Immune Superheroes: 10 Superfoods to Boost Your Immunity

It was early October when we awoke to a paper bag at our doorstep with a ghost stapled to the outside. That night, while my daughters were in bed and sleeping, we were ghosted! The girls were thrilled with excitement and began immediately planning for their own ghosting ritual.

The concept is pretty simple. Fill a bag with some Halloween candy, attach a ghost with instructions, bring it to someone's doorstep, ring the bell, and run.

That evening, we hopped into the car and ghosted two of their friends. The girls were dressed in wigs and sunglasses, my husband behind the wheel. For a moment, we felt invincible, like superheroes!

But, whether it was the thrill of the excitement or just that time of year, my younger daughter woke up with the sniffles on Monday morning. Not so super...

Sniffles, and other early signs of a flu, cold, or virus are the perfect time to give your immune system a healthy boost.

At the onset of a sickness, remove all refined sugar, it will only serve to compromise your immune system. Instead, a whole foods diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables is your best line of defense.

Here are 10 of my favorite immune superheroes, perfect to support you through fall and winter's cold and flu season:

1. Coconut Milk Kefir - A probiotic-rich food that keeps the gut and intestinal tract free from disease-causing germs.
2. Camu Camu Powder - A superfood high in vitamin C, which tops the list of immune-boosting vitamins.
3. Almonds - A great source of vitamin E, also key for strong immunity.
4. Sugar Pumpkin - Contains beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, a broad regulator of the immune system.
5. Tahini - Sesame seed paste that is high in magnesium and zinc, both immune-supportive. Zinc is a mineral commonly deficient in our diets.
6. Oregano - Anti-fungal; stimulating to the immune system. The leaves or oil are preferential to the powder.
7. Garlic - Anti-fungal; fights off infections and bacteria.
8. Medicinal mushrooms - Chinese wisdom validates the impact of mushrooms on immunity, especially the Maitake and Shitake.
9. Fish - Your essential fats, which help to protect the lungs and respiratory system from colds; and selenium, particular to helping clear the flu virus out of your body.
10. Chicken Soup - It turns out that scientific researchers are just beginning to discover the healing properties of bone broth, confirming that our grandmothers' remedy does, in fact, have medicinal value.

A whole foods diet, rich in anti-oxidants (colorful fruits and veggies) plus these ten superfoods will fuel your body's immune system with the essential fats, vitamins, minerals, herbs and probiotic support it needs for a quick recovery.

While eating healthfully doesn't exclude us from getting sick, I've found that with good dietary support we are able to prevent many of the sniffles from turning into full-blown illnesses. And viruses that lasted weeks are often over in days.

To your health, & my daughter's!

Lisa is a nutrition expert, food educator, & founder of Culinary Therapy, LLC, a boutique holistic wellness practice dedicated to teaching people how to nourish themselves with simple, nutritious foods so they can look and feel great.

Basics of Distant Energy Healing

Alternative therapies and health have begun to expand into new ways of preventative care and holistic well - being. Many are finding that the use of these methodologies assist with mental, emotional and physical health. Looking at options such as distant energy healing can provide you with a different foundation for your health while allowing you to enjoy even more with the preventative care and health for every area of your life.

The distant energy healing changes according to the practitioner and what is offered. Most that are working with energy and auric fields are able to transfer energy over distance, specifically because the distance is not as existent. This allows you to receive energy through your energetic fields while receiving transfers that remove energetic blocks that may stop you from living your highest destiny or having the lifestyle you desire. They also assist with creating new energies that more in alignment with your body, mind and soul. This allows you to create the life that you desire while manifesting and attracting what is desired for your lifestyle.

While you are working with the distant energy healing, you will want to examine the methodologies that are used. The most common formats include Reiki and chakra balancing as well as energy transfers by practitioners. You will also be able to work with specialized practitioners that offer healing and assistance with the distance healing through expanded methods that they have learned over an extended period of time. You will want to investigate the different types of transfers that are available, specifically so you can tap into the best option for your needs.

