Allergies are basically immune system reactions or hypersensitivities to certain organic or chemical compounds. The allergens (substance that causes the allergic reaction) are commonly breathed in, as in the case of pollens or ingested in the food we eat. Hypersensitivity is often characterised by a systemic inflammatory response that can result in symptoms as benign as a runny nose, to life-threatening anaphylactic shock and death. Asthma sufferers often have allergies to airborne particles which can set-off an asthma attack.

Allergies are very common disorders and more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergic diseases.

Allergies generally have no cure, but there are products that can help relieve symptoms or reduce the allergic reaction, thereby minimising symptomatic discomfort or pain.

Natural herbal products that may help with allergies:
Aloe Vera

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Anemia is a condition in which red blood cells or the haemoglobin (a protein) in red blood cells is abnormally low. Haemoglobin helps red blood cells carry and deliver oxygen to the rest of the body. The amount of haemoglobin and number of red blood cells can be decreased by many different conditions. Anemia results in a decreased ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the tissues of the body, which often causes symptoms such as mental tiredness and physical fatigue.

Natural herbal products that may help with anemia and blood conditions:
Alfalfa

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Aging is the process of growing older and includes changes in both biology and psychology. Biology refers to the way the body functions. Psychology describes how the mind functions. How people age has to do with genetics, environment, and lifestyle over a lifetime.

Physical signs of aging can include wrinkles and age spots on the skin, a loss of bone and muscle mass, thinning of the hair, etc.

Research has shown a connection with the biological aging process and dietary derived antioxidants. Although not conclusively proven, there is wide acceptance that a diet high in antioxidants is beneficial is slowing the aging process, includng the physical signs.

Herbal products with natural antioxidant properties:
Camu Camu
Noni
Purple Corn

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Arthritis refers to inflammation of a joint. The inflammation may cause pain, swelling and stiffness. The joint inflammation of arthritis can occur for many reasons. Often the lining of the joint, the synovium, becomes inflamed. It reacts by making extra synovial fluid. This causes the joint to become swollen. The smooth white surface of the joint, the hyaline cartilage, can become thin, worn, and rough. Any joint in the body can be affected by some form of arthritis.

Natural health products that may help with arthritis:
Cat's Claw
Noni
Shark Cartilage

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Asthma is a common lung disease that causes repeated bouts of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, especially at night or in the early morning. A person with asthma has difficulty breathing because of inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

In a person with asthma, the airways narrow as a result of irritation and inflammation. During an asthma flare-up or "asthma attack", muscles of the airway tubes, or bronchi, tighten. The reaction in the lungs is out of proportion with the amount of stimulation experienced. The inflammation and tightening in the airways increases, trapping air in the lungs. The overreaction to the trigger causes excess mucus to form in the lungs. This results in the person being unable to take in a full breath and consequently, feels short of breath.

Natural herbal products that may help with asthma & other respiratory diseases:
Alfalfa
Aloe Vera
Cat's Claw

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Bacterial infection occurs when a colony of invading bacteria temporarily overwhelms the immune system. The bacteria grow at a rate that the immune system is not ready to control and illness occurs. Bacterial infections are often characterised by high fever, lethargy and lack of appetite.

Natural herbal producs that may help with bacterial infections:
Garlic

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Blood cholesterol and dietary cholesterol are two different types of cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol is found in food of animal origin. Blood cholesterol is a waxy substance that occurs naturally in the body. Since cholesterol is not soluble in blood, it is carried around in a protein-coated package called a lipoprotein. High-density lipoprotein or HDL is known as the good package for cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein or LDL is the bad package for cholesterol. Cholesterol is a significant factor in the development of coronary heart disease.

Natural herbal products that can help lower cholesterol:
Alfalfa
Artichoke
Caigua
Garlic
Purple Corn

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Bronchitis is an obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs. Common amongst smokers and residents of polluted cities, bronchitis can be acute (short-term), or chronic (long-lasting).

Acute bronchitis is generally associated with a viral or bacterial infection. Chronic bronchitis is predominantly caused by smoking, and has also been linked to pneumoconiosis, excessive alcohol consumption and exposure to cold and draught.

Natural herbal products that may help with bronchitis:
Seaweed

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Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues. Invasion can occur either by direct growth into adjacent tissue or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis. Metastasis is the stage in which cancer cells are transported through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Cancer affects people of all ages, but the risk increases with age.

Cancer can take many forms and the severity of symptoms depends on the site and character of the disese and whether there is metastasis.

