Adab Minum Rasulullah

Wahai Tuhanku, ilhamkanlah daku supaya tetap bersyukur akan nikmatmu yang engkau kurniakan kepadaku dan kepada ibu bapaku dan supaya aku tetap mengerjakan amal soleh yang Engkau redai; dan jadikanlah sifat-sifat kebaikan meresap masuk ke dalam jiwa zuriat keturunanku. Sesungguhnya aku bertaubat kepadamu dan sesungguhnya aku dari orang-orang Islam (yang tunduk patuh kepadamu).
(Surah Al-Ahqaaf, Ayat: 15).


ADAB MINUM

Rasulullah SAW amat menyukai minum madu yang dicampur dengan air sejuk. Amalan ini untuk tujuan amalan kesihatan. Rasulullah SAW juga suka minum air sejuk dan mencicip madu sebelum makan apa-apa diwaktu pagi.

Antara khasiat amalan-amalan ini ialah:

1. Menghilangkan balqham (kahak/lendir)
2. Mencuci perut
3. Membuang sisa-sisa makanan yang tertinggal didalam perut yang tidak dicernakan dengan sempurna dan menolaknya ke usus besar
4. Menghapuskan sukatan dalam usus, menghilangkan senak perut dan sedu
5. Memperbaiki fungsi buah pinggang, limpa dan hati. Rasullah SAW suka minum air yang telah disimpan semalaman didalam suatu bekas

Minuman Manis dan Sejuk

Aisyah (ranha) meriwayatkan bahawa: " Diantara banyak-banyak jenis minuman, Rasulullah saw suka minuman manis dan sejuk"

Hadis bermaksud, baginda mengemari minuman manis dan sejuk, campuran madu atau nabiz (rendaman buah tamar).

Didalam suatu doa Rasullah ada menyebut " Ya Allah kurniakanlah aku dengan cintaMu yang lebih besar dari cintaku kepada nyawa, harta,anak dan cintaku kepada air sejuk"

Ini memberi isyarat bahawa sudah tentu minuman air sejuk itu mempunyai khasiat yang lebih besar. Adapun minuman jika terkumpul didalamnya kemanisan dan kesejukan akan menjadi asbab yang paling bermanfaat untuk penjagaan kesihatan tubuh badan. Ini sekali gus berperanan bahan pemakanan dan mencernakan makanaan yang masuk kedalam tubuh lalu menyalurkannya keseluruh anggota badan.


Ringkasan adab minum

1. Gelas atau cawan hendaklah dipegang dengan tangan kanan
2. Bacalah " Bismillah"
3. Minum dengan tiga nafas
4. Minum dalam keadaan duduk
5. Jangan bernafas kedalam air. Setiap kali berhenti minum arahkan pernafasan ketempat lain.
6. Setiap kali berhenti minum (pada setiap penafasan) bacalah Alhamdullilah

7. Jika tidak ada tempat untuk duduk adalah diharuskan minum sambil berdiri
8. Minum dari baki air yang telah diminum oleh orang lain Hadis menyatakan bahawa saki baki air minuman seseorang Islam adalah ubat untuk penyakit
9. Jangan terus minum selepas dari melakukan persetubuhan ataupun setelah selesai mengerjakan kerja-kerja berat.

25 Ways to Deal with Stress and Anxiety

1. Ask Him. He Listens: DU`A

Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a Dua (supplication). Look at it as another reason to submit to God and be in Sajdah (prostration), during which you are closest to Allah. God listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want.

The Prophet said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything
(Tirmidhi).

The Prophet once said that in prayer, he would find rest and relief (Nasai). He would also regularly ask for God's forgiveness and remain in prostration during prayer praising God (Tasbeeh) and asking for His forgiveness (Bukhari).

Allah wants you to be specific. The Prophet advised us to ask Allah for exactly what we want instead of making vague Duas. Dua is the essence of worship (the Prophet as quoted in Tirmidhi).

"Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do not make mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear. And longing (in your hearts): for the mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good" (Quran 7:55-56).

2. Tie your Camel: DO YOUR PART

One day Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah" (Tirmidhi).

Muslims must never become fatalistic. Although we know only Allah is in control and that He has decreed all things, we are each responsible for making the right choices and doing the right thing in all situations of our lives. We must take action (link to planning articles on SV). We must work to alleviate the hardships we, our families and our communities face.

Ask yourself the following questions if you are worried about the state of the world: are you part of the peace movement? Is your Masjid part of the peace movement? Are you part of an interfaith group with an agenda of peace and justice? Are you working with a group fighting discrimination? If your answer is no, it is time that you sat down to plan your share of time and money in finding solutions to the problems you face.

"Verily Allah does not change men's condition unless they change their inner selves" (Quran 13: 11).

Turn each worry into a Du`a and each Du`a into an action plan. That will show your commitment to your request and will focus your energy in the right direction.

3. Remember that human responsibility is limited

While we need to carry out our duty to the best of our abilities, always remember that you don't control the outcome of events. Even the Prophets did not control the outcome of their efforts. Some were successful, others were not. Once you have done your duty, leave the results to Allah. Regardless of the results of your efforts, you will be rewarded for the part you have played.

However, never underestimate your abilities. Understand the concept of Barakah (blessings from Allah) and remember that Allah can and Insha Allah will expand them if you are sincerely exerting your energies for the right path.

4. Leave the world behind you FIVE TIMES A DAY
Use the five daily prayers as a means to become more Hereafter-oriented and less attached to this temporary world. Start distancing yourself as soon as you hear Adhan, the call to prayer. When you perform Wudu, keep repeating Shahada, the declaration of faith, as water drops slip down your face, hands, arms, and hair. When you stand ready to pray, mentally prepare yourself to leave this world and all of its worries and stresses behind you.

Of course, Shaytan will try to distract you during prayer. But whenever this happens, go back and remember Allah. The more you return, the more Allah will reward you for it. Also, make sure your Sajdas (prostrations) are talking Sajdas, in which you are really connecting to God and seeking His Mercy, praising Him, and asking His forgiveness. (link to Sajda article...ramadan page)

5. Seek help through SABR (patience)
Seek help through Sabr and Salat (Quran 2:45).

This instruction from Allah provides us with two critical tools that can ease our worries and pain. Patience and prayer are two oft-neglected stressbusters. Sabr is often translated as patience but it is not just that. It includes self-control, perseverance, endurance, and a focused struggle to achieve one's goal. Unlike patience, which implies resignation, the concept of Sabr includes a duty to remain steadfast to achieve your goals despite all odds.

Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have little or no control. 'We cannot control what happens to us but we can control our reaction to our circumstances' is the mantra of many modern-day self-help books. Patience helps us keep our mind and attitude towards our difficulties in check.

6. Excuse Me! You are Not Running the World, HE is.
It is important to remind ourselves that we don't control all the variables in the world. God does. He is the Wise, the All-Knowing. Sometimes our limited human faculties are not able to comprehend His wisdom behind what happens to us and to others, but knowing that He is in control and that as human beings we submit to His Will, enriches our humanity and enhances our obedience (Uboodiah in Arabic) towards him. Read the story of the encounter of Moses with the mysteries behind God's decision (Quran: 18:60-82). Familiarize yourself with God's 99 Names, which are also known as His Attributes. It is a powerful way of knowing Him.