Not only do you want to look at the methodologies with the distant energy healing. Many practitioners will combine this with information and knowledge for your needs. You will be able to speak with the practitioners about the techniques that are used. Many also offer guidance and work as mentors in combination with the energy healing transfers, specifically so you can receive practical wisdom to assist with the exchange of energy that is taking place.

If you are trying to find a different and contemporary approach to healing, then looking at distant energy healing can provide you with alternative solutions. The practitioners that are available can combine the energy transfer with guidance as well as assistance with health for your body, mind and spirit. Understanding how to work with specific practitioners can then help you to move forward with your own health and new energies.

If you are interested in healing, preventative care and holistic health, then the Omatrix Center can help. We provide healing from a Master in Yoga, energy healing and spiritual wisdom. With the Omatrix Center, you will be able to transform your life and reach your highest destiny.

Holistic Therapies - What Are Holistic Therapies and Do They Work?

As healthcare costs increase, many people have begun looking to alternative medicine for solutions to their health needs. But with so many differing opinions out there, how can a person know the best course of action to take?

Let's start with a definition for Holistic Therapies. Holistic therapies involve treating a patient as a whole, rather than just treating the symptoms. A person using such therapies will look for the cause of the symptoms and attempt to treat and prevent the problem. In other words, they will look into a patient's physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental wellbeing before recommending a course of action.

Some Examples of Holistic Therapies

There are many types of holistic treatments. Just a few of the most common ones include:

• Acupuncture


• Aromatherapy


• Reflexology


• Massage Therapy


• Chiropractic Treatment


• Physical Therapy


• Yoga


• Hypnotherapy


• Psychotherapy


• Herbal Remedies

So Do Holistic Therapies Work?

Holistic therapies have been shown to work for many individuals. In fact, different types of holistic treatments are more widely used throughout the world than Western medicine. These treatments and treatment plans are usually naturally derived, less invasive, and more affordable. However, often holistic therapies have less research involved into their effectiveness.

Perhaps the best way to know if a certain holistic therapy is right for you is to research the specific treatment plan and see if it is something you want to move forward with. Then, since these plans are generally very affordable, give it a try and see if it works for you.

Why Should I Try Holistic?

You may have heard the joke that medical doctors are just "practicing," which is why their office is called a practice. The joke becomes disheartening when you realize that it is also referring to the way doctors often get a diagnosis wrong several times before they get it right (if they ever get it right). It's not that the doctor doesn't know what he's doing, but he doctor is not the patient, and therefore can't pinpoint every nuance. As a people, we have become less in tune to our bodies and rely on others to tell us what is wrong and what we should do to correct our ailment. Holistic treatments rely heavily on a patient being aware of what is going on in his or her body and working with a natural healer to meet needs while addressing a root cause of symptoms.

Regardless of whether or not you feel that holistic therapies are right for you, it is important for all of us to educate ourselves about all of our options. And most importantly, we should gain at least some level of independence when it comes to our health.

In Defense of Placebos

Despite eight months of therapy since John's car accident there was still a nagging pain in his right shoulder. An MRI could not find the source of his pain, and his medications did little to give him relief. Frustrated, John went to a holistic doctor who gave him homeopathic drops and instructed him to do a special breathing technique several times a day. Within two days John's pain vanished, and he hurried to share the good news with his medical doctor. His doctor was not impressed though. He dismissed the story, explaining that John's recovery was no more than a "placebo effect."

This confused John. While one part of him was happy to be feeling better, another part of him felt uneasy. Something about the way his doctor referred to "placebo" made John feel that his loss of pain was of little value - that it was being dismissed because he had somehow "cheated" the healing process by using techniques that were as unscientific and unverifiable as sorcery.

Welcome to the misunderstood world of placebos

Placebo comes from a Greek word that translates as "I will help". It is a ritual wherein we may take a potion, eat a food, or do some behavior - AND add to that a belief that through our eating or doing, some beneficial outcome will happen for us. Eating sugar pills with the belief that they will cure us of some condition is a common placebo. So too are a great many of the superstitions and other rituals we perform on a regular basis. As long as our placebos are harmless and lead to good outcomes, most of us generally accept them without too much grumbling.