Most cancers can be treated and some cured, depending on the specific type, location, and stage. Once diagnosed, cancer is commonly treated by surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy or a combination of the preceeding. If untreated, cancers often cause illness and death, though not always.

Damage to DNA, resulting in mutations to genes, accounts for the unregulated growth that characterizes cancer. Many mutation events may need to occur before a normal cell transforms into a malignant cell. DNA damage can be caused by chemicals or physical agents called carcinogens, by excess exposure to radioactive materials, or by certain viruses.

Many types of cancer are linked to environmental or habitual factors such as tobacco smoke, radiation, alcohol and certain viruses. Whilst some risk factors can be avoided or reduced, others cannot and cancer can strike seemingly healthy people with little or no notice.

Natural herbal products that may help with cancer:
Cat's Claw
Graviola
Manayupa
Purple Corn
Yacon

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Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), cold sores can be painful when they manifest. Watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes around the mouth or lips can be unsightly and are contagious.

Although there are topical treatments for cold sores, the responsible virus is incurable with present technology. The best way to prevent occurances is to boost the immune system so that the virus remains controlled and dormant.

Natural herbal products that can help prevent cold sores:
Alfalfa

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Colds and flus are common infectious diseases that tend to be more prevalent in the colder months. Both are caused by viruses and they cannot be 'cured', but rather be fought off by the immune system, generally taking from 2-4 days.

Common symptoms such as fever and headache, runny nose or sore throat can be eased by taking non-prescription medications available at any pharmacy.

To avoid infection in the first instance is the best defence and there are many natural products and vitamin supplements available to assist.

Natural herbal products that can help prevent colds and flus:
Camu Camu
Cassava Leaves
Cat's Claw
Garlic

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Diabetes mellitus, often called diabetes, is a condition that makes it hard for the body to control the level of glucose in the blood. This means it is hard for the body to convert food into the energy that the body needs to work. Glucose is the main form of sugar in the body.

The pancreas, a long, thin organ located behind the stomach, makes insulin. In most people, the pancreas makes extra insulin when they eat. It is then released into the bloodstream. Insulin helps move glucose that is in the bloodstream to the inside of cells in the body. Glucose is a key source of energy for the body. In a person with diabetes, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin to keep up with the body's demand. So glucose cannot be moved into the cells and used. In some types of diabetes, the body cells resist the insulin. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood. And that leads to a high blood glucose level, called hyperglycemia.

See also 'Yacon & Diabetes' under the 'Articles' tab.

Natural herbal products that can help lower blood sugar:
Yacon
Yacon Honey

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Digestion is the metabolic process whereby food is transformed into its nutritional elements and by-products are eliminated from the body. Bacteria and viral infection, excess food or alcohol and other factors can cause the digestive process to malfunction. The resultant digestive disorder can be acute or chronic and may be uncomfortable or even painful. Over the counter pharmaceuticals may be of assistance in treating the symptoms but if they persist, a doctor should be consulted.

Natural herbal products that may help with digestive disorders:
Alfalfa
Artichoke
Cat's Claw
Seaweed

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Fatigue is a condition in which a person becomes weary or exhausted. It is usually caused by overdoing some physical activity. It can also occur after a long period of mental stress. In some cases, it may occur for no clear reason.

Most people have had fatigue at some point. The causes of fatigue range from working out or studying too hard to cancer. Sometimes no cause can be found.

Natural herbal products that can help with lack of energy and fatigue:
Maca
Maca Max
Noni

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Fungal infections or 'mycoses' occur in different levels or classifications from superficial to systemic. Superficial infections occur on the surface of the body and are easily treated with topical creams. Systemic infections spread throughout the body and can be seriously debilitating and difficult to cure.

Typical symptoms inclde itchiness, burning sensations, soreness and redness of the infected area and discharge.

Fungal infections are often associated with the use of antibiotics, which can upset the natural balance of flora in the body. They may also be the result of unsanitary practices. Diabetics also often suffer from fungal infections because high sugar levels assist the growth of yeast.

Natural herbal products that may help with fungal infections:
Graviola

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Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Gastritis occurs when the normal protective mechanisms in the stomach are overwhelmed and damage occurs to the stomach lining. The lining of the stomach becomes irritated and inflamed. Gastritis may occur suddenly, which is called acute gastritis, or develop gradually over a long period of time, which is called chronic gastritis.

