Vitamin D or vitamin that can be obtained from food or produced by human skin who is exposed by sunlight, play an important role in improving the body’s immune system.

The presence of vitamin D is very crucial for the body. Therefore, the weapon T cells of the body, the cells that attack and destroy bacteria and viruses that lodged in the body. Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have found that vitamin D was very important to activate the human immune system. Without vitamin D intake is sufficient, killer cells of the immune system (T cells) will not be able to react and fight serious infections in the body.

Well, that T cells can detect and kill foreign pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, the cells must be triggered first and then transformed from inactive cells and become dangerous killer cells are ready to find and destroy all the attackers.

The researchers found that T cells depend on vitamin D in the activation process. Thus, the body will be vulnerable if the deficiency of vitamin D in the blood. Researchers from the Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Professor Carsten Geisler said, when dealing with T cells of foreign pathogens, these cells will be held device or antenna signal, known as the vitamin D receptor, which will search for vitamin D.

“This indicates the T cells must have a vitamin D or the activation of the cells will stop. If the T cells are unable to find enough vitamin D in the blood, they will not even begin to mobilize, “said Professor Carsten, as quoted reuters.com.

The results of these discoveries made scientists believe that providing much needed information on the immune system will help regulate the immune response.

This is important because not only to fight the disease, but also in relation to the body’s immune and organ transplant rejection. After an organ transplant, T cells can attack the donor organ as “foreign attackers”. In autoimmune diseases such as arthritis or Crohn’s disease, the fragments of T-cells (cells to attack foreign body) leads to the body to attack itself.

For the research team, identified the role of vitamin D in the activation of T cells has become a major breakthrough. Scientists have long known that vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium and vitamin has also been involved in diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. But what was revealed is how the true role of vitamin D is essential to activate the human immune system.

Carsten further said, the findings could help overcome the illness and even disease outbreak. The study will also be very useful in developing a new vaccine, which works exactly as the basic formation of the human immune system. And responding well suppress the body’s natural defenses in critical situations (as in the case of organ transplants and autoimmune diseases). Benefits of vitamin D is also recognized by other researchers Chris Griffiths from Queen Mary. Chris said, vitamin D helps increase the body’s immune system’s ability to fight infection.

“We found that a single dose of vitamin D that is large enough to improve one’s immunity against the bacteria.”

Until now there has been no significant research on the optimal intake of vitamin D needed by the body in one day. However, experts recommend for men and healthy women aged 14-50 years, it is recommended to take vitamin D as much as 5 micrograms or 200 international units (IU) per day. Once the age of 51, the recommended intake increased to 10 micrograms or 400 IU per day. Furthermore, at the age of 71 increased to 15 micrograms (600 IU).

The problem, perhaps there is still much to trivialize the role of vitamin D is. Sometimes people only consider the intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, but not much notice the little things like vitamins, particularly vitamin D. Macro nutrients are needed, but micro-nutrients are also very important in preventing disease, maintaining the immune system, ensure the body’s energy levels, and various roles of vitamins and other antioxidants.

Vitamin D include vitamin fat-soluble, and are required to maintain the body’s general health. But because these vitamins are fat soluble and stored in fat cells of the body, this vitamin can be toxic if consumed in excess amount. Vitamin D can be found in some foods, including milk, cod liver oil, salmon and mackerel, tuna and sardines, cereals fortified with vitamin D, eggs, and margarine.

Another way the easiest to get this vitamin is silent for a moment in the sun in the morning. Besides drinking milk, this is one of the easiest ways to ensure that you get vitamin D intake is sufficient.

Not necessarily every day if you’re busy. But every person is recommended to get exposure to sunlight for 15 minutes, 2-3 times per week. Make sure as many parts of the body exposed to sunlight. This is to enhance the absorption of vitamin D by the skin.

Water is important for the body. If the water needs are met the body will rarely get sick. But an expert say that there are some habits which is considered as a “must be obeyed” in drinking water when in fact it is not necessarily true.

Kidney specialist, Dr Stanley Goldfarb from the University of Pennsylvania who has published research journal of the American Society of Nephrology was quoted as saying Thursday (4/3/2010) says there are false assumptions that circulate in the community about drinking water.

He saw there are five myths about drinking water that are so trusted by the people, namely:

1. Drink 8 glasses each day
Dr. Goldfarb claimed to not know where the standard advice about drinking 8 glasses of water a day.  “Nobody really knows,” said Dr. Stanley Goldfarb.

According him,  the drinking needs of each person is different, it could be enough for someone but not enough or over for others. The owner of the body is the one who exactly knows how much water his body needs.

2. Drink lots of water can help clean up toxic
Kidneys filter toxins from the bloodstream. Then the toxins goes out through urine. The question is, whether drinking more water can improve renal function? “No,” said Goldfarb. In fact, drinking large amounts of water will likely reduce the ability of the kidneys in filtering. Not much, but surely.

3. Drink a lot equals to healthy skin
Our bodies consist of 60 percent water. So, for people who weight 200 pounds, 120 pounds of it is water. Adding a few glasses of water each day has limited effect. “This is a small part of what is in the body,” said Goldfarb. So it is unlikely this can benefit the body.

