Is Vitamin B17 The Greatest Cover Up In The History Of Cancer?

It has been becoming increasingly apparent in recent years that there are a number of alternative cancer treatment methods which have proven to either eradicate cancer cells on their own, or even assist with the more traditional methods of chemotherapy and radiation. Many of these alternative treatments do not get the recognition that they deserve from either mainstream media or mainstream medicine. In fact, in many states alternative cancer treatments have been banned or made illegal and, according to the law, one can even be forced to undergo chemotherapy against one's will.

It is important to note, however, that choosing one of these natural, alternative cancer treatments does require you to do a lot of research, because there is very little funding, or merit, allotted to their study. The cancer industry does not want to look at these alternative methods and spends very little of their funds informing people about preventative medicine. In fact, one particular vitamin that is believed to be extremely beneficial in fighting cancer cells has actually been banned by the FDA and is illegal for treatment in the United States, and that is Laetrile.

Laetrile contains one of the greatest concentrations of vitamin B-17 on the planet, and it can be found in the often-overlooked seed of a popular fruit: the apricot. Apricot seeds can be found beneath the hard pit inside the apricot, and many people are unaware that they are both edible and delicious, and that they contain a cancer-fighting agent called amygdalin within.

Amygdalin contains glucose, benzaldehyde, and cyanide, and it is the latter which is believed to be the active cancer-fighting ingredient of Laetrile. It is important to note, however, that cyanide is actually toxic to all cells, which makes the overall toxicity of Laetrile a concern. Yet studies suggest that Laetrile is more toxic to cancer cells than to normal cells. After all, your chances of getting cyanide poisoning from apple seeds or almonds are extremely slim, and we mustn't forget that cancer is toxic to begin with. (And the last time I checked, so are chemotherapy and radiation.)

You May Be Asking The Following Question

Question: "If B17 is so powerful and helpful towards cancer elimination, then why is it not prescribed by modern physicians as a treatment?"

Simple Answer: "A control for cancer is known, and it comes from nature, but it is not widely available to the public because it cannot be patented, and therefore is not commercially attractive to the pharmaceutical industry."
 — G. Edward Griffin.

Dr. Sugiura's Research

Dr. Kanematsu Suigura spent the majority of his career at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and has authored more than 250 papers; he has also received numerous awards, one of which included the highest honors from the Japan Medical Association for outstanding contributions in cancer research. He specifically studied Laetrile and discovered that it showed very positive results with preventing malignant lung tumors in laboratory mice. In control groups which received only plain saline, the lung tumors spread to between 80 and 90 percent of the mice, but in those given Laetrile, the tumors only spread to between 10 and 20 percent.

And Now For The Cover-Up…

By 1974 findings for Laetrile's cancer fighting properties were so positive that the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center had signed off on clinical trials — but then everything changed. The center started to get other scientists to perform the experiments involving Laetrile and whenever an experiment showed the possibility of a positive outcome, the research was completely scrapped and disregarded. Other scientists working at Sloan Kettering who had previously been on board with the cancer-fighting properties of Laetrile started to characterize these studies, and Sugiura himself, as fraudulent, even though nothing scientifically had changed to negate Sugiura's findings.

Ralph Moss was a friend and colleague of Dr. Sugiura's and was well informed about his findings in regards to Laetrile. When things started to go downhill, Moss found himself stuck in a moral dilemma: he could lie to support his employer, Sloan Kettering, or tell the truth about Laetrile and sacrifice his job. In the end, Moss chose to tell the truth and came clean at a press conference that was held in July of 1977. This ended up being his final day as an employee of the Sloan Kettering foundation.

According to Ralph Moss, the Laetrile cover-up really only makes sense when viewed through the lens of "the politics of cancer." According to Moss: "The people on Sloan Kettering's Board of Directors were a 'Who's Who' of investors in petrochemical and other polluting industries. In other words, the hospital was being run by people who made their wealth by investing in the worst cancer-causing things on the planet."

This is only part of the story. To read the whole thing, click here.

More Information About Laetrile's Cancer Fighting Properties

Even though Laetrile is not an FDA-approved cancer treatment, there are doctors who are choosing to use it 'illegally,' like John A. Richardson. He has been treating cancer patients at his clinic in San Francisco, California and it has been working a whole lot better than the traditional methods of treatment. His numerous success stories are documented in his book, Laetrile Case Histories: The Richardson Cancer Clinic Experience.

The FDA considers Laetrile an unapproved form of cancer treatment and it is illegal for a practitioner to administer. As a result of these regulations, you cannot buy Laetrile in the United States, although you can buy Vitamin B17/amygdalin in supplement form. Apricots themselves are not illegal, of course, so you can always gather their seeds on your own, though this is immensely time consuming. If you do choose this course of action, be aware that you are doing it at your own discretion. Because I am not a doctor and cannot give out medical advice, I highly suggest that you find a doctor who practices alternative medicine and who can best direct you on how to properly use this treatment.

Here's to the truth and health!

Much Love

Source: Collective Evolution

Wendler 5 3 1 Workout-A Complete Training Program

In today gym junkies post, I would like to tackle Jim Wendler  5 3 1 system. Before I start, it is very vital to note that Wendler 5 3 1 is not a cookie cutter or a generic program you may analyse easily. Through Wendler different book publications such as original 5 3 1 for powerlifting and original 5 3 1 and beyond 5 3 1, Wendler has produced over 500 pages of contents on the 531 system.

In all these publications, Wendler offers many different versions of  5 3 1 systems that help  from getting faster strength, improving conditioning, general strength and jumping higher and setting PRS on the major three for the purpose of powerlifting.

Here in gymjunkies post, I would like to highlight some main features of 5 3 1 strength program. I would recommend you consider the copy of Beyond 5 3 1 If you want to add any variation in the program. This publication contains the greatest ideas and Wendler latest tips concerning 5 3 1 systems. If you do not know with "Joker" and "first set last" your knowledge base on 5 3 1 is out of dated.

Unlike other weight lifting program, Wendler 5 3 1 features a mesocycle on a monthly basis with weight increasing. This program is not for advanced intermediate athletes. However, early intermediate bodybuilders can make program gradually once per month. It permits for rep maxes, but it is tough to add one rep every week then  add ~2-5lbs/1-2kg per week

The major drawback in 5 3 1 systems is that it lacks the frequency for the weightlifters. You need to perform each lift every week. For the majority of body trainers and weight lifters, it is not optimal from the technical point of view. You need a weekly exposure to the lifting to dominant your technique. Presently, there are different 5 3 1 templates that work well to rise frequency. For the purpose of powerlifting, where technique is important, it is vital to select one of them. You can find these examples easily in Wendler 5 3 1 Beyond publication.

This program gives you a method of how to skyrocket your strength and stamina, and you will experience it soon. Another benefit of 5 3 1 and another strength training system is that you do not need to stay in the gym for a long time to see results. Three to four workouts of 40 to 60 minutes per week is all you should follow.

 A Final Word

It is not for power lifters but everyone with experience of weight lifting. It provides you with a systematic plan to increase all rep-maxes that lead to all-around strength and top-end strength.

How I Got In the Best Shape of My Life After 40 (Revealed!)

Trying to get in shape after 40 can be a real catch 22. As your body ages, it can't handle intensive workouts the way it did when you were 20. It feels as though you'll never make any noticeable progress at a slow and gentle pace. Many of us give up on exercise completely, which only makes us more out of shape.

I'm not going to lie, exercise can be hard on your body as you get older. While it's not impossible for your muscles and joints to stay in good condition as you age, most older people have more frequent aches and pains, plus a higher chance of injury.

