Today’s fast way of life had spawned a new breed of current illnesses. Chronic fatigue, recurring constipation, sudden allergies, and some strange infections are just some of today’s prevalent diseases that, while not fatal, hinder one’s business.

Most people think there is a magic bullet to end most of them: colon cleansing.

Colon cleansing is actually a method of cleaning the body’s waste disposal system. Taking their cue from the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, people are again of the belief that today’s illnesses spring from faulty body waste disposal and that this discrepancy needs outside help.

Herbs

One of the three main methods of colon cleansing is the use of herbs. These herbs can be found in manufactured colon cleansing systems or can be obtained by anyone interested enough to self-medicate.

It is believed that aside from cleansing the colon, herbs also helps remove from our body’s system those harmful chemicals, pesticides, and metals we ingest everyday. Most people now believe that these environmental toxins also play a big role in the rise of today’s illnesses.

Some particular herbs may not react together well enough. This is where knowledge of these herbal aids becomes crucial. It is important, at the very least, to know the general use of these named herbs for reference purposes. Of course, as the final arbiter, a medical practitioner is the best resource person.

Here is the list and a short description of how they work.

* Cascara sagrada also known as bearberry – this herb has a long history as a laxative fro people suffering from constipation. Note of caution: This cannot be used on a regular basis since it can be habit-forming. Read the manufacturer’s instructions.

* Wormwood – cleanses the colon of worms and also works as a mild sedative. However, this should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.

* Black walnut husk – this cleanses the intestines of parasites, and is also effective in fighting fungal infections. On the side, it helps in digestion.

* Cloves – this herb helps clears out parasites and aids in digestion.

* Rosemary – this versatile herb aids in preventing liver toxicity. It has anti-tumor properties and stimulates digestion and blood circulation.

* Cayenne Pepper- a wonderful herb that does many things including; helps the heart, kidneys, lungs, and stomach. It helps in digestion and is good for sinus problems,
colds and sore throats. Cayenne is rich in folic acid, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6, vitamin A and C.

* Yellow dock or curly dock – it cleanses the blood, the colon and good in combating liver disease.

* Parsley – this fragrant herb does many good things: stops tumors from multiplying, helps the kidneys, bladder, stomach, liver and lungs work better. It also helps
lower blood pressure.

* Yerba mate – it cleanses the blood, helps with allergies, constipation and inflammation.

* Cats Claw – this one is good for intestinal disorders. It also enhances white blood cell action. (Note: pregnant women should not use this.)

* Cranberry – this is great for combating urinary tract infection. Bacteria cannot survive in cranberry’s acidity.

* Corn Silk – helps fight troubles in the intestines, bladder and kidneys. Works well in combination with other kidney-cleansing herbs.

* Milk Thistle – this herb works best for liver problems and is a great antioxidant. It is also good in fighting digestive and kidney disorders.

Aside from these herbs, there are foods that help the body just as well. Mostly, they alkalize and detoxify the body. (Some vegetables and fruits – while good – are acid-forming: asparagus, Brussels sprouts, chickpeas, cranberries, canned fruits.) These comprise most of the vegetables, fruits, soy products, maple syrup and molasses.

For today’s new health troubles, it is good to know some herbs and food that help in the fight. Some of them are strictly classified as colon cleansers and rightly so. Whatever is the name, it is good to know them by heart, especially on how they are used.

1. Fruits and Vegetables that are high in antioxidants – Antioxidants are excellent chemicals that help neutralize free radicals in our body. Antioxidants when not neutralized can cause a condition called “oxidative stress.” It is a condition where there is an imbalance between the factors that causes oxidation and the factors that inhibit oxidation. Free radicals can cause cell damage that results our body’s meta-block system and organ’s system to break down. Here are the top antioxidants that can help you in weight loss:

Blueberries – They are chock-full of antioxidants and fiber, low in sugar and calories. Research shows that blueberries has the greatest anti-oxidants among fruits and vegetables. Aside from that, blueberries has contents that reverse cell degeneration. They also has flavonoids and beta-carotene which helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and an effective anti-inflammatory components.

Kale and Spinach – These two vegetables are rich in antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which help protect against age-related cataracts and macular degeneration.

Broccoli – New medical study shows that eating broccoli and broccoli sprouts reduces your risk of heart disease, high-blood pressure and stroke. Broccoli has high contents of antioxidants called “glucoraphanin,” a chemical which boost the body’s defense system against cancer-forming free radicals.

2. Fiber-rich and low-calories fruits – Eating fruits a day like apple does not only keeps the doctor away but also helps you loose weight. Aside from the benefits of helping prevent cardiovascular problems, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and high cholesterol, the nutrients found in fruits are excellent source of fat burning compounds. Fruits satisfy hunger by taking longer to consume, thus your appetite is reduced.

3. Zero-Fat Vegetables – Vegetables are good source of fiber which helps reduce fat soluble and other fat-causing factors that we have taken making it great foods for weight loss and maintenance. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, brussels sprouts, potatoes, and squash are just some of these vegetables.

4. High-Energy Foods – Great “go” foods has numerous health benefits. Examples of these are oatmeal, yogurt, spinach and canned salmon, tuna or sardines.

Canned Salmon, Tuna, or Sardines – These three fishes are great souce of omega-3 fatty acids, provide extra calcium and protein aside from milk. You can add salmon, tuna or sardines as filling to a whole wheat sandwich with onions, lettuce, tomato, and less-fat dressing for a healthy lunch or heavy snack. You can also add them to your favorite salad. It is much healthier to opt for those packed in water than those in oil.

Oatmeal – Oatmeal balances your cholesterol in the body and an essential heart-protecting food.

5. Foods with Incredible Crunch – Foods that require a good bit of chewing are excellent diet foods because require you ample time to chew and thus the brain’s appestat or appetite is satisfied long before you have the chance of consuming too many calories. Crunchable foods provide healthy benefits because they are high in fiber and promotes good metabolism. Examples of these foods are apple, corn, celery and carrots.

6. Power Foods – Power foods are foods not only packed with vitamins but contain many different types of unique nutrients such as phytonutrients, flavonoids, monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, complex carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrition-boosting compounds. Examples of these are:

Whole grains breads and cereals especially those that contain bran, an excellent source of fiber, B vitamins, and minerals including zinc, iron and magnesium.

Green leafy vegetables like spinach, dark lettuces, bok choy, chard, collard greens, and seaweed.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower because they are excellent source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber.

Orange vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, butternut squash, winter squash, and cantaloupe because they are loaded with cancer-fighting anti-oxidants beta-carotene and vitamins C and E.

Legumes, nuts and seeds are also power foods that help weight loss. Examples of these legumes are beans and lentils. The high fiber content of beans and lentils helps to reduce the absorption of saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories from the intestinal tract, reduces your appetite, and may reduce the risk of heart disease.

What does it do for you and which is the best wine for good health. It was opened one day and a sign posted the next day that it was closed down.