It's not a question of whether placebos work. They do. When used creatively, a good placebo can be powerful enough to help us overcome just about any malady that comes our way - from pains and allergies to autoimmune disorders, even cancers.

But let's be clear about what placebos are and what they are not. Placebos consist of two elements. The first is what we call a black box. The second is our intention.

The "black box" portion of our placebo has no mechanical, electrical or chemical properties that can scientifically or logically explain why our beneficial outcomes are happening. It is the non-functional, non-operational, and essentially the dummy portion of our placebo. The purpose of the black box is to give us something to focus on while the true force that orchestrates our healing does its work - and that force comes from the power of our intention.

"Our intention is one of the most powerful forces in all eternity.

It is the key driving force behind all placebos."

When we learn how to directly access our power of intention in a positive way, it motivates our innate forces to bring us clarity, well being, and joy in our life. If we haven't figured out how to directly access the power of our intentions though, we can always do it indirectly through the black box portion of our placebos. As long as we are clear that the black boxes are merely vehicles for our intention everything is generally OK. If not it can be a problem. Black boxes are notorious for being misrepresented as the true cause of our outcomes. Sometimes this is done for fun and profit. At other times it is just done out of ignorance. How often have we heard of someone who got magical results from some potion or product - and when we tried the same product it did nothing for us?

For example - one man believed that by watching comedy movies, his cancer would go away. He watched diligently and his cancer vanished. The movies were his "black box". It gave him the ability to channel the true healing tool - his power of his intention.

Other cancer victims heard of the man's story and tried to replicate his good fortune by watching the same comedy movies - yet died right on schedule. The difference - they didn't realize that the "black box" had no actual power - that all of the power lay in their intention, and that lay essentially untapped.

We also need to be clear about the type of miseries that best respond to intention-based therapies. The following story helps illustrate this point:

If we dream that a tiger is chasing us, a real life gun will never be able to save us from our peril. Only a dream gun will. Conversely, if we are out in the jungle and a real life tiger is chasing us, a dream gun will be of no value to us. Only a real life gun will be able to get the job done.

Many of our mishaps come from physical causes - car crash injuries, falling down stairs, work place injuries. These miseries are best addressed using conventional therapies. On the other hand, we experience far more miseries that begin in our mind - or that come from the dream tigers we have conjured up. For them, placebos and other intention based therapies are the best dream guns we can use to address them.

In healthcare we need a broad collection of tools, some that can address the miseries that come from our mind and some that can address the miseries that come from physical causes. Medicine and physical therapy are profoundly powerful tools for addressing the miseries that come from "physical" causes. BUT when we use them to try to resolve "physical-appearing" conflicts that were caused by our minds we end up squandering our resources. Plainly put - physical tools do not resolve mind problems, and it is frustrating when patients are given psychiatric medications because their doctors can't figure out why they are in pain, and they don't know what else to do.

A new training is called for - one that categorizes these intention-based therapies. A large number of them are utter nonsense, but not ALL of them.

How can I be so certain of this? Easy - I was the holistic doctor who gave John the homeopathic drops and taught him how to breathe. John is but one of a vast number of patients whose physical pain did not come from a physical source. His pain was brought on by stress and anxiety. He is a typical example of how a good intention based therapy can overcome these pains when nothing else will.

And so in defense of placebos, let's not be so quick to judge them so negatively. They serve as fun, colorful devices that can stimulate our innate powers to heal many parts of us that are untouchable by conventional medical healthcare. In a surprising number of cases - they are the right tool for the job. Placebos have been cloaked in negativity for far too long. Maybe it's time to give 'em a fresh look.

Drink Your 'Cold' Away in Days!

