What You Need to Know About Major Depressive Disorder

A surprising number of people suffer from mood disorders, including major depressive disorders, but a lot of people don't seek help. They either don't realize that they're depressed, think that others will look down on them if they admit their depression, or they simply can't manage to get help because of the symptoms they're suffering. After all, many of the symptoms associated with major depressive disorder make it hard to get through the day, much less manage to get through the mental health system. Sometimes, depression sufferers are also misdiagnosed as having physical illnesses, rather than emotional and mental issues.

There are a number of causes for depression, which can be caused by stressful situations, major traumatic events, chemical imbalances in the brain, or other problems. It may be related to genetic makeup, since people who are depressed also tend to have family members who are depressed, even if these people are not in contact. No matter what its cause, depression causes significant emotional pain and is a disruption to many people's lives. It affects their friends and family, makes them less productive at work and more likely to call in sick or even lose their jobs, and it can cause many other problems, as well.

To be listed as someone suffering from major depressive disorder, at least five symptoms from the following list have to have been present during a two week period. They must represent a change from earlier functioning. People with fewer symptoms or those who haven't had a change may still be depressed or suffering from a mood disorder, but that disorder will be classed differently. Possible symptoms include a depressed mood, lack of pleasure and interested in activities formerly enjoyed, a significant change in appetite or weight, greatly increased or decreased sleep, excess guilt or feelings of low worth, trouble concentrating and thinking, and recurrent thoughts about death.

Almost anyone can suffer from depression, and most people who are diagnosed with this problem are treated successfully. Major depressive disorder may come from just one trauma, or from a series of disappointments, problems, or stresses. Some people only go through one major depressive episode in their lives. Others will deal with many episodes. This illness is not selective and affects people of all ages, races, and other descriptors. About three percent of people in the US and Europe are depressed at any one time, rising to seven percent over the course of a year. Between ten and fifteen percent of us will suffer from a major depressive episode at some time in our lives.

Treating major depression can be done in a number of different ways, of which medication is only one, though many people aren't aware of other options. Psychotherapy, behavioral and cognitive therapy, herbal treatments, and many other methods can also be used to improve symptoms and make the sufferer's life easier. If you believe you're dealing with major depressive disorder, it's important to take control and seek help. There are lots of options, and something is likely to be of help to you.

The first utmost important thing to do is to find everything you need to know on depression and how to cure it. Don't wait a second longer as you need to know more about the Depression Free Method on How To Cure Major Depression Disorder Fast and Permanently which can be found at http://www.depressionfreemethod.com now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2552903

Natural Hair Loss Treatment For Women - 6 Tips To Bear In Mind

So are those long, precious strands of yours starting to get thinner and thinner and are falling off like dead leaves in autumn? It's time to put a little "spring" to your precious locks so that you won't end up being bald after several years. Start finding solutions right away because the clock is ticking. Perhaps you already know a lot of certain tips and options when it comes to natural hair loss treatment for women. But why go the natural route? Are those artificial means like commercial products and surgery not effective?

The reason why most people try natural options first when it comes to treating issues regarding their hair is because they consider those natural means safer than most artificial treatment options. It should also be noted that women (as well as men) try natural treatment methods first and continue on with the artificial ones if the former does not bring desired results. So why don't you explore these six useful tips to save your precious locks:

Information

Perhaps the most basic and most natural hair loss treatment for women and men alike is information. Getting informed is the very first step to take if you want to fight against hair loss. You need to be well-informed to be able to find solutions and make the right decision. It's a good thing that nowadays, information sits at our fingertips.

Water

Don't forget to drink enough water daily. It should be 8-10 glasses a day. A lot of people ignore the significance of water in our system. Water helps in promoting normal blood circulation. Don't you know that your scalp and hair follicles benefit a lot from proper blood circulation? Instead of drinking alcoholic beverages and other stuff, consume the right amount of water. This will also help reduce instances of dehydration. Equally important tip: it's not advisable to drink too much water as well.

Diet

Do you want to treat hair loss naturally? Start with a proper diet plan. One of the main causes of the thinning and falling of your tresses is hormonal imbalance. This problem involving your hormones usually appears when you don't eat the right kinds of food with the right amount. Focus more on healthy foods and minimize the intake of junk foods and sweets.

Vitamin Supplements

You may have already known that certain supplements like those rich in Vitamins A, C, E and the B vitamins (Inositol, Biotin, etc.) can help promote safe and effective hair growth. This really makes sense if you have vitamin deficiency because that can contribute to the loss of your beloved curls as well.

Stress-reduction Techniques

We all know that stress is a silent killer so why not kill this thing whenever it surfaces? There are great stress-reduction techniques that you can try like going to a spa, taking a nice, warm bath, doing yoga or meditation and giving yourself a scalp massage. Whatever it takes to get that stress out of your system, do it. Experts have linked stress to hormonal imbalance and you don't want that in you.

Herbal Remedies

Perhaps you have heard about a certain suggestion that involves drinking rosemary tea. Herbal remedies may help you battle hair loss as long as you follow the instructions as they are. Some other herbs that you can use are nettle roots, ginseng and saw palmetto. Find out more herbal remedies that can promote healthy growth of your hair.

Those are some of the common tips and options regarding natural hair loss treatment for women. Try these things first before considering buying artificial products or treatments. Come to think of it. These things can be pretty effective but won't cost you a lot of money, just awareness and discipline on your part.

Still sick and tired of suffering from hair loss, thinning hair and premature graying hair and you might have tried everything in a desperate attempt to revitalize your hair but with no permanent result?

If you have 2 minutes, then I will show you "2 effective strategies" to Stop Hair Loss And Thinning Hair Instantly And Inject Life Into Your Hair! These strategies will put a dead stop to any hair loss or thinning you might be experiencing plus stimulates the growth of strong, thick, silky hair that will get you noticed wherever you go!

To find out more, click -> female hair loss treatment

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6144447

Exercise is Good For Your Body, Mind and Soul

Most everyone knows the physical benefits of exercise: accelerated metabolism, lower blood pressure, increased lean muscle mass... the list goes on and on. Countless studies have documented the many ways in which exercise is just plain good for your body.

In recent years, we have seen a growing number of studies that report the mental, emotional and psychological benefits of exercise.

There has been a great deal of research done on the physiological effects of exercise, and you may have heard or read about how exercise causes your body to produce endorphins, which have a positive effect on mood and attitude, resulting in a feeling of overall "well-being". The processes triggered within the human body during exercise are extremely complex, and frankly, not completely understood even by modern science. There are countless articles, white papers and books dedicated to this topic, and there is still some debate as to the nature and extent of mental, emotional and psychological benefits of exercise.