Older men and women have decreasing bone density and connective tissues that are less pliant and sturdy. Loss of muscle mass also begins around age 30 and continues for the rest of your life. Because of this, it is very important that you tailor your exercise program to your own body.

This is not an excuse to stop exercising as you get older. It simply means that you need to put some thought into your routine. There are hundreds of workouts designed to go easy on aging muscles and joints. You have plenty of choice. Let's start with some of the basics when it comes to choosing an exercise plan that will make you feel fitter and younger.

>>>Do you want an exercise routine that will make you feel young and vibrant instead of old and tired? We've found one of the best

1. Stay Hydrated

Older adults have a harder time s taying hydrated. As we age, our bodies aren't able to conserve water as well. Another strange change is that we don't feel thirst to the same extent as younger people.

You can see why it's doubly important to drink enough water before, during, and after exercise. Dehydration can take a toll on almost all of your body systems, reducing your stamina and making you feel older.

2. Choose Low Impact Exercises

Some types of exercise can be particularly hard on your body. For example, running takes a toll on your knees and back. Most forms of repetitive cardio cause serious stress on your joints.

That's not to say that there's no place for these high impact exercises in a fitness routine for older people. Science has found that these types of exercises help strengthen bones and joints. The key is to practice them in moderation to prevent injury. Strength training is crucial for older people to retain their muscle, bone, and joint health.

Exercises like swimming, yoga, and tai chi are low impact exercises and can begreat for us as we age.

3. Take Frequent Breaks

It's important to take breaks during exercise at any age, however it becomes a crucial part of your exercise routine as you get older. Overexerting yourself won't do anything but make you feel exhausted rather than revitalized.

Sc ien ce has shown that taking breaks during exercise helps your body to burn fat more effectively. The best technique is to engage in a short exercise session, take a break, then get back to your workout.

Take a Break Pause Relax Relief Rest Stop Repose Concept

4. Don't Fall For the Latest Trends

As is always the case where diet and exercise are concerned, the latest trend isn't necessarily the best one to follow. These trends were most likely designed to make the creator a quick buck without taking into account the health needs of older people.

5. Don't Stop, Keep Exercising

Breaks during exercise are okay, but when it comes to skipping your planned workout session completely, this is rarely a good idea.

The harsh truth is that it will be significantly more difficult to get your body back into shape ten years from now than it is today. If you don't keep your body in shape now, in ten years your strength and health may have declined to the point where exercising is no longer an option.

I don't mean to scare you but physical activity is cru cial to seniors. The best way to be able to engage in healthy exercises as a senior is to take care of your body during middle age.

6. Use High Quality Equipment

Along with avoiding fad diet and exercise plans, it's equally important to stay away from cheap, gimmicky workout equipment. As I've already mentioned, injuries happen more easily with age and the required recovery time and tissue damage can put a halt to your exercise plan, making your body feel older for months afterwards.

Final Thoughts on Getting In Shape Later In Life

I think the points above have shown that getting in shape after 40 is far from impossible. With a bit of planning and some expert advice, you can create an exercise plan that will help you improve your fitness and health for years to come.

Are you ready to start taking care of your body TODAY? Hint: it does NOT mean a ton of exercise, but actually less!

How To Relieve Anxiety In 10 minutes By Burning a Bay Leaf

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health illness facing the United States. 40 million U.S. adults are diagnosed with anxiety. That's almost one fifth of the population. In order to combat this epidemic, many people have been turning towards anti-anxiety medication. However, even doctors admit that this is not a long-term solution as these medications come with a variety of side effects and health hazards.

Thankfully, bay leaves have proven to be an effective natural remedy for anxiety that doesn't come with harmful side effects.

Anxiety and Medication

Everybody has experienced anxiety at some point in their lives. Some experience it more than others, and every individual is affected by it differently. When someone has an anxiety disorder, it can cause them such extreme distress that it affects their ability to live a normal life.

When people with anxiety disorders experience increased amount of distress and panic, it often culminates into an anxiety attack. Anxiety attacks are characterized by an overwhelming feeling of fear or terror, and many people reported feeling like they were going to experience a heart attack. Other symptoms of an anxiety attack include tingling or numbness in the fingers, chest pains, sweating, breathing difficulties and a racing heart.

Anxiety attacks can be caused by social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, panic disorder or a general anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder is a phobia that is characterized by overwhelming self consciousness during common social situations. The anxiety generally stems from the worry of being judged by friends or peers, or behaving in a way that would cause embarrassment in front of others.

Specific phobias are intense fears of specific objects, situations or certain animals. Common specific phobias include a fear of flying (or heights), a fear of dogs, a fear hospitals and many more.

General anxiety disorder is the constant feeling of excessive worry and tension, even if there is not a lot to be worried about.

Panic disorder is generally characterized by a feeling of intense terror that strikes without warning and usually has no specific cause.

In an attempt to combat the crippling symptoms of anxiety, many people turn towards pharmaceutical medications to help calm themselves and cope with everyday life. However, these medications come with a variety of unpleasant and harmful side effects that can actually worsen a person's anxiety symptoms rather than improve it (experts call these the "paradoxical" effects of anti-anxiety drugs).

Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness/ lack of energy
• Slow reflexes/ clumsiness
• Confusion and disorientation
• Depression
• Memory loss
• Blurred vision

Some of the paradoxical effects of anti-anxiety drugs include:

• Mania
• Hostility and rage
• Aggressive or impulsive behavior
• Hallucinations

Aside from the fact that these drugs are seriously harmful and can actually worsen symptoms of anxiety, many of them are highly addictive too, meaning that if one would want to stop taking them they would have to experience withdrawal symptoms as well. This inefficiency and danger of these drugs highlights the need for natural remedies for anxiety.

What are Bay Leaves?

Bay leaves are aromatic leaves of the laurel tree that have been used throughout history for tradition, medicine and culinary purposes. Recent research has shown that inhaling compounds found in bay leaves have soothing effects that are able to reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Bay leave's soothing properties come from a naturally occurring compound found in it called linalool. One study found that rats who inhaled linalool during aromatherapy sessions showed increased social interaction, and decreased aggressive behavior.

Now that you know how effective bay leaves are as a natural remedy, here is a way to naturally relieve anxiety at home using them.

Start by heating up a piece of charcoal and placing it in a small fire-resistant bowl. Then burn five to ten bay leaves and place them in the bowl. Then leave the room for five to ten minutes (make sure the bowl of fire isn't going to burn your house down) and return to the room after waiting.

The room will be full of the fragrance of bay leaves and you should start to feel relief from anxiety after spending ten to fifteen minutes in the room. Let us know if this helped with your anxiety in the comment section.

References:

http://www.adaa.org/

http://www.webmd.com/

http://www.webmd.com/

http://www.helpguide.org/

http://www.anxietycoach.com/

http://www.onlyfoods.net/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

http://www.naturalhealingmagazine.com/

Original article and credits: FamilyLifeGoals.com

How You Can Use Coffee Grounds To Repel Insects, Fertilize Lawns And Do Other Household Chores

Every year, thousands of pounds of used coffee grounds is dumped in the garbage to be shipping to a landfill where it will just be adding to the growing amount of garbage in this world. Next time you make coffee, instead of putting it to waste, consider putting your used coffee grounds to the test for any of the following uses:

Compost

Used coffee grounds can make an excellent addition to your compost pile. This is because coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, which provide bacteria in the compost with the energy they need to break down the organic items being composted. This can help speed up the compost process, and the coffee grounds will also helps mask the unpleasant smell that accompanies this.

To used coffee grounds as compost, just throw your leftover grounds in your compost bin like you would with anything else that you would put in it.