Drinking for your good health is much different than drinking to your good health. When drinking organic raw fresh fruits and vegetables you naturally boost your immune system. Organic, fresh, raw, fruits and vegetables contain vital minerals and vitamins that can stimulate healing in the body, which in turn, allows the body to heal itself naturally from dis-ease and dis-order.

The definition of eating healthy is eating foods that contain vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. As a naturopathic doctor, and a student of this science for over 15 years, this definition also includes eating foods that are rich in natural nutrients that come from planet earth to nourish our bodies. That is it and that is all. So when you eat more fresh, organic, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds, you are doing more for your body's health than any pill or prescription medication can do. The reason these foods provide nutrition to the body is because they are chock full of vitamins and minerals the body needs every day. You cannot get vitamins and minerals from a Pepsi or a Twinkie. When you eat vitamins and minerals, your body has more of what it needs to defend against dis-eases.

'Let food be thy medicine and Let medicine by thy food'. This ancient axiom has stood the test of time for a reason. When you have a dis-ease or a dis-order, your body has the ability to heal itself naturally. The healing process cannot begin however, until the body has been given the right nutrition. When the body receives the proper nutrients healing is stimulated, the immune system kicks in, the body fights back and health is restored. Hence, the recipe below and the ingredients listed will show that food can help the body heal itself natually.

DRINK RECIPE FOR SINUS AND COLD VIRUSES

Ingredients:

(Remember all ingredients should be organic for this formula.)

• 1 whole lemon - Contains Vitamin K which boosts the immune system.


• 1 tablespoon Ginger Powder - Encourages sweating by increasing circulation.


• 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder - A natural antibiotic. 4 cloves are equal to 1 dose of penicilin.


• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper - Stimulates the healing process in the body because it is a stimulant herb and also encourages sweating.


• 2 tablespoons Raw Unfiltered Honey - Contains enzymes that initiate healing in the body and is good for digestion.


• 3 cups of boiling water

Directions:

Cut up a lemon leaving the peel on the fruit. In a blender pour in all your ingredients including the lemon. VERY slowly pour in the boiling water. Be sure to completely cover the blender with the lid so the water does not come out of the blender as it is blending the ingredients. It is important NOT to over fill the blender so if you do not use all 3 cups of water that is fine. Press the liquefy setting on the blender and let all the ingredients blend together into a drink that can be left out at room temperature or refrigerated. Consume this drink every 2 to 3 hours until symptoms are gone.

Neurotherapy Facts

As a relatively new treatment modality for cognitive, emotional, and even physical ailments, neurotherapy is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Though there are many myths about neurotherapy, there is also a wealth of research supporting this type of treatment with respect to anxiety, ADHD, depression, seizure disorders, and even addictions. So let's discuss some neurotherapy facts, especially as they relate to common myths.

Myth: Neurofeedback is not an empirically supported treatment.

In fact, while most physicians are not trained or sometimes even taught about neurotherapy, the fact remains that there is a wealth of published research supporting its efficacy. Unfortunately, physicians receive almost no training in biofeedback or neurofeedback - the most common neurotherapy techniques. Originally developed by psychophysiologists, articles in multiple peer reviewed journals have time-and-time again documented effective uses for neurotherapy. Indeed, journals such as Clinical EEG, Neuroscience Journal, and Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback are excellent sources of information that outline the beneficial effects of neurotherapy; and research about these therapies continues to be published in such journals to this day.

Myth: All neurotherapy treatments are the same.

There are many different methods and technologies for applying neurotherapy principles, but the experience of the therapist should never be underestimated. Just as you would meet with different family doctors before choosing one, you should also consider meeting with and learning about various neurotherapy practitioners in your area. Not only should you find a qualified, experienced neurotherapist who has an excellent understanding of the treatments and science, but you also want to work with a practitioner with whom you can build a positive rapport.

Myth: Neurotherapy treatment effects are immediate.

While some patients experience very quick improvements, usually within the first few weeks, the majority of patients require multiple sessions to achieve the full effects of neurotherapies. Not only does the expertise of the therapist impact the response rate of patients, but individual neural differences can also have an impact. In fact, somewhere around 40% of patients will require treatment for up to 10 weeks before they start to see marked improvements.