Don't worry, this article is NOT about endogenous opioid polypeptide compounds and how they're secreted by the pituitary gland!

We don't need exhaustive quantitative data or an advanced degree in biology to prove to us that exercise provides tremendous benefits to THE WHOLE YOU: we know this for a fact thanks to personal experience and from feedback from dozens of our clients.

Exercise improves our emotional and mental well-being in several ways:

Positive Mood:

Everyone knows a positive outlook improves quality of life. When you know that you're engaged in an exercise program that will improve your overall wellness, and you see results in the way you look and feel, how can you NOT be positive!

Self Esteem:

When you look better and feel better, and are in a more positive frame of mind, your self esteem is elevated. Nothing can boost your self esteem like feeling leaner, fitter and stronger. This beneficial impact triggers a positive cycle: when your self esteem rises, you WANT to take better care of yourself.

Stress Relief:

Recent generations are learning more and more about the devastating effects of stress on our minds and bodies. Stress contributes to so many maladies it would be difficult to list them all in this short space. Bluntly, stress can be a killer. The good news is that it's been proven time after time that exercise is an excellent antidote for stress. Physical activity relieves stress, reduces anxiety and provides an outlet that improves overall balance.

More Restful Sleep:

In addition to- and because of- the benefits listed above, people who exercise also enjoy more restful sleep, which in turn improves alertness, attitude and mental acuity.

In summary, exercise is obviously good for your body, but it is also good for your mind, your attitude, your overall well-being: in other words, THE WHOLE YOU!

Pete Bellisano is a certified personal trainer and owner of Peak Performance Fitness in Berkeley Heights NJ. Peak clients are achieving outstanding results losing weight and improving overall fitness, through our unique approach to Fitness For Real People. Visit our site to see what our clients have to say about their success, and to pick up your free fitness info. [http://www.peakperformancenj.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1339692

Becoming Vegetarian - The Benefits of Vegetarianism and How to Adopt Vegetarian Diets

There are basically two main types of vegetarians - a lacto vegetarian, who excludes the use of meat, fish and poultry; and a strict vegetarian (or Vegan) who, on top of meat, fish and poultry, also excludes dairy products in their diet.

Benefits of Vegetarianism:

1. Vegetarianism is certainly a healthier way of eating. Many of the Western diseases are of recent origin and diet-related. Too great an intake of animal fats leads to an increase in the incidence of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

2. Vegetarian diet contains more fiber than meat or poultry. Fiber plays an essential part in the way our body handles the food we eat, but they do not contain the saturated animal fats which are harmful to our health. Fiber not only helps regulate bowel movements but also reduces the risk of diverticulitis and cancer of the bowel.

3. There is no worry of food preservatives, flavorings and colorings on health as vegetarian diets are mostly based on whole food, i.e. foods to which nothing has been added or taken away.

4. It is far cheaper to eat vegetables, nuts and fruits than meat, fish or poultry.

5. A recent study by NASA scientists has revealed an alarming data that the Earth is warming at a remarkably rapid rate. A new report from the Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations estimated that enteric fermentation by ruminants are responsible for 20% of greenhouse gases emissions. By going vegetarian, we help to eliminate one of the major causes of global warming impacting Earth today.

How to Embark on Vegetarian Diets

You may find it difficult to cut out meat, fish and poultry all at once, especially before you have become skilled at preparing the alternatives. For a good first step, you may not wish to become a strict vegetarian but simply to reduce the amount of meat intake. To start with:

1. Try to include two or three vegetarian meals each week. As you and your family begin to acquire the taste for vegetarian food, you can gradually omit more animal protein from your diet.

2. Get hold of a good vegetarian cookbook to give you more pleasure and delights of vegetarian cookery as well as fresh ideas. The cookbook will also give you and idea of which foods are best served together.

3. Meat, poultry and fish are prime sources of the protein essential to health, so you must seek for alternative sources. These can be found in nuts, seeds, legumes (beans and pulses) and to a lesser extent, in whole grains.

4. Ensure a properly balanced diet by having all four main food groups within a vegetarian diet, namely beans, nuts and seeds; grains; dairy products; and fruits and vegetables. Include something from each group in your daily vegetarian diet to get all the nutrients you need.

5. Try to include a different grain, for example bean or pulse dish whenever possible to provide you with different combinations of flavors and textures so that your vegetarian diet is rich and varied.

Some Tips for Preparing Vegetarian Meals

1. Use whole-wheat flour and pasta and brown rice as they have more flavor than their white equivalents.

2. Breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat, are used in many vegetarian diets and it is a good idea to keep a supply in the freezer for use at a moment's notice. This is especially relevant when you are embarking on a new style of eating where more time will be spent in the planning and preparation of meals initially.

3. Beans are also used extensively in vegetarian diets, so cook large quantities, bag them in usable portions and freeze, they'll then be ready for use within an hour.

4. Always keep the water in which you have boiled vegetables for use as a stock. For extra flavor, use shoyu yeast extract or vegetable concentrates.

There are several reasons for taking up a vegetarian diet, the most obvious being the dislike of breeding animals for slaughter. But, the most important reason is simply because people nowadays know it is better for their health. And the most vital and humane reason is to help reduce atmospheric carbon emission to a safer level that we can live with.

Heather Higgins is the creator of http://www.101earlychildhoodparentingtips.com, a place where you could find great parenting tips for raising your children in their first six years.

She also blogs regularly to share her insights and opinions on parentings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3506259

Weight Loss Quick Tips - 4 Health and Fitness Tips We Should All Live By

When it boils down to it we all need to adopt healthy habits. Obesity is a serious problem. Especially in the Westernized world. More and more people are being declared obese by their doctors. Of course this opens the door for the big pharmaceutical companies to come up with new pills, powders and shakes that will supposedly help you shed a million pounds overnight. None of these magic pills and potions work.

It's time we all start taking responsibility for ourselves and take our health more seriously. Far too many people are dying due to obesity related diseases. It has to stop. Here are 4 very simple health and fitness tips we should all start living by.

Health & Fitness Tip #1 - Start Drinking More Water

Water is extremely important to your overall health. Not only does it keep you hydrated and ensure your vital organs continue to function and operate, but it also help you lose weight by ridding your body of toxins and excess fat. Too many of us are borderline dehydrated. That means our bodies are basically working overtime trying to flush out all the toxins and junk. So drink more water. It does a body good.

Health & Fitness Tip #2 - Eat More Often Throughout The Day

When it comes to losing weight and getting in shape you want to eat more and not less. I know this sounds counter intuitive but hear me out. Most of use grew up on the whole eat 3 square meals a day bit. And while that isn't bad advice, it also isn't the best advice when it comes to losing weight and getting in shape.

