Antidepressants Blog

Bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium, and help to protect against circulatory dysfunction. Potassium helps to remove poisonous wastes from the kidneys, leaving a wealthy, clean bloodstream. Bananas are also rich in pectin, a water-soluble fibre that helps to prevent hypoglycaemia by balancing blood sugar levels and aids in the removal of carcinogens from the digestive tract, preventing colon cancer. Bananas are also a good source of vitamin A (health of skin and eyes), vitamin Ñ (immunity, healing), vitamin E (healing of scars, heart protection), vitamin Bl, B2, ÂÇ, Â5 and vitamin B6 (required for the production of antibodies and healthy red blood cells). Do not eat bananas with sugar or bread.

Mangos are also rich in enzymes and contain high quantities of the phytochemical, bioflavonoids. Produced when the plant grabs energy from the sun, phytochemicals act as antioxidants and immune system boosters.

Pineapple and papaya contain proteolytic enzymes that help to break down foods, strengthen the immune system and aid more efficient digestive function. Pineapple also contains antioxidants and peroxidase, a substance that is believed to inhibit the growth of tumour cells. Bromelain, the proteolytic enzyme found in pineapple, is an anti-inflammatory and is believed to enhance cancer cell death.

The proteolytic enzyme in papaya or paw paw is called papain. Papain assists with protein digestion and acts as an anti-inflammatory. Papaya leaves have long been used as an effective remedy in the treatment of cancer. Boil pawpaw or papaya leaves for 40 minutes, strain and drink the water. Cultures throughout Asia, especially Thailand, eat very large amounts of green papaya (very rich in enzymes) grated into a salad. It is called som turn or papaya pokpok. Thai and Asian people exhibit very low levels of stomach cancer, which may be due to their high intake of green papaya. Asian people believe a papaya a day will revitalise your entire system and allow for a healthy digestive function.

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Beautiful environments tend to have a positive effect on our general health and well-being. Apart from being physically stimulating to our senses, certain environments also contain particles known as ions that can have either a beneficial or detrimental effect on our physical and emotional health, depending on the type and amount of ions circulating in the air.

Ions are electrically charged particles. They can be either positive or negative and are the result of natural radiation from the sun, earth, water, lightning and other atmospheric energy sources. Negative ions are formed when an electron becomes attached to an oxygen molecule. They have the ability to refresh and revitalize the air. Positive ions have the opposite effect, making you feel tired and dull.

The effects of cosmic rays, solar radiation and radioactive substances in soil such as radon and thoron, all produce ions directly or by striking the molecules of atmosphere and gas, causing them to lose or gain electrons and thus the molecules become positive or negative. Natural air sprays and waterfalls in particular generate negative ion production (the ‘good guys’).

Both positive and negative ions can exist together in the air because they are separated by a large number of molecules. Ions have an effect on physical, pathological and emotional processes. Biologically, ions can affect the stimulation of endocrine glands, the production of enzymes, neuro-hormones on the brain, hormone balance in the body, circulation and micro-organisms.

Negative ions stimulate the growth of plants. They have a beneficial effect on reproduction and a beneficial effect in the treatment of diseases commonly caused from air that is positively ionized, such as hot dry winds. Think back to how you feel on certain days. Imagine a hot, northerly wind blowing through your town. Does this ever make you feel irritable or anxious? This is because this wind is blowing in positive ions (the ‘bad guys’).

Now imagine a fresh, cool, south-easterly wind blowing into your town from across the expansive ocean. This wind is blowing in the negative ions (the ‘good guys’). This is why this type of weather makes you feel energized, fresh and alive. The weather can have a positive or negative effect on our emotions and physical health depending on what type of energy or ions it is offering us.

The paving of streets, air conditioned or heated homes or offices, and air trapped in well insulated buildings all inhibit or destroy negative ions. Negative ions (the good guys) have the following beneficial effects:

• A small amount of ozone is produced, cleansing the environment.

• Enhanced physical, emotional and mental well-being.

• Increased general health, improved appetite, better circulation and a more peaceful sleep is

attained.

• An improved, strong antibiotic effect and enhanced tissue repair.

• Pain relief.