Myth: Neurotherapy and medication are not complimentary therapies.

In fact, a combination of neurotherapy and prescription treatment seems to be a very effective treatment program for many patients. Your neurotherapist should be able to provide you with information regarding the types of medication that are useful in combination with neurofeedback treatments.

Myth: The effects of neurotherapy treatments are temporary.

While occasional tune-ups help to maintain the effectiveness of neurotherapy treatments, many of the effects of this type of treatment are maintained for the long term. In order to establish the longest lasting results, most neurotherapy specialists recommend regular treatments for at least 8-12 weeks.

Myth: Neurotherapy is invasive.

For some reason, many people imagine neurotherapy as an invasive treatment on the brain; in fact, the non-invasive biological condition techniques associated with neurotherapy do not require direct stimulation of the brain. No electricity is emitted to the brain as is the case with electro-convulsive therapies.

Many Auto Accident Victims Also Suffer From Ankle Injuries

Every day thousands of people are involved in car accidents every day. Sprained ankles are a common injury in motor vehicle accidents. Most people unfortunately do not think to mention their ankle pain after the accident, concentrating only on their neck and back pains. Without knowledge of the ankle injury your healthcare provider cannot correct the problem, and that will likely lead to a life of future ankle and foot problems.

The ankle is a very complex joint designed to absorb massive amounts of force as you walk, run and jump. This absorption of forces helps to protect your knees, hips, and back. With just walking your ankles will absorb 125% of your bodyweight, while running they absorb approximately 250%-300% of your bodyweight.

Ankle sprain is an overstretching or tearing of one or more of the ligaments of the ankle/foot. Ligaments are very tough fibrous bands of connective tissue that help to hold bones in place, and keep them from moving too far. Most ankle sprains, approximately 95% are inversion sprains. An inversion sprain occurs when the foot rolls to outside with the toes pointing downward. This motion happens when your foot is on the brake or the floor board, while being rear-ended or hit from the side.

With the ankle injury it is very important that the ankle, as well as the other injuries, be evaluated by a healthcare specialist that is trained in the evaluation and treatment of auto accident and extremity injuries. Without a proper diagnosis it is impossible to have a proper treatment protocol for your injury.

Ankle sprains are placed in 3 categories, based on the severity of the injury. There are some clues that will tell you how severe the could be, such as a popping sound, rapid onset of swelling, and amount of bruising, but the severity is really only determined after an evaluation by a trained professional.

Grade 1 sprains are mild over stretching of one or more of the ligaments of the ankle. With these injuries you can usually still walk and run in a straight line without too much problem.

Grade 2 sprains are moderate to severe over stretching and possible mild tearing of the ligaments of the ankle. With this injury the person usually can walk but is unable to run and lateral motions are not possible in most cases.

Grade 3 sprains are moderate to full tearing of one or more of the ligaments in the ankle. With this injury the person generally cannot bear any weight without bracing.

Grade 1 and 2 sprains can be treated with manual manipulation of the affected joints of the ankle and a thorough rehabilitative exercise program. These injuries usually heal very quickly if treated properly.

Grade 3 sprains will often times require an evaluation by an orthopedic specialist. These will often be required to be casted and on occasion have a surgical procedure. After this they too will require a proper rehabilitation program.

What Is Hijamah?

Hijamah comes from the arabic root word "ha ja ma" which means "to diminish in volume", and refers to the reduction in blood volume or to the vacuum effect used to draw blood from the body. In the case of the ahaadeeth (sayings of the Prophet[SAW]) about hijamah it refers to the drawing of blood from the body for therapeutic purposes, either to support health in the case of one who is not sick or to cure a specific illness or ailment.

The vacuum or sucking effect can be achieved by many different methods including sucking with the mouth directly over a cut or wound (as in the case of poisonous bites), using a leech to draw blood, the use of instruments such as animal horns as was done in ancient times, or the more modern methods of using bamboo, glass or plastic "cups", either with fire or a pump mechanism.