Fertilizer

The property that makes used coffee beans an effective compost is the same one that makes it an effective fertilizer, and that is its abundance of nitrogen. Mixing coffee grounds with the soil you plan on using to grow with encourages the growth of microbes in the ground. While these microbes are breaking down, the nitrogen that is present will provide an excellent source of nutrients for your plants.

Contrary to what many people think, used coffee grounds are actually not acidic, which is an idea that has dissuaded many people from using coffee grounds as fertilizer in the past. This acid found in coffee beans is water soluble, meaning it gets washed away into the coffee itself, leaving the used grounds acid-free.

Staining Wood

Used coffee grounds make an excellent alternative for do-it-yourself wood staining. It is incredibly simple to apply and it will give your wood a nice, organic tone.

To make this wood stain, start off by gathering your leftover coffee grounds and pour them into your coffee pot or your french press. Add boiling water to the container and let it sit for at least two hours, however if you have enough time to let it sit overnight do that instead. Once the mixture is finished sitting, filter out the coffee grounds and pour it into a container that is large enough that you can fit a paintbrush in it.

When applying this coffee ground wood stain, briefly soak your paintbrush in the mixture and apply it generously to the wood. After adding a layer wait about 10 minutes for it to quickly dry, then add another layer. Do this a few times and continue until you reach the desired shade. If you want to make it even darker you can rub in any leftover coffee grounds that you have.

Mosquito Repellent

Used coffee grounds can act as a great mosquito repellent and insecticide. Not only to mosquitoes dislike the strong scent emitted by used coffee grounds, but several studies have shown that coffee is also effective at killing off mosquito larvae, making it an effective natural insecticide as well.

In order to use coffee grounds as a mosquito repellent/insecticide, pour fine, used coffee grounds into any small, still bodies of water near your house, such as in small ponds of puddles in or around your backyard. This will make these environments uninhabitable for grown mosquitoes and will also kill of any mosquito larvae growing there. You can also try burning coffee grounds in tin cans or aluminum foil to increase its insect-repelling scent, or pour coffee grounds mixed with hot water in a spray bottle and spraying it in infested areas.

Source: The Hearty Soul

The 5-Ingredient Alkalizing Water Everyone is Drinking Morning and Night For a Balanced pH

Whether you deal with skin issues, inflammation, or just an unbalanced gut and diet this simple drink will help. The beauty behind balancing your pH levels is the best part: this drink not only specializes in clearing up your skin, but helps you entire body.

How? Well, just like any detox drink it's all about the ingredients use. The ingredients chosen for this drink are all high on the alkaline scale, as opposed to being high on the acidic side. An alkaline diet promotes better sleep, better energy, and a healthier gut.

Drink It In

A highly acidic diet promotes fungus and yeast growth in your body. It's related to heartburn and other acid reflux disorders, as well as a decreased ability to repair cells, detoxify heavy metals, and make you more susceptible to illness. An acidic diet even helps tumor cells thrive.

So how do you keep your body on the alkaline side of the scale? It all comes down to what you eat. The research has been done for you, however. Detox drinks were looked at and broken down into their components. The ingredients in this drink were chosen for their pH-specific benefits.

pH Balancing Ingredients

Aloe Vera

Maybe you thought it was only for sunburns, but aloe isn't limited to exterior uses. In fact, letting these foods work from the inside out is the best way to get the most benefits. High in vitamin E, aloe helps make your skin glow but helps with so much more. Indigestion, inflammation, disease prevention. Best of all it is an alkaline forming food, so it will balance your body's pH levels.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

If you're a fan of The Hearty Soul or holistic health you'll already know this, but apple cider vinegar can pretty much do it all. Whether you're fighting inflammation or battling bacteria, apple cider vinegar should be your go-to. ACV will also smooth your skin and get rid of acne, balance your gut flora and pH levels, and even help lower blood sugar.

Honey

Another ingredient in every detox drink for healthy pH levels and healthy skin. Antifungal and antibacterial properties help fight infection, and the sweetness improves the flavor and gives you a natural energy kick. For more on honey, watch this short video:

Basil & Mint

Part of the same family, basil and mint work together to add taste and health benefits to your water (and body). You should be totally pro-basil because it is a strong anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antiseptic, anti-fungal, muscle-relaxing herb. Mint is antibacterial and great for digestive health and tastes great.

Lemon

If you're making a healthy drink you cannot forget lemon. High in vitamin C, full of antioxidants and minerals which hydrate and detoxify your body. Lemons boost your metabolism and cleanse your body. The benefits of lemons are seen on your biggest organ – your skin.

So there's your list of ingredients: the superfoods that will go into this super drink. If you read the whole way through you'll see they were each chosen for pH-balancing properties but they also all have agents that help cleanse and regenerate your skin. So your insides will be working properly and your skin will be showing it off.

Worth The Squeeze

Serves: 1 tall glass
Time: 4 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp of aloe vera
• 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar
• 1-2 cups of water (room temperature or hot, based on what you want)
• 1 tsp honey
• A few mint and basil leaves.

What to Do:

Mix together in a glass, or make a pitcher and have it ready to go whenever you want it. It's best to drink this on an empty stomach to get all the benefits, so in the morning or before going to bed are the best times.

Drink this drink for 5 days and you'll notice you're waking up more rested and with more energy. You'll have way fewer digestive problems and you'll notice your skin clearing up.

Enjoy.

Source: The Hearty Soul

THIS Type of RAW HONEY Kills Every Kind of Bacteria Scientists Could Throw At It

The health benefits of raw, unprocessed honey are well known, but in Australia, scientists recently made a startling discovery – that one particular, obscure type of honey is capable of killing just about everything scientists throw at it, including some of the worst bacteria known to man.

The findings were published in the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (June 2009 edition), and could hold special significance at a time when many of the world's top antibiotics are failing, especially against resistant "superbugs."

The honey in question is known as manuka honey, which is produced in New Zealand and also goes by the name of jelly bush honey.

The honey has become so popular in the past few years that shortages have been reported and fake products have been sold, leading New Zealand manuka producers to seek trademark protection (similar to French champagne or Scottish whiskey for example). It's easy to see why now that the secret is out about this honey's incredible health benefits.

Manuka Honey Kills MRSA, Other Superbugs 

Manuka honey is created by bees foraging on the nectar of Leptospermum Scoparium, the New Zealand manuka bush, as well as tea trees native only to Australia and New Zealand.

In the aforementioned studies, Australian researchers found that the honey killed every bacteria or pathogen it was tested on, according to a report by The Australian. The honey can be applied topically to help fight against infections of the skin, cuts and insect bites, or taken internally.

The most exciting difference with the manuka honey that was tested is that none of superbugs killed by the honey were able to build up immunity, a common problem with today's antibiotics.

"New antibiotics tend to have short shelf lives, as the bacteria they attack quickly become resistant," said Dr. Dee Carter of the University of Sydney's School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences. "Many large pharmaceutical companies have abandoned antibiotic production because of the difficulty of recovering costs. Developing effective alternatives could therefore save many lives."

According to Dr. Carter the manuka honey contains a compound called methyglyoxal, that combines with other unknown compounds to cause "multi-system failure" that destroys the bacteria.

Where to Find Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is now sold in health food stores and online, although the supply levels have fluctuated in recent years and fake honey scams have been documented. When looking for manuka honey it is best to look for one that is UMF certified.

The term UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, which is the phytochemical property derived from the manuka bushes that gives it its unique properties. This term is regulated by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association of New Zealand and a handful of certified manuka products can be found on Amazon.com.

