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Archive for June 1st, 2009

Jun 1st, 2009

Welcome back!

Any woman that has ever suffered with a bout of bacterial vaginosis (BV) knows from experience, how utterly annoying, painful, and embarrassing the symptoms of this condition can be. Although the symptoms are quite similar, an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast are two different types of infections. Common symptoms between the two may include: severe itching, burning during urination, pain during or after sexual intercourse, or an unusual looking discharge.

One of the tale tell signs of BV, though, is a very strong and foul smelling ‘fishy’ odor. Symptoms of BV can vary from person to person. Many women will not have any signs of a bacterial infection other than a nasty odor, and some may only have 1 or 2 of the symptoms mentioned above. Some women may not even know they have a BV infection, unless they are undergoing a pelvic exam for an unrelated matter.

Simply put, women that have a BV infection have too much ‘bad’ bacteria and not enough ‘good’ bacteria, upsetting the delicate flora balance inside the vagina. They don’t have enough good germs to fight off an overgrowth of the bad germs that lead to the infection to begin with.

For many years, the first line of treatment for most women with this type of infection was to use an antibiotic. What many women are discovering now, is that antibiotics often provide only marginal results. Most find the infection appears to go away, only to return in the short-term with a different type of problem, a vaginal yeast infection.

Taking antibiotics for BV can lead to a vaginal yeast infection due to the over killing of good germs that keep candida yeast (which is normally present in the human body) in check. Without healthy populations of good bacteria inside the body, a potentially harmful bacterial or fungus overgrowth can soon take over the intestinal tract, or the vagina, leading to a lot of unnecessary suffering for both men and women.

Although there is no clear-cut evidence to support BV is spread through sexual activity, as some women still get it despite sexual abstinence, there are several known risk factors that make some people more susceptible to contacting a BV infection, and these risks are;

  • the overuse of antibiotics for any reason

  • pregnancy

  • douching and feminine deodorants disturb and irritate the natural delicate lining of the vagina

  • wearing synthetic undergarments, wet bathing suits, or tight fitting clothing that traps moisture

  • diets high in refined foods such as sugar, white flour, and processed fats

  • a vitamin D deficiency

BV is not a serious threat to your health by itself, if recognized and treated early. However, if left untreated, BV could quite possibly lead to a more serious medical condition such as pelvic inflammatory disease, cervicitis, and endometritis. Women who are pregnant, or considering becoming pregnant, need to be especially careful, as BV can cause unwanted risks of miscarriage, early delivery, or a uterine infection after delivery.

Something important to remember, is that all women have both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria present in the vagina, this is normal. BV just needs a small window of opportunity to mess up your life. Inexpensive, natural treatments can not only clear up the symptoms and the cause of the infection, but keep it from coming back to haunt you in the future.

Holistic options are fast gaining popularity, as they often work faster and more efficiently than prescription drugs. There are various kinds of home remedies to choose from. So, if one doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, you can try using something else. The idea here, is that you can integrate several of these remedies at the same time. The added advantage to some of them is that you can either apply them topically, take them internally, or do both. The important thing, is these types of treatments have worked successfully for a lot of women when antibiotics failed.

  • Replenish and maintain good bacteria throughout your system. Homemade fermented foods and beverages such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha tea, or sour dough bread, for example, are excellent sources of good bacteria. They are fun, easy, and inexpensive to make. Or if convenience is your main concern, you can also take a good probiotic formula. You can find them at most health food stores (a more expensive source of probiotics than homemade sources).

  • Fresh garlic, or a good garlic supplement, is one of ‘bad’ bacteria’s worst enemies. Garlic is a natural ‘bad’ boy germ killer.

  • Raw apple cider vinegar. Do not use distilled vinegars. Distilled vinegar will actually feed a yeast infection.

  • Extra virgin coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids caprylic, capric, and lauric. Keeps candida yeast normally present in your system under control. Good if you do not know for sure which type of infection you have, and a beneficial dietary fat that is relevant to good health. Can’t afford extra virgin coconut oil? Expeller-pressed is cheaper, and the next best option.

  • Have your vitamin D blood levels checked. Request that the results be interpreted by ‘LabCorp’, for the most reliable reading currently available in the U.S. Deficient?Get more sunlight exposure, or supplement with vitamin D-3.

  • Reduce your intake of refined foods and beverages. Include more fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.

  • This one is pretty simplistic, but should be self-explanatory, drink a lot more water. Regardless of what type of health issue you are currently facing. Water is a very powerful home remedy for nearly anything you can think of. Besides, the more of it you drink, the more you will need to eliminate, thus flushing your entire system of excessive toxins and sugar.

BV is a rather common occurrence among women of child-bearing age. No one needs to live in the emotional pain of the shame that living in the darkness can impose upon the ignorant. BV is highly treatable, and several of the home remedies mentioned in this article will work for both types of vaginal infections. Know that covering up the symptoms is not enough to keep it from reoccurring, and there is more than one way to treat it.