If you truly want to lose weight you will need to up the number of times you eat during the day. Notice I didn't say up the amount of food you eat. Instead of eating 3 large meals a day you should eat 5 or 6 small meals. By doing this you will rev up your metabolism and cause your body to burn more calories all throughout the day. So start the day off with a nice healthy breakfast. This will help set the tone and get your body ready to burn the fat.

Health & Fitness Tip #3 - Get Out And Get Some Exercise

Something as simple as a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood will have a profound affect on your health. By getting regular exercise you will keep your heart and your joints strong. You will also prevent certain diseases from occurring. If you are currently out of shape just start off with something simple. Next time you have the option to take the elevator or the stairs, choose the stairs.

Next time you go to the grocery store park as far back as you can. Don't ride around looking for a close spot. Park far in the back so you can get a little exercise in. You don't need to join a gym and pay a monthly fee to get exercise on a daily basis. Just be creative and most importantly have fun. Run around with the kids or play a game on the kinect with them. Anything that gets you moving is a good idea.

Health & Fitness Tip #4 - Find A Way To Stay Motivated

Losing weight and getting in shape is not easy. Especially if you have a lot of weight to lose. That's why it is very important that you find ways to keep yourself motivated and on track. The first thing you should do to stay motivated is determine your "why". Why do you want to lose the weight and get in shape? Do you want to make sure you around to see your grandkids grow up?

What is your "why"? Make sure it is big enough to keep you going during the rough patches. You should also consider getting a workout buddy. Having someone there to hold you accountable is a great motivator.

Losing weight is one of the hardest things to do. I know because I struggled with my weight my whole life. But once I learned how and what to eat that all changed. I started to lose weight and feel confident again. You too can do the same thing. Are you ready to feel confident and sexy again? If so check out Eat Yourself Thin NOW!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7153060

5 Reasons You Should Get a Relaxing Aromatherapy Massage

Nature has bestowed countless gifts to mankind. While some are abundant and easily accessible, others lay hidden to be discovered. Out of these precious natural elements are the numerous and varied herbs and flowers that contain certain essential oils packed with health benefits. While some can be ingested, others can be directly absorbed in the body through skin to gain their benefits.

There are many different types of essential oils, each different in its composition and hence in the benefits that can be procured from it. Some essential oils can be mixed together to make oil blends which are then used to gain specific health benefits. Let's learn what the different advantages of aromatherapy massage are.

• One of the most essential benefits of aromatherapy massage is relaxation of the mind and the body. If you are feeling mentally and physically stressed, then aromatherapy using specific oil blends can really help you relax. This fact has been established through the research done at the University of Maryland Medical Centre. After the massage, you will come out feeling relaxed and calm. The essential oils that are used for this purpose are vanilla, lavender, sandalwood, chamomile, rose, orange blossom etc. Many certified aromatherapy centers will let you choose between the different oil blends to suit your preferences.


• The other most common reason for which aromatherapy massage is preferred is because it helps in the relief of pain. The gentle massage promotes blood circulation throughout the body, and because the essential oils get absorbed into the bloodstream, they reach the different parts of the body and help in the recovery of tissue and aids in curing inflammation. Clove, rosemary, sweet birch, cypress are more commonly used for this purpose.


• Aromatherapy also helps in enhancing the sleeping patterns; therefore, people who suffer from lack of sleep or insomnia should opt for aromatherapy massage using grapefruit, sweet orange, English lavender and patchouli. They act as anti-depressants and calming agents, the person is able to relax after the massage and is able to sleep restfully.


• Another benefit of aromatherapy massage is that it helps in rejuvenation. Rejuvenation is different from relaxation. Essential oils have the ability to be absorbed not only within the skin for hydration, but also reach the blood stream from where it is transported to all parts of the body and that includes all the joints and even the mind. Oils like grapefruit, orange blossom, mint, rosemary and lemon are uplifting properties. Together these oils enliven the mind and provide energy to the body. This is because they are able to release the hormone noradrenalin which helps in sustained attention effectively.


• Lastly, the essential oils also helps in curing digestive problems and in controlling the appetite. For example, Fennel and Patchouli both have the ability to suppress appetite. Besides, they can also help in detoxifying the body. Fennel, especially, possesses this quality and so does orange blossom.

Aromatherapy essential oils massage has a lot of benefits. However, care should be taken that in some conditions it is not allowed, therefore before going for aromatherapy massage, do consult your doctor.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7780494

Mental Health - Tips to Recover From Burn Out

All work and no play can do much more than make Jack a dull boy. Long periods of overload, stress, frustration, poor working conditions or feelings that there is no light at the end of the tunnel can trigger brain drain, or even worse -- physical illnesses such as ulcers, indigestion, headaches, heart conditions, stroke and cancer.

Brain drain doesn't happen overnight. But, if you are not paying attention to the signs, it can hit you like a ton of bricks. Your best defense is to know your stress threshold, recognize when you're about to cross it, and take action immediately to release it. Sometimes it could be the little tips and actions that could save a lot of difficulties down the road.

Here are some tips on how you can recognize and address the condition when it arises:

Signs of burn out

• Mental exhaustion
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Avoidance
• Depression
• Inability to concentrate
• Lack of enthusiasm with daily activities
• Reoccurring headaches or backache

Short-term remedies

• Eat healthy meals that include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Lay off the sugar.
• Drink lots of water
• Avoid caffeine and tobacco.
• Take regular breaks to walk, stretch, and calm your mind.
• Face your problems. Talk, don't confront, others involved.
• Set priorities.
• Join a yoga class, meditate, practice breathing techniques.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes every day.
• Find a quiet place and read a good book.
• Listen to calming music.
• Sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, no more, no less.

Long-term remedies

• Take a vacation at least twice a year.
• Talk to a professional to learn how stress-reducing behaviors.
• Retrain your brain to see the positive aspect of every situation

While it is important to attend to all the 'stuff' that is going on around you, it will be counterproductive if you burn yourself out and cannot function effectively. Occasionally, do take step back and re-evaluate the situation. If you see that matters are spiraling out of control, it may be time to re-prioritize and simplify your life. After all, will the situation be better if you are incapacitated due to depression or illness?

ACTION STEP

Don't ignore your brain. Regular mental exercise can improve concentration, memory and sustained mental clarity when under duress. Research says long-term benefits include reduced risk of Alzheimer's or dementia. Read a good book, solve brain-teasers, do crossword puzzles, learn how to play an instrument, play with words or numbers.