The brand Comvita manuka honey is available on Amazon and is UMF certified. One particular customer on Amazon said that it this type of honey helped to erase their MRSA:

I had done a fair amount of research when a friend of ours got MRSA, and then, unfortunately, I got it too., said user JoshuaOne9 on Amazon. Thankfully, I had already done the research so I knew exactly what to do. As soon as I saw the red bump (thinking the first day that it was a mosquito bite) I scratched it, but the second day I realized that it had to be something else. My husband immediately knew what it was since we had been dealing with our friend's case of MRSA. I got my hands on this Manuka honey and put on the area of skin that was affected and then it is very important that you cover it with a bandaid. Within hours I felt relief and within a few days it was completely gone…

While further research needs to be done, it's safe to say that manuka honey shows plenty of promise in defeating one of the biggest health challenges faced by humanity in the 21^st century, and this research should not be taken lightly.

Source: Alt Health Works

This Proves Why Water Fluoridation Is Murder

Water fluoridation is one of the great controversies of our time. One side of this controversy claims that adding fluoride to our water supply is beneficial to the overall oral health of the population and that adverse side effects are minimal to none. The other side of this argument states that fluoride is a poison and is not meant for human consumption.

So what should you think?

In a chilling interview given in the 1970′s to a television station in Holland, Dr. Dean Burk states very unequivocally that water fluoridation is "murder on a mass scale."  You may now be asking yourself, why pay attention to a random interview given in the 1970′s when the CDC claims that water fluoridation is basically harmless and promotes healthy teeth. The answer is about to become very clear.

Who exactly was Dr. Dean Burk?

– Head of the National Cancer Institute's Cytochemistry Sector from 1938 to 1974

– Co-discoverer of biotin

– Co-developer of the prototype of the Magnetic Resonance Scanner (MRI machine)

– Cancer researcher at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute

– Worked for the Department of Agriculture in the Fixed Nitrogen Research Laboratory

– Published more than 250 scientific articles in his lifetime

– Professor of biochemistry at Cornell University medical school

– Research master at George Washington University

– Awarded the Gerhard Domagk Prize in 1965 for his techniques to distinguish between normal cells and those damaged by cancer

– Received the Hillebrand Prize in 1952 for his work on photosynthesis

Given the extraordinary credentials of Dr. Burk, don't you think it's worth your time to see what he had to say on water fluoridation?

Scroll down to hear him for yourself:

(Source)

10 “Backwoods” Folk Remedies That Have Survived The Test Of Time

In the world of home remedies, there are dozens of natural cures for just about everything that ails you. However, many of these deceptively ordinary remedies have been around for hundreds (if not thousands) of years and for good reason! Here are 10 of the oldest time-tested home remedies for common health concerns with scientific backing for exactly why and how they work.

1. Eat Chicken Soup To Cure The Common Cold

While homemade is certain better for your health, even commercial canned chicken soup can go a long way toward helping you fight off the common cold. Fats and proteins naturally present in chicken broth nourish your body, providing much needed calories to counter the loss of appetite that frequently afflicts us when we're sick. The broth is also intensely hydrating, which thins out mucus to relieve congestion, helps the body to regulate temperature and facilitates the removal of toxins which would otherwise impede the healing process if left to circulate through the bloodstream.

2. Use A Damp Tea Bag To 'Pull Out' A Bee Sting

The tannins in tea leaves are a powerful anti-inflammatory remedy which can help to reduce swelling around a bee sting, thus making the stinger easier to remove. Simply apply a damp black tea bag over the bee sting and leave it there until the swelling goes down. Once it does, the stinger will slide out easily.

3. Take Castor Oil To Relieve Constipation

Castor oil is one of the oldest household staples in the world of home remedies because it's good for so many things. Probably the most famous of these uses is the oil's ability to relieve constipation. Castor oil works by stimulating contractions throughout the small and large intestines which helps to move impacted stool. The oil also prevents the intestinal walls from absorbing moisture from and dehydrating fecal matter – one of the primary causes of constipation.

For adults, the dosage is 1 – 2 tablespoons taken orally. For children, 1 – 2 teaspoons is recommended. These dosages may need to be adjusted as each individual's response to castor oil will be different. Relief should come within five hours of ingesting the oil.

4. Soak Skin In Cold Milk To Heal Burns

For instant relief of a burn, try soaking the affected skin in cold milk. The temperature of the liquid will help to stop skin from continuing to burn while simultaneously cooling away the pain. The fats and proteins in milk will also nourish your skin and help speed the healing process.

If the burned body part is small enough to fit into a container of cold milk, you can completely submerge it for 15 minutes. Otherwise, try making a poultice by soaking a clean cloth in milk then apply it to the burn. You can also use cold yogurt for a similar effect if you find milk to be too messy or if you don't have any on hand.

5. Relax In An Oatmeal Bath To Soothe Itchy Rashes

Oatmeal contains a long list of nutrients which are great for skin, promote healing and reduce inflammation. Whether it be from eczema or chicken pox, poison ivy or ant bites, sunburn, heat rash or you-name-it, soaking in a warm or lukewarm bath infused with colloidal oatmeal is one of the best cures for itchy skin caused by just about anything. Just remember not to run the water too hot as this can dry out your skin and make the itch worse in the long run.

The recommended soaking time for any itchy skin ailment is between 15 – 25 minutes.

6. Drink Willow Bark Tea For Aches & Pains

The drinking of willow bark tea for pain is one natural remedy that dates back thousands of years – to the time of Hippocates (aka the "Father of Western Medicine".) Willow bark tea works due to its high concentration of salicin which is very similar in chemical composition to the active ingredient in aspirin. As such, willow bark tea may be consumed in place of aspirin or any other over-the-counter pain killers to treat everything from headaches and menstrual cramps to tendonitis and arthritis.

Unlike most popular commercial pain killers, willow bark tea also contains antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids which provide additional health benefits. You can read more about it here.

Experience the magic of willow bark tea for yourself with this 100% organic shaved white willow bark. You won't believe how well it works until you've tried it! Just remember, if your doctor has instructed you to avoid aspirin (such as for those on blood thinners) you will want to stay away from willow bark as well.

7. Have A Hot Toddy To Soothe Your Sore Throat

While we now know that drinking alcoholic beverages isn't the best thing for your health, this is still one of those time-tested remedies that really works.

The traditional remedy consists of 4 ounces of hot water or tea with a shot of bourbon or whiskey, a dollop of honey and a sqeeze of fresh lemon mixed in. The hot toddy's sore throat-soothing power is mainly due to the healing properties of the lemon and honey (so yes, it still works if you leave out the whiskey, but if you tell your grandmother I said that, I will deny it!)

However, the liquor in a hot toddy does have a couple of arguable benefits as well. Some will tell you that the alcohol makes you drowsy and takes just enough of the edge off of your sore throat or other cold symptoms to help you fall asleep. Others will tell you that alcohol deteriorates the quality of your sleep, thus is self-defeating. The alcohol also works as an anti-bacterial agent in your throat, but honey does the same thing. Ultimately, adding the liquor or leaving it out is a matter of personal preference.

8. Apply Milkweed Sap To Dissolve Warts

Milkweed – the common name which refers to any of over 140 species of plants in the genus Asclepias – produces a white "milky" sap when wounded. When applied to warts, this sap effectively dries up and dissolves the wart, eventually causing it to fall off.

Just keep in mind that milkweed sap is a powerful astringent which also contains latex. As with most botanicals, you will want to perform an allergy test prior to using it and discontinue use immediately if any adverse effects occur.

