Much Ado about BMI (Body Mass Index)

I learnt that the standard measure most health practitioners use is the body-mass index or BMI, which states a "healthy weight" falls within the 18.5-24.9 range of the index. Then again, I also learnt that the BMI has its own limitations as it doesn't take into much account body composition, body shape and lifestyle changes, as mentioned below.

"The formula used to calculate body mass index is flawed and skewed in favor of shorter people, says Oxford University mathematician Nick Trefethen. BMI is the standard tool used to assess healthy weight and the measure by which almost all obesity statistics are calculated.

The BMI formula — developed by a Belgian scientist, Adolphe Quetelet, in the 1830s — uses weight and height to calculate ideal weight. Those who fall within the 18.5-24.9 range of the index are considered to be at a healthy weight. A BMI of under 18.5 is considered underweight, a BMI of 25-29.9 overweight and a BMI of 30 and above obese.

The BMI has received quite a bit of criticism and scrutiny since coming into widespread use for both statistical analysis and as a proxy for health status. It’s that latter part that some take issue with — though the tool was never intended to be used in isolation for determining individual health status.As blogger Phoebe Maltz Bovy commented on Facebook:

“My impression is that BMI is about population-level trends, not whether any of us personally will get heart disease, let alone some kind of official statement about whether we do or do not look fat in those pants.”

In other words, while a BMI over 30 may be broadly associated with high body fat, obesity and/or poor health, not every individual with a BMI over 30 looks or is obese or unhealthy. As many critics note, the formula fails to take into account body composition, and there’s a big health difference between pounds of muscle and pounds of fat."

Read more: http://www.blisstree.com/2013/01/22/sex-relationships/obesity-statistics/bmi/#ixzz2jFV9xS75

Similarly, this website below said:

"2. BMI does not differentiate between apples and pears

For over 60 years, we have known that independent of how heavy a person is, the distribution of their body weight, or more generally the shape of their body is a key predictor of health risk. It is now well established that individuals who deposit much of their body weight around their midsection, the so called apple-shaped, are at much greater risk of disease and early mortality in contrast to the so called pear-shaped, who carry their weight more peripherally, particularly in the lower body. Thus, two individuals with a BMI of 32 kg/m2 could have drastically different body shapes, and thus varying risk of disease and early mortality.

Fortunately, a very simple measure allows you or your physician to decide whether your elevated BMI is of the apple or pear variety: waist circumference. Current thresholds suggest that a waist circumference above 88 cm in women and 102cm in men denotes abdominal obesity. Interestingly, for the same BMI level, those individuals with an elevated waist circumference have a greater risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mortality, and numerous other health outcomes. Thus, as studies from our laboratory have consistently suggested, waist circumference may be a more important measure of obesity and health risk than BMI. 

Currently, most researchers would agree that waist circumference should be measured along with BMI to adequately classify obesity-related health risk. 
...
3. BMI does not always budge in response to lifestyle change

Given the number of papers my supervisor, Dr. Ross, and I have published on the topic, I would argue this is the biggest drawback of using BMI: it doesn’t always change even though you may be getting healthier. This is particularly so if you adopt a physically active lifestyle, along with a balanced diet, but are not necessarily cutting a whole lot of calories. This lack of change in BMI or body weight is all too often interpreted as a failure, resulting in the disappointed individual resuming their inactive lifestyle and unhealthy eating patterns.

However, as we have argued most recently in a paper in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, several lines of evidence suggest that weight loss or changes in BMI are not absolutely necessary to observe substantial health benefit from a healthy lifestyle. Thus, an apparent resistance to weight-loss should never be a reason for stopping your healthy behaviours.

First, it is well established that increasing physical activity and associated improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with profound reductions in coronary heart disease and related mortality independent of weight or BMI. Second, exercise (even a single session) is associated with substantial reduction in several cardiometabolic risk factors (such as blood pressure, glucose tolerance, blood lipids, etc.) despite minimal or no change in body weight. Third, waist circumference and abdominal fat (arguably, the most dangerous fat) can be substantively reduced (10-20%) in response to exercise with minimal or no weight loss. In fact, significant reductions in fat mass often occur concurrent with equal increases in muscle mass in response to physical activity – equal but opposite (and beneficial!) changes which are not detected by alterations in body weight on the bathroom scale, and thus BMI.

