stress and keep an element of fun high on the agenda. Taking this to its idea, turning a hobby into a career can mean there is no difference between work and play.

18. Remember to laugh often

As children know well, laugher is fun. It is also free and hugely beneficial to health – so much so that a whole industry has grown up around it in recent years in the form of laughter gyms and laughter yoga. Frequent laughter boost mood, improves brain functioning, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. It connects you to thers, and may even protect against heart disease.

19. Discover massage

Regular massage can decrease anxiety and fatigue, boost energy and improve circulation and sleep. Psychologically, our sense of touch is hugely important and having a massage can immediately boost wellbeing. There are also a host of physical pay-offs, including helping to keep joints flexible. Most of all, it’s fun and versatile – an Indian head massage can feel very different from an aromatherapy treatment or the popular Japanese technique of Shiatsu.

20. Cultivate a positive attitude and enjoy life

Studies has shown that a person’s mental state and attitude can influence how well, and how long, they live. In one study, those who reported high levels of optimism had a 55% lower risk of death from premature causes. Take responsibility for your life and wellbeing. Discover what you enjoy, treat you body with respect and live each day as if it really were your last.

21. Keep stress levels low

Chronic stress in endemic in many societies and work related stress affects one in five people. High cortisol levels in the body, like those associated with chronic stress, can decrease bone density and muscle tissue, raise blood pressure, impair cognitive ability and lower immunity. Stress is generated when the body’s cortisol – infused ‘flight or fight’ response is generated and does not have a chance to return to normal. It is possible, however, to minimize stress through lifestyle.

Roland Jefferson III asked:


Home health care products can help people stay healthy in the privacy of their own homes. These home health care products can save people time because they do not have to spend time driving to and from facilities that provide health care. The home health care products also save people money because they can use the products without the assistance of trained medical professionals and health care facilities. Some of the home health care products are for minor health concerns while other home health products provide for major health problems.

Oxygen is an important product for people with certain breathing difficulties. There are many different systems for supplying oxygen which people can use in the privacy of their own homes at any time. These home medical care products can save people from the waits and frustrations that are sometimes experienced in emergency rooms. Oxygen is necessary on a continual basis for some people although others only need an oxygen supply from time to time. All of these people can be assisted by oxygen supplies that they can use at home. These oxygen supplies can save the patient money, but these supplies can also save money for the health care system.

Home Medical Products Keep People In Good Health

There are some excellent home medical products that help people with arthritis. These products include utensils that can be used by people whose hands are deformed because of this awful disease. There are products for those who are disabled by arthritis so they can work in the garden or get around more easily. There are also devices for pain relief for people who suffer from chronic pain. These include many different hot and cold packs that can be used to relieve people who suffer unbearable pain.

People who need some kind of a shot for diabetes or similar conditions will be pleased to know there are sophisticated meters that can take the necessary measures of insulin, and then there is equipment for administering the appropriate drugs in the appropriate amounts. Some of the syringes necessary for administering certain drugs are available that are easily used at home without the help of a medical professional who can administer sophisticated medicines. Hospital beds are available for those looking to receive their medical care in the privacy of their own home. These beds provide comfort for the patients in their own home, and the way these are built make home care easier for those who are untrained.

Lambert Klein asked:


Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy could be the answer to your prayers, especially when nothing else has worked for you. Many have seen fantastic results from this procedure.

We will be discussion the process, benefits and treatments of Hyperbarics and what it can do for you or a loved one.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)? Well, HBOT is the principle of using 100% oxygen under pressure inside a chamber. The patient lies down on a cot that is rolled into the clear chamber. The patient can easily see outside and there is a monitor inside so that TV or a movie can be watch during the process. A handset makes it easy to communicate with the technician.

The process consists of increasing pressure, which is called descending, then maintains that pressure for around 60 minutes, then releasing the pressure, which is ascending. Think of this as a scuba diver descending into the sea slowing then ascending slowly so that they don’t get the bends.

The only discomfort usually is the pressure in the ears like in a plane or ascending up high in the mountains.

Inside the chamber the pressurized oxygen is infused into the patient to start the healing process. The body tissues will absorb oxygen much more readily in this environment. This can reduce inflammation and begin the healing process.

It’s believed that this process will stimulate new blood vessel growth and even stem cells after forty treatments. Each treatment usually will last around one hour.

The increased oxygen nourishes the cells. New capillaries are grown that will help the flow of blood and life giving oxygen to damaged areas, thus helping you to heal yourself.

Many people that have been treated have been eager to share their stories and spread the word about Hyperbarics.

HBOT has helped many conditions such as, strokes, injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, cerebral palsy, birth traumas and more.

Several people have seen positive results with HBOT and it seems to be permanent after 40 treatments.

Hyperbarics is approved by the FDA for some treatments such as carbon dioxide poisoning and gas embolism, but is considered experimental for many others.

If you have been searching for a miracle then take a closer look at HBOT today.

Even thought this experimental therapy has been around a while, you may not of heard of it. You can do more research on your own, then decide for yourself. Best of health to you.

Adrian Adams asked:


Ever wonder if there was a practical application to chemistry? There are actually many, and here is just one: H2O2.

Since the early part of the 1800’s the chemical combination that is found naturally in spring water and snow, called hydrogen peroxide or H2O2, has been used for its excellent healing properties. Many of us know that hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent and will burn the skin when you come into contact with it, which is why many of you will be interested and maybe even shocked to know that you can bathe in it, drink it, and inhale it.

You must make sure that you use the correct form of H2O2 for ingestion purposes otherwise you will have severe reactions like vomiting and headaches. The only form hat is allowed for drinking is the 35 % food grade which must be then diluted in water or Aloe Vera juice until it reaches 3 %. It is recommended however that you start by using 1 drop in a glass of water. It is used to cure illnesses such as reflux, and because it supplies extra oxygen to the body, it can kill cancer cells and the HIV that causes AIDS.

The drug industry is a multi billion dollar one and obviously they do not want it to leak that they can actually cure these terrible diseases with a natural, inexpensive product hat every one can buy at their local health food store or pharmacy. The other type of H2O2 that you find is 3 %, which is used to also diluted to bathe in or to apply to skin infections like pimples, to clear earwax, and to gargle with. It makes an excellent tooth whitener and will clear up any mouth ulcers and cold sores.

If you have a cold or sinusitis, the 3 % can also be diluted and used as an inhalant. It will probably burn, but will clear your nostrils immediately of any excess mucous. There are many other uses for hydrogen peroxide such as a skin conditioner. It can be mixed with a base cream and is said to provide anti aging benefits. Many athletes use a combination of Aloe Vera gel and hydrogen peroxide to apply to their feet to prevent infections and sores.

It is amazing to know that something you can combine from natural molecules found on the periodic table can cure you of so many illnesses and prevent you from aging. Another form of oxygen that has similar effects and is being used in cancer studies is O3, which is a stronger form of pure oxygen. It counteracts the negative effect that excessive inhalation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gases have on the body.