• Happier and more balanced emotions

• Clearer thinking and motivation and increased positivity

• An overall balanced effect on our internal body processes

Feng shui, the ancient Chinese art of balancing your environment and surroundings, uses negative ion energy to create a positive, flowing and uplifting environment.

We tend to feel happy and more invigorated when on the beach, close to the ocean, walking in nature, in the mountains, in the snow, at a waterfall, in the desert or any other beautiful, natural place. This is largely due to the presence of negative ions in the atmosphere and a lack of positive ions.

Any environment or surrounding with negative ions has the ability to enhance healing, prevent illness and invigorate and enliven the spirit, body and emotions. No wonder so many health resorts designed to rejuvenate individuals are located near the ocean, in the mountains or close to a waterfall. Go and have a cool dip in a waterfall or a quick splash in the ocean today and feel the beautiful healing harmony of beings surrounded in a negatively charged ion environment.

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Guided fantasy is a great exercise to do while in hospital. You can memorize the following exercise yourself, or ask a friend or loved one to read it out to you. Positive and creative imagery are essential to healing, as the mind and body are eternally and electrically linked. By imprinting a positive outcome on your mind, you set up the path to a positive outcome in the body and soul.

Close your eyes. If your room is very light, place a beautiful coloured cloth or piece of material over your eyes. Visualize your breathing process — let it be free, let your breath come and go as it wants. Imagine your body becoming more and more relaxed with each exhalation.

Wiggle your body, and then stretch your toes and fingers. Yawn and stretch your entire body, then relax completely. Let your breathing become increasingly relaxed.

Imagine now, that you are lying outside on a sunny day. You are alone, the air is fresh and pure, and the sky is perfect aqua blue. The sun is warm on your skin. You feel relaxed and content. The grass around you is so green. You feel the coolness of the crisp air on your skin. You roll over and feel the grass on your face. The grass feels like soft clouds. You feel so relaxed and calm.

A gentle breeze is blowing on your face. You can feel it against your skin. Your skin feels alive and is glowing with light. You hear beautiful birds singing, the gentle croaking of a frog and the peaceful humming of crickets.

There is a magnificent waterfall in front of ó our eyes. You can hear the gentle trickling of the water against the rocks. You see the water running over the shiny boulders and hear the sound of trickling and dripping from the water. The water is so clear blue.

It resembles a mirror.

You feel so happy inside — overflowing with happiness just like the beautiful waterfall. Happiness in the colour of golden light is beginning to flow from your heart and surrounds your body. The warmth of the sun on your skin increases the light around your body. The light makes you want to sing or hum a tune with the birds and nature around you. Your entire body is surrounded in golden light.

Everything feels so peaceful, relaxed, content and beautiful. Your heart feels alive with joy and love. You feel so much energy in your body. Your body feels so light, like you could float. Imagine yourself slowly rising up with the lightness of your body. Your body is surrounded by golden, vibrant light pouring out from your heart. It is lifting your body up into the air, slowly and gently. You can feel the breeze uplifting your body, raising you up into the beautiful blue sky. You feel completely relaxed and at ease.

With a slight movement of your hands, your body turns slightly. You have complete control over your body. You are floating, watching the rolling green fields and peaceful waterfall below. A bright coloured bird flies up beside you and sings a tune in harmony.

You are floating, slowly, feeling the breeze against your skin, brushing your hair aside.

Float as long as you like, through the clouds and the clear blue sky. Let the golden light carry you wherever you wish to go.

When you are ready to slowly come down, let the breeze guide you down to a cushioned area. Slowly descend, gently. You feel so happy and in control. You feel your feet gently touch the soft ground and bounce slowly up again. Again you come down, completely relaxed rolling onto the soft grass. You feel the softness of the grass on your back again. You smile and your smile lights you up inside, you are so content and happy.

You can hear the trickling of the water against the rocks and the chirping of birds. A feeling of hope, peace and inner fulfillment overwhelms you and fills your heart. Slowly and peacefully open your eyes when you are ready.