So in the end, while BMI surely has its strengths in ease of use and pretty good reliability in large populations, on an individual basis, the greater focus should be on healthy behaviors: physical activity and a healthy diet. And if you must measure something, check your waist circumference."

http://blogs.plos.org/obesitypanacea/2012/02/10/why-the-body-mass-index-bmi-is-a-poor-measure-of-your-health/

Thoughts on The Conscious Lifestyle: Facing Your Stress

Walking meditation in Nature
(Source: http://mettarefuge.wordpress.com)

In this article "The Conscious Lifestyle: Facing Your Stress", I think Deepak Chopra has put the issue of stress in its proper perspective in terms of long-term health because I have heard and read some other articles saying that some stress is good for people. Then again, these articles are probably written from the perspective of living in a modern society where people are expected to perform in work and studies, and see stress as a form of motivation. But Deepak goes deeper into the issue, noting that the primitive fight-or-flight response is an inheritance from our pre-human past, and "No one can healthily sustain the heightened alertness, quick burst of energy, rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and other marks of the fight-or-flight response."

Yes, while our lifestyle may have changed to adapt to a fast pace of living in a modern society, our body remains physiologically and psychologically unchanged, and I have come to learn that our body is designed to function optimally when we are peaceful and rested as much and as often as possible. On looking back in my life, I can see why on some days I would have symptoms such as constipation - it must have been partly due to stress which caused various processes in my body (growth, digestion, oxygenation of muscles, etc) to temporarily shut down.

So I have been learning to be mindful not to allow "normal stresses" such as being stuck in traffic, trying to meet deadlines at work, etc affect my health. As noted in the article, diet, exercise, meditation and stress reduction are ways to manage stress and improve heart conditions (and overall health too).

Related post
Some more helpful tips on walking meditation

Overcoming winter blues (including panic attacks or anxiety disorder)

I understand it can be especially tough during winter time because usually people would feel more isolated than usual during this season. It may seem as if the world out there is a cold world where most people appear to be cold and unfriendly and ignoring others, and it can be depressing to think that those who have lots of friends and family members seem to be having fun while the rest of us are suffering alone here. It is not easy to choose to live a solitary life where we are not dependent on belonging to any kind of group or organisation or institution, but it takes courage. 

Propranolol - anxiety relief

Perhaps to help relieve anxiety, I suggest getting propranolol from a pharmacy or GP, because I find it helpful for myself to slow down rapid heartbeats. It has no side effects except lowering blood pressure temporarily, and you need only take a tablet when necessary.

Here's sharing this testimony I read about propranolol which I thought may be helpful to you. Other kinds of anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax tend to have side effects and cause withdrawal symptoms. In my own experience, propranolol is relatively safe in that it doesn't have addictive or withdrawal effects. The only side effect it had on me is that my blood pressure was lowered if I were to take a regular dose of 1 tablet every morning and every night, which may cause dizziness in the long run. Eventually I stopped taking it regularly as the palpitation episodes became fewer and far between in 2009.

As mentioned, you need only take it when you are experiencing palpitations, and if you take only once every few days (when necessary), then I think it won't result in dizziness. You could try asking the medical doctor or pharmacist for propranolol and the recommended dosage as I believe this may be the most suitable drug to prevent/minimise anxiety attacks (besides other measures such as diet, rest, deep breathing and so on).

http://www.drugs.com/answers/propranolol-advice-564293.html 

"Sam,
I know of the stress you speak of and am on Propranolol myself and for the same reason. The classification of propranolol is a beta adrenergic blocker. It simply blocks the effects of adrenaline which causes "the fight or flight" response felt when we feel in danger, like a near miss car accident or a lion chasing you. It occurs when one is stressed to the max about anything. Adrenaline causes a lot of immediate responses in your body when released from your adrenal glands, the increased heart rate and blood pressure, palpitations and a bunch of other things.
This class of medications lowers your heart rate and blood pressure and usually stops palpitations (the feeling of your heart skipping a beat). It's been around for a long time, is very safe when taken as directed. I take mine three times a day, but I flip out about everything, and it helps in preventing my migraine headaches. So, just a bit more information.
Peace,
Laura"

Relieving/Preventing anxiety attacks through diet

Chamomile tea eases tension and anxiety

As mentioned earlier, besides taking propranolol when needed to reduce/alleviate heart palpitations, diet is another way to relieve or prevent anxiety attacks. This article shares some herbs for dealing with seasonal affective disorder (aka winter blues).