9. Use Spider Webs To Close Up And Heal Wounds

Spider webs may very well have been the first ever 'Band-Aid" used by humankind. Obviously spider silk is sticky which explains why it's perfect for closing up a wound. However, less obvious is the fact that spider webs contain proteins and vitamins which actually speed both blood-clotting and wound-healing.

Remembering to pack your first aid kit is always preferable to stealing a spider's web in order to mend a wound. But this little piece of natural remedy advice can be a real life-saver on long camping, hiking or other outdoor trips. Simply find a clean spider web (make sure there are no dead bugs on it), carefully relocate the spider residing on the web, collect the web and bundle it into a ball that will fit into the wound you want to close. Make sure the web fills the entire wound in order to stop bleeding and prevent any contaminants from sneaking in around the edges.

10. Drink Ginger Ale To Cure A Sick Stomach

Ginger root and ginger root extracts contain several natural chemicals which are known to relieve nausea by inhibiting the nervous signals which induce vomiting and by stimulating the muscles responsible for moving materials down through the gastrointestinal tract, thus preventing them from coming back up the esophagus.

That said, most commercial varieties of ginger ale no longer include real ginger root extract among their lists of ingredients. However, premium ginger ales like this one from Fever Tree still use real ginger and can be used to cure even the worst cases of nausea.

In a pinch, chewing on a slice of fresh ginger root works great, too! Read all about it plus 10 more reasons to have a daily slice of Zingiber in this excellent article.

Original source: Natural Living Ideas

8 Remedies For Sciatica Pain You Need to Try Before Putting Another Painkiller in Your Mouth

The sciatic nerve is among the biggest in the body, starting at the lower spine, going through the buttocks, and ending down to the lower limb of the foot.

Its location makes it responsible for the strength, feeling and movement of legs.

Sciatica pain is a common issue, manifested by pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness of the lower limbs, and due to these signs, it may often be mistaken for leg cramps or lower back pain.

At times, it may lead to numbness and mild ache, but sometimes it causes almost unbearable, sharp, burning sensation in one side of the body.

The resulting discomfort and pain usually force people to stay in bed, and usually, patients use some over-the-counter drugs to relieve its symptoms, such as ibuprofen.

Research shows that even 40% of the world's population will experience this issue at some point in their lives. We will reveal 8 natural ways to alleviate sciatica pain and treat the inflammation.

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an alternative treatment, which includes the insertion of hair-fine needles at certain body points, aiming to help the nerve function and boost energy.

The relief of this therapy is felt even after the first treatment, but a few sessions can do miracles for the pain. Nowadays, acupuncture is extremely popular, as it has been shown to be effective in the case of migraines, stress, giving up smoking, and also to stimulate the lymph flow.

2. Chiropractic Adjustments

Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can be effective in treating this issue, as the manipulation of the spine can alleviate pain, promote healing, treat inflammation, restore mobility, and enhance function.

3. Ice Packs

Ice packs can instantly relieve sciatica. You can also use a simple package of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, and place it directly on the painful area. Leave it for 20 minutes I every 3 hours, and the pain will be completely relieved.

4. Alternate Temperatures

Ice packs definitely provide an instant relief, but they cannot do deeper and treat the inflammation, and the sciatic nerve is deep in the body. Therefore, you should apply a hot pack immediately after the ice pack, or you can have a hot bath.

The alternation of temperatures will stimulate the circulation and lymph flow, and thus, you will treat the inflammation, and accelerate its healing. For improved results, you can add some essential oils, herbs, or Epsom salts to your bath.

5. Mild (Yoga) Stretches

Even though every single movement can be painful, you need to be active in order to accelerate healing. Therefore, you can practice yoga stretches or gentle back stretches. In this way, you will improve mobility, strengthen the muscles on the back, and boost the blood flow.

6. Massage

Trigger-point therapies or deeper massaging is extremely effective in treating pain, muscle spasms, and numbness of the toes and legs. Moreover, you will benefit a lot from the use of herb-infused oils and essential oils.

7. Herbs And Oils

Numerous natural herbs can provide great effects, as they reduce inflammation and treat pain. These herbs can be used via infused oils, capsules, salves, and liniments.

Furthermore, you can use these herbs in tinctures, elixirs, essential oils, and tea from fresh or dried herbs, and alleviate pain.

Yet, before you start using natural herbs, consult your doctor, in order to check if they interfere with some medications you take. These are the most helpful herbs you can use in order to reduce inflammation, and pain, and support nerve health:

• Turmeric or curcumin (mix it with black pepper in order to increase its bioavailability)
• Roman chamomile
• Devil's claw
• Milky oat tops
• White willow bark
• Mullein root
• Clary Sage
• Lavender
• Licorice
• St. John's Wort
• Skullcap
• Jamaican dogwood
• Linden flower
• Kratom
• Arnica

8. Sleep

Make sure you get enough sleep, in order to relax the muscles and the body, and strengthen and rebuild the nerves.

Although science has not confirmed these alternative sciatica pain remedies, numerous people have experienced significant relief due to them, and have succeeded to control cramps, spasms, pain and numbness.

Yet, in case you experience these symptoms longer that a couple of weeks, you should visit your doctor, as you may have some other condition which pinches the nerves or leads to pressure, such as dislocated vertebrae, and another therapy, or a surgery, may be the solution.

Sources:
fitlife.tv
complete-health-and-happiness.com

Healthy Food House

Image Credits

Spray This Oil And You Will Never See Mold Again

Today we're presenting a simple method that will help you get rid of mold and the unpleasant odor from your washing machine. The main ingredient is tea tree oil, an essential oil from Australia which has been used in different ways by the Aborigines. They crushed the leaves of the plant and used them to heal wounds and burns on the skin. Tea tree oil cannot be found naturally on another place on Earth.

A century ago, Australian scientists discovered that tea tree oil is a 100 times stronger antiseptic than carbolic acid, the most popular germicide at that time. The powerful antiseptic properties of the oil can treat numerous respiratory problems, from asthma to runny nose, besides treating rashes, burns, infections, dandruff, etc. It also disinfects surfaces and eliminates bacteria and mold.

Here's how to remove mold in your home with the help of tea tree oil:

Ingredients

Tea tree oil

Cloth

Instructions

Mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the moldy areas in your home and wipe away – you will be amazed by the results!

Source : naturalremediesforlonglife.com

http://www.healthylifevision.com/

Image Credits: Wikipedia

Does Cellulite Ever Go Away? Let’s Find Out

Have you recently taken a look in the mirror after a shower and been shocked to find lumps and bumps on your thighs? When you first notice cellulite developing, it can be a real confidence killer. Like me, you've probably gone to great lengths to keep your thighs concealed at all costs. Please tell me I'm not the only woman who has worn pants to the beach before?

The thing about cellulite is that you can only hide it for so long. With the summer months upon us, it's almost impossible to keep your legs covered up. If you've often sat and wondered if your cellulite will ever go away, you aren't alone. Most of us women have spent way too long poking and prodding our legs in the mirror and thinking we'll be forever plagued by lumpy, bumpy skin.

To get right to down to it; yes, cellulite can go away. It's not an easy task, but it's possible. Keep reading to find out what cellulite is and what exactly will help banish it forever.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite affects millions of men and women around the world. While some folks are genetically predisposed to developing cellulite, most develop it because they have a buildup of excess fat underneath their skin. This excess fat pushes against your skin's connective tissue causing lumps and dimples to appear.

Cellulite can be embarrassing but the good news is that it can't technically hurt anything besides your ego. Although, if you are dealing with a bad dose of cellulite you'll want to take a look at your current lifestyle choices. If you are in the habit of eating poorly and not exercising, you may have gained some excess fat. As mentioned, excess fat can cause cellulite but can also be detrimental to your health for many other reasons as well.

