Subscribe to
Posts
Comments
Years ago biofeedback was thought of as an "alternative therapy" something that could be helpful but wasn't considered a legitimate medical treatment. Today many U.S. soldiers returning from war use biofeedback to help them deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. Many athletes are also using this therapy to gain more control over their bodies. Other ailments that biofeedback has been shown to treat are headaches, high blood pressure, anxiety and stress disorders. it's easier  now to treat yourself at home with inexpensive home devices now  on the market.

More about: Biofeedback Considered as “Regular” Medicine

Foods to Eat After Working Out

If you exercise regularly it's important to eat within an hour of completing your workout to replenish energy and build muscle. Protein ins essential, but stay away from protein shakes and bring your own powder with you like Vega or Garden of Life. Avocados are a cartenoid-rich food that protects the immune system which is lower after a work out. Spinach good for before and after a workout, it boosts strength and can increase muscle growth by 20%. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, protein and iron and can help restore muscles glycogen for faster recovery. Read more about foods for a post workout meal.

More about: Foods to Eat After Working Out

How to Stop Sleepwalking

Sleep deprivation is a common cause of the sleepwalking disorder. The other triggers include, sedative type agents like alcohol or medications. SLeepwalkers can be a danger to themselves and to others if they are allowed to roam about or find their way to a vehicle. So how do you prevent it? Try creating a bed time routine by going to bed and waking at the same time each day. Unwind before bed time by taking a bath or reading. If it is or becomes a real issue talk to your doctor about possible options.

More about: How to Stop Sleepwalking

Losing Sleep Can be Risky

If you have suffered from weeks of sleep loss, one good night's sleep will not compensate. Loss of sleep can be a real problem, disrupting your daily activities, your reaction times and increases the risk of accidents and mistakes. The average amount of sleep that adults should get is 8 hours and many get around 5 or 6 which can seriously disrupt the circadian rhythms. If you have trouble sleeping or getting to sleep try going to bed at the same time every night, avoiding TV or computer time right before bed.

More about: Losing Sleep Can be Risky

An Anti-Obesity Vaccine?

Our country's obsession with weight loss is getting pretty ridiculous. I recently saw an article about someone on ebay selling and obesity "vaccine".  It costs $145 and comes with the syringes to give yourself injections in the rear.  There are three ingredients that are said to burn fat. Hydroxycitric acid comes from tropical plants and there has been no evidence that it can really help someone lose weight. Benzamide is used in things like pain relievers and antipsychotic drugs. The last one is acetylcholine which activates muscles. The claim is that these ingredients will help break up the fat and will be disposed of in your urine. Hmm sounds pretty suspect to me, who is really buying this stuff?

More about: An Anti-Obesity Vaccine?

A Possible Lung Cancer Fighter

Pistachios have been named as a possible aid in treating lung cancer and other cancers. Gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E is found in pistachios which has been shown to reduce lung cancer. Additionally  pistachios produce a cholesterol-lowering effect and provide antioxidants. Other nuts like peanuts, pecans, walnuts and soybeans can also be beneficial.  Nuts provide several other health benefits as well like protein, iron and antioxidants and they make a great snack.

More about: A Possible Lung Cancer Fighter
This year a new game for kids ages 8 and up came out that monitors brainwave activity and allows you to control a small ball that moves through a training tower. It uses focus and concentration to move the ball up the tower. It's packaged as a star wars type game and touted as a game that allows you to use the "force". See this biofeedback device in action.

More about: The Force Trainer a new Biofeedback Game for Kids

A Guide to Biofeedback

If you're interested in alternative pain therapies biofeedback may be something you'd like to try. Biofeedback is a great therapy for chronic pain and other health issues. There are several types that can be used for several different problems and with training and practice you can begin to control your pain and get relief. It's a safe alternative to surgeries or drugs and now can be used at home with the variety of personal devices on the market. Many people have achieved great success with this alternative therapy. To find out more check this guide to biofeedback.

More about: A Guide to Biofeedback

Taking Control of Chronic Pain

Researchers are finding that there are two pathways of pain to the brain. One is sensory, transmitting physical sensation. The second is emotional, going from the injury to the areas of the brain that process emotion. People may not be aware but you have a negative emotional reaction to the chronic pain and as well as physical reaction. New research by using MRI technology is showing which regions of the brain are involved in pain and how they can use it as a tool for changing the pain perception. Biofeedback therapy is an effective tool for pain allowing you to train your body to control it.

More about: Taking Control of Chronic Pain
Those who suffer from diabetes have decreased blood circulation. It can get so bad that if circulation is decreased in the feet it can result in amputation. Using biofeedback allows them to learn techniques to monitor relaxation and breathing. By doing this they can improve their blood circulation.  By being able to slow your breathing it can change your blood chemistry which allows your arteries to open up. Advanced technology allows for people to have their own personal biofeedback device so that they can practice these techniques on their own at home.

More about: Using Biofeedback to Treat Diabetes

Next »