"(3) Chamomile tea can take the edge off "cabin fever." It smooths out tension and anxiety that externally enforced confinement tends to promote. It's best to use the flowers for making the tea. You'll enjoy its mild taste and soothing quality. Perfect for relaxing before bedtime or anytime."

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/038202_winter_blues_medicinal_herbs_seasonal_affective_disorder.html#ixzz2Eo5ImzSo

Mushrooms contain Vitamin D

Also, I have read that Vitamin D is essential for fighting against winter blues. Since the cold weather may make it difficult to go out during the day to get the necessary sunlight exposure at times, this article recommended taking mushrooms since they naturally contain Vitamin D.

Part of the "winter blues" includes extremely limited exposure to natural sunlight. Sunlight has been shown not only to make people happier, but it also triggers the human body to produce vitamin D, a necessary component of good health (http://www.naturalnews.com/vitamin_d.html). And mushrooms are loaded with vitamin D, being the only item in the produce aisle that contains it.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034474_mushrooms_health_happiness.html#ixzz2Eo6D2tPm

Other natural remedies to avoid depression/anxiety attacks

Here's sharing another article you might find useful as it recommends some natural remedies to avoid depression (or anxiety attacks) during winter without using medical drugs (except for propranolol as mentioned earlier for dealing with heart palpitations). While you are probably already familiar with some of these suggestions, but it is always good to remind ourselves from time to time because we may sometimes forget to take care of ourselves in some areas especially when going through challenges.

"A depression which recurs annually during the winter, as well as feelings of depression which deepen during this period, are related to lack of vitamin D, which is delivered in its most powerful form through sunshine. Vitamin D increases brain levels of serotonin, which has been called the "happiness hormone." Vitamin D also plays an important role in the body's production of dopamine, a mood-lifting transmitter. One excellent source of vitamin D is fermented cod liver oil; just one teaspoon a day delivers a potent dose of this vitamin. Dietary sources include salmon, sardines and mackerel as well as organ meats and eggs (choose organic sources for maximum health benefit, of course). You may also want to try a vitamin D supplement to ensure that you get your daily dose."

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034563_depression_winter_natural_remedies.html#ixzz2EoB1j3eS

Cod liver oil (orange flavour)

As suggested above, you could try cod liver oil (which contains Vitamin D, which in turn helps the body to produce dopamine, a mood-lifting transmitter) - it is available in pharmaceutical stores. I have taken cod liver oil before, usually one tablespoon every day. I kinda like the taste, and I find that it helps build immune system in the long run too. There is a version of cod liver oil with orange flavour, if you don't like the original flavour.

Natural vitamin D from the sun

This article suggests getting some sunlight outdoors (whenever weather permits). I agree it is important too as our mood usually lifts naturally when we are outside the building, and it is always good to be away from the internet for some time too.

"Get as much sunlight on your face and body as is available

Facing the sun for 10 minutes, with your eyes open or closed is an excellent way to absorb the energy of the sun. Take your dose of Vitamin D3 at the same time in order magnify the body's production of Vitamin D. This will boost and protect immunity."

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034784_winter_rejuventation_oriental_medicine.html#ixzz2EoBqn3N2

I agree with this part of the first article too.

"Also, take some time to perform emotional self-care. Express your feelings rather than suppressing them, whether by visiting a therapist, writing in a journal or talking with a trusted friend. Re-connect frequently with feelings of happiness, whether watching a funny movie or listening to music that lifts your spirit."

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034563_depression_winter_natural_remedies.html#ixzz2EoCFLb00

Yes, it is good to express your feelings by blogging and sharing about it. At the same time, it is also important to not allow your emotions to affect your health too much, or else it would be counterproductive. Expressing feelings is always good for relieving stress and anxiety in the long run, so long as you can find a balance and not be overwhelmed by them (as mentioned in the article below). Please remember that in spite of all the hurts and pains you may have experienced in the past, you are always greater than your sorrows, disappointments and challenges. The Christ in you, or the Divine in you, or the Buddha nature in you, is far above the storms in your life.