Natural herbal products that may help with general gastrointestinal problems:
Cat's Claw
Seaweed
Yacon

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Health can be simply defined as the functional and metabolic efficiency of an organism. In this case we're referring to the human. A person's health is their ability to efficiently respond to challenges (stress, disease, physical exertion) and effectively restore and sustain a state of balance.

With the above in mind, there are many factors influencing a person's health including; diet, emotional and physical stress, fitness level, presence of disease and others. One reason a person may be less healthy is that their diet may lack sufficient vitamins, minerals or trace elements. Supplementation is a simple way to correct this imbalance.

Natural herbal products that can help you balance your general health:
Alfalfa
Camu Camu
Manayupa
Noni

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Hemorrhoids (also known as piles) are swelling and inflammation of veins in the rectum and anus. Haemorrhoids can be caused by straining during bowel movements or too much pressure on the rectal veins due to poor muscle tone or poor posture. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can be factors as can constipation, chronic diarrhea, poor bathroom habits (sitting for unusually long periods of time [like reading on the toilet] or excessive cleaning attempts), pregnancy, postponing bowel movements or a fiber-poor diet.

Natural herbal remedies that may help with haemorrhoids:
Cat's Claw

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When we think of herpes, we generally think of the genital form of the disease. However, herpes viruses take on several different forms and are responsible for several illnesses or conditions. Cold sores are a result of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and shingles are a result of the herpes zoster virus (a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus).

At this stage there is no known 'cure' for herpes viruses. The viruses lay dormant within the body, waiting for an opportune moment when the defenses are low, to regroup and attack again. The only way to control the viruses is to ensure that the body's defenses are high - in other words, maintain a strong immune system. By getting enough rest, some regular exercise and a good diet, the immune system should remain strong enough to keep the herpes viruses at bay, thus preventing outbreaks.

Natural herbal products that can help control herpes outbreaks:
Alfalfa

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Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition where the blood pressure is chronically elevated. Extended hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and arterial aneurysm and renal failure.

Generally speaking, consecutive blood pressure readings of a level 140/90 mmHg or above is considered hypertensive. However, stress, exercise, salt, fat and alcohol intake, dehydration and obesity are just some of the factors that affect a person's blood pressure and could be responsible for a high reading.

Many of the factors that contribute to high blood pressure (above) can be controlled and it is wise to look at these factors when formulating a plan to reduce high blood pressure. The long term benefits are greater when lifestyle and dietary habits are altered than when medication alone is used.

See also 'Noni & Hypertension' under the 'Articles' tab.

Natural herbal products that may help lower blood pressure:
Graviola
Noni
Purple Corn

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The immune system protects the body from infection in three basic ways:

1/ Maintaining a protective barrier that prevents bacteria and viruses from entering the body. Skin and mucous membranes are examples of this method.
2/ Using specialized cells that detect and often eliminate the invader before it is able to reproduce and cause harm. White blood cells are the main player here.
3/ Using an adaptive response that allows the body to create chemical compounds to destroy invaders. In this way the immune system gains the ability to recognize previously encountered attackers and is prepared to mount a stronger defense. Anti-bodies and vaccines are examples of this system.

When your body gets run down, so does your immune system, leaving you open to infection by a wide variety of attackers. Sleep, relaxation, exercise and diet all play a vital role in keeping you and your immune system healthy.

Natural health products to help boost your immune system:
Alfalfa
Camu Camu
Cat's Claw
Noni
Shark Cartilage

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Infertility is the inability to conceive a child via natural means. An infertile adult may be so because of disease or accident, genetic malfunction or environmental or lifestyle factors. Smoking and drug use is a major cause of low sperm count in men and poor egg quality in women, leading to infertility within the couple.

In many cases, a low sperm count or poor egg quality can be improved with better diet and lifestyle choices. Of course your health practitioner can help with a suggested plan of lifestyle and dietary changes should you need assistance.

Natural herbal products that can help with infertility:
Maca
Maca Max

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Inflammation is the immune system's first response to infection or irritation. It is characterised by redness, heat (fever), swelling and pain. Minor inflammations may be no cause for concern as the immune system is simply doing its job in ridding the body of infection or irritation. Prolonged or excessive inflammation may need to be treated to relieve discomfort, pain or swelling and remove the cause of the problem.

The treatments available are as wide and varied as the types and causes of inflammation. Specific treatments should be used where required, rather than more general ones. Like the pharmaceutical options, some of the natural products available have general anti-inflammitory properties, whilst others have more specific aims. You should check with your health professional for advice on which is best for your particular condition.