"God-there is no deity save Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsistent Fount of All being. Neither slumber overtakes Him, nor sleep. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Who is there that could intercede with Him, unless it be by His leave? He knows all that lies open before men and all that is hidden from them, whereas they cannot attain to aught of His knowledge save that which He wills them to attain. His eternal power overspreads the heavens and the earth, and their upholding wearies Him not. And He alone is truly exalted, tremendous." (Quran 2:255).

The Prophet recommended reading this verse, known as Ayat al kursi, after each prayer, Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. Once Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, approached the Prophet during a difficult time and he found the Prophet in Sajda, where he kept repeating "Ya Hayy Ya Qayyum", words which are part of this verse.

7. Birds Don't Carry their Food
Allah is al Razzaq (the Provider).

"How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who feeds them and you, for He hears and knows all things (Quran 29:60)."

By reminding yourself that He is the Provider, you will remember that getting a job or providing for your family in these economically and politically challenging times, when Muslims are often the last to be hired and the first to be fired, is in God's Hands, not yours. As Allah says in the Quran:

"And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose. Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion (Quran 65:3).

8. God controls Life and Death

If you fear for your physical safety and security, remember that only Allah gives life and takes it back and, that He has appointed the time for it. No one can harm you except if Allah wills. As He says in the Quran:

"Wherever you are, death will find you out, even if you are in towers built up strong and high!" (Quran 4:78).

9. Remember that life is short
It's easy to get caught up in our own stress and anxiety. However, if we remember that our life is short and temporary, and that the everlasting life is in the Hereafter, this will put our worries in perspective.

This belief in the transitory nature of the life of this world reminds us that whatever difficulties, trials, anxieties, and grief we suffer in this world are, Insha Allah, something we will only experience for a short period of time. And more importantly, if we handle these tests with patience, Allah will reward us for it.

10. Do Zikr, Allah, Allah!

"... without doubt in the remembrance (Zikr) of Allah do hearts find tranquility"
(Quran 13:28).

If you commute, use your time in Zikr. Pick any Tasbeeh and do that instead of listening to the radio or reading the newspaper. Maybe you can divide it up between Zikr and planning. Personally, I recite the Tasbeeh of "Subhana Allahe wa be hamdihi, subhan Allahil Azeem" 100 times as I drive. The Prophet taught us these two short phrases which are easy to say but will weigh heavy on our scale of good deeds in the Hereafter.

When your heart feels heavy with stress or grief, remember Allah and surround yourself with His Zikr. Zikr refers to all forms of the remembrance of Allah, including Salat, Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, Tahleel, making supplication (Dua), and reading Quran.

"And your Lord says: 'Call on Me; I will answer your (prayer)..." (Quran 40:60)

By remembering Allah in the way He has taught us to, we are more likely to gain acceptance of our prayers and His Mercy in times of difficulty. We are communicating with the only One Who not only Hears and Knows all, but Who can change our situation and give us the patience to deal with our difficulties.

"Remember Me, and I shall remember you; be grateful to Me, and deny Me not"
(Quran 2:152).

11. Relying on Allah: Tawakkul

When you awaken in the morning, thank Allah for giving you life after that short death called sleep. When you step out of your home, say 'in Your Name Allah, I put my trust in Allah, and there is no power or force except with Allah' (Bismillahi Tawakal to al Allah wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah). At night, remember Allah, with His praises on your lips.

Once you have established a plan you intend to follow through on to deal with a specific issue or problem in your life, put your trust in the most Wise and the All-Knowing.

"When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah" (Quran 3: 159).

Rely on Allah by constantly remembering Him throughout your day. When you
lay down to sleep, remember that sleep is death. That is why one of the recommended supplications before going to sleep is "with Your (Allah's) Name I die and become alive".

12. Connect with other human beings

You are not alone. Muslims are not alone. We are not suffering in silence. There are millions of good people who are not Muslim with beautiful hearts and minds. These are people who have supported us, individually and collectively, post-9/11, by checking up on us and making sure we are safe. These are individuals and organizations who have spoken up in defense of Muslims as we endured harassment and discrimination.

We must think of them, talk to them, connect with them, and pray for them. Through our connections, we will break the chain of isolation that leads to depression and anxiety.

13. Compare your dining table with that of those who don't have as much as you do

The Prophet said: Whenever you see someone better than you in wealth, face or figure, you should look at someone who is inferior to you in these respects (so that you may thank Allah for His blessings) (Bukhari, Muslim).

Next time you sit down to eat, eye the table carefully. Check out the selection of food, the quality, the taste, the quantity, and then think of the millions of others who don't have even half as much. The Prophet's Hadith reminds us of this so that we can appreciate and thank God for all that we have.

Also remember that the Prophet only encouraged us to compare ourselves to others in two respects: in our Islamic knowledge and level of belief in God (Deen). In these two areas, we should compare ourselves with those who have more than what we do.

14. Say it Loud: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar: Takbirat & Adhan
Find a corner of a lake, go out in the wilderness, or even stand on your lawn at your home and call the Adhan with your heart. While driving, instead of listening to the same news over and over again, say Allahu Akbar as loudly as you can or as softly as you want, based on your mood. Year ago, I remember calling Adhan on a Lake Michigan shore in Chicago after sunset as the water gushed against my knees. I was calling it for myself. There was no one else accept the waves after waves of water with their symphony. It was relaxing and meaningful. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.

15. Pray in congregation (Jamat)

Pray with other people instead of alone. If you can't pray all five prayers in congregation, at least find one or two prayers you can pray with others. If you are away, establish Jamat in your own family. During the Prophet's time, even though the Muslims endured great persecution, including physical beatings, they would sometimes meet on the side of a mountain or valley and tried to pray together. This is a great morale booster.

16. How is your Imam's Dua?

Does the Imam at your local mosque make Dua silently or out loud? Ask him to supplicate with the whole congregation. Suggest Duas for him to make. Ask him to make Dua for other people.

17. Work for the Unity of Muslims

Bringing Muslims together will not only help the Muslims, but it will also encourage you to focus your energies on something constructive versus zeroing in on and consistently fretting about difficulties you are going through.

Invite Muslims from other ethnic groups to your functions. Visit Masjids other than yours in your city. When you meet a Muslim leader, after thanking him for his efforts, ask him what he is doing for Muslim unity. Ask Imams to make Dua for this. These are just small ways you can help yourself and the Muslim community.

18. Sleep the way the Prophet slept

End your day on a positive note. Make Wudu, then think of your day. Thank Allah for all the good things you accomplished, like Zikr and Salat. Ask yourself what you did today to bring humanity together and what you did to help Muslims become servants of humanity. For everything positive, say Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah). For everything negative say Astaghfirullah wa atoobo ilayk (I seek Allah's forgiveness and I turn to You [Allah]). Recite the last two chapters of the Quran, thinking and praying as you turn on your right side with your hand below your right cheek, the way the Prophet used to sleep. Then close your day with the name of Allah on your tongue. Insha Allah, you will have a good, restful night.