"Learning to meditate can help provide a balanced path between those two extremes and enable you to feel that you are not at the mercy of your emotions."
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034563_depression_winter_natural_remedies.html#ixzz2EomPLmNs

Deep breathing exercises can keep us in touch with our inner peace

Yes, meditation and deep breathing can bring you to a place of inner peace where you are safe from being buffeted by the waves, even if they come back and remind you of the past.

Related links

Holiday season blues
Healing Emotional and Psychological Trauma - Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Christmas Blues
Transform Your Life – Overcome Your Abused Childhood Trauma
How to Deal with Childhood Trauma as an Adult
What are the Christmas Blues?
Getting Rid of Those Holiday "Blues": Ryerson University Expert

Some thoughts about water fasting and dieting

In this video, Keith Owens tells of his experience on day 9 of his water only fast. I noted that he felt like he was being cleansed of toxins, not just physically (through bowel movement in the washroom on the 9th day) but also cleansed mentally, and he felt good after that. The water fasting had changed his lifestyle - he stopped smoking, for example. It involves weight loss, as I also learnt from this website, so it requires careful moderation and supervision if one were to carry out water fasting.

I suppose you could start slow if you try water fasting. As advised by this website:

http://www.allaboutfasting.com/water-fasting.html

"If you're going to water fast on your own, honor the rules about rest and recuperation and attention to increasing bodily awareness. You must slow down. You must honor your body and its needs and messages. You must give every opportunity for this to be a healing experience--on all levels--and you know intuitively what you need to do and what you need to let go of to allow this."

Besides, I learnt from this wikiHow website that water fasting may have side effects such as dizziness, nausea and headaches. It recommends alternating "a juice fast with a water fast if you're contemplating a longer fasting period. That way, your body can receive important vitamins and nutrients on a periodic basis." Perhaps a safer alternative is taking more fruits and vegetables. (The website also noted that doctors nowadays advised against colon cleansing, such as enema, since our body will naturally cleanse itself.)

Here's sharing a person's testimony on water fasting in view of her low residual iron levels in her blood.

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/archive/index.php/t-43786.html?s=93313dfb7dbd6bb84124b9de4f189313
"It's so important that you listen to your body. 2 days of water fasting can be too much for some people... whereas others can do much longer periods. 

My daily iron levels are fine but my residual iron levels are low... so when I water fast... one day is enough for me. Then I make sure to have watermelon juice the next day with a touch of lime - as the lime assists my body to absorb the iron. 

So... if you find yourself getting super dizzy, really weak, your skin turns really pale... consider switching to juices or back to eating raw. 

Other than that... I don't see a problem with what you are wanting to do."

If you are anemic, I suppose it's advisable to start slow if you want to try water fasting. Since having slight iron deficiency in your blood may cause fatigue easily, you could consider alternating with juices and broths, as well as ensuring a regular intake of iron rich food (such as beet, sweet potatoes, broccoli, prune juice, raisins, eggs, etc) in between short periods of water fasting. http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/health-and-wellness/iron-rich-foods

GOMBBS diet

On another note, here's sharing a new diet that is mainly plant-based and follows "a comprehensive set of dietary guidelines proven to enhance the immune system and improve overall health in addition to routing cancer." So I thought it could be a good diet to follow when alternating between water fasting (if you are planning to start one) and juice fasting at different periods of time.

GOMBBS - Greens, onion, mushrooms, berries, beans and seeds

Fuhrman coined this quirky acronym to capture the most demonstrably powerful anti-cancer foods. Greens are the most nutrient-dense foods in the world; the cruciferous vegetable family in particular, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and many others, generates compounds known as isothiocyanates (ITCs) when blended, chopped or chewed that have a plethora of anti-cancer actions. In one study, higher intake of cruciferous vegetables halved the total incidence of cancer, while in another, higher intake saw a 57 percent reduction in the occurrence of colon cancer.

Allium vegetables including onions, garlic, shallots, leeks and scallions contain organosulfur compounds that are released when chewed, chopped or crushed. Increasing consumption of these healthful vegetables is proven to reduce the risk of prostate and gastric cancers. The flavonoid quercetin, abundant in onions, slows tumor growth and causes death of colon cancer cells.

All commonly eaten mushrooms contain powerful cancer-fighting agents including angiogenesis inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors and antigen-binding lectins which block estrogen production and prevent cancer cell growth. Eating just one mushroom per day lowers risk of developing breast cancer by 64 percent.