My desire is to give you hope of living a normal life, without the fear of this very intimate matter bothering your personal life again.

Brenda Skidmore can attest to the many positive results natural health cures bring to human health. Along with the many medical professionals, whose published works she has studied, it is her sincere desire to empower others by sharing this important health information. To improve your health today visit:
mywater4life

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-health-articles/cure-bacterial-vaginosis-with-simple-natural-remedy-treatments-946487.html

Rating 3.00 out of 5
Jun 1st, 2009

Calling All Kettlebell Kittens!

Posted by admin @ 11:36 am

I am Natalie Pyles, owner of  Kettlebell Kittens Workout in Phoenix, Arizona and creator of the “Art of  KettleBell training the Core and more” workout series.  I’ve seen, studied, and used almost every quality fitness tool and worthless infomercial gadget introduced to the marketplace over the last couple decades.  Quite a few of them get regular use at Golds Gym… but I’d need three times the gym space to hold what’s been tossed in the dumpster out back!

I’m quite open-minded and will try just about anything with my clients.  After all, mainstream folks need variety more than anything to stay motivated.  We use bands, barbells, medicine balls, rings, punching bags, dumbbells, stability balls, spinning bikes, bosu balls, and about a dozen other fun tools.

My favorite tool (and the core of most of my training) is now the kettlebell.  A kettlebell looks like a cannonball with a suitcase handle welded to the top.  It’s a hunk of iron with a long, rich history that is virtually unknown in America.  Kettlebells have been used for centuries in Eastern Europe and are beloved for the strength they impart.  The kettlebell might seem completely unfamiliar to you… but think back to early childhood.  Most people have a fuzzy recollection of the circus strongmen in Bugs Bunny cartoons tossing them about.  Are you with me now?

I was originally drawn to the kettlebell because of its simplicity and unique shape.  It is an undeniable chunk of iron.  I can’t imagine anyone hanging the “infomercial gadget” sign on a kettlebell.  This is clearly a serious strength tool.  As I began to study this simple, utilitarian looking implement, I discovered a deeper training philosophy surrounding its historic use.

For hundreds of years, kettlebell use has focused on muscle integration rather than isolation.  Nearly every drill recruits multiple muscle groups to work in unison.  The body is trained as a whole and particular emphasis is focused on the core and back muscles.  Isn’t it interesting to see the “new” paradigm in American fitness shifting to a radical “new” philosophy of functional training?  Kettlebells represent functional training in its purest sense… and have been doing so since before the discovery of electricity.

You don’t technically even need a kettlebell to experience some of the philosophy surrounding it.  The variety of kettlebell drills is staggering.  Many of the more advanced drills simply aren’t possible to perform with a dumbbell.  Two of most basic, fundamental drills can be (to some degree) experienced with a dumbbell if you haven’t purchased a kettlebell yet.  To avoid turning this introductory article into a novel, I’ve prepared 5 short videos of a fellow fitness expert demonstrating the kettlebell swing and Turkish getup.  Please watch each in its entirety.  Then grab a dumbbell and give it a try.  The swing will certainly feel awkward compared to using a proper kettlebell… but you should get the idea.

I recommend you then purchase a kettlebell or two and watch this training zone for future tips and articles.

View all article campanion videos at http://fitnesselements.blogspot.com/

By, Natalie Pyles

Health & Fitness Expert, Functional Fitness Specialist, Author, & NSA Speaker

Who I Am

Hello, my name is Natalie Pyles. I am a Local Fitness & Nutritional Expert. I have over 16 years of experience in both the Health and Fitness Industry. I’d like to share my Personal story of overcoming my battles with weight loss that began as an early adolescent. I struggled from the ages of 13-18, I realized that I had a severe problem and decided then and there to take action.

I Conquered Weight Loss

I hired a Personal Trainer and Licensed Nutritionist, like myself, and the rest is history. Basically, I learned at an early age, there is no quick fix… only hard work, perseverance, and committment to a healthier lifestyle will guarantee results. I quit looking for the magic solution and got educated.

How Can I Help You

I am now the owner of Fitness Elements & Associates. I want to help You realize your true Fitness Potential and levels of Optimal Health. I have committed my life to to helping others achieve the success that I have found through Fitness and Nutrition. If you have the desire and the will… together we can make your dreams a reality. You deserve to know the truth; what you are capable of and really can achieve.

I look forward to hearing your story, so in the years to come you can pay it forward. Call me today for your Free Fitness and Nutritional Consultation!

Sincerely Your Friend in Fitness,

Natalie Pyles
Owner, Fitness Elements & Associates LLC.

Phone: 1-800-681-9894 or Fax 623-399-4199
www.Myfitnesselements.com
FitnessElementsAssociates@yahoo.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-health-articles/calling-all-kettlebell-kittens-946746.html

Rating 3.00 out of 5
 

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