Natural herbal products that can help reduce inflammation:
Cat's Claw
Graviola
Manayupa
P-Garden
Purple Corn
Seaweed

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Insomnia is the inability to sleep and/or remain asleep for a reasonable period. Often caused by fear, stress, anxiety, medications, drugs or caffeine, insomnia is usually a short term affliction for most people. Deliberately using the aforementioned substances to remain awake does not constitute insomnia.

Jet lag, sickness, depression, nightmares, sleep-walking, mental illness are often attributed to extended insomnia, which may require treatment. Pharmaceutical sedatives, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, acupuncture, warm baths and warm milk before bed are just some of the treatments available. Containing high levels of tryptophan, a natural sedative, good old-fashioned warm milk may be all that is needed for rare occurrance insomniacs!

Natural herbal products that can help improve sleep:
Z-Garden

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Kidney stones or renal calculi are solid crystals of dissolved minerals in urine found inside the kidneys or ureters. They can be as small as a grain of sand to the size of a large marble. Kidney stones are generally excreted in the urine stream. If however, they grow relatively large, obstruction of a ureter can occur and cause severe pain, commonly felt in the lower abdomen and groin. Kidney stones and gallstones are unrelated.

Treatment includes drugs or herbal products that break down the stones internally to more invasive surgical methods should the kidney stones get stuck or grow too large.

Natural herbal products that can help break down kidney stones:
Stonebreaker

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Leukemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow. Malignant cells in the bone marrow result in a lack of blood platelets, which are important in the clotting process. This means that people with leukaemia may become bruised easily or bleed excessively. Also, white blood cells may become suppressed or dysfunctional, putting the patient at the risk of developing infections and red blood cell deficiency can lead to anemia.

Treatment for leukaemia includes chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. A specialist should be consulted and will be able to recommend appropriate treatment upon diagnosis.

Natural herbal remedies that may help with leukaemia:
Cat's Claw

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Liver disease is a term for a collection of conditions, diseases, and infections that affect the cells, tissues, structures, or functions of the liver.

If the liver becomes inflamed or infected, its ability to perform its functions may be impaired. Liver disease and infections are caused by a variety of conditions including viral infections, bacterial invasion, and chemical or physical changes within the body.

Natural herbal products that may help with liver and gallbladder problems:
Artichoke

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Menopause is the point in a woman's life when menstruation stops for good. This means she is no longer able to have children. Menopause occurs in most women between the ages of 35 and 58. It is a natural event in a woman's life. By the time a woman is in her mid 30s, the level of the hormone estrogen in her body begins to drop. Levels gradually decline until a woman stops menstruating. The period during which estrogen levels are dropping but the woman is still menstruating is called perimenopause or premenopause. The point at which the estrogen level has declined enough so that menstruation stops is called menopause. The period of time that begins after menstruation permanently stops is known as postmenopause.

As a woman's body tries to adapt to the changing levels of hormones, symptoms such as hot flashes and palpitations, depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings and lack of concentration, vaginal dryness and urgency of urination may appear. Along with the above symptoms, the woman may also have increasingly scanty and erratic menstrual periods.

See also 'Maca and Menopause' under the 'Articles' tab.

Natural herbal products to help reduce menopausal symptoms:
Alfalfa
Maca
Maca Max

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The menstrual cycle is the recurring cycle of physiological changes in a woman that is associated with reproductive fertility. Menstruation refers to the period when vaginal bleeding occurs and which generally serves as a sign that pregnancy has not occurred.

Many women experience uteral cramping, abdominal pain, headaches, depression and emotional sensitivity and changes in sex drive, during and/or prior to menstruation. It is these symptomatic conditions that may require treatment with the vast array of pills, herbal supplements, home remedies, acupuncture, massage therapies or other methods available world-wide today.

Natural herbal products to help relieve the symptoms of menstruation:
Maca
Maca Max

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Mental capacity is the ability to focus attention, inhibit inappropriate behavioral or emotional responses, plan and strategize, problem solve, conceptually think and create and to flexibly switch between these tasks.

In today's fast paced society it is necessary to function at peak mental capacity. Whether you're a company executive, small business owner, student, busy mum or any one else, you'll manage your daily tasks with less stress if your mental capacity is at its best.

Products to help stimulate your mental capacity:
Maca
Maca Max

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Osteoporosis is the loss of bone density or thinning of the bones. This thinning causes bone weakness, and eventually the involved bone may break. Bones go through a constant state of bone loss and regrowth. People reach their peak bone mass by about age 30. After the age of 30, bone loss slowly begins to occur. This loss, if it becomes severe, can lead to osteoporosis. The bones become thin and fragile and may break easily.

