healthbriefs
Ease Sleep Apnea with Herbs S
leep apnea is a serious health problem in
which the sleeper can stop breathing as often as 30 times an hour. Conventional medicine says that apnea is caused by a sagging soft palate or some other obstructive tissue in the throat. Not so, says Master Herbalist Steven Frank, of Nature’s Rite, who believes that it is instead caused by a reduced signal from the brain to the diaphragm, prompting breathing to slow down or even causing the sleeper to stop breathing. “After a short period of time, the brain realizes the need to breathe and forces a rapid inhalation, dragging any sagging soft tissues into the airway and disturbing the sleep cycle,” he says, explaining such an obstruction as a consequence, rather than a cause. Conventional medicine usually addresses sleep apnea with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Using such a device can be costly and cumbersome, as well as uncomfortable, creating its own form of sleep disruption. Frank suggests that a more natural solution to sleep apnea can be found by ingesting three simple herbs: lobelia, thyme and cramp bark. These work together to intensify the signal from the brain to the diaphragm, increasing lung effi ciency, relaxing related skeletal muscles and so providing relief. For more information, call 888-465-4404 or visit
NaturesRiteRemedies.com
Natural Eye Care for Aging Dogs M
any owners of middle- aged and older dogs
worry about their pets’ declining eyesight. Cloudy eyes are of particular concern, but that is not necessarily a sign that a dog is going blind, advises Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, Texas. “While cataracts strike
many older dogs, a more common condition is lenticular or nuclear sclerosis, a thickening of the lens of the eye,” says Messonnier. He explains that this normal change causes the eye to appear somewhat cloudy or gray, similar to a cataract. However, unlike a cataract, this type of sclerosis does not interfere with the pet’s vision. “Veterinarians can easily tell the difference between these conditions,” he says. “No treatment is necessary for lenticular sclerosis; cataracts are often treated with carnosine drops or with surgery.” For prevention, Messonnier suggests minimizing toxins that can cause infl ammation throughout an animal’s body, not just the eyes. This means using blood titer testing instead of annual vaccinations, reducing the use of fl ea and tick chemicals, using natural pet foods and minimizing the use of conventional medications.
He also recommends feeding a pet nutrients that contribute to health and reduce infl ammation and cellular damage, including fi sh oil, probiotics and antioxidants like bilberry, which supports eye health.
Autumn is
a second spring when every leaf
is a fl ower. ~Albert Camus
12
Central Florida natural awakenings
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48