19. Begin the Day on a Positive Note
Get up early. Get up thanking God that He has given you another day. Alhamdu lillahil lazi ahyana bada ma amatana, wa ilaihin Nushoor (Praise be to Allah Who gave us life after death and unto Him will be the return). Invest in an audio tape driven alarm clock so you can get up to the melody of the Quran. Or Let Dawud Wharnsby's joyful notes put you in a good mood. Sing along if you like. Develop your to do list for the day if you didn't do it the night before. Begin with the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing in the heavens or the earth can hurt you. He is the Highest and the Greatest.

(Bismillahillazi la yazurru maa ismihi shaiun fil arze wa la fis samae, wahuwal Alee ul Azeem).The Prophet used to say this after every Fajr and Maghrib prayers.

20. Avoid Media Overexposure: Switch from News to Books

Don't spend too much time checking out the news on the radio, television or internet. Spend more time reading good books and journals. When you listen to the persistent barrage of bad news, especially relating to Muslims nowadays, you feel not only depressed, but powerless. Cut down media time to reduce your stress and anxiety. It's important to know what's going on but not to an extent that it ruins your day or your mood. (similarly, when you are in a sad mood, refrain from wallowing and listening to sad songs)

21. Pray for Others to Heal Yourself.

The Prophet was always concerned about other people, Muslims and non-Muslims, and would regularly pray for them. Praying for others connects you with them and helps you understand their suffering. This in itself has a healing component to it. The Prophet has said that praying for someone who is not present increases love.

22. Make the Quran your Partner

Reading and listening to the Quran will help refresh our hearts and our minds. Recite it out loud or in a low voice. Listen to it in the car. When you are praying Nafl or extra prayers, pick it up and use it to recite portions of the Quran you are not as familiar with. Connecting to the Quran means connecting to God. Let it be a means to heal your heart of stress and worries. Invest in different recordings of the Quran and their translations.

"O humanity! There has come to you a direction from your Lord and a cure for all [the ills] in men's hearts - and for those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy" (Quran 10:57).

23. Be thankful to Allah

"If you are grateful, I will give you more" (Quran 14:7).

Counting our blessings helps us not only be grateful for what we have, but it also reminds us that we are so much better off than millions of others, whether that is in terms of our health, family, financial situation, or other aspects of our life. And being grateful for all we have helps us maintain a positive attitude in the face of worries and challenges we are facing almost daily.

24. Ideals: ONE STEP AT A TIME

Ideals are wonderful things to pursue. But do that gradually. Think, prioritize, plan, and move forward. One step at a time.

25. EFFORTS not Results Count in the Eyes of Allah

Our success depends on our sincere efforts to the best of our abilities. It is the mercy of Allah that He does not demand results, Alhamdu lillah. He is happy if He finds us making our best sincere effort. Thank you Allah!

Berjalan baik untuk kesihatan sendi

HANI suka berjalan kerana beliau tahu senaman baik untuk kesihatan, bukan saja secara fizikal, tetapi juga secara mental dan emosi. Beliau meluangkan masa untuk berjalan selepas kerja, setiap minggu sekurang-kurangnya dua hingga tiga kali.

Kebelakangan ini, beliau kurang bermotivasi untuk bersenam. Selain memikul beban di tempat kerja, beliau juga seorang ibu yang baru melahirkan anak. Jadual waktunya padat kerana perlu menjaga anak di samping bekerja. Selepas melahirkan anak, berat badan Hani bertambah sebanyak 5kg. Beliau tidak dapat mengurangkan berat badan akibat gaya hidup yang tidak aktif. Tingginya 160cm tetapi berat badan 70kg.

Ramai ahli keluarga dan rakannya yang berumur 50 hingga 60-an mengalami masalah kesihatan, osteoartritis adalah penyakit yang paling biasa akibat pemakanan tidak seimbang dan gaya hidup yang tidak aktif sejak muda. Faktor risiko umum kepada osteoartritis ialah obesiti dan penuaan.

Kajian membuktikan senaman berperanan dalam mencegah dan memulih masalah osteoartritis. Bersenam meringankan kesakitan, meningkatkan kefleksibelan dan menguatkan otot. Ia mengurangkan faktor risiko osteoartritis melalui pengekalan berat badan yang normal.

Bersenam menggalakkan aliran darah supaya bekalan nutrien pada otot mencukupi. Oleh itu, setiap orang, termasuk Hani sepatutnya mengamalkan senaman walaupun sibuk. Berjalan adalah senaman terbaik untuk mencegah osteoartritis, bukan saja ia senang diamalkan, tetapi juga memberi banyak manfaat.

Bagaimanapun, ramai yang tidak bersenam kerana senaman dianggap membosankan dan mereka tidak ada motivasi untuk melakukannya tiga hingga empat kali seminggu, sekurang-kurangnya satu setengah jam setiap kali.

Ada cara bagi membantu menjadikan kegiatan berjalan lebih menyeronokkan. Bentuk satu kumpulan dan adakan aktiviti berjalan di tempat berlainan. Setiap kali, pilihlah tempat yang memerlukan lebih intensiti dan kekuatan supaya stamina dapat ditingkatkan.

Kumpulan yang mengandungi tiga hingga empat orang adalah baik untuk menjalinkan hubungan dengan rakan selepas sibuk bekerja sepanjang hari. Anda boleh mendengar muzik dan menyanyi ketika berjalan sebagai salah satu cara motivasi bagi mereka yang senang hilang minat.

Cara lain ialah berjalan dengan menggunakan alat kira langkah (pedometer). Alat ini mengira bilangan langkah yang dilakukan. Pada asalnya, alat ini digunakan oleh individu yang minat bersukan dan menjaga badan. Kini, pedometer terkenal sebagai alat ukur dan motivasi senaman.

Dengan memakai pedometer pada tali pinggang sepanjang hari, anda boleh mengetahui bilangan langkah dan kilometer yang diambil serta jumlah kalori yang digunakan selepas berjalan.

Sekiranya anda mengalami sakit sendi selepas bersenam, kejang pada sendi selepas bangun daripada katil atau duduk terlalu lama atau sendi berbunyi apabila melakukan gerakan badan, kurangkan pengambilan daging merah dan minuman bergas. Sebaliknya, tingkatkan pengambilan buah-buahan dan sayur-sayuran segar. Sesetengah individu mungkin sensitif atau alah terhadap oren, tomato, ubi kentang dan terung, jadi elakkan makanan ini.

Pada masa sama, tingkatkan pengambilan makanan tambahan glukosamin sulfat dalam pemakanan harian anda. Glukosamin adalah molekul ringkas yang dihasilkan oleh badan dalam jumlah yang kecil. Ia dijumpai lebih tinggi pada sendi dan tisu penghubung.

Gerakan tubuh menyebabkan rawan menipis, keadaan ini dikenali sebagai masalah haus dan lusuh pada rawan. Tanpa pencegahan dan rawatan, lapisan rawan yang haus akan menyebabkan kesakitan, bengkak dan membataskan pergerakan sendi. Lama kelamaan, ia mengubah bentuk asal sendi.

Kajian membuktikan pengambilan glukosamin sulfat berupaya memulih dan mengekalkan rawan serta melambatkan kehausan rawan. Dos glukosamin sulfat yang dicadangkan ialah 1,500mg sehari. Amalan pemakanan yang sihat dan gaya hidup yang aktif mencegah daripada serangan osteoartritis.