Berries' extraordinarily high antioxidant content merits them a spot on Fuhrman's short list of cancer fighters. For the greatest health benefit, dip berries in a homemade chocolate sauce; the combination of antioxidant-rich cacao and berries has been proven to have a synergistic effect that doubles the amount of antioxidants absorbed.

Beans, peas and lentils are nutrient-rich and high in protein and fiber; eating legumes at least two times a week reduces colon cancer risk by 50 percent. Additional protective effects have been shown for kidney, stomach, oral, larynx and pharynx cancers.

Seeds (and nuts, to a lesser degree) are high in protein, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats. Flax, hemp and chia seeds are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and nut and seed consumption generally is linked to heart health, prevention of diabetes and weight control.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/038178_cancer_prevention_diet_foods.html#ixzz2Dz8Smr3V

"Every Cancer Can be Cured in Weeks" explains Dr. Leonard Coldwell

Video commentary:
http://www.ihealthtube.com Dr. Leonard Coldwell states that every cancer can be cured within 16 weeks. Dr. Coldwell states how that's possible in this video.

I agree that cancer can be cured (or prevented) through monitoring one's diet, such as eating more alkaline food and increasing intake of Vitamin C, as I have come across similar findings about these natural treatments/prevention measures.

"Vitamin C - A study done by Dr. Ronald Hunninghake found Vitamin C to be selectively cytotoxic against cancer cells over the course of a 15-year research project."
http://www.naturalnews.com/037216_cancer_cells_immune_system_bromelain.html#ixzz27lsm0ykH

"- stop eating acidic stuff(mutated cells thrive in acidic environment and die in alkaline environment) - avoid sugar, pop, soda, coffee, milk, etc. Eat more raw green leafy vegetables, fruits, alkaline water, coconut water,"

http://physicalandspiritualhealth.blogspot.sg/2012/03/what-is-cancer-shocking-truth.html?m=1

Treating Hiatal Hernia Naturally

WHAT IS HIATAL HERNIA?

According to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiatus_hernia

A hiatus hernia or hiatal hernia is the protrusion (or herniation) of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OR POSSIBLE CAUSES/CONTRIBUTORS OF HIATAL HERNIA?

I have done a quick internet search about haital hernia and the possible causes and risk factors, and it appears that the risk factors include being overweight, smoking, above age 50, and stress. 

HOW IS HIATAL HERNIA DIAGNOSED?

It can be diagnosed through a gastroscopy test, and when the result of the test is out, the doctor will discuss the result with the person.

TREATING/PREVENTING HIATAL HERNIA THROUGH MAKING CHANGES IN DIET

 We can avoid foods that cause heartburn,  such as certain acidic food, spicy food, milk, etc, wherever possible. More information is found in this website "Treating heartburn naturally" under the last section on "Practise Good Eating Habits Regularly".

This website recommends drinking aloe vera juice twice a day, among other suggestions.  http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/askquestion/12951/health-advice-on-hiatus-hernia-treatment-for-hiatu.html

TREATING/PREVENTING HIATAL HERNIA THROUGH EXERCISES

This website suggests relaxation exercises http://drbenkim.com/articles/hiatal-hernia-treatment.htm

In the following website, someone made an interesting suggestion for a simple fix through a series of exercises that involve drinking warm water first thing in the morning and doing squating exercises regularly as often as necessary.

  http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/hiatal-hernia.html

06/19/2010: Tom from Regina, Sk replies: "This ongoing fix for a hiatus hernia comes from the 'Alternatives' health tips of Dr. David Williams.

First, a Simple Test:

It's not foolproof, but some doctors have their patients take a deep breath and hold it for 40 seconds. If you can't hold your breath for that long, and there are no other problems,then a hiatus hernia is a possibility.

A Simple Fix

If the top portion of the stomach is stuck up above the diaphragm, then the obvious answer is to get it out. This can be done in two steps:

Drink about a glass of either room temperature or slightly warm water when you get out of bed first thing in the morning. (No coffee, no tea, no juice, no cold water, just warm water.)

Then, while standing, bring your arms straight out from your sides and bend your elbows so that your hands are touching your chest. Then stand up on your toes as high as possible and DROP down onto your heels, rather like a weightlifter's squat! You should force a pretty good jolt. Drop down like this 10 times in a row. Then, while standing with your arms up, pant short quick breaths for about 15 seconds. That's it.