A hospital visit should be a healing and inspirational experience. By enhancing your immediate surroundings you have the power to control the direction of your healing and destiny. Having the wonderful tools of healing at your fingertips gives you the chance to become your own best doctor and to play a key role in the positive outcome of your health!

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As you can see, there are a diverse range of side effects involved with the application of chemotherapy medications. Side effects vary according to the dosage being used, the type of chemotherapy drug employed and the length of treatment. Here is a more comprehensive description of the most common side effects experienced today:

Constipation/Diarrhoea

These are not common side effects, yet they do occur. Anti-nausea drugs and steroids used during chemotherapy can cause constipation. It may take a few days after completing treatment before your bowels return to normal. Diarrhoea may also occur as the microflora in the bowel is destroyed and the microvilli (hair-like projections along the bowel wall which are essential for proper absorption) are damaged. In fact, the microvilli and absorption of nutrients can be compromised for up to two years following chemotherapy, unless a natural, rejuvenation program is followed.

Effects on the Cells

Most chemotherapeutic drugs suppress bone marrow function and the formation of blood cells. A decrease in red blood cells can make you anaemic and you may feel tired, lethargic, dizzy and breathless. If this occurs, your doctor will suggest a blood transfusion to build up your stores of red blood cells.

A decrease in white blood cells can lead to infections. If you have any signs of infection such as fever over 38 degrees, chills, coughs or a burning feeling when passing urine, call your doctor immediately. The doctor usually prescribes a hormone injection to increase white blood cells. This involves injecting a hormone into your stomach or abdomen over a 10 day period, to push white blood cells out of the body’s bone marrow. Intense bone pain and aching joints are associated with this. Other options may include a delay in your next treatment or a reduced dose of chemotherapy in the next course.

If your platelet count is low, bleeding may occur. Platelets are needed to clot the blood. If you are bruising easily, bleeding from gums, nose or bowel, or notice blood in your urine, consult your doctor immediately. A platelet transfusion is given to counteract this.

Effects on the Mouth

Chemotherapy drugs affect the cells lining the mouth and throat, often causing soreness, dry mouth, mouth ulcers, difficulty in swallowing, furry/slimy/coated tongue, pimples on the tongue and a metallic taste in the mouth. Difficulty in swallowing or chewing can lead to a loss of weight and malnutrition and will slow down the recovery.

Fluid Retention

Fluid retention is a common side effect caused by use of anti-nausea drugs and steroids. It is also inevitable, with so much fluid being put into the body with treatment. Look for natural diuretics in foods, herbs and supplements to remove unwanted fluid. Drink plenty of water.

Hair Loss

Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. This side effect is only temporary and following cessation of treatment your hair will tend to grow back healthier, shinier, thicker and often curly. Hair loss can occur at any time during treatment, but is most likely to happen within the first three to four weeks. It occurs as the drugs impair the proliferation of the hair follicle. Many people will experience hair thinning, not complete hair loss.

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It is your body and your disease. Never give away your power to anyone – especially not the power to heal your body. You can ask doctors, specialists, natural therapists and healers for advice and treatment options but ultimately, you are the one with the power to make the decisions to heal your body. Keeping your empowerment will enable you to also keep your self-confidence and motivation.

How can you take a more active part in your healing process? Firstly, ask your doctor or specialist plenty of questions; it is your right to know everything. The more you know the more control you have over your own destiny and outcome. Never go into your healing or treatment in the dark. Find out everything you can about your type of cancer and the most effective forms of treatment to heal your cancer. Ask for articles, research papers and information from your health practitioner concerning treatment of your cancer. Ask questions and obtain more knowledge about your disease. It is your right to know the results of all tests – it is your right to be one hundred per cent informed about every procedure and its possible side effects.

If you have made the conscious decision to undertake orthodox cancer treatment, please don’t forget the benefits of incorporating natural therapies into your program. Set yourself a schedule for taking your vitamins, performing your creative visualizations, meditation and yoga and allow plenty of free time for yourself. Never over-commit yourself- this is your time to rediscover what you truly love and enjoy in life.

Every day is truly precious; don’t let another moment pass you by without feeling the beauty in every breath of life giving energy. It is a wonderful feeling to take charge of your own destiny and to have an active part in your own healing process.

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