The practice of applying a partial vacuum by these means causes the tissues beneath the cup to be drawn up and swell, thereby increasing blood flow to the affected area. This enhanced blood flow draws impurities and toxins away from the nearby tissues and organs towards the surface for elimination via the break in the skin layer created through the incisions made prior to the application of the "cup" or similar device.

Though Hijamah is commonly translated as "cupping" amongst english speakers, this is not an accurate translation because cupping in the modern sense can refer to both "dry" (where no blood is removed) and "wet" forms (which is Hijamah). Cupping is the practice of using cups, which can be of different materials, to create suction at the skin level in order to draw blood to the surface, which may then be removed in the case of "wet" cupping.

The earliest historical evidence of the use of Hijamah is from the ancient Egyptians. One of the oldest egyptian medical text books, written in approximately 1550 BC, describes "bleeding" used to 'remove pathogens from the body'. It is evident that bloodletting was considered a remedy for almost every type of disease as well as an important means of preserving good health and life.

Hippocrates and Galen were also great advocates of Hijamah. In Hippocrates' time bloodletting was topological and not used in terms of the theory of the 4 humors. Specific points were bled for specific illnesses. Galen explains that the principle indication for bloodletting is to eliminate residues or divert blood from one part of the body to another. His approach was based on two key Unani concepts prevalent at the time. First, that blood didn't circulate well in the body, and that it eventually went stagnant until it was "let out". Secondly, the concept of the balance of the four humors (blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile) was the source of health or illness, in which case bloodletting is used to bring about balance between these humors. Mapping out the blood vessels of the body, Galen would cut his patients in different areas, depending on what area he wanted to treat.

In the East, Bloodletting and wet cupping was always an integral part of the medical practices, and remains so to this day. The ancient Chinese medical text which is widely regarded as the oldest medical text in existence, the Nei Jing, or Inner Classic says that:

"if there is stagnation it must be first be resolved through bloodletting before the application of acupuncture or moxibustion."

By the mid to late 1800s however, bloodletting was sharply criticized by the medical fraternity and had fallen away as a popular method. Because of the procedure not being practiced correctly it was becoming responsible for a large number of deaths and therefore was increasingly being discredited by modern medicine, the newly established scientific model of medicine also began discrediting all other previously established traditional therapies in order to gain medical dominance.

In the past 20 to 30 years however, it has found a tremendous resurgence amongst Muslim communities, with courses being offered to both medical practitioners and the public in some countries like the UK.

There are many ahaadeeth that recommend the use of Hijamah such as this one:

Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) relates that he heard Rasulullah (SAW) saying: "If there is any good in your treatments it is in the blade of the Hajjaam, a drink of honey or branding by fire (cauterisation), whichever suits the ailment, and I do not like to be cauterized" (Bukhari & Muslim)

Hijamah though is a medical procedure that involves the handling of blood and body fluids and therefore while it has many benefits for general health and the treatment of illnesses, it must be performed by someone who has special training in Hijamah and the associated medical sciences in order to avoid adverse effects from the procedure.

Natural Remedies for Sciatica - Treat Sciatic Nerve Pain Now

If you are dealing with sciatica then you most likely know the pain that is associated with it. Dealing with pain in your lower back, legs and even your hips can make it very difficult to function in life. Carrying out even the smallest tasks can be very complicated and painful. Therefore, you may want to find some remedies for sciatica that are going to be effective and help you relieve the pain.

Naturally, there are going to be some medications that may be effective when it comes to decreasing the pain that you may be experiencing. Some medical professionals are going to prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. Others may prescribe muscle relaxants. Some individuals have even found relief from anti-seizure medications. You will always need to speak with your doctor so that they will be able to determine what type of medication will be the best for you.

Once the pain has started to decrease, and you are finding some relief, you may be encouraged to attend physical therapy. You may find this to be very helpful as the physical therapist is going to be able to give you some exercises and programs that may be able to help decrease the possibility of injuries in the future. Participants will also be instructed on how to improve posture and increase their flexibility so that they do not become injured again.