FAKTA:

Kelebihan berjalan:
# Menguatkan otot pada tapak kaki, betis, paha dan tubuh badan
# Membaiki kefleksibelan dan postur
# Menguatkan tulang dan mengurangkan kemerosotan densiti tulang

Medical Miracles Revealed in the Quran

Introduction and significant points

Fourteen centuries ago, Allah (SWT) sent down the Quran to mankind as a book of guidance. He called upon people to be guided to the truth by adhering to this book. From the day of its revelation to the day of judgement, this last divine book , the Holy Quran, will remain the sole guide, faith and a methodology of life for humanity.

Allah (SWT) says in Quran :

“Surely this Quran guides to the way that is straightest and gives good tidings to the believers who do deeds of righteousness, that theirs shall be a great wage.” (18:9)


(إن هذا القرآن يهدي للتي هي أقوم ويبشر المؤمنين الذين يعملون الصالحات أن لهم أجرا كبيرا) الإسراء ( 9 ).

The matchless style of the Quran and its superior wisdom are definite evidence that it is the word of God. In addition, the Quran has many miraculous attributes proving that it is a revelation from God. One of these attributes is the fact that a number of scientific truths that we have only been able to uncover by the technology of the 20th century were stated in the Quran 1,400 years ago.

Of course the Quran is not a book of science. However, many scientific facts that are expressed in an extremely concise and profound manner in its verses have only been discovered with the technology of the 20th century. These facts could not have been known at the time of the Quran's revelation, and this is still more proof that the Quran is the word of God.

In order to understand the scientific miracle of the Quran, we must first take a look at the level of science at the time when this holy book was revealed.

In the 7th century, when the Quran was revealed, Arab society had many superstitious and groundless beliefs where scientific issues were concerned. Lacking the technology to examine the universe and nature, these early Arabs believed in legends inherited from past generations. They supposed, for example, that mountains supported the sky above. They believed that the earth was flat and that there were high mountains at its both ends. It was thought that these mountains were pillars that kept the vault of heaven high above.

However all these superstitious beliefs of Arab society were eliminated with the Quran. In Surat Al Ra'ed (Chapter 13) , verse 2, it was said: "Allah is He who raised up the heavens without any pillars, that you can see " (The Quran, 13:2).

(اللّهُ الَّذِي رَفَعَ السَّمَاوَاتِ بِغَيْرِ عَمَدٍ تَرَوْنَهَا) سورة الرعد : 13

This verse invalidated the belief that the sky remains above because of the mountains. In many other subjects, important facts were revealed at a time when no one could have known them.

Few points need to be highlighted :

- Quran’s principal objective is to form a righteous man and establish a virtuous community …
- Quran is not a book of astrology, or medicine.
- Quran’s words need not reflect the norms of the present time, or have connotation to recent theories and knowledge...
- Quran’s words are very well-contrived and accurate, as they are composed by Allah, Who has perfected everything.
- Quran’s purposes of medical and scientific references, and miracles are numerous, of which the most significant are:

1- Reinforcing and strengthening the faith in Moslems through motivation of admonition, deliberation and meditation.
2- Giving non-Moslems conclusive evidences of the genuineness of Islam, as Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was not to get acquainted
with such scientific issues, which were not revealed except in the recent decades, unless told of by Allah the Almighty.
“Soon will We show them our signs in the furthest horizons, and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this
is the Truth…” (41: 53)

(‏سنريهم آياتنا في الآفاق وفي أنفسهم حتى يتبين لهم أنه الحق أوَ لم يكف بربك أنه على كل شيء شهيد ) ‏ سورة فصلت (53)

Let’s take for example this verse “O mankind! If ye have a doubt about Recreation ,” (22:5)

(يا أيها الناس إن كنتم في ريب من البعث) الحج : 5


here is the evidence: “surely We created you out of dust, then of a sperm-drop, then of a leech-like clot, then out of a lump of flesh, formed and unformed, that We may make clearer (Our signs) to you; and We establish in the wombs what We will, till a stated term, then We deliver you as infants, then that you may come of age; and some of you die, and some of you are kept back unto the vilest state of life, that after knowing, they may know nothing…” (22: 5)


(فإنَّا خلقناكم من تراب ثم من نطفة ثم من علقة ثم من مضغة مخلقة وغير مخلقة لنبين لكم، ونقر في الأرحام ما نشاء إلى أجل مسمى، ثم نخرجكم طفلاً، ثم لتبلغوا أشدكم، ومنكم من يُتوفى ومنكم من يرد إلى أرذل العمر لكي لا يعلم من بعد علم شيئاً) الحج (5) .


The verse goes on; “and you see the earth barren, but when We send down water upon it, it quivers, and swells, and puts forth of every delightful pairs.” (22: 5),

(وترى الأرض هامدة فإذا أنزلنا عليها الماء اهتزت وربت وانتبت من كل زوج بهيج) الحج (5)

Quran encourages all that helps reveal the secret of the universe and existence, and strengthens faith to Allah .

“Say; ‘Journey in the land, and see how Allah did originate creation; so will Allah produce a later creation: for Allah has power over all things.’” (29: 20)

( قُلْ سِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانظُرُوا كَيْفَ بَدَأَ الْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ اللَّهُ يُنشِئُ النَّشْأَةَ الْآخِرَةَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ) العنكبوت (20)

Now, let us look together at some of these medical miracles revealed in the Quran :

The sensation of skin painWhat about intestines ..?
What is the reason behind advancing hearing over sight in the Holy Quran ?

What we see and what not ….
The origin of creation : clay & water !
Embryology and Human Creation between Quran & Science

Finger Prints

Forelock !
Man in high altitudes
Medical References at the shadows of Surat Al Kahf
An international patent for Quranic eye drop!
Breast feed your baby even if with your eye-drops … !

Miracle of Honey
Carrion .. blood .. flesh of swine
Fruit : is it before or after ?

Ablution (Wodo'e) and health purity

Prayer : a healing for the spirit and the body
Medical benefits of fasting Ramadan

Quran : a healing and a mercy
All topics are available at SCIENCE/MEDICINE section in articles collection

Conclusion
The Quran cannot be produced by any creature. It is the word of the Almighty God, the Originator of everything and the One Who encompasses everything with His knowledge. As how could any creature reveal such scientific facts and signs, as indicated above in some Quranic verses, that were impossible to be known with the level of knowledge at the time of revelation? The Quran, with the description of all these scientific facts in accurate terms that fit with the modern rules of science, affirms that this is revealed by Allah. Man only unfolded these signs so many centuries after it had been revealed by Allah, with the help of modern technology. The Quran is the word of Allah Who has created everything and knows the slightest details of His creation.

Who can inspire to the Prophet Mohammed, other than Allah, such scientific truths in such a noble and well contrived language ?