Anna Tracy is a highly sought after internet success coach. She has helped thousands of people worldwide achieve their dreams of earning multiple sources of passive income online. To find out how you too can achieve the same dream, please click here for a free copy of Anna's international bestselling "Make Money Online" report. This report outlines the latest proven and practical ways that thousands are using to generate a lucrative income online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7491598

The Sweet Health Benefits Of Sour Foods

As a young man, I remember my grandmother trying to give me sauerkraut for dinner once and making the worst face possible in response to which my grandmother laughed and said, "Sauerkraut is not only good, it's good for you!" When I tell my patients about sauerkraut as a health food, they make almost that same funny face! Recently, however, it turns out that grandma's words were correct - sauerkraut has a surprising health benefit to it as do other fermented foods. In fact, a group of Polish women were recently studied for their rates of breast cancer. The group who ate a lot of sauerkraut had very low rates of breast cancer.

Health Benefits of Fermented Foods

Fermented foods, like sauerkraut, olives, pickles, sourdough bread have been around for a long time. They were created to help food keep longer using a natural fermentation process called lacto-fermentation. In this process, beneficial lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria (the kind that live in your gut and help digest your foods) convert the starch and sugar in foods to lactic acid. The lactic acid acted as a preservative so refrigeration was not necessary and food had a long shelf life.

A surprising, little known health benefit about these fermented foods was then discovered. It seems that the same fermentation process that both preserves and gives these foods their distinctive sour-tangy taste are also higher in vitamins and actually help your digestion, remove excess saturated fats and cholesterol, and keep your digestive tract healthy and happy.

In fact, these good bacteria present in naturally fermented food have recently started popping up all over television ads and health food articles as "probiotics" which restore and maintain your intestinal flora, i.e., the level of good bacteria in your gut. In case you didn't know this, your large intestine, the place that houses all these beneficial bacteria, is the very seat of your immune system. When your beneficial bacteria levels are optimal, you have a healthy immune system strong enough to ward off infections and other diseases.

Many fermented foods, like olives, also contain good Omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial in reducing inflammation throughout your body.

Not All Sour Foods Are Naturally Fermented

When I tell my patients about naturally fermented superfoods, they say, great I'll pick up some at the grocery store! However, most canned sauerkraut, pickles, greek olives on the shelves, and buttermilks, yogurts, and kefir in your dairy section of your grocery store may not have been created through a natural fermentation process and may not contain the live bacteria.

In fact, many of these grocery store varieties of sour-tasting dairy foods are pasteurized, and the canned-shelf varieties can get their sour taste through the addition of vinegar (a fermented food in itself) and/or certain preservative-grade minerals like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate added to extend shelf life. Most have lactic acid added to them rather than it developing naturally in the fermentation process described above. However, even these grocery store varieties of "fast" fermented foods give some health benefits in addition to their vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber, etc, just not as much as naturally fermented that contain the live culture.

Unless your local grocery store has a special section for refrigerated health foods, you likely will have to go to a health food or natural foods store to get real, naturally fermented, nonpasteurized sauerkraut, pickles, olives, kefir, buttermilk and yogurt. You can also make your own fermented foods very easily. Fermentation starter kits are available, along with directions how to ferment many foods, in health food stores and/or online.

What Fermented Foods Are Available?

Sauerkraut is perhaps the most well-known fermented food. It is a staple in German and Polish cuisine. If you've ever eaten Korean food, you may have eaten kimchi, fermented spicy cabbage and other vegetables, which is a staple food in Korea. In fact, researchers found that Avian flu infected chickens, who were fed a kimchi extract, recovered! Sake, a Japanese rice wine, is also a fermented food, as are all wines, red or white varieties, and most beers. You've also likely eaten soy sauce on your rice if you eat Chinese food, and have at least heard of tempeh, fermented soybeans. Here are some other commonly fermented foods:

•Pickles, olives, onions, mustard greens - Omega 3's, promote good gut bacteria.
•Yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, cheese - benefit digestion and stoke the immune system.
•Natto - Japanese, from which nattokinase is made, beneficial to heart health as it dissolves blood clots. Contains vitamin K2 which research has proven to prevent osteoporosis and breast cancer.
•Miso - Japanese. Miso is credited with saving the lives of hundreds of Hiroshima victims who were fed traditional Japanese miso soup in the hospitals.
•Coffee - research shows coffee to have strong antioxidant properties and the ability to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.
•Chocolate - contains important antioxidants, as much as fruit without the sugar!

You've likely eaten and enjoyed fermented foods for a long time and not known what a great health benefit you were getting from them. Who knew pickles and chocolate could be health foods? Read labels carefully and make sure they say either "naturally fermented" or contain "live cultures", or "lactobacillus acidophilus", to be sure you are getting the most health benefit from your fermented foods. Bon appétit!

Stay well,
Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging

http://www.healthyanswers.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6086408

Depression Will Be Depressing: Learn To Fight It

Depression can hit us all at one time or another. Sometimes it is a simple thing that we just need to work through, and at other times it requires a bit more help. Regardless of your situation, this article will provide some insight and tips on how you can deal with it.

If your job is part of the cause of your depression, you may want to think of cutting down on some of your harder duties. Talk to your boss about how you are feeling and ask if you can do lighter projects. Try not to bring the stresses of your job home with you.

A great tip that can help you get out of a depression is to purchase a bird house. Not only will a bird house make your backyard more beautiful, you'll be able to enjoy all the different kinds of birds that come to use it. This can be a great way to fight depression.

Eat the right kinds of food. Eating foods high in fat and sugar will only make you worse after a time, zapping you of energy that you don't have much of to start with. Start eating a diet high in vegetables and fruits and make sure that your food is organic, if possible.

A great tip that can help you out of your depression is to see any dilemmas with a humorous perspective. A little humor can go a long way and can usually help you deal with a very difficult situation. Use humor to help you get out of your depression.

Practice allowing your feelings to just be. Many times, we feel depressed because feelings are stuck inside, jammed down somewhere because we don't want to deal with them. This is an unconscious response for many people. If you find yourself doing this, accept it and don't beat yourself up. Treat all of your feelings as if they were people. Allow them to exist, hear what they have to say, give them a "mental hug" and you will be surprised at how acknowledging your feelings allows them to dissipate.

Depression is often cyclical. This means that your highs and lows will start to come in waves. If you pay close attention, you may even be able to forecast when the next strong down will come. This can help you greatly as you will be capable of prepare yourself for what is to come.

Try acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient art that goes back many centuries. In addition to the direct benefits of the acupuncture treatment, many acupuncture therapists use meditation and relaxation during the treatment. Together, they make for a very effective treatment for depression. You will leave your session renewed and ready to tackle life again.

Dealing with depression, be it for you or a friend or family member, isn't always easy. If you can use the advice and tips that were given in this article, you should have a better understanding of what you can do and what you should avoid when dealing with it.

