Tips To A Long Healthy Life: 'Are Mud Baths Healthy?'

Tips To A Long Healthy Life: 'Are Mud Baths Healthy?' 

Dr. Weil's Daily Tips, January 6, 2011

Mud baths are known for their healthful benefits, not only for the skin but also for fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. For more on the safest mud baths to choose, read below.

Mud baths are an acquired taste, but they can be healthy and therapeutic. Researchers have found that the application of thermal mud - as opposed to cosmetic mud that often contains alcohol, a drying agent - can give people with dry skin long-lasting beneficial effects. Mud applications may also be helpful for those with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Skin problems may also benefit - mud

can help reduce pain from burns and bee stings and draw out heat, reducing inflammation. The mud from the Dead Sea in Israel is reputed to have therapeutic effects for diseases like psoriasis, attracting people from all over the world for mud baths. If you're interested in mud baths, be aware that at home they're perfectly safe, but in a spa setting you can be at risk of contracting a skin disorder if the mud isn't changed as often as necessary. Some of the bugs responsible, such as bacteria known as pseudomonas, thrive in higher temperatures. Make sure you are using fresh mud if you partake at a spa.

Tips For A Long Healthy Life: 'Healthful Resolutions: Breathing'

Tips For A Long Healthy Life: 'Healthful Resolutions: Breathing' 

Dr. Weil's Weekend Tips, January 22, 2011

Breathing slowly and consciously is the most effective way to combat stress, enter deep states of relaxation and awareness leading directly to spontaneous states of meditation, and to remain healthy and combat the onset of disease. For more, read below.  For specific breathing techniques to match your health objectives, be sure to visit us at www.thesouthbeachdetox.com or www.letloverule.us.

Simple breathing techniques offer a drug-free way to help lower your blood pressure, calm a racing heart or settle an upset digestive system. Proper breathing has direct influence on emotional states and moods. When you're upset, you breathe rapidly, shallowly and irregularly, but you can't be upset if your breathing is slow, deep, quiet and regular. At first, the effects are subtle, but they will gain

power the more you repeat them. Whether you want to address health problems or just relax and reduce stress, make this the year to learn and practice the most recommended breathing techniques.

Food & Nutrition: 'Wondering About Wasabi'

Food & Nutrition: 'Wondering About Wasabi' 

Dr. Weil's Weekend Tips, January 22, 2011

Originally from Japan, Wasabi is a mustard-like substance that has therapeutic properties. For more, read below.

Wasabi comes from the root-like stem (rhizome) of wasabia japonica, a mustard relative that grows in streams and moist, shady areas of Japan and is now being cultivated in North America, especially in British Columbia. When freshly grated, authentic wasabi forms a light green, coarsely textured paste that is pungent and much more flavorful than the mix of horseradish, mustard and green food

coloring billed as "wasabi" in many restaurants. In addition, genuine wasabi has interesting therapeutic effects, including antibiotic properties and anti-inflammatory activity, and appears useful for relieving symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Food & Nutrition: 'Healthful Resolutions: Adopting the Anti-Inflammatory Diet'

Food & Nutrition: 'Healthful Resolutions: Adopting the Anti-Inflammatory Diet' 

Dr. Weil's Weekend Tip, January 30, 2011

Chronic inflammation has been identified as factor in the development of fatal degenerative diseases and Alzheimer's. Because diet is a major contributor to chronic inflammation, adopting a healthful diet can help prevent and counteract the risks associated with inflammation. For more, read below.

The anti-inflammatory diet isn't a weight-loss program (although you can lose weight on it) or a temporary eating plan. It is intended to counteract chronic inflammation, now known to play a central role in the development of heart disease, many cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Poor diet is perhaps the main contributor to chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory diet can help you correct

that: it points the way to food choices that can help you remain optimally healthy. Use my Anti- Inflammatory Food Pyramid - print it out and post it on the fridge. Along with influencing inflammation, the diet will give you steady energy and provide all the vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and dietary fiber you need.

Eating Anti-Inflammatory, Made Simple

Food & Nutrition: '4 Reasons To Eat Almonds'

Food & Nutrition: '4 Reasons To Eat Almonds' 

Dr. Weil's Weekend Tip, January 30, 2011

Almonds, eaten in moderation, are a very healthy snack.  They are alkanizing to the body, keeping you healthy and free from disease.  They contain vitamins and minerals necessary to the body's proper functioning. For more, read below.

Some of the best snacks you can enjoy (in moderation) are nuts, and almonds in particular. The benefits are plentiful - almonds contain:

1. Monounsaturated fats that help reduce the risk of heart disease

2. Protein to provide sustained energy

3. Calcium for strong and healthy bones

4. Magnesium, which promotes normal blood pressure and healthy metabolism

I recommend unsalted or low-salt almonds that are raw or dry-roasted as a staple in your pantry. Toss almonds in a salad, cereal or yogurt; chop finely to use in a marinade or coat tofu "burgers"; or simply enjoy them on their own!

Other ways to eat almonds include vegetarian paté or stuffing for pears; almonds are versatile. 

Food & Nutrition: '4 Reasons To Eat Almonds'

Food & Nutrition: '4 Reasons To Eat Almonds' 

Dr. Weil's Weekend Tip, January 30, 2011

Almonds, eaten in moderation, are a very healthy snack.  They are alkanizing to the body, keeping you healthy and free from disease.  They contain vitamins and minerals necessary to the body's proper functioning. For more, read below.

Some of the best snacks you can enjoy (in moderation) are nuts, and almonds in particular. The benefits are plentiful - almonds contain:

1. Monounsaturated fats that help reduce the risk of heart disease

2. Protein to provide sustained energy

3. Calcium for strong and healthy bones

4. Magnesium, which promotes normal blood pressure and healthy metabolism

I recommend unsalted or low-salt almonds that are raw or dry-roasted as a staple in your pantry. Toss almonds in a salad, cereal or yogurt; chop finely to use in a marinade or coat tofu "burgers"; or simply enjoy them on their own!

Other ways to eat almonds include vegetarian paté or stuffing for pears; almonds are versatile. 

Food & Nutrition: 'Is Your Coffee Making You Fat?'

Food & Nutrition: 'Is Your Coffee Making You Fat?' 

Dr. Weil's Daily Tips, January 30, 2011

You may not be ready to give up the morning cup of coffee just yet.  No matter how unhealthy they may be, rituals are hard to break.  If that's the case but you still want to grow towards healthier and lighter habits, including cutting back on the volume of sugar and mucus-forming and fatt-filled dairy products. For more, read below.  For even healthier vegan alternative, visit our nutrition and recipes section online at www.thesouthbeachdetox.com

A cup of plain, black coffee has about 10 calories. But add milk, chocolate, whipped cream and other flavor enhancers and coffee-shop staples such as mocha lattes can contain more calories - and almost as much unhealthy fat - as a Big Mac. 

When you consider that many people have these drinks daily, the total calorie intake can add up quickly. If you are not ready to give up coffee just yet but want to steer away from the sugar-laden, whole-fat versions, try these simple steps: you'll still get the flavor, but with less fat and calories.

1. Ask for skim rather than whole milk.

2. Skip the chocolate sauce and instead opt for a small piece of high-quality dark chocolate on the side.

3. To enhance flavor without fat, add cinnamon (which may aid digestion), a dab of honey or a little sugar to a plain coffee.

4. Forgo the whipped cream.