Niacin, known also as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, has long been seen as one of the best weapons in cholesterol management. It is cheap and effective. It is able to lower levels of fatty acids, triglycerides, and to a lesser extent, LDL- the "bad" cholesterol. At the same time it can impressively raise HDL levels (the "good" cholesterol). There's just this one drawback. Nobody likes taking niacin because for most people, it causes alarming and embarrassing flushing, an intense rush of blood to the face and other skin surfaces along with itching, prickling sensations.

University of Michigan researchers led by Dr. Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, Associate Professor of Chemistry, have discovered that curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, acts as a disciplinarian, introducing itself into cell membranes and making them more orderly, this improving cells' resistance to infection and malignancy, according to findings published March 3 in the online Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Alternative medicine has become more and more popular over the last few decades. Why do you suppose that is? What is the attraction of alternative medicine to consumers? Do you suppose it is because they have encountered failure on the part of conventional medicine to heal what ails them?

Is it because alternative medicine methods involve no drugs or surgery and so many people are becoming disillusioned with drugs and the many harmful side effects and they refuse to think that cutting into their body is the only way to feel better? What other reasons are there for the popularity of alternative medicine methods and therapies?

The science of thermography has been around for a while, but it is finally making its triumphant entry into the world of alternative medicine. It is the art and science that allows a skillful practitioner to capture with a camera where there are damaged tendons, ligaments, pulled muscles and even inflamed nerves. These show up in a high color scan and allow alternative healers to keep a good eye on new injuries but also on healing problems. Athletes in particular greatly benefit from this application in more ways than one.

Is PMS keeping you up at night? Does it interfere in daily activities and is just an all around pain in the rear? You can make changes to your diet and add some great exercises and while they may be somewhat effective, what does it hurt to add another PMS tool to your arsenal?

Consider reflexology for those minor symptoms all the way to the more severe form of PMS called PMDD. Reflexology presents a natural way to restore the harmony and balance to your spirit, body and mind.

Premenstrual Syndrome

PMS, short for premenstrual syndrome, is a series of symptoms – over 150 at last count - that you might experience just after ovulation to the first bleeding of the period. However, some women may start early or during the period.