Although they possessed and knew the tools of the Arabic language, the unbelievers of Makkah were challenged to produce one verse of such Quran. Yet, up to date and till doomsday the challenge still stands: “If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Quran, they would never produce its like, not though they backed one another.” (17:88)

"قل لئن إجتمعت الأنسُ والجنُ على أن يأتوا بمثلِ هذا القرآن ، لا يأتونَ بمثلهِ ولو كان بعضُهم لبعضٍ ظهيرا." ( الإسراء : 88)


Allah also says in the Holy Quran; “If it had been from other than Allah, surely they would have found in it much inconsistencies” (4:82)

"ولو كان من عند غير الله لوجدوا فيه إختلافا كثيرا" (النساء :82)


With the passage of ages, every word of Quran still reveals the divine and miraculous nature of this Holy Book. For the believers of Quran, this is a message to hold fast to this divine book and receive it as their only guide in this world and the Hereafter: “And this is a Book We have sent down and blesses, so follow it and have fear of Allah so that hopefully you will gain mercy.” (6:155).

(وَهَـذَا كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مُبَارَكٌ فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَاتَّقُواْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ) الأنعام 155

For the unbelievers, it is a call to open their minds and hearts to word of Allah, the Holy Quran, and contemplate and ponder the last revelation to mankind. Yet, Allah remarks; “Say, ‘The truth is from your Lord; so let whosoever wishes believe, and let whosoever wishes disbelieve.” (18: 29)

(وَقُلِ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ فَمَن شَاء فَلْيُؤْمِن وَمَن شَاء فَلْيَكْفُرْ) الكهف 29

And; "No Indeed! It is a reminder, and whoso wills, pays heed to it" (80:11-12)

(كَلَّا إِنَّهَا تَذْكِرَةٌ ، فَمَن شَاء ذَكَرَهُ ) عبس 11-12

“And say: ‘Praise be to Allah, Who will soon show you His signs, so that ye shall know them’ " (27: 93)

( وَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ سَيُرِيكُمْ آيَاتِهِ فَتَعْرِفُونَهَا) (النمل: 93)

and Who also says; “Soon will We show them our signs in the furthest horizons, and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth” (41: 53).

( سنريهم آياتنا في الآفاق و في أنفسهم حتى يتبين لهم أنه الحق ) ( فصلت 53)

Lose weight, stay healthy with herbal alternatives

Lose weight, stay healthy with herbal alternatives
They can turn your fat into thin air!

Despite this country’s obsession with dieting, obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Clearly, all this extra weight is making us unhealthy. So what does it take to lose weight and keep it off? Eating right and exercise are important, and while there is no one magic pill that will erase fat, there are herbs and supplements that can help.

TAKE IT SLOW: The most permanent weight loss happens at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds a week max. If you go faster, you’ll work against your own metabolism and set yourself up to regain pounds.

Herbal and Supplemental Magic

These botanical substances can have a surprising effect on weight loss, from increasing your metabolism to regulating your blood sugar levels. Here are the best of the bunch.

Asian Ginseng

This feel-good herb can help regulate blood sugar, which can aid in weight loss. High blood sugar equals high levels of insulin, a hormone that tells the body to hold onto fat.

Dosage: Try a daily dose of 200 milligrams for 8 weeks.

Cayenne

Red pepper heats up your mouth, makes you sweat and jump-starts your circulation. It may also rev up calorie burning and overall metabolism, and suppress appetite.

Dosage: Take one of the following three times a day: 10 drops of tincture (1:5), 2 drops of tincture (1:1), A teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper mixed with a glass of water, or one 250-milligram tablet.

Caution: May irritate the gastrointestinal tract if taken on an empty stomach.

Chickweed

This herb is an effective fat-fighter because it decreases appetite and constipation, says Frankie Avalon Wolfe, a holistic health practitioner in Boise, Idaho.

Dosage: Wolfe recommends taking 750 milligrams a day.

Chitosan

Derived from crustacean shells, chitosan is a fibre that is highly effective at absorbing fat.

Dosage: Take three to six 500-milligram capsules before meals to decrease the amount of food you’ll eat and to bind up fat in your meal and carry it out in the stool.

Caution: May interfere with the body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, D, and K) and carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin), so if you are taking any of these under the supervision of a medical doctor, inform him before supplementing with chitosan.

Chromium

This trace mineral reduces cravings for sweets and food by stabilizing blood sugar levels. It is most beneficial for those patients who have hypoglycaemia and feel they have to eat often to control headaches and increase energy.

Dosage: Take 200 micrograms once a day of GTF chromium or chromium picolinate, between meals with water.

Cordyceps

This herb works for weight loss, especially for people who feel tired. Because it boosts energy, you will be less inclined to eat and more inclined to exercise.

Dosage: Take 500 milligrams twice a day, at breakfast and lunch.

Flaxseed

This good source of essential fatty acids can help you feel full, particularly if you are deficient in essential fatty acids.

Dosage: Use one tablespoon of ground flaxseed a day, either freshly ground or frozen, on cereal or other food. Do not cook or heat it.

Ginger

Called the "body warmer," ginger aids in weight loss, because it helps you burn calories faster.

Dosage: Take one of the following three times a day: 1 teaspoon tincture (1:5), 20 drops tincture (1:1), two 500-milligram root tablets, 1 teaspoon powdered dried root in a cup of boiling water, or 1 teaspoon fresh root grated into a cup of boiling water.

Caution: If you have gallstones, do not use therapeutic amounts of the dried root or powder without guidance from a health care practitioner.

Glutamine

This amino acid helps curb excessive appetite and cravings for sugar. Glutamine is found in raw cabbage, spinach, and parsley, but is destroyed by cooking. L-glutamine is the natural form, and may be more effective.

Dosage: Take 500 milligrams twice a day, one-half hour before meals, with water or juice (not milk). Take it with 50 milligrams of vitamin B6, and 100 milligrams of vitamin C to improve absorption.

Caution: If you have problems with your kidneys or liver check with your physician before supplementing.

Gugul

The sticky resin from this tree may help treat obesity by acting with the thyroid gland to increase the metabolism.

Dosage: Try 25 milligrams two or three times a day.

Magnesium

This mineral can help you lose weight by improving your energy.

Dosage: Take 500 to 750 milligrams of elemental magnesium in a chelated form, in divided doses throughout the day, initially, but reduce the dose if it causes loose bowels.

Caution: If you have heart or kidney problems, check with your doctor before beginning supplementation in any amount.

Stevia

Use this sweet South American herb in place of sugar or artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Stevia is 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, so a pinch does the trick. And, unlike aspartame, you can cook with it.

Dosage: In recipes, use 2 tablespoons in place of 1 cup sugar. If you use the extract, use 1teaspoon for every cup of sugar.

Health Benefits of Saying "Alhamdulillah"

By Karima Burns

There are many examples in the Qur'an and Hadith of the virtues of a positive mental attitude, perseverance and optimism in the face of adversity. However, did you know that patience and a positive outlook on life are two of the greatest healing tools that you can use?

The Qur'an (2:155) says, "Give glad tidings to those who exercise patience when struck with adversity and say, 'Indeed, we belong to God and to Him is our return.' Such ones receive [the] blessings and mercy of their Lord, and such are the guided ones." According to the findings of modern science, it appears that this mercy may often come in the form of improved health.