I am Muhamed Fareeth, I am Running an Health Information Blog. Like share my content to all

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7484252

Some Great Tips On How To Grow Natural Hair Quickly

Today, there are a lot of people who have problems with their hair. Most of them have hair loss problems. If you are one of them, you need to keep reading this article. There are several tips that you can use to grow your natural hair properly. These tips are chosen because they are very effective to help you grow your hair effectively. It is very important to follow these simple tips regularly to stimulate your hair growth. Here are some of those tips.

1. Eat healthy foods

First, you need to consume healthy foods that can be very effective to nourish your body and your hair. If you want to promote your hair growth, you need to consume a lot of healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables. These healthy foods contain high amount of vitamins and minerals. Your hair needs to receive vitamins and minerals regularly to grow properly. There are several essential vitamins that you need to consume, especially if you want to know how to grow natural hair properly. Try to consume some essential vitamins, such as vitamin A, B, C, and E. All of these vitamins can help you grow your hair naturally.

2. Reduce your stress level

You also need to reduce your stress level. Most hair loss problems are caused by stress condition. Because of that reason, you need to decrease your stress level to stop your hair loss. When your hair loss problems can be treated, you are able to stimulate your hair growth effectively. There are several recommended activities that you can do to reduce your stress level. Try to do some sport activities, yoga classes, meditation classes, and any other relaxing activities. All of these activities can help you decrease your stress level.

3. Use hair growth shampoo products

There are several effective hair growth products that you can use in a regular basis. These products are good for your hair because they contain several essential nutrients for your hair. It is important for you to use organic shampoo products that are available on the market. Organic hair growth products are good for your hair because they do not contain any dangerous chemical substances that can damage your hair follicles.

They are several effective tips that you can use to grow your hair naturally. All of these tips are good because they are very effective to stop your hair loss problems. If you are not able to grow your hair by using these tips, you can also consult your personal doctors. Your doctors may find the best solution for growing your hair effectively.

You can also check some other hair growth tips from this site. In this website, there are several effective tips to grow your hair naturally. Read this article to learn more how to grow your hair naturally.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7818584

Tips to Become a Healthy Vegetarian

As more and more people start being aware of their quality of food goes into their body, the lifestyle of vegetarian is getting more attention than ever before.

What is a vegetarian?

Generally speaking, a vegetarian is a person who chose not to eat any sorts of meat, including beef, chicken, pork, or fish. However, there are many different kinds of vegetarians with different philosophies.

• Flexitarian - like a vegetarian beginner that occasionally eats meat.
• Pesci - eats daily products, eggs and fish but no other meat and poultry
• Lacto-ovo Vegetarian - No meat, but eats dairy products and eggs
• (Lacto means dairy, Ovo means eggs)
• Lacto Vegetarian - No meat, no eggs, but consumes Lacto (dairy products)
• Ovo Vegetarian - No meat, no dairy, but eats Ovo (eggs)
• Vegan -The ultimate vegetarian (I think). They don't intake any animal products including meat, dairy, eggs, gelatin nor honey.

Benefits of Being a Vegetarian

Being a vegetarian requires disciplines since we are surrounded by animal products in our food sources. But, many choose to become a vegetarian based on their commitment to their...

• Improve Overall Health
• Environmental Concern
• Natural Approach to Wellness
• Food-safety Concern
• Animal Welfare
• Weight Loss/ Weight Management

Whatever their reasons may be, it is noted that people who are plant based diet do not suffer from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity as much as meat eaters who tends to eats less fiber and too much saturated fat. Animal products contains high volume of salt, chemicals, hormone which can causes the blood to retain water and can cause plaque to build up in an arteries. So, lifestyle of vegetarian seems to be much more healthy than our modern diet..

BUT, Here Are 3 Major Challenges in Vegetarian Diet

1. Junk-Food-Eater-Vegetarians

Some vegetarians have health problems just like any others including obesity because they consume too much junk food, like soda pop, cookies, chips, French fries, too much candy bars, etc. Technically, they are not animal products, but they are nutritionally empty bulk food, high fat food that are not healthy for anyone. Walter Willett, chair of the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health says "the healthiest vegetarian diet will have a lot of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes."

2. Lack of Protein

We need protein for our body growth, maintenance and repair our cells. Most of protein source in our food are meat, eggs, fish, dairy produce etc that are not part of vegetarian diet. But, there are many other plant based protein, such as peanut butter, tofu, almonds, beans, potato, spinach. So, just make sure there is enough protein in your diet.

3. Lack of Nutrition in our vegetables and fruits

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables itself cannot provide you nutrition necessary for your body to be nurtured any more. Nutrient content of our vegetables and fruits have greatly diminished last five decades because of mineral depletion of the soils, mass production of food, genetically modified food...For example, you only needed 2 peaches to supply woman's required vitamin A in 1951. Today, we need to eat 53 peaches to meet the same requirements. It means drinking kale smoothie is not enough! I don't think anyone can possibly have time and money to eat all produces necessary for our body to flourish. So, REAL supplementation is necessary to stay well.

Conclusion

Non-meat eating diet does not promise you to stay healthy. But, overall, living as a vegetarian can be healthy for you if you choose to stay proper vegetarian standard of consuming a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits, fibers, nuts, and protein with proper supplementation. And, remember to be moderation in all things.

The choice is yours.

Always Be In Harmony

Kazumi

Thank you for reading my article. I pray that it is beneficial for you. You can visit my website to find out more about Practical and Natural Solutions to your Well Being!

[http://aloeveraadvantages.com/] and find more about the BEST supplementation to change your life starting TODAY!

[http://aloeveraadvantages.com/for-your-wellness]

God bless!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7055491

How to Benefit From the Mind-Body Connection

Dr. Bernie Siegel, author of "Love, Medicine and Miracles" was once a distraught surgeon who fretted over his inability to effectively serve his cancer patients. Dr. Siegel's recognition and growing understanding of the mind-body connection eventually allowed him to serve his patients and himself in a greater capacity.

Bernie writes in his book, "When a doctor reports amazing improvements in a patient's condition, he or she almost never mentions that person's beliefs and lifestyle, but when I inquire, I find the patient always has made some drastic change toward a more loving and accepting outlook. The patient seldom tells an unreceptive doctor about this, however."

When the person's mind changed, the state of their health changed. Hence, the importance of the mind- body connection.

However, just covering up the surface with positive thinking isn't necessarily going to help. It's like cleaning out a house. The dirt and filth has to be removed and the stale air replaced with fresh air. There has to be a fundamental change for real healing to take place. Surface level, 'positive thinking' isn't going to effect this kind of change, just like lightly dusting our homes won't get the real dirt out.