In very serious situations, when you are not getting relief from any other types of therapies, your doctor may recommend surgery. This option will often only be suggested if you are suffering from weakness, your bowels are effected by the pressure on the nerve or your pain is continuing to get worse.

Of course, there are going to be some remedies that you can implement at home to try to decrease the pain that you are experiencing. It may be a benefit to you to place a cold pack on the painful for roughly 20 minutes each day. Next, you may find relief if you try to alternate heat and cold packs throughout the day. Just make sure that you are using your heat pack on the lowest setting.

Those that are looking for alternative treatment methods could try chiropractic services or even acupuncture. It is important to remember that not all individuals will find relief from these options. Therefore, it is going to be important for you to try different things to see what will help you the most. You could even speak with your doctor before hand to see what they may recommend.

Drug Addiction and Withdrawal Guide

Drug Addiction is defined as an abnormal, compulsive use, use for non-medical purposes and continued use despite harm or risk of harm. It is a huge problem especially in the United states with people abusing prescription medications such as Percocet (oyxcodone and acetominophen), Xanax (alprazolam), and Roxicodone (oxycodone) and Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetominophen). In this brief article, I will explain some of the most commonly asked questions with regards to rx drug abuse from everyday people.

The first question is related to oxycodone. Oxycodone is one of the most worldwide known abused drugs in the world. It is referred to on the street as "Oxys", Roxi's(for brand Roxicodone) or its percocet (oxycodone/apap) friend "512′s". 512 is name of the number listed on the percocet tablet that can be identified. Oxycodone is considered a class II medication which means they can be highly addictive and abused.

How much Oxycodone can I take without overdosing?

There is no ceiling dose when taking oxycodone. There is no specific "max dose". You hear people saying "After time, It stops working". This is because your body stops reacting to that same dose because your body goes through physiologic alteration. The exact mechanism is unknown. Some theories predict that a change of the number of pain receptors is decreased or the receptor site is actually altered resulting in a higher dose to produce a similar response. It is this change in the body which results in withdrawal symptoms when the receptors are not occupied.

What are the symptoms oxycodone withdrawal?

Anxiety, irritability, backache, joint pain, nausea, insomnia, increased blood pressure, heart rate, chills

Restlessness, sweating, lacrimation (abnormal or excessive excretion of tears)

The second question usually deals with a different class of medication called benzodiazepine class. They are in the top 10 prescription drugs dispensed in the United States each year. Benzodiazepine class includes Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), Xanax (alprazolam) and a few others. They are called "Benzos" or Zannie's on the street.

Why can Xanax, Valium and the Benzodiazepine Class be the most scariest prescription drug ever made?

In brief, alprazolam and diazepam work by inhibited GABA. GABA is neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates excitability. Basically, these drugs have a central nervous system depressant activity on the brain. If these neurons are blocked for long periods of time, your FIGHT and Flight Response assumes this is normal, and your body makes adjustments. Consequently, when they are not blocked(not on the drug) you experience everything that the drug is actually treating (anxiety, irritability, etc). The actual term is called Rebound Anxiety.

Can I mix Alcohol with Xanax or Valium?

Alcohol and "Benzos" are very dangerous. They both have depressant effects on the brain and can cause slow muscle tone and breathing. Alcohol abuse is very common with people who have a Valuim or Xanax addiction. Alcohol increases cortisol which leads to increase stress, especially the next morning. People refer them to the shakes because your body is trying to get rid of the alcohol. An easy way to get rid of the shakes is to take a Benzo with can calm the body. This cycle can be vicious and almost impossible to cure. The first step always is to seek help. You are not alone.

The last topic to be discussed deals with Vicodin. One of the most common medications abused is Vicodin. It is a class III controlled medication which means it produces low-moderate physical dependence, high psychological dependence, and can be used effectively in the United States with a prescription. It is a hydrocodone and tylenol (called Apap short for acetaminophen) based drug and is more readily available to the public compared to Schedule II drugs(CII) like percocet or oxycodone.