Bernard Jensen says, in his book The Science and Practice of Iridology, "The doctor of the new day will recognize that a man's most important workshop is not the physical body, but the mind that controls it." Dr. Ted M. Morter confirms this in his book, Your Health... Your Choice, when he says that "negative thoughts are the number one acid producer in the body (and high body acidity levels are a major cause of disease)… because your body reacts to negative mental and emotional stress brought about by thought the same way it reacts to 'real' threats of physical harm."

In fact, hospital studies show that, of all the patients who consult outpatient clinical facilities in the United States, an astounding seventy percent are found to have no organic basis for their complaint. That figure is amazingly high. However, although medically these patients are not found to have an obvious organic source for their complaints, there actually is a physical basis for this phenomenon. Since Freud popularized the idea of psychoanalysis, people have often focused exclusively on the mental realm to solve certain problems, forgetting that we cannot separate the physical and mental realms. The mind is in the brain, and the brain is an organ. Like all other organs, it feeds from the same pool of nutrients that other body organs feed from and is susceptible to all of the same problems. Ultimately, the brain is just a part of our body like all of the other parts and is completely dependent on the body. It requires sugar to develop energy unlike other tissues that can develop it from potassium and fats. Consequently, it is the first organ to suffer from low blood sugar and it reacts most severely. Freud himself said that psychoanalysis was not suitable for treating diseases such as schizophrenia, and he postulated that their causes eventually would be found to be biochemical.

If we keep in mind that the brain is an organ and that it works in harmony with the other organs and feeds from the same bloodstream, we can understand how various mental events can affect us physically. For example, simply using our brains to think and study burns up nutrients in our system, particularly phosphorus. Heavily exercising the brain can cause us to suffer from a phosphorus deficiency. And we find that the reverse is also true in this relationship. People who have high intellectual capacity usually have high levels of phosphorus in their system.

There is much wisdom in the Prophet's (SAW) statement (narrated by Abu Huraira), "The strong [person] is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong [person] is the one who controls himself while in anger." In fact, staying patient and calm is key to physical strength.

Phosphorus is not the only nutrient that can be depleted by mental stress and a lack of spiritual calm. If the thyroid gland, the primary organ to handle our emotions, works overtime, we can suffer from a deficiency in iodine. Stress from a demanding job, a divorce or relocating can cause a loss of potassium and sodium in the body because it effects the adrenal glands creating more of a need for these minerals.

Even hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be caused by excitement. The prophet (SAW) recommended our taking the more moderate path in life; however, we often engage in or expose ourselves to intense excitement by yelling, excessively watching television, and going to the mall, movies, parties, amusement parks, etc. When we see something exciting, our adrenal cortex is stimulated and there is an increase in our blood sugar. This, in turn, stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin into the blood to lower the sugar level, causing us to then feel tired or weak.

It produces calm and health to practice saying, "Alhamdulillah" for what we have and for what we are faced with. We should try to keep our home and work environments peaceful and as free from stress as possible. One way we can counteract the effects of stress are to simply be aware of the stress we are encountering, and to consume sufficient nutrients and supplements such as herbs.

For instance, if a person is up late praying or reading Qur'an during Ramadan, they can eat phosphorus rich foods and those that will help them maintain their phosphorus intake. If a person is moving, traveling or making Hajj or Umra, they may want to increase their intake of foods high in potassium and sodium as well as vitamin B complex.

If we completely ignore the relationship between mental and physical health, we are missing an important detail in the picture of personal health. And, as in most health problems, practicing prevention is superior to finding a cure. Therefore, the best manner to avoid having negative attitudes and emotions control our bodies is simply to practice the wisdoms that we have been given throughout the Qur'an and Hadith. We should say, "Alhamdullilah" for what we have; "Insha'Allah" for what we intend; and, "Subhana' Allah" when we see something exciting or amazing. We should remember to say, Astaghfir'Allah" when we lose our tempers or become weak, and most importantly, "Allahu Akbar" when we are faced with the challenges of life. These five phrases, said regularly, are like taking a multi-vitamin for holistic health.

Ablution and health purity

Allah says; “O believers, when you stand up to pray, wash your faces, and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe your heads, and your feet up to the ankles. If you are defiled, purify yourselves…” (5:6)


[ يا أيها الذين آمنوا إذا قمتم إلى الصلاة فاغسلوا وجوهكم وأيديكم إلى المرافق وامسحوا برؤوسكم وأرجلكم إلى الكعبين، وإن كنتم جنبا فاطهروا] (المائدة 6).


Ablution is the weapon of the faithful:

• Ablution is not just cleaning the external organs several times a day before prayers. The psychological and spiritual impact felt by the Moslem after ablution is more deeper than words can express, particularly when perfecting ablution. Ablution plays an important role in the life of the Moslem, as it keeps him always in a state of vitality, vigilance and fitness. The Prophet (PBUH) said; “He who performs ablution, and perfects it, his sins would come out from his body, till they pass out from under his nails.”
• The process of washing the organs usually exposed to dust is no doubt of a great significance to public health. These body parts are exposed all day long to numerous numbers of microbes counted in millions in every cubic centimeters of air. These microbes are in a constant offensive state against the human body at the exposed areas of skin. In ablution, microbes are taken by a surprise sweep from the surface of the skin, specially with perfect massaging and enough pouring of water, as guided by the Prophet (PBUH). Following such a process, no dirt or germs are left on the body except what Allah decrees.
• Rinsing the mouth. Modern science has proved that rinsing the mouth protects the mouth and throat from inflammation and the gums from suppuration (pyorrhea). It also protects and cleans teeth by removing food remnants.
• Sniffing the nose. Washing and sniffing the nose strongly helps keep the nostril clean and free of inflammation and germs, thus reflecting positively on the health status of the whole body.
• Washing the face and the two hands. Washing the face and the two hands up to the elbows is of a great benefit in removing dust and microbes as well as sweat from the surface of the skin. This also cleans the skin from the fatty substance secreted by skin glands, and which is usually a very suitable place for the proliferation and sustenance of germs.
• Washing the two feet. Washing feet with massaging lead to a feeling of quietness and complacency that engulfs the Moslem after ablution.
• Other secrets. Scientific research has proved that blood circulation in upper limbs from the hands to the forearms, and in the lower limbs from the feet to the legs is weaker than it is in other organs, being peripheral to the centre of regulating blood circulation, namely, the heart. So washing these limbs with massaging at every ablution help strengthen the blood circulation in these parts, thus increasing the vitality and activity of the body.

Science has proved the effect of sun rays, particularly the ultra violet ones, in causing skin carcinoma. This effect decreases very well with the consequence of ablution, as it constantly dampens the surface of the skin with water, particularly the parts exposed to such rays. This helps protect the surface and internal layer cells of the skin from the harmful impact of rays.

Air Jampi - Kajian Saintifik

Baru-baru ini penulis ada menerima satu artikel mengenai maklumat kajian saintifik keatas air yang telah dijampi oleh seorang saintis Jepun. Tujuan penulis menimbulkan isu ini hanya semata-mata untuk berkongsi maklumat bukan untuk promosi berubat dengan kaedah air jampi. Harap jangan ada yang salah sangka.