Cellulite has recently been a hot topic on the blog and I've had readers asking me all kinds of questions about how to make it go away for good. Lucky for you I decided to dedicate a post to the questions I've received!

Does Cellulite Go Away With Weight Loss?

Weight loss is a great way to reduce or eliminate cellulite. Getting rid of excess fat on your body will pull the skin back in and reduce dimpling. The trouble is that losing weight is hardly ever simple.

When people ask me for advice on how to lose weight quickly and easily, I always tell them that it starts with your diet. Cleaning up your diet will help you lose weight and gain healthier looking skin. If you're new to "clean eating," simply begin by implementing these three rules:

• Say no to sugar
• MInimize carbohydrate intake
• Avoid processed foods

If you stick to those three rules you'll be losing weight in no time. Most of us don't realize how much sugar we have in our diets. It hides in things like coffee creamer, tomato sauce, granola bars and dried fruits. Begin by reading labels before you buy. If it has added sugar, skip it. The only sugars you should be getting are those found in healthy complex carbohydrates or fruits.

As for carbohydrates, choose those with a low glycemic index. Glycemic Index is a measuring system that determines how quickly or slowly your body breaks down food and how it affects your blood sugar. Foods with a low glycemic index increase your blood sugar levels slowly. Foods with a high glycemic index cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash, leaving you craving more sugar!

You can see more about the vicious sugar cycle in the following YouTube video.

And finally, avoiding processed foods is a no-brainer but not the easiest rule to implement. In order to avoid them myself, I instated a rule a long time ago. I wouldn't allow myself to shop in the center of the grocery store. Sticking to the perimeter of the store allowed me to focus solely on fruits, vegetables and meats. No more boxes of macaroni and cheese or cookies. I even managed to avoid cereals (which are also loaded with sugar).

Long story short, in order to lose weight and in turn lose cellulite, you have to focus on eating plant-based, healthy foods. No more trips to the drive-thru or late night ice cream stops.

You asked, "Does cellulite go away with weight loss?" My answer is, "Yes, it can." With proper diet and nutrition, you can lose weight and reduce cellulite. Less fat equals less opportunity for cellulite to appear.

Does Cellulite Go Away With Exercise?

The answer is yes….if you combine it with clean eating. Exercise only works if you also dial in your nutrition. The saying is, "Abs are made in the kitchen." That's because you can't outrun a bad diet. The good news is that no matter what, exercise burns calories, reduces fat and helps build muscle. Those three things will be very effective at reducing your cellulite or even eliminating it completely.

When exercising for cellulite, target problem areas like your hips, butt and thighs. Luckily your butt and thighs are some of the biggest muscles in your body. This means that working them out will help you burn even more calories and fat than working smaller muscle groups.

What are the best exercises for cellulite reduction? Squats, lunges and running or walking are great ways to target the legs and butt. One of my favorite ways to target the butt is by going for a hilly hike. You'll get to be outdoors and your buns will be burning in no time. No hills or mountains nearby? Don't worry, you can get started right now in your living room with these cellulite-busting moves.

No matter which exercises you choose, exercise in general will help you get rid of cellulite by creating muscle and decreasing fat. Dialing in your nutrition will give you an added advantage and help you eliminate cellulite even faster. So to answer your question, "Yes! Cellulite can go away with exercise!"

Check here the top 10 fat burning exercises!

Does Cellulite Go Away After Pregnancy?

Pregnancy changes our bodies in all kinds of amazing and not-so-amazing ways. Maybe you are already embracing your new "mom bod" and don't mind the extra flab or bumpy skin that might have seemingly appeared overnight. If you're like most women though, you are still trying to get used to your new mommy body. Believe me, I know from experience that post-pregnancy bodies can be tough to adjust to.

If you did develop cellulite while you were pregnant, don't fret. Cellulite can go away after pregnancy. Many women are even able to completely avoid getting cellulite during pregnancy by participating in healthy habits throughout the full nine months.

Unfortunately though, that's not the case for a lot of us. Many times we view pregnancy as a free pass to eat and drink whatever we want, causing excessive and unnecessary weight gain. Pregnancy is a lot of work, which makes us feel like we "deserve" that bowl of ice cream or nightly pizza. This couldn't be further from the truth. What our bodies and our babies deserve is a healthy environment where they can grow free of stress, toxins and junk.

While you are pregnant, make sure you eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest and eliminate unnecessary toxins from your environment. These steps will give your baby an amazing place to grow and it will help you prevent cellulite from developing along the way.

Just remember, that brownie sundae might look good now but it will be that much more for you to work off later. When I was pregnant I learned to swap indulgent things with healthy treats. For instance, I'd eat yogurt with berries and a few drops of chocolate syrup instead of gorging on a whole pint of ice cream.

Can Cellulite Go Away On Its Own?

Here's where I have to introduce some bad news. Cellulite is not going to go away on its own. Getting rid of cellulite takes hard work, dedication and discipline. As mentioned above, the best way to reduce cellulite is through clean eating and exercise. Those tactics will get your body to a place of decreased fat, increased muscle and cellulite-free skin.

Trying to diet and exercise is easier said than done though. That's why you need to employ an accountability buddy to help you through it all. Grab a friend and go for a hike together or try out a new fitness class. You can also get your family involved at the grocery store. Send the kids on a scavenger hunt to find certain produce. Let them help you pick out healthy recipes and then come home and cook and prep your meals for the week together.

Does Cellulite Ever Go Away?

Yes cellulite can go away, but unfortunately it won't go away on its own. Practicing healthy habits like clean eating and exercise will keep your weight in check and your cellulite at bay. What healthy habits have you started in order to reduce cellulite? Share in the comments below!

Here's one related infographic I have found at cozyideas.com

Sources

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/weight-control/health_risks_being_overweight/Pages/health-risks-being-overweight.aspx
http://www.prevention.com/fitness/strength-training/6-moves-target-cellulite
http://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/glycemic_index_and_glycemic_load_for_100_foods

How to Cook Rice With Coconut Oil to BURN More Fat and Absorb HALF the Calories

Republished with permission from www.lifespa.com.

The old saying "calories in, calories out" as the determining factor regarding weight loss may be an oversimplification of a more complex issue, but the hard facts show that we, as Americans, simply eat too much.

According to the USDA, the average American eats 500 more calories per day than needed, while other experts suggest we eat 100% more food than we actually need (1). That is up 20% since 1970 alone, the equivalent of an extra steak sandwich per day (2). No wonder we are so overweight!

At the National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world's largest scientific society, Sudhair James from the College of Chemical Sciences in Sri Lanka presented a new way to cook rice that would cut the caloric absorption by 50-60% (3). He figured out a way to make the rice become a resistant (indigestible) starch, which resists the absorption of the starch or sugar from entering the bloodstream (4,5).

Most starches, including rice, are very digestible and quickly convert to glucose (sugar) in the blood. While most of the starch gets stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen, the excess glucose gets stored as fat and becomes a major contributor to obesity and a host of other health issues. Resistant starches (RS) pass through the small intestines undigested (6) and become food for the good microbes in the large intestines, all the while reducing the risk of excess glucose lingering in the blood and supporting healthy colon cells (7). RS can also help with healthy elimination (7) and natural fat-burning (10)!

Coconut Oil – The Secret Ingredient

To increase the RS content of white rice – the technique is incredibly simple:

This procedure increases the resistant starch content by 10 times for traditional, non-fortified rice (3).

How it Works

According to James, the coconut oil enters the starch granules during the cooking process, which makes the sugar resistant to the digestive enzymes, so it won't break down and be digested. The cooling of the rice for 12 hours binds the starch (amylose) to molecules on the outside of the rice, turning the rice sugar into a resistant starch. Reheating the rice does not affect its RS levels (3).