The warm water acts like a weight in the stomach. Warm water doesn't cause the stomach to cramp, but instead it relaxes it. Spreading your arms stretches the diaphragm and opens up that hole in the back. Dropping down on your heels jerks the stomach out of the hole, and the panting tightens up the diaphragm muscle to close the hole.

You need to do this exercise every day - not just until everything feels normal. This will also strengthen the area, and make the hiatal hernia less likely to come back.

Try it! It costs nothing."

Doing abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups at moderate levels, can help treat and/or prevent hiatal hernia, as they help strengthen abdominal muscles.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/310958-exercises-to-stop-a-hiatal-hernia/

http://www.ehow.com/way_5622517_exercises-cure-hiatal-hernia.html

"Certain exercises will provide relief from your symptoms, possibly forever. One activity is simply walking. Walking at a brisk pace, using good posture and holding in your abdominal muscles, can really help relieve the pressure you feel in your chest. Because you are holding yourself upright and bouncing slightly, your stomach can slide down back into place. Walking also provides stress relief, which will lower your stomach acid production and keep your stomach from clenching. Stress is a contributor to hiatal hernia. Any abdominal exercise, like sit-ups, will help strengthen the muscles in the area if done in moderation. Don't do the extreme-type crunches because too much force can actually worsen your condition. Take it slow and easy, looking for gradual results. Yoga and Pilates may be beneficial because they aim to strengthen the entire organism, especially the core muscles."

TREATING/PREVENTING HIATAL HERNIA THROUGH LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Avoiding people and/or situations where there are low vibrations can help relieve and/or prevent stress. 

Here's sharing another relevant information that I thought is useful for treating and preventing hiatal hernia naturally. I learnt that poor sitting positions/postures may also cause or contribute to the condition. 

This website says changing to a squatting position when using the toilet for defecation can even help to remedy the hiatus hernia problem, as it would decrease straining and ease pressure on the stomach.  

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiatus_hernia

"According to Dr. Denis Burkitt, "Hiatus hernia has its maximum prevalence in economically developed communities in North America and Western Europe ... In contrast the disease is rare in situations typified by rural African communities."^[3] Burkitt attributes the disease to insufficient dietary fiber and the use of the unnatural sitting position for defecation. Both factors create the need for straining at stool, increasing intraabdominal pressure and pushing the stomach through the esophageal hiatus in the diaphragm."

This website supports the findings, and suggests how people can adopt a safe squatting position in toilet which is more natural and comfortable position to empty the bowels.

http://www.toilet-related-ailments.com/

TREATING/PREVENTING HIATAL HERNIA THROUGH CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY

Besides diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, chiropractors can help in healing hiatal hernia. 

There are some testimonies in this website on how chiropractors have helped to heal hiatal hernia.

http://www.topix.com/forum/health/hiatal-hernia/T59PMK4VI8GSEQ68I/p2

This video demonstrates how a chiropractor helps someone to find relief from heartburn.

In the same website http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/hiatal-hernia.html someone shared a testimony on how hiatal hernia can be healed by a chiropractor.

12/20/2010: Kauai_syren from Mendocino, Ca replies: "To the person who is suffering Hiatel Hernia with no luck:
Have you thought about the possibly that you could be gluten intolerant? I am gluten intolerant and suffer hiatel hernias when I am exposed to gluten... Also, both my left and right ileocecal valves open up. This causes a lot of pain and I suffer....! However, I am very lucky and blessed as I have a wonderful doctor that always seems to fix me. She is a doctor of chiropractic and an applied kinesiologist specializing in nutrition and food allergy testing. She is also celiac (allergic to gluten). If you are intrigued and want to know more, please take your chance! Being gluten free changed my life. I don't know what I would have done if I had not made this change. It is hard, but is there really any price to pay for feeling healthy?"

I think based on these testimonies, it is worth considering seeing a chiropractor. Otherwise, one can still apply the above-mentioned natural remedies, in the areas of diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, that are customised to one's specific needs.
.

Additional reading:

Use natural remedies for a hiatal hernia

Teen Who Ran From Chemo 18 Years Ago Now Cancer-Free

Best changed his diet, stopped eating red meat, white flour, sugar, substituted soy for dairy and brown rice for white rice. He also incorporated plenty of organic vegetables and filtered water into his diet.