Walaupun kaedah berubat dengan air jampi adalah salah satu daripada cara perubatan Islam tetapi para ulama telah sepakat mengatakan tentang harus melakukan jampi menjampi jika berhimpun padanya tiga syarat berikut BR>
1) Bahawa kalimah jampi itu mestilah terdiri dari Firman Allah SWT atau nama-namaNya ataupun sifat-sifatNya.

2) Sebaik-baiknya didalam bahasa Arab, ataupun sebarang bahasa yang boleh difahami maksudnya.

3) Hendaklah dia menyedari dari segi kepercayaan "aqidah" bahawa "jampi" tidak memberi apa-apa kesan. Kesan yang berlaku adalah takdir dan ketentuan Allah SWT jua.

Elok benar sekiranya para sahabat dapat membaca buku "Berubat Dengan Al-Quran" oleh Ustaz Muhammad Ibahim Salim alihbahasa oleh Ustaz Abdul Aziz @ Ahmad bin Mohd dan buku "Konsep Perubatan Islam" oleh Utz. Danial Zainal Abidin untuk mendapat maklumat lengkap.

Inilah antara suntingan artikel yang penulis terima untuk maklumat para sahabat sekelian.

"... ... Apa yang ingin aku paparkan disini, ialah bukti penemuan hasil kajian saintifik oleh Dr. Masaru Emoto seorang "pakar air" dari Jepun. Halis kajian ini, secara tak langsung menolak kata-kata jahil mereka yang tidak mempercayai konsep perubatan dalam Islam yang mempercayai dengan keizinan Allah SWT air penawar yang dibacakan ayat suci Al-Quran boleh menyembuhkan pelbagai jenis penyakit.

Penemuan oleh Dr. Masaru Emoto ini sungguh menakjubkan. beliau membuktikan bahawa susunan molekul-molekul air boleh berubah mengikut apa yang diucapkan ke atas air tersebut.

Ustaz Abdullah Mahmud yang pernah berceramah di Surau Wisma Telekom Semarak, pada tahun lepas pernah menceritakan penemuan ini. Beliau memaklumkan bahawa beliau telah mengikuti satu seminar yang disampaikan oleh seorang pakar air dari Jepaun di Hotel Istana. Dalam seminar itu, mereka telah di tunjukkan melalui slaid, contoh-contoh air yang di lihat daripada mikroskop khas. Sumber air ini di ambil daripada laut, sungai, empangan, perigi dan sebagainya. Ada pelbagai bentuk, daripada rupa cantik bercahaya seolah-olah seperti berlian hinggalah ke 'hodoh dan mengerunkan' seperti rupa jin bertelinga besar, bertanduk dan sebagainya.

Suatu ketika apabila di tunjukkan "rupa air yang cantik bercahaya", molekulnya tersusun cantik, seperti berlian bersegi-segi, bersinar-sinar, berwarna-warni melebihi 12 warna, para hadirin telah di soal pakar air tentan asal usul sampel air itu. Salah seorang hadirin meneka, itu mungkin air zam-zam. Sememangnya telah disahkan benar oleh pakar air tersebut.

Kemudian beberapa hadirin di pilih untuk membuat kajian. Di atas pentas, mereka di kehendaki membacakan sesuatu ke atas air mineral masing-masing. Lalu salah seorang hadirin di kehendaki menunjukkan hasil kajiannya. Apabila di tunjukkan di skrin kelihatan molekul air itu membentuk seolah-olah seperti tokong cina (dengan janggut yang panjang dan perut buncit).

Apabila tiba giliran Ustaz Abdullah, air tersebut di bacakan surah Al-Fatihah, Selawat dan ayat Kursi, maka apabila dipaparkan di skrin kelihatan molekulnya seperti berlian yang berkilau-kilau, cantik bercahaya. Kemudiannya beliau di suruh membaca sebarang ayat atau kata-kata yang tidak elok, maka ternampaklah di skrin molekul air itu berubah menjadi seperti sel-sel barah.

Banyak hadis dan ayat-ayat Al-Quran yang menceritakan fenomena ini. Dengan keizinan Allah SWT, air mampu menyembuh dan memudaratkan seseorang, kerana dalam Islam ada kaedah-kaedah tertentu yang menggunakan air, untuk berikhtiar mengubati penyakit. Salah satu daripadanya menggunakan air penawar, atau dalam bahasa mudahnya air jampi. Seperti mana yang pernah di amalkan Rasulullah SAW dan diikuti oleh ulama-ulama Islam dan pengamal perubatan yang lain... . "

Read more >>http://www.wellnessgoods.com/messages.asp

7 Keys to healthy living

ACHIEVING A HEALTHY, ATTRACTIVE WEIGHT IS POSSIBLE

1. Decision/Commitment/Plan

• Decide to lose weight.
• Commit to losing it, whatever it takes.
• Plan a way to lose it; you need a map to get where you want to go.
  

2. Lifestyle, Not Diet

• A diet has a beginning and an end, which is why most people gain weight back.
• Change to your lifestyle is permanent.

3. Spirituality

• Strength and self-control come from God.
• Willpower alone is often not enough.
• Forgive people.

4. Stress Management

• Rest and quiet time.
• Play.
• Clean diet; avoid nutrient deficiencies.
• Physical fitness.
• Reduce or eliminate negatives where possible.
  

5. Regular Exercise

• Relieve stress.
• Increase sense of well-being.
• Increase metabolism.
• Burn fat and calories.
• Tone muscles; improve shape.
• Clean blood of toxins.
• Improve sleep.
  

6. Expend More Energy (burn more calories) Than Is Being Taken In (eaten)

• Reduce consumption of calories, fat, sugar, and salt.
• Increase activity to burn more energy.
  

7. Good Nutrition

• Healthy bodies function better.
• Prevent sickness and disease.
• Feel great, have high levels of energy.
• Wise food choices do not make fat bodies.
  

8 steps in reducing cholestrol level

It's no secret that out-of-control cholesterol levels are a severe health risk and a major cause for heart attack and stroke, which causes many people to search for ways to lower cholesterol levels. Are you looking to lower your cholesterol? Cardiologist Deborah Barbour has developed an eight-step plan to help you lower your cholesterol and maintain healthy levels going forward, hoping that you will incorporate ways to lower cholesterol levels into your daily lifestyle.

To understand the importance of lowering your cholesterol, you should know exactly what cholesterol is and how you can get too much of it.

Cholesterol is a normally occurring waxy, fat-like substance that the body produces to support healthy cell function and hormone production. Like oil and water, however, cholesterol in the blood does not mix or dissolve. To make its way around the body, cholesterol requires two kinds of special lipoprotein carriers — low-density (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol and high-density (HDL), or "good," cholesterol.

Too much LDL in the body can build up in the arteries and cause plaque. As this plaque accumulates arteries become smaller and less blood can squeeze through to the heart and other major organs.

Triglycerides are another component of your cholesterol profile that needs to be monitored. Triglycerides form in the body from the fatty foods we eat and are the most sensitive to diet. If you've had ice cream and pizza the night before your cholesterol is tested, your triglycerides level will give you away. The reverse is also true — a low-fat diet will quickly lower your triglycerides.