A study published in 2007 about the benefits of water to a beauty show that 500 ml of water increases capillary blood flow in the skin. But it is not clear whether these changes are clinically significant.

4. Drink plenty of water to lose weight
“Water is a great strategy for people who want to diet because it contains no calories,” says Madeline Fernstrom of the University of Pittsburgh. So keep your mouth busy even without food and also get a sense of satisfaction. But according to Frenstrom, water is not magic. Other options for zero-calorie diet is to reduce the soda.

5. Easy to dehydrate during exercise
Dehydration will be felt when one loses 2 percent of your weight. In hot and dry places water needs will increase. Marathon runners, bikers and pedestrians need to recognize the signs of dehydration.

American College of Sports Medicine recommends that athletes drink 16 ounces of fluid several hours before starting exercise. But for people to walk in the park, do not need a bottle of water. Goldfarb also suggest, drink only when you are thirsty.

Professor Hiromi Shinya MD, an expert on enzymes who is also a professor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, U.S. stressed the importance of scheduling an ideal drinking water.

Like the plants, he said there was a good period for drinking because of excessive watering the plants would make plants become rotten and withered. So that there is an appropriate time period for the body to drink water.

The ideal way to meet the need of water for the body are:

1-3 glasses of waking in the morning
2-3 cups, 1 hour before lunch
2-3 cups, 1 hour before dinner.

Each person needs different drink but make it a habit to drink water 6-8 glasses per day (1.5-2 liters) for adults. If the weather is very hot as the person would need to drink more. Conversely people who have weak digestive systems may experience diarrhea if you drink too much.

Once again the number of water a person needs varies depending on the size of the person’s body and what is considered appropriate for the body.

The benefits of fish oil on skin can be harnessed from fatty acids called EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). Journal of Lipid Research in 1995 has found startling evidences that EPA works three-fold: inhibit the secretion of sebum, (which is commonly known as skin oil), produces anti-inflammatory substances called prostaglandins, and discourages the production of Arachidonic acid. The research recommends that achieve good skin health, a 1000 mg of fish oil a day with healthy food will do the trick.

Our skin, like all our body organs, is subjected to the wear and tear of daily living.  The disappearance of our once rosy pink complexion we once had when we were infants is inevitable. But the recent strides in medical technology and discoveries in science have helped us in keeping our skin’s health to the optimum, locking in the look of youth and warding away the symptoms of aging. And if there is one product that lives up to the true promise of medical research, nothing can top fish oil in the list.

The benefits of fish oil on skin can be harnessed from fatty acids called EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). Journal of Lipid Research in 1995 has found startling evidences that EPA works three-fold: inhibit the secretion of sebum, (which is commonly known as skin oil), produces anti-inflammatory substances called prostaglandins, and discourages the production of Arachidonic acid.  The research recommends that achieve good skin health, a 1000 mg of fish oil a day with healthy food will do the trick.

What do these three things mean and what are the benefits of fish oil on skin?  EPA lessens the production of androgens, the male sexual hormone that signals the body to produce sebum. Less androgens would mean less sebum on the skin. By reducing the amount of sebum on the skin surface, teenagers suffering from acnes will see less pimples and facial lesions. Remember that excessive production of oil clogs the skin pores, producing vile facial eruptions.

Prostaglandins are substances that keep the cell repair at work. Without prostaglandins, the cells in the body find it more difficult to remove waste products. In addition, the absence of prostaglandins would mean less production of new cells in the body. By renewing the cells, the fish oil makes it possible for skin to stay younger-looking and supple. This means that the products delay ageing and  keep wrinkles away.

Arachidonic acids are found in people with inflammatory skins, such as those who are suffering from skin problems like psoriasis and eczema. The fatty acids in fish oil make it possible for arachidonic acid to be produced in large amounts, giving relief to people whose skin and appearance have been severely affected by disease.

Lastly, one of the most important benefits of fish oil on skin is that fish oil improves blood circulation. If blood is allowed to flow without impediments, this would mean that the skin will receive sufficient supply of nutrients. Skin cells will have greater ability to renew, making it possible for the skin to stay young and wrinkle-free.

Gentle, relaxing lymphatic massage can help you fight off illness and heal from injuries.  Despite its feather-light touch, it offers powerful benefits for your immune system.

If you knew that there was a gentle, safe, and relaxing technique that could

* help you heal from illness, injury and surgery;
* promote a healthy immune system;
* reduce inflammation;
* support the health of your entire body;
* and promote healthy, radiant skin

–would you do it?

I’m guessing you would!

That procedure is lymphatic massage- (also called lymphatic facilitation or manual lymphatic drainage). It increases lymph flow eight to ten times. This removes harmful substances from your tissues, nourishes tissues, reduces inflammation, and generally increases immune function.

Developed as a manual therapy in Europe, it has been well researched and used in hospitals and clinics for decades.

It can speed recovery from

* sprains, strains, and sore muscles
* acute injuries
* congestion due to allergies
* surgery
* wounds (as long as there is no infection present)
* congested sinuses
* acne
* headaches
* swollen ankles, puffy eyes, etc.
* allergies/allergic reactions
* toxic side effects of drugs administered for surgery or other medical purposes
* scarring.