My doctor prescribed me vicodin for my toothache? How does the medication know where to go to make the pain stop?

Our brain has receptors in the brain called opioid receptors that regulate pain. When these receptors are activated or inhibited they result in a certain feeling. People always ask how does it know where the pain is? The drugs just block or activate the receptors. They do not know where the pain is. Consequently, side effects do occur with all medications because these receptors are all interconnected with different functions. In this cause the pain receptors are blocked resulting in less pain perceived by the brain.

What are the side effects of Vicodin?

Constipation: Reduces motility of smooth muscle tone in the stomach and

Itching, flushing, red, eyes, sweating: Histamine is released as a result of this drug. (Anti-histamine products (Claritin, Zyrtec-Block histamine)

Common OTC products

Respiratory Depression: When the breathing gets real slow and could lead to death. Hydrocodone is a derivative of codeine, hence, it can cause irregular and periodic breathing problems since it blocks the brain stem (regulates breathing patterns). This becomes a huge problem when alcohol and Vicodin are mixed. Signs of cold and clammy skin, slow heart rate, collapse. CALL 911

Drowsiness, lethargy (tiredness), anxiety, mood swings:

In conclusion, rx abuse continues to be on the rise but we can stop it. By recognizing these withdrawal symptoms and side effects, we can act quickly in seeking help and making this a drug free world.

Yoga Helps People With Diabetes

Yoga has been viewed as a helpful form of exercise that relaxes the mind and body. When it eases the body into postures, yoga is intended to improve the body's balance and strength, increase our flexibility and enhance our well-being. This ancient practice which originated in India also helps decrease stress which can be helpful in controlling glucose levels in people with type 1 or 2 diabetes.

While some races are pre-disposed to this disease, it is most often caused by a sedentary lifestyle made worse by poor diet. According to available studies, there is not enough evidence to show this exercise results to long-term improvements in people with diabetes. However, it did conclude that yoga led to short-term improvements in fasting glucose. It also helped normalize cholesterol levels. The studies explained that the exercise stimulates the organs as it improves the metabolic functions of an individual.

However, it is recommended that a certified instructor should be consulted first before launching into a routine since some poses may be harmful to diabetics.For example, poses that have the legs crossed can constrict the blood flow to the legs and feet. Therefore, training for those with this disease should always be personalized.

Here are some postures that will help normalize the body's digestion, absorption and elimination of wastes:

1. Western Intense - A study in the Yoga Journal revealed that this bearing traditionally reduces obesity. This also helps strengthen the pelvic floor muscles which the illness weakens in women and make them prone to urinary incontinence and have an overactive bladder. You have to hold your abdomen while doing this to make sure that your lower back does not cave in.

2. Corpse - You know how the dead are usually lying flat on their backs? This is how this bearing is done. This stance helps the body get rid of impurities through sweat and urine. When doing this, be sure to stay in this position until your heart rate has returned to normal. Your breathing must also be relaxed and comfortable.

3. Downward Facing Dog - This well-known posture helps calm the mind at the start of the workout. This helps improve digestion and alleviate hypertension or high blood pressure that affects two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes. This is achieved by spreading out the fingers and sucking in your belly.

4. Big Toe - This is another position with a calming effect. This also helps in digestion and enhances the blood flow to the liver and kidneys to prevent illnesses like the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It's perfectly okay to bend the knees in this position if you cannot reach your toes while keeping your legs straight.

5. Triangle - This standing stance stimulates the abdominal organs and helps absorption. This is helpful in keeping your kidneys healthy. Position your back heel against the wall for more support and hold for 3-5 breaths before repeating on the other side.

6. Fish - This is executed at the end of the session to help calm the mind and lower the heart rate. This is one of the restorative poses and is achieved by arching the back to allow the abdomen to open up. Depending on your flexibility, this position can be done with your legs in front of you, knees are bent and feet flat on the floor.