Studies show that diet alone can reduce LDL levels by 35 percent in just two weeks. So if you've discovered that your cholesterol is out of control, or if you've been working to get your LDL and HDL in balance, Dr. Barbour's eight-step plan can help you. It may even help you get off of cholesterol-lowering drugs if you are currently taking them, or it may help you avoid them all together. But even with drugs, Dr. Barbour recommends her plan as an important part of healthy cholesterol maintenance.

Before you begin it's a good idea to see your doctor — and to have your cholesterol checked. Dr. Barbour's program is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for a doctor's medical care.

Step 1: Know your risk, know your numbers
Do you have high blood pressure? Do you have a family history of coronary artery disease before the age of 65? Are you a smoker? Overweight? Do you have coronary artery disease or problems with the arteries in your neck, legs or the aorta? Presence of one or more of these risks makes it even more imperative to monitor cholesterol levels. Even if you are not in the high-risk category it's still important to know your numbers and what they mean.

Step 2: Talk to your doctor.
You may not experience any symptoms if you have high cholesterol and most people don't know they have it. That's why it is important to have your blood checked periodically. A blood test called a lipoprotein profile measures the cholesterol levels in your blood and is the recommended test. Find out what your numbers are and talk with your doctor about what they mean. The American Heart Association recommendations for cholesterol levels are:

Total blood cholesterol level (includes HDL, LDL and triglycerides):
Desirable — Less than 200 mg/dL
Borderline high risk — 200-239 mg/dL
High risk — 240 mg/dL and over

How the numbers break out:
HDL — 40 mg/dl or higher
LDL — Less than 100
Triglycerides — Less than 150

Step 3: Read the Labels
In 1994 the Food and Drug Administration took a hard look at how food manufacturers reported the nutritional value in food and revamped the now famous food label. Those charts on the back of food packages should become your best friend. When considering your cholesterol take note of the section on saturated fat. Saturated fats are usually solid or almost solid at room temperature. All animal fats, such as those in meat, poultry, and dairy products are saturated. Processed and fast foods are also laden with saturated fats. Saturated fats can make your cholesterol levels go through the roof. Reducing saturated fat to less than 10 percent of your caloric intake will help you lower your LDL blood cholesterol. For more on food labeling go to Food Label.

Food manufacturers can also be tricky in how they label their products to grab the attention of the health-conscious consumer. New rules are

now in place to guide shoppers. It's important to know what the following terminology means when searching for healthy foods:

Reduced fat: 25% less fat than the same regular brand.
Light: 50% less fat than the same regular product.
Low fat: less than 3 grams of fat per serving.
Reduced or fewer calories: at least 25 percent fewer calories per serving than the reference food.
Fat-free: less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving.

Step 4: Eat More Fish
Some fish — such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel and herring — contain a type of fish oil called omega-3. Studies have found that omega-3 not only helps lower cholesterol, but also helps to reduce the chance of blood clot formation and protects against irregular heartbeats, which can cause heart attack and sudden cardiac death. The American Heart Association recommends about 3 ounces of fish at least two times a week or more. Fish oil supplements are also an option.

Step 5: Try Some New Recipes
Be adventurous. Just because it's healthy doesn't mean it won't taste good. Use soy products as a substitute for meat. Substitute egg whites or egg substitute for whole eggs, skim milk for whole and use olive or canola oil when cooking. Do like the Italians do and use olive oil instead of butter on bread. Bake or broil instead of frying and remove chicken skin before cooking. The American Heart Association online cookbook is a good source for "heart healthy" recipes. For more on cholesterol-lowering foods visit Fit Foods.

Step 6: Exercise
Nothing new here. Getting off the couch is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Thirty to 45 minutes of moderate intensity workouts most days of the week is the recommendation. Try thinking of exercise as your recreation time by walking, swimming, dancing or bicycling. For more on how to incorporate exercise into daily life check out How Do I Increase My Exercise?.

Step 7: Monitor Your Cholesterol
Everyone over the age of 20 should have a lipoprotein profile performed at least every five years. If your cholesterol was found to be high or borderline at your last physical, begin Dr. Barbour's eight-step plan and get your cholesterol checked again four to six months after you have made these lifestyle changes. This will give your doctor a good indication whether dietary and activity changes are enough to lower your cholesterol or if medication may be required. If cholesterol-reducing medication becomes necessary your doctor will tell you which ones are best and how often you should have your cholesterol checked.

Step 8: Maintain a Healthy Weight
Shed those extra pounds. Being overweight is not only associated with an increase in cholesterol, but the extra pounds can increase your blood pressure and your risk for diabetes and certain types of cancer.

Don't underestimate fruits

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think. It's important to know how and when to eat.

What is the correct way of eating fruits?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! * FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD. Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil....

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining — every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet, etc — actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all these will NOT happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene — the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content.. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! Can u believe this?? For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE': (THIS IS NOT A JOKE!) Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.

KETAHUILAH 10 KESALAHAN TERBESAR YANG BOLEH MEROSAKKAN OTAK

Mengabaikan pengambilan sarapan pagi

Individu yang sering mengabaikan pengambilan sarapan pagi berisiko besar untuk mengalami kekurangan gula dalam darah. Ia akan menyebabkan bekalan nutrien tidak cukup untuk dihantar ke otak lalu menyebabkan bahagian tersebut mengalami kemerosotan.

Terlalu banyak makan

Ia akan menyebabkan berlakunya pengerasan di bahagian arteri otak dan sekali gus memperlahankan kuasa mental.

Merokok

Ia menyumbang kepada pengecutan otak dan boleh menyebabkan panyakit Alzheimer

Pengambilan gula yang tinggi

Terlalu banyak gula boleh mengganggu penyerapan protien dan nutrien disebabkan kekurangan zat makanan dan mendatangkan kesan terhadap perkembangan otak.

Pencemaran udara

Otak merupakan penerima oksigen yang terbesar dalam sistem badan manusia. Apabila sering terdedah pada pencemaran udara, ia akan mengurangkan penghantaran sumber oksigen bersih ke otak dan secara langsung mengurangkan kecekapan fungsi otak.

Kurang tidur

Tidur memberi peluang otak berehat. Apabila seseorang mengabaikan kualiti tidur yang sempurna perlahan-lahan boleh menjejaskan sel otak sekali gus mendatangkan risiko yang tinggi untuk berlakunya kegagalan fungsi otak.

Menutup kepala ketika sedang tidur

Tidur dengan menutup kepala akan mempertingkatkan karbon dioksida dan mengurangkan oksigen untuk sistem badan yang boleh menyebabkan kerosakan pada bahagian otak

Memaksa otak bekerja ketika badan tidak sihat

Ketika badan tidak sihat, secara tidak langsung juga akan memberikan efek kepada otak. Lantas memaksa diri ketika keadaan badan tidak mengizinkan mampu menyumbang kerosakan pada saraf otak pada amnya.

Berfikiran sempit

Berfikir merupakan latihan terbaik untuk merangsang otak. Namun, jika seseorang itu sering berfikiran sempit maka ia boleh menyebabkan berlakunya pengecutan di bahagian otak.

Jarang berkomunikasi

Komunikasi intelektual mampu merangsang perkembangan otak. Jika seseorang itu jarang berkomunikasi, lama-kelamaan fungsi otak mampu mengalami kemunduran.