So what are the dirty and stale things in our minds? Well, they could be things like grudges, prejudices, anger, resentment and hate. One spiritual principle from religion talks about "loving your enemy". That can't be done without giving up hate. By giving up something bad, we can make room for something good to come in and may, as a result, see a corresponding change in our bodies.

The problem here is that many of these bad things are buried and hidden and we won't necessarily see them or recognize them in ourselves. We can be certain that they are there though, it is a virtually inevitable consequence of living in a world that is so focused on selfishness and less concerned with "loving" others.

So in order to find these bad things and eliminate them requires introspection, it requires looking at oneself hard and long. However, there is still a problem. When we are searching within our minds, we have to have a standard to do the comparison with. Otherwise, how will we find anything? How will it stand out?

Let's look to one of the greatest thinkers of the Western world, Socrates. What did Socrates do with is life? Didn't he teach others about virtue? Interesting, isn't it? One of the most influential people in western thinking emphasized virtue to his students. Socrates talked about things like absolute goodness, beauty and truth.

If someone as great, as well loved and respected as Socrates thought these things were important, perhaps therein lies the key to the mind-body connection. To live a truly healthy and worthwhile life, maybe virtuous thoughts like truth and goodness are what our minds should embrace rather than the negative things modern life finds us clinging too.

Remember what Bernie said, "I find the patient always has made some drastic change toward a more loving and accepting outlook." When we embrace truth and goodness, the beauty of life and this vast universe that we live in becomes evident. That is when we can heal our bodies. Real healing happens in the mind.

This article is for information purposes only, it is not meant to diagnose, prevent or treat any illness or health issue. If you have or think you have a health condition, please visit your primary-care physician immediately.

David Snape is the author of: What You Should Know about Gum Disease ISBN: ISBN: 978-0-9814855-0-8.
You can ask Dave questions at http://tobeinformed.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/18814

Get A Killer Body With These 7 Top Fitness Training Tips

Building a body is not always easy, but there are a few things you can do at home to keep building the six-pack abs you want.

There are several ways you can work out with the equipment you have in your home. They not only help with building muscles, but they also tone the body to keep the muscles from going flabby.

1. Weights, Intensity And Volume

When you work out you need weights, intensity, and volume. And you don't have to go to a gym to get them.

You can use what you have around the house as weight. Intensity can be accomplished by add more repetitions. As for volume, you can get by adding new routines as well as doing more reps per routine.

2. Pullups Are Good For The Upper Body

Pull-ups are good for the upper body. There are several doorways in your home you can use to increase the reps. You can also increase the times you do them throughout the day.

If you start out doing 5 pull-ups, try for 6 pull-ups the next day and add one every day. The more you do, they stronger you'll become.

3. Rowing A Boat To Build Up The Legs, And Upper Body Muscles

Since there is water everywhere, you shouldn't have a problem rowing a boat. It builds up the legs, and upper body.

If you spend 10 minutes rowing, you'll get all the blood flowing through your muscles and joints. Rowing's much better than a treadmill or jogging, for that matter because it works the upper body and core as well as your legs and arms.

4. The Power Of Squats

The military makes their soldiers do squat thrush's because it builds them up faster than other exercises.

You can emulate them starting with 5 a day and working your way up to 20 to 30 reps a day. They help with the entire body and the cardiovascular system.

5. Cut Out On Carbohydrates And Sugar Intake

Cut out the carbohydrates and sweets such as cookies, cakes, chocolate, breads, and other foods that contain sugar or corn syrup.

The reason is because, these food items tend to spike your blood sugar and they are also not good for your blood pressure, pancreas, or your heart.

6. Eat 5 Times A Day Instead Of 3 Times A Day

Eat 5 times a day instead of 3 times a day, where you have breakfast, morning snack, lunch, then afternoon tea-break and finally, dinner. And you'll want to keep your food portions small for your 3 main meals (that is, breakfast, lunch and dinner), as you'll be having some snacks in between.

Doing so will ensure that your body's overall energy level remains at a steady level throughout the entire day. Also, you're less likely to suffer from any mood swings due to the fact that your blood sugar level remains at a steady level as well.

7. Drink Plain Water Instead Of Soda, Coffee, Tea Or Sweetened Juices

Drink plain water rather than soda, coffee, tea, or sweeten juices.

Otherwise, you may also want to drink fruit juices that are unprocessed, unsweetened, and all natural. They will give you all the nutrients, as well as energy you need to build the killer body you want.

Want to have a body-to-die-for and fit into that figure hugging dress or sexy bikini? Get tips on how to tone your body at UrbaneWomen and get trim and fit... fast!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7130457

Smart Eating And Weight Loss

The pounds have piled up; the pants are getting too tight. It is high time to start losing off the extra weight. Planning right from the beginning makes it easier to succeed in your weight loss plans.

Keep track of what you eat and the type of exercise you do every single day. Write everything down in your journal. This gets things organized and you will be better motivated to continue on.

Cooking your own meals let you have total control over what to put into your body. No more extra oily, salty or sweet food from cafes and restaurants to tempt you and make you stray from your diet. Get some good cookbooks promoting healthy weight loss recipes, some basic cookware and you are well on your way to healthy cooking. You might be pleasantly surprised at the results.

When shopping for groceries, be sure to check the calories count and list of ingredients listed on the food packages. Do not be misled by advertisements such as natural, sugar-free and non-fried. Look at the fine prints. Every little bit counts towards your weight loss goals.

Eat smaller portions at each meal. Invest in smaller size plates to make sure you are not tempted to eat more. Less food on a bigger plate might give you the impression that you are not eating enough and end up taking more food. Just make sure you are having well-balanced meals, even though smaller portions.

The occasional deviation from your diet is no big deal. Being too strict might lead to stress and this is not good for your weight loss plans. You might get so frustrated and just give up. Stress can also lead to binge eating.

Sticking to the same old food day in and day out can be boring and uninspiring. Try healthy food from around the world right at home. Some of them can be easy to cook in your home kitchen.

Eating your main meals in front of the TV, work table or computer screen is a typical bad habit among some of us. It is difficult to be eating healthily this way and besides it is bad for your digestion. If you must be munching on some food while working, munch on carrot sticks instead.

Poor food choices, unhealthy snacks and too much fast and processed food not only lead to an expanding waistline but also clogged arteries. Taking control of the way you eat can lead to positive weight loss and a healthy body.

Do visit the site http://bestcookwareset.org and get these beautiful safe cookware as companions in your healthy weight loss diet plans.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7548065

How To Achieve True Fitness: Sharpen Your Mind and Heal Your Body

Happiness isn't just about relationships, careers and all those things we all strive to get right. It's about fitness, health and well-being... and keeping your most important sex organ alive: your brain. By reading this brief article you'll be able to take control of that mischievous child, the brain, and make it work for you. And, along the way, you'll increase your love of life.