Natural health products that may help osteoporosis:
Shark Cartilage

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The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male reproductive system. Its main function is to store and secrete a clear fluid that constitutes up to one-third of the volume of semen. A healthy human prostate is about walnut size and surrounds the urethra just below the bladder.

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland whose symptoms include chills, fever, pain in the lower back and genital area and urinary problems. The urinary problems occur because the swelling of the prostate restricts flow through the urethra. Most treatments involve the reduction of inflammation of the prostate or surgical removal of part of the gland.

Natural health products that may help with prostate problems:
P-Garden

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Infertility is defined as a couple's inability to become pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected sex. The inability to get pregnant may be caused by conditions in either partner. It is estimated that 30% of infertility is caused by male factors. An additional 30% is caused by female factors. The remaining 40% is caused by a combination of female and male factors. Male infertility may be caused by many diseases, conditions, and other factors. Situations that raise the temperature in the testicles can interfere with normal sperm production.

Natural herbal products that can help with mens and womens sexual health:
Maca
Maca Max

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WOMEN SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: A woman of any age can become less interested in sex or have a decreased sex drive. This condition is called sexual dysfunction. It is most common in women before, during, and right after menopause has ended. In 1999, a national survey of people between the ages of 18 and 59 showed that sexual dysfunction was common among 43% of women and 31% of men. Women and men with poor physical and mental health are more likely to have a decreased sex drive. Someone who has had problems in sexual relationships is also more likely to have this condition.
MEN SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: Erectile dysfunction can be caused by mental or physical problems, or a combination of both. Men who are depressed or have some other emotional problem may have no interest in having sex. There may also be physical problems with how blood flows into the men organs.Erectile dysfunction is a common problem. It is a problem whose frequency increases with age, but it is not necessarily a consequence of aging. Roughly 25% of men over the age of 65 have some degree of erectile dysfunction.

Natural herbal products that can help with mens and womens sexual health:
Maca
Maca Max

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Stress is any factor in a person's life that causes change. It can include emotional, physical, social or economic pressures. Stress can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute stress is the reaction to an immediate threat. This is commonly known as the "fight or flight" response. The threat can be any situation that is experienced as a danger. Common stressors include, noise, crowding, isolation, illness, hunger, danger and infection. Imagining a threat or remembering a dangerous event can also evoke a stress response.

Natural herbal products that can help ease stress and anxiety:
Graviola

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Ulcers are non-healing, open sores of the skin, eyes or mucous membranes. Common causes include; bacterial infection, viral infection, fungal infection, cancer, diabetes, hypertension. Whilst some ulcers are easily treated with our-the-counter medications, others require specialist treatment.

Natural herbal products that may help with ulcers:
Alfalfa
Aloe Vera
Cat's Claw
Seaweed

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A virus is a microscopic particle that can infect the cells of the human body (or that of other living organisms). Unlike bacteria, viruses are not considered living organisms because they cannot reproduce outside of a host cell.

Viral infections are responsible for a multitude of diseases that all share a common link. Viral infections are not curable with anti-biotics. Some viruses are also unable to be removed by the body's immune system and some simply remain in the body, relatively harmlessly until the immune system is low, when they manifest their symptoms again. Examples of the latter type of virus are herpes and varicella. These types of virus can be kept at bay indefinitely, as long as the immune system remains strong.

Natural herbal products that may help with viral infections including herpes:
Camu Camu
Cat's Claw
Graviola

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Desired dietary weight loss is a reduction of the fat reserves of the body. Limited short-term weight loss may be caused by dehydration and is not a desirable outcome. To lose fat weight, the energy expended by the body in work and heat, must be greater than that gained from food. The body can then use stored fat, to make up the energy deficit. The byproducts of using these reserves are then excreted from the body, reducing fat weight. Fat loss may be triggered by a reduction of the caloric content of the diet, or increase in physical activity, or both.

It is well known that the best way to lose weight is to increase your exercise level and decrease your food intake. What is a matter of great debate is the best type of exercise and the best type of diet. We won't weigh in to that argument here. Suffice to say that any exercise that is more than your current level is probably good and that the better diets center around what you eat rather than just the portions. A dietician can work with you to achieve your weight loss goals.

See also 'Seaweed and Weight Loss' under the 'Articles' tab.

Natural herbal products that can help with weight loss when combined with the right nutritional and/or exercise program:
Caigua
Garlic
Seaweed
Yacon
Yacon Honey

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