Further studies are being conducted to learn which type of rice might be best to achieve maximum calorie reduction, as well as whether other oils besides coconut might have the same effect (3).

 While this is great news for rice enthusiasts, as with any other food, don't go overboard. Rice is not the most nutrient-rich food, and overeating it may be disruptive to your blood sugar levels. There are many other options to use as a side dish to your meals. Look for fiber-rich, nutrient-rich foods, such as: quinoa, sweet potatoes, barley, leafy green vegetables, cauliflower, mushrooms, and squash.

Dr. John Douillard

Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and Owner at LifeSpa

Dr. John Douillard DC, CAP is a globally recognized expert in natural health, Ayurveda, and sports medicine based in Colorado. Dr. John is the owner of LifeSpa.com, a leading online resource for Ayurvedic health and wellness. He is also the former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets NBA team, author of 6 books, a repeat guest on the Dr. Oz show, and featured in several large publications.

Image Credits

MRIs: What Your Doctor May Not Warn You About

They are typically safer than other imaging technology, but there are dangers you need to know about. Action Alert!

We've previously written about the massive amount of radiation that patients are exposed to in CAT and PET scans, which make MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) a generally safer diagnostic imaging procedure. MRIs produce a strong magnetic field followed by radio waves that create cross-sectional images of our organs.

Often doctors want an improved image—an enhanced MRI—and prescribe a shot of gadolinium as a contrast agent to make the image clearer. For years, there was no package warning about this chemical. Now there is a black box warning—but how many patients ever see the package?

Gadolinium is a rare earth element with paramagnetic properties—that is, it does not retain any permanent magnetism, but is weakly attracted to the poles of a magnet. In the 1980s, researchers discovered that it could be bound to other molecules, administered intravenously, and used to enhance images on MRI scans. Because gadolinium is toxic, it is bound with non-metal ions to facilitate easy and rapid elimination from the body after it is administered.

Patients with impaired kidney function are at special risk from any exposure to gadolinium. In these patients, the use of this contrast agent has been linked to the development of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), which can lead to kidney damage requiring dialysis, or even death. It is not a good trade-off for doctors to get a clearer image but destroy your kidneys in the process. But despite the warning label updated in 2010, nobody is talking about this, least of all radiologists who administer the shot.

Evidence also shows that gadolinium could pose dangers to a broader set of patients. One study compared brain images of patients who had undergone six or more enhanced MRIs with patients who had undergone six or fewer "regular" MRIs—and found that gadolinium can persist in the body. Other research suggests that a small amount of gadolinium persists in the body after everyenhanced MRI, meaning patients who receive multiple enhanced MRIs are at increased risk for accumulating the metal in their bodies—even the brain.

In some cases, the contrast agent isn't actually necessary but may be used anyway. For example, blood flow from cancer is still hard to distinguish on an MRI even with a contrast agent, yet gadolinium is still used regardless.

As was recently pointed out in a weekly bulletin by the International College of Integrative Medicine, MRI technology has had a tremendous impact on medical diagnosis in the past twenty years, but this has come at too great a cost for thousands of patients—and those are just the ones we know about. Countless patients may have been misdiagnosed with skin disorders, fibromyalgia, or kidney failure when NSF is the real culprit.

(Source)

What are the Best Cellulite Creams Available?

Cellulite has long been the bane of my existence. Since I seem to be genetically prone to lumpy and bumpy skin, I have to take extra steps to minimize its appearance and keep it from getting worse.

Believe me, I've tried everything! From toying with my diet, to trying new exercise programs, lathering up in brightening creams and smoothing scrubs - I've literally experimented with it all.

That's why I'm here to share what I've learned along the way. I've been through the full gamut of cellulite cures and have found that a mixture of solutions that works best.

The number one way to eliminate cellulite forever is to eat healthy foods and exercise. However, I've found that cellulite creams, when used along with diet and exercise, can produce great results too. Creams can help provide more immediate assistance as you try to lose fat through lifestyle changes.

Today I want to share the best cellulite creams I've found on the market. If you aren't yet sure if cellulite cream is a good choice for you, read on to find out. I discuss who should try a cellulite cream and how to choose the right one when you're ready. Let's get started.

Who Should Try a Cellulite Cream?

If you've long been embarrassed by the appearance of cellulite on your body, cellulite cream could be a solution for you. Or perhaps you're new to the club and cellulite has only recently shown up in your life. Either way, cellulite can not only cause aggravation but also decreased confidence. This is apparent mainly in women since we tend to bare our skin a little more when those summer months come along. Luckily men get to hide their thighs in board shorts!

The shocking news for most people is that cellulite is not always caused by excess fat. I know a lot of people, myself included, jump right to the conclusion that they must be overweight if they notice cellulite on their body. This is not always the case. Cellulite can affect people of any gender, age, or race. Cellulite can be caused by genetics but most often it's caused by eating poorly or not exercising.

The good news is that anyone struggling with cellulite can potentially benefit from a cellulite cream. Cellulite creams come in different shapes and sizes, as we ourselves do. I'll go further in depth about some of your options below. Just remember that while there are different intensities available, most can provide results quickly. This means that summer pool party invitation you've been avoiding doesn't have to be so frightening.

So who should try a cellulite cream? Anyone who is experiencing cellulite and is ready to attack it from all angles!

What Can a Cellulite Cream Do For You?

Here's where I have to introduce some bad news. The bad news is that cellulite creams are mostly a temporary solution to a long term problem. While cellulite won't disappear overnight, there are definitely ways to minimize its appearance for a few hours to a few days. This is great news for anyone who has a special occasion on the calendar.

Cellulite cream can boost your confidence, allow you to wear something you normally keep in your closet and give you time to potentially work on the root of your cellulite problem. If your cellulite is an effect of weight gain or poor lifestyle habits then you will have to combine the cream usage with other healthy habits like diet, exercise and hydration. There are even some workouts specifically designed to fight cellulite!

All these tools combined with give you the best results when it comes to cellulite reduction. The cream itself will tone, moisturize and firm your skin. Most creams are designed to tighten up your skin, which of course helps smooth out those stubborn dimples. Hydrated skin is happy skin so the extra moisturization you'll be gaining will go a long way to improving your skin's health.

Cellulite cream can give your body that much needed boost of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and moisture; things that you've likely been neglecting when faced with a bad case of cellulite. Cellulite cream will leave your skin looking and feeling very happy.

How to Choose the Right Cellulite Cream

Choosing the right cellulite cream has a lot to do with its ingredients. There are certain ingredients that are known to provide better results than others. When checking out creams, look for ones that contain caffeine and/or retinol.

Retinol is an important ingredient to keep an eye out for when choosing the right cellulite cream. According to ABC News, "Retinol is supposed to work by being able to penetrate the skin, exfoliate it, and increase collagen production, which makes skin thicker and hides the dimpling fat."

The problem is that too much retinol can actually dry out your skin, causing redness and peeling. The good news is that most manufacturers have dialed in the perfect dose to use in their cellulite cream so you won't have to worry about overuse. Choosing a cellulite cream with retinol is going to guarantee you are getting the ingredients you need to fight cellulite in the best way possible.

Caffeine acts as a stimulant and helps dilate blood vessels which can temporarily tone and tighten skin tissue. Caffeine cream can also improve circulation and decrease water retention, both helpers in reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Where do you find a good amount of caffeine? In coffee of course. Coffee's powerful antioxidants may help your body release harmful toxins which your skin will truly be thankful for.