I prescribe the following four steps for most of my therapy and coaching clients because they increase the likelihood of success, no matter what they're specific goals may be. Why don't you try them out for a test run? They're simple but effective techniques for keeping your mind young, supple and powerful, and attaining a high degree of fitness that will make you stronger emotionally.

1. Exercise your brain. You'll create more neurons and decrease the likelihood of getting Alzheimer's and other dementias. Play games. Do puzzles. Enjoy brain teasers. Challenge yourself by learning a musical instrument. Take a class. Learn a language. You'll keep those all-important neural pathways strong and vibrant, and you'll keep them growing.

2. Exercise your body to activate your immune system. Just move. Stay active. Walk instead of riding somewhere. Cut the weeds in your lawn by hand. Wash your own car. If you must watch TV, get up often and walk around. By sitting passively on your arse, night after night, you actually take years off your life. Do like the famous and fabulous Bruce Lee, and exercise your body while you are watching the tube. Do some physical labor. Whatever it takes to get yourself moving again!

Avoid a passive lifestyle and you'll be rewarded with a longer, happier life. You'll increase heart rate and blood flow, and supply more oxygen to your brain cells! And you'll enjoy your twilight years more fully. And, by the way, the sex life will be much better.

3. Get your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure impairs cognitive function. If your blood pressure is in a healthy range, you'll perform well mentally. You'll be as sharp as a tack. Work with your doctor and make it happen. Change your diet, throw the salt shaker away and become more active. You'll hit the health and fitness jackpot.

4. Sit still and do something. Studies show that meditation can reawaken the brain, restore balance, and heal traumatic experiences. Listening to the quiet and basking in solitude can make a big difference in your life. Breathing deeply can be your ticket to overcoming stress and enhancing your whole being. Take the time to help yourself. Resting your brain through progressive relaxation or mindfulness meditation can be very rewarding and stimulating.

In summary, you don't have to turn back flips to keep you and your brain young and vital. Just exercise your brain and body, control your blood pressure and sit in the silence on a regular basis. In no time you'll be feeling stronger than ever!

Richard Hamon is a professional therapist and life coach with over 33 years of experience. Richard helps people to solve their relationship problems, enjoy truly extraordinary marriages and find exceptional success in all areas of their lives.

You'll find all kinds of articles on how to spice up your relationships and lead a better life at Richard's website, Happy-Relationships.com. Find out about therapeutic services and take a free relationship quiz to help you assess your relationship. For more information on conducting state-of-the-art relationships and the latest research on true happiness, please go to: http://happy-relationships.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7151647

Using Yoga As a Tool in Weight Loss

Yoga is my favorite method of relaxing. It is done to increase flexibility and to strengthen and tone your core directly. Yoga is also reliable for weight loss. There are many benefits of yoga for your weight reduction, which is easier to accomplish then any other systems. But you should combine yoga with other exercise routines,along with diet, for effective weight loss.

Obesity is a matter of concern which many individuals are fighting to get rid. It leads to various mental and physical issues. Obesity may cause difficulty in the form of physical movement, inadequate stamina, physical issues, and also difficulty breathing. The mental discomfort which is caused by carrying excess body weight is stress and inferiority complex. Implementation in addition to effective planning with yoga will help you in losing weight. Yoga is subjects that is made of various methods which are used to get rid from surplus fat from your body.

The Value of Yoga exercises:

Yoga may not be a high intensity exercise which helps make you sweat, it is a gentle method that enhances your own breathing mechanism to help tone your body by stretching it. Weight reduction may not be achieved quickly with yoga however it may cause a sizeable change which will be maintained for a longer duration. Yoga exercise helps to moderate the weight gain process in your body along with sculpting your body shape.

The postures and methods of yoga concentrate on breathing and stretching techniques. Stretching helps in muscle mass expansions and breathing helps by inducing more metabolism. Yoga has turned out to be more effective as it leads to out positive results. A yoga initiative needs to be coupled with good mindset. Yoga helps in reliving you from various kinds of stresses along with helping you to relax.

Yoga has been used thousands of years and it has assisted people around the globe to achieve a wide array of health benefits. There are a lot of benefits to yoga for your weight loss and it is considered as a platform for effective weight loss. Yoga should be coupled with healthy diet regime as well as gentle exercise which will help you to satisfy your weight loss goals. These three factors go hand in hand for getting the desired outcome.

The benefits of working at yoga are:

• It is tender way of losing weight which is personally adaptive and inviting too.
• It is a simple yet effective and safe form of exercise that is non aerobic.
• Practice of yoga helps you to gain muscle mass when you combine it with exercise. Various yoga postures help you to strengthen your muscles along with toning it. It also provides your body a sculpted look.
• Improves digestive function which will help in increasing the metabolic rate rate and thus it will helps you to burn more body fat and will help in weight loss.
• The elongation and compression of the internal organs will help in making metabolism and food digestion better.
• Strengthens flexibility and range of motion in your body. The mix of these will help you in creating stronger muscles together with losing weight.
• Far better postures will let you look leaner in appearance.

The Yoga Benefits

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7870744

The Comprehensive Details Of a Poor Diet And Hair Loss

This topic can be introduced by asking a question. Are you experiencing a poor diet and hair loss problem? Do you know the main cause of this problem? Well, if you don't know, reading through this article content will help a lot. It is factual that 50% of men and 40% of women suffers loss problem at a given age in life. In fact, you have ventured in using several loss products that promise to solve the problem. Well, don't give up, there is a great surprise that will be unleashed in this content. It will help your aging problem of hair loss and a poor diet.

From research and visibility study, hair loss problem has been traced from a poor diet. Doctors, hairdressers, veterans and the host of profession affirm the same. They have basically mentioned that the growth of the hair is directly proportional to the nutritional diet consumed. If this is case, there are certain foods that should be consumed for hair loss problem. Reading through the huge list will help you on how to get ready in solving your hair loss problem through diet.

Salmon:
It is factual that foods containing Omega-3 can help the healthy condition of the hair. This can be found in salmon, sardines just to mention a few. The richness of the Omega-3 fatty acid in the named foods will help seal in your hair's shine. In case your body lacks Omega-3 nutrient, it will also affect the hair and increase breaking off process. For this reason, it is important to eat diet that contain Omega-3 essential nutrients.

Protein:
Research has made it clear that hair itself is protein. In case you are eating diet low in protein, expect some thinning process to occur. Lack of adequate protein nutrients in the body will lead to slow hair growth. It can also cause hair loss in certain part of the body. Increasing your diet with protein content food will help a lot. You can take some soy milk or soy ice cream to garnish the beauty of your protein diet.