In addition to supplements and vitamin C, he began drinking Essiac herbal tea. But perhaps the biggest and most controversial aspect of his self-designed regime included 714-X, a Canadian immune-system injection that he says saved his life.

Read more: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/30820474/detail.html#ixzz1r8QZEA2g

This is indeed a wonderful and encouraging testimony. it is all about changing the environment in the body - through deep breathing, eating alkaline food and avoiding acidic food, and having a strong immune system through minimising stress and practising meditation, yoga and so on. 

Related post:

The Survival of Billy Best Proves Cancer Doctors Wrong about Daniel Hauser

Natural remedies for liver hemangioma

Based on what I have learnt so far from various health articles, what can be done for liver hemangioma is to keep the liver functioning at its optimal condition so that it remains benign and hopefully disappear by itself over time, as mentioned in some cases.


As suggested by the Liver Doctor and Natural News websites, the important thing is to have a strong functioning immune system, which comes from having a strong functioning liver by taking excess workload off the liver through:
(1) customised liver diet
(2) good night sleep.

(1) Customised liver diet
In summary, the liver diet would include beets, raw vegetable juices, tofu (natural bean curd), miso soup, bokchoy (chinese cabbage), fresh fruit, vegetable salad, and drinking two litres of water (about 8 glasses) daily.

The diet will also exclude margarines, deep fried and fatty foods, limiting chicken and turkey (which may contain artificial growth hormones, antibiotics and steriods), overly processed food and processed sugar and artificial sweeteners.


(2) Good night sleep
As for good night sleep, the Natural News website recommends sleeping from 11pm to 7am (about 8 hours), as follows:

"Overnight from 11 pm until 3 am the energy is strongest in the gall bladder and liver. These organs cleanse the blood and control sleep."

RELEVANT RESOURCES:

Chinese Medicine and Herb Advice
 "As you know, hepatic hemangiomas usually cause no symptoms and are
usually undiagnosed. In more severe cases, when digestive symptoms, or
rib or abdominal pain do occur, these symptoms may respond to
treatment with Chinese herbs. I'm sure you realize that Chinese
medicine developed without lab tests or Western diagnosis
...
 Benign tumors are signs of dampness and stagnation. More appropriate
are herbs such as Zhi Ke (Aurantium), Xiang Fu (Cyprus), and Chai Hu
(Bupleurum)."
http://www.drshen.com/chineseherbsqanda.htm

Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment for hepatic hemangioma
http://tcmdiscovery.com/2006/12-27/20061227114452.html

Hemangioma, hepatic Herbal Treatment
http://www.hnmrc.net/pd1675724672.html

Beets detoxify the liver
http://www.naturalnews.com/033025_beets_liver_function.html#ixzz1pd4NswSJ

Liver Doctor's Recommendations to treat hemangiomas
http://www.liverdoctor.com/index.php?page=liver-problems&subpage=hemangiomas


Asian Foods for a healthy liver
http://www.livestrong.com/article/332502-asian-foods-for-a-healthy-liver/

Overcoming anxiety attacks naturally

I have taken Xanax before a few times around 2005-2009 when I was experiencing stress symptoms such as heart palpitations. It only gave temporary relief, and it caused me to experience mild withdrawal symptoms after that.

I learnt that natural remedies to anxiety, stomach tightness and insomnia, such as chamomile tea, may help. You can read more about its health benefits in this Natural News article. http://www.naturalnews.com/034454_chamom…

Drinking more water may help too, since water is a great "anxiety quencher", according to a holistic health website. http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-e…

Try taking naps in the afternoon if you do not have enough sleep at night. I usually take naps in the afternoon to catch up on sleep if I have not slept well the night before. Napping is a good way to catch up on rest and promote overall health and wellbeing.

Last but not least, you could get a thyroid test done because anxiety attacks could well be due to an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. I learnt that someone who has hyperthyroidism can manage the disorder by monitoring his diet (like avoiding gluten, processed soy, eggs, sugar; and eating anti-inflammatory foods and cruciferous vegetables), taking Vitamin D supplements (or getting natural Vitamin D from sunshine) and avoiding environmental toxins.
http://www.understand-andcure-anxietyatt…
http://www.naturalnews.com/004300.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/031642_hypert…