Caffeine is frequently found in cellulite creams because of its ability to increase blood flow to the skin and work as a diuretic, meaning that it helps flush you out, according to Editor-in-Chief of Allure Magazine.

According to Women's Health natural beauty expert, Renee Loux, coffee grounds can be "moderately effective" at treating cellulite. Choosing fresh ground coffee can even help increase the benefits since they hold onto more antioxidants and caffeine than old coffee grounds.

Another ingredient I want to quickly mention is aminophylline. Aminophylline is an interesting discovery in the world of cellulite. It was initially used as an ingredient in asthma medications but some people now claim applying it topically can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

The truth is that aminophylline cream actually dehydrates the skin, making it appear tighter. It's similar to how diuretics work; removing water from your body to help you lose weight, instead of removing fat. Instead of this ingredient removing cellulite, it's just drying out your skin to make it appear more taut. Until more research is done on this ingredient, I'd probably try avoiding products that contain it.

The bad news is that even when you know the best ingredients to look for in a cellulite cream there are still an overwhelming amount of options out there. To ease the struggle, I've narrowed it down to 5 of the best cellulite creams below. I review the pros and cons of each, ultimately landing on my favorite. Let me know what you think!

If you have a favorite cream that I haven't listed here, I'd love to hear about it. I love getting suggestions from my readers, especially when it comes to products they've actually tried themselves.

Pure Body Naturals Hot Cream

The first thing that drew me to this cellulite cream was the fact that it is 100% natural and 87% organic. Often when using over-the-counter products, it's hard to find options that are truly natural and made well. This product appears to be an exception. It comes equipped with aromatic essential oils and muscle-relaxant properties to soothe your mind and your aches and pains.

As for cellulite, the juniper and sweet basil helps improve your blood circulation and strengthen your skin's connective tissue. The addition of rosemary and cinnamon oil help tighten and firm your skin, giving you a young, smooth appearance.

One thing to note is the potential intensity of the product for new buyers. Some users suggested easing your way into the application. Instead of applying it as the directions suggest, cut it down drastically and start slow.

This product claims to increase blood circulation, strengthen connective tissue, relieve pain and keep your skin hydrated. The bummer is that the heating and cooling sensation it provides seemed a bit too intense for some users.

Pros

---

• Natural and organic ingredients
• Can be used as a massage cream
• Pleasant but strong smell
• Reasonably priced
• Contains essential oils like peppermint and pine
• Money-back guarantee

Cons

---

• Intense heating and cooling sensation
• May cause irritation to sensitive skin
• Application time may vary per person

First Botany Cosmeceuticals Arabica Coffee Scrub

This cellulite cream really packs a punch. It's loaded with coffee grounds, sea salt, antioxidants, natural oils, coconut and shea butter in order to bring an intense effort at fighting your cellulite.

The coffee grounds are full of antioxidants and work with the dead sea salt to give you additional exfoliation. The antioxidants can also help fight premature aging and help alleviate sun damage.

The makers also suggest rubbing this concoction under your eyes because it can help reduce the appearance of puffy eyes and dark circles. The caffeine works to shrink blood vessels and help reduce the appearance of unsightly varicose veins. Best part? This scrub is 100% natural.

Pros

---

• Decent sized bottle and price
• Loaded with antioxidants and natural oils
• Contains caffeine, a known cellulite-fighter
• 100% Natural Arabica coffee, coconut and shea butter
• Amazing coffee scent
• Multiple uses (makeup primer and cellulite cream)
• Money back guarantee

Cons

---

• May feel greasy or oily
• May produce a burning sensation on sensitive skin

Murad Body Care Body Firming Cream

Murad is a firming cream that claims to increase the firmness of your skin by 20% within ten minutes! My eyes definitely perked up when I read this. I was also glad to see that most users have experienced fantastic results while only few complained that it did not work effectively.

Its use of vitamin C is said to help increase elasticity and improve the radiance of your skin. Ingredients like shea butter, oat beta glucan and soy flour help to moisturize and tone the skin. This product has been developed and tested by dermatologists and is not tested on animals. Great news for pet lovers like me!

Pros

---

• Dermatologist developed and tested
• Extreme hydration
• Not tested on animals
• Made in the USA
• Contains vitamin C
• Made with oats and soy

Cons

---

• Twice the cost of previous options
• Can only be shipped in the US

Fat Girl Sleep

This product comes in a very small jar for a pretty big price but claims to have great results from most users. One major benefit is that it is meant to be used overnight, which means you can lather up, hop in bed and let the product do the work.

It's made with 3 key ingredients: lavender, algae extract and shea butter. The lavender provides a sweet smell along with sedative effects. The shea butter contains natural fats and has effective moisturizing properties while the algae extract is a natural antioxidant that helps protect your skin from the negative effects of free radicals.

I'm not going to lie, this one has caught my attention the most so far!

Pros

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• Amazing smell
• Best when used overnight
• Contains lotus flower, red algae and lavender
• Ultra-rich

Cons

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• Expensive
• Can cause redness on freshly shaved legs
• Takes awhile to absorb into skin

Amelie

This product is highly revered by most users and has many necessary ingredients for cellulite reduction. Caffeine, retinol, essential oils and antioxidants are all contained in this tiny bottle.

The retinol goes deep into the skin and boosts your collagen levels. The caffeine stimulates circulation and helps shrink fat cells. The antioxidants fight free radicals while the essential oils lubricate dry skin.

This product also contains 70% organic ingredients and is even recommended by dermatologists. Many users saw immediate improvements to their cellulite and were very happy with their results. This product claims to visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite, firm skin and create a smooth and toned look.

This lightweight gel is also said to improve the health of your skin and rejuvenate its appearance.

Pros

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• Made with natural and organic ingredients
• Contains caffeine and retinol
• Free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates
• Dermatologist recommended
• Great as a pre-makeup base
• Non-sticky
• Absorbs quickly

Cons

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• Very small bottle
• Expensive

The world of cellulite creams can be daunting to say the least. There are so many products on the market that claim to do amazing things but you won't really know until you try it yourself. My best piece of advice is for you to keep your eyes out for natural or organic ingredients. I also like when the creams contain natural oils like coconut or olive oil and added essential oils give it an added scent that can soothe your brain in the process.

Which is Best?

Out of all 5 choices, my favorite is definitely the Amelie. It contains all the necessary ingredients for fighting cellulite including retinol, caffeine and antioxidants. I love that it's made with natural and organic ingredients. The cons of Amelie are almost non-existent. The bonus is that it works great as a primer for makeup and absorbs quickly into the skin. With a decent-sized bottle and a nice price point, I think I'll definitely be trying this cream first.

That being said, some creams might work better for different people. You won't know which is best for you until you try. When making your choice you'll want to keep a few things in mind:

• Do you have sensitive skin issues?
• What is your budget?
• Which ingredients are most important to you?

Once you know the answers to those questions you should be able to make an educated choice for your next cellulite cream option. If you have sensitive skin, you'll want to steer clear of the creams that can cause irritation. Depending on your budget, you might opt for a less expensive option. Finally, if you are a sucker for certain ingredients, that might help sway your decision as well.

So now that you know what you are looking for, along with the pros and cons of each of your choices, which will you try? Let me know in the comments below! I promise to report back as soon as I get my Amelie in the mail. I can't wait to see what kind of miracles and magic are waiting for me inside!

Sources
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/diy-beauty-trick-do-this-with-coffee-say-goodbye-to-cellulite
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=125038&page=1
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/09/20/do-this-with-coffee-say-goodbye-to-cellulite.html
http://www.letstalkbeauty.com/cellulite/can-aminophylline-reduce-cellulite