Vitamin E:
Do you know that vitamin E is beneficial for hair growth? This is because it contains useful antioxidants. This can also help strengthen the immune system of an individual. It improves circulation to every part of the body with the scalp inclusive. Feeding on the explained diets will help you fix back the issue of your hair loss as required. To conclude on this topic, it is important to watch the food you eat. In case you are having loss issue, ensure to eat diets that can bring back your joy. Just like the list explained above, you can find total solace from the effects of these diets. You can try to feed on this list of diet on a daily basis. It will help to bring back lost hair, time and again. People that have followed the medical expert advice on follicle loss diet will see positive result. On this note, perfect diet containing certain proportion of nutrients works perfectly.

David C. Brown holds a Master of Education from Texas A@M University in College Station, Texas and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Texas.
If you find this article helpful, please visit my website.
http://www.natural-hairloss-prevention.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7797218

Fitness Training Courses: Guide to Ultimate Fit Body Success

Have you always dreamed of a perfect body? Are you trying to find ways to start being and feeling sexy and healthy? Do you want to start your goal of losing weight but don't know which step to take? If yes is your answer, no more worries! Fitness Training Courses is your ultimate guide for that fit body success!

Fitness Training Courses will help you find the way to a healthier lifestyle. These courses provide learning on designing exercise and aerobic routines to achieve the perfect body of your dreams. Fitness Training Courses will train you to get the fit body through a series of fitness exercise techniques.

You may have already browsed over magazines, watched television and even Googled ways to tone your body. You may have tried all the tips shared in all possible resources to have that perfect body you've always wanted. You may even have asked opinion from your family or friends. But then, it just never worked out for you and you feel like giving up.

There's no need to! By taking fitness courses, you'll gain professional guidance. It's always best to learn it straight from the one who really knows it. You'll be taught to relax your body and mind, and, help you get started on your way to being fit.

There are a number of courses available. If you don't have time to go to a fitness center to take courses, you can simply go online. A lot of online trainers now offer courses even if you're just at home. You have the option to train at home or at the gym, it's all up to you. All you have to do is choose the right one for you!

Here's a 3-step guide to choose the right course:

Step #1: Determine your goals.

Before you get started, it's best to have a clear goal in mind of why you want to take a course. Doing this will inspire you and motivate you to keep yourself on the right track. Also, consider your strengths and weakness. You have to gauge your capabilities to make sure you choose the right course to fit your needs.

Step # 2: Check the credentials.

Before taking the course, make sure it is designed by a qualified trainer with recognized certifications or qualifications. A professional should assist you to better understand your unique fitness needs. Also, whether you train at home or at the gym, make sure proper fitness equipment are available.

Step # 3: Consider your budget.

Always keep in mind that though beauty costs, it doesn't mean you have to spend all your money! Make sure you choose a course which offers reasonable pricing. Even with a fixed budget, you can still find the best to help you get fit!

Start your way to achieve the perfect body. Let Fitness Training Courses be your guide to achieve the ultimate fit body! Start your course today! Check out http://www.trainingfitness.info we have a 7-day e-course for free, only for you!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7080939

Benefits and Advantages of Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism is defined as the avoidance of food which is obtained by killing animals. Over the years vegetarianism has gained a growing number of followers. In my own native country of The Netherlands the percentage of vegetarians has increased from 1.9% of the total population in 1999 to 4.5% in 2005. What can be so attractive about the vegetarian diet?

Vegetarianism goes back a long way. History's first famous vegetarian was the Greek statesman, mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras (569-475 BC). He abolished the sacrificing of animals under his rule and was a fervent advocate of meat abstinence throughout his life. He is considered the founder of vegetarianism in Europe and even until the 19th century vegetarians were still called 'pythagoreans'. Pythagoras was a vegetarian on moral grounds primarily. He was deeply convinced that the killing of animals for personal consumption was an act of dire barbarism, leading to man's moral and spiritual decline.

"As long as man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower beings, he will never know health or peace. For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love". Pythagoras

In India Gandhi echoed Pythagoras' beliefs in his passionate claim that "the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Recently this utterance became the inspiration behind a new political party for animal rights in The Netherlands, who at the recent elections in November 2006 earned a surprising two seats in Parliament.

People become vegetarians for different reasons. Some choose the vegetarian way of life based on health related motives, others become vegetarians out of silent protest against the suffering and mistreatment of animals in slaughterhouses, while still others shun meat for spiritual reasons. The Buddhist's vegetarian diet is a logical consequence of the Buddha's doctrine of *ahimsa* or non-violence towards all sentient beings. Eating meat is seen as being part of the killing process and thus leads one away from the path to enlightenment. Fruits and vegetables are believed to stimulate mental and physical purity, while meat is said to cloud the mind and hinder one's meditation. Spiritual philosopher Sri Chinmoy explains, "When we eat meat and fish, the aggressive, animal consciousness enters into us. Our nerves become agitated; they become restless and aggressive, and this can interfere with our meditation."

Adversaries of vegetarianism often claim that a vegetarian diet misses out on essential nutrients, especially protein. However, this claim has never been backed by scientific evidence and is merely a widespread myth, as all essential nutrients are readily available from vegetarian sources, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, nuts and seeds.

More recently a contrary view has won wider public appeal, which argues that not shunning but eating meat poses considerable health risks. This view has been scientifically proven, as meat eaters tend to consume unwholesome fat and an excess of protein, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. To quote dr. William Castelli, Director of the Framingham Heart Study, "Vegetarians have the best diet. They have the lowest rates of coronary disease... Some people scoff at vegetarians, but they have a fraction of our heart attack rate and they have only 40 percent of our cancer rate." Elaborate studies in England and Germany have also shown this 40 percent ratio.

Finally, the vegetarian diet could prove to be a solution to the world's food problem. Roughly half of the world's corn crops are fed to cattle while every day an average of 40,000 children die of starvation. The same food that is now given to animals for meat production could put an end to world hunger. The environment would also benefit from the change in diet. Cattle farming uses up far more land, crops and energy than does agriculture. Large parts of the South-American rainforests are cleared to grow crops for cattle-fodder. The earth further suffers from the emission of nitrogen caused by animal manure, causing acid rain and the pollution of our drinking water.

The world's greatest mathematician, himself a devout vegetarian, sums it up beautifully:

"Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet" Albert Einstein

*Sources: http://www.vegetariers.nl (website of the Dutch Vegetarian Association)

http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vegetarian_foods.html (website of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine)

Abhinabha Tangerman is happily vegetarian for nearly 10 years of his life. He runs marathons and studies meditation with spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy. http://www.srichinmoycentre.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/442194