It also helps people manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Skin Health
Lymphatic work to the face is a lovely, gentle, treatment that enhances skin health, thereby improving skin appearance.  Done regularly, it can keep skin looking healthier. Facial lymphatic work can also help improve acne.

Pre- and –Post-Surgical Support
More and more doctors—especially plastic surgeons–are becoming aware of the value of manual lymphatic drainage before and after surgery to help clients heal. Many plastic surgeons routinely recommend it for their cosmetic surgery patients. (Post-surgical treatment needs a doctor’s permission.)

A Light, Relaxing Touch
People are often surprised about how light lymphatic facilitation is. It doesn’t feel anything like a “normal” massage (which provides deeper pressure into the skin and muscles of the body).

That’s because this form of bodywork works with the lymphatic system, rather than the muscles, and over half of the lymph nodes and vessels are just underneath the skin.  A deep or heavy touch would close off, rather than encourage, lymphatic flow.

The feather-light strokes and soft, pumping action stimulate lymphatic flow, with powerful results both for general wellness and for specific conditions including inflammation, traumatic injuries such as strains and sprains, headaches, sinus issues, healing from surgery, osteoarthritis, skin conditions, and swelling from unresolved injuries such as ankle sprains.

Lymphatic facilitation is also deeply relaxing. This too helps boost immune function.

How It Works: the Lymph System
The lymph system is a critical part of our immune system, playing a crucial role in the body’s ability to heal from injury, ward off disease, and purify itself.  It includes a network of thin vessels, nodes, tissues, ducts, and organs (e.g. spleen, thymus, bone marrow) throughout your entire body.

The lymphatic system has three major functions:

* It removes excess fluids from body tissues.
* It defends the body against harmful micro-organisms.
* It absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and transports them to the circulatory system.

The lymphatic system has no pumping mechanism (such as the heart has for arterial blood flow) and depends on muscle contraction through deep, abdominal breathing and exercise to move its fluid.

A sluggish lymphatic system can contribute to many health issues, including an increase in the frequency and severity of illnesses; joint pain; headaches; arthritis; fatigue; acne; slow healing of wounds; and swelling in extremities.

When the lymphatic drainage becomes impaired for some reason, lymphatic massage, with its ultra-light touch and pumping motion performed in the correct sequence and direction, can greatly increase lymphatic flow.  This helps the body remove toxins; brings white blood cells and nutrients to cells; and decreases inflammation.

Contraindications
As with all massage therapies, there are some contraindications. These include having a bacterial infection anywhere in the body, malignant tumors, thrombosis and major heart  or circulatory problems. Your therapist should screen you for these issues before giving you a lymphatic treatment.

Conclusion
Of course, you should always consult your medical doctor if you have or think you have a medical problem. But if you are basically healthy and seeking to enhance your health and healingFree Reprint Articles, lymphatic massage can be a valuable complement to your regular wellness program.

Double chin looks so dreadful and you want to eliminate it soon. Generally when people is suffering from obesity or is overweight, this problem occurs. An individual who is suffering from double chin must make efforts to work out and get rid of double chin. Burning calories from the entire body definitely ensures that one has also got rid of fat from the chin part. In order to get rid of double chin some points are to be noticed.

One must avoid using pillows and asleep on a tough bed. If the suggested workouts are done regularly, then definitely we would get to see the desired results.

1. Be seated facing the mirror. Look at the ceiling. At the same time stretch your neck and twist your head to look over your left shoulder and then to your right shoulder. Go back to the initial pose and lower the chin to right angle pose with your neck. Push your chin against the clavicle bone in front. This workout must be done steadily or in slow motion to get the desired results.

2. If one needs to get rid of the double chin then he must look at the diet he is consuming. Scrutinizing and maintaining your fat consumption would definitely be a valuable way of eliminating a double chin. The smaller amount of calorie your body has to process the less amount of fat you will see on your face.

3. If one desires to lose fat from the body. One must make efforts to do that. One must burn out the calories consumed more than he has taken in. In order to get success, one must also try to join gym or aerobic classes. Certain workouts are also helpful like climbing up the stairs, weight lifting etc. The earlier you initiate the sooner you will get to see the results.

4. It is always recommended to make good pose, which would no doubt help in eliminating excess fat on the chin. Sitting up straight and maintaining your jaws little stick out during the day; this will keep you away from getting a double chin.

5. Crushing up the sugar free gum would aid in maintaining good sanitation and prevent a double chin. Make your jaws and face muscles working and moving as it is the key to prevent and develop extra fat and loose skin.

6. Working out with the muscle called platysma is the best and suggested way to get rid of this problem. In order to work out for this, open your mouth wide, drag your bottom lip over your bottom teeth and then move your jaw up and down. You will no doubt see a difference if this is done on a regular basis.

7. You must monitor your diet and workout, it is significant to take steps to eliminate your double chin and your food options need to be balanced. You need to do some activity which makes your body move and excrete sweat. Ensure that you drink at least 10 glasses of water. Suggested foods are fresh fruits, leafy vegetables etc.