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Three Alternative Natural Remedies to Better Your Health

Day in and day out we often find ourselves complaining about how tired we get throughout the day. One thing is for certain, if we don’t take action on anything nothing will ever change. The way most of our nine to fives lives work it is no wonder we have tendencies to stress and fatigue. It seems as though out diets have been getting worse and worse as the need for quick eating at cheap prices have helped fast food companies flourish in today’s world. So what can we do to sustain our energy levels, sleep better, live better and improve our general well-being? Well, the answer isn’t so simple however we can improve peices of our help through basic steps.

Along with exercise when the time allows, it is important to maintain a healthy diet. Here is a list of some simple and natural remedies to help with the fatigue of life.

1. Stop drinking soda or atleast drink healthier soda. Often times these carbonated beverages are filled with sugars, preservatives and caffiene all of which are bad for the human body and promote stress and fatigue. Many do not realize this but drinking soda can lead to tooth decay, breakdown the interior walls of the stomach, increase the chance of diabeties, increase stress and lessen the quality of sleep you get.

To provide a healthy alternative, try drinking a tonic call Kombucha Tea. Kombucha is a natural tonic that has been known as a healing tonic in the East. Kombucha is flavorful and quite the healthy alternative to caffinated beverages such as soda. Kombucha is also known for its versatile and healing properties. It is also possible to brew kombucha from home with the right know-how.

2. Another way to fight fatigue is to dump that coffee. Coffee can be a great way to wake in the morning but because of its high caffiene content, an individual is almost certain to have a caffiene crash by mid day and be sluggish until bed time. Coffee can promote stained teeth and bad breathe as well as increase stress levels due to the high level of caffiene. All in all there is not much nutritional value in such a drink, in fact, it can strip away nutrients in your body as well as dehydrate you.

A suggestion for a healthy replacement of coffee would be a tea known as Yerba Mate. Yerba Mate Tea is grown sustainabley in the rainforests of South America and has been known for its various healthy aspects. Yerba Mate itself carries a plethora of nutrients and minerals all of which are needed to sustain healthy living. Yerba Mate Tea, like Kombucha and Tahitian Noni Juice have been known to aide in numerous ailements. Yerba Matte has also been known to provide a huge burst of healthy, non-irratible energy that lasts throughout the day!

A supplement also found to be quite helpful in reducing fatigue is called Noni Juice. Noni Juice has been revered for centuries to provide good health for many who have taken the juice. Many have claimed that Tahitian Noni Juice has helped them with joint discomfort, arthritis, bad sleep, low energy levels and so forth.

These are just some basic concepts in finding alternatives to common unhealthy habits we as a society have deemed the norm. By looking outside the box there are many healthful opportunities that we commonly miss out on. By changing a few aspects of our diet we can reduce stress, reduce fatigue, improve our comfort, think clearer, act smarter, do more, live better and lead more active lives.

Common problems can occur however when we don’t research the supplements we take and we don’t actively take part in our health. It is important to be health-wise and to take an active role in learning and discovering ways to change your life for the better. It is truly amazing how such minor day to day changes can make all the difference in our health and general well being. Listening to your body more often is the key to great health and wellness and the ability to create more energy in your life.

Active Advocate of Yerba Mate , Kombucha and Noni Juice

South America – the Top 10 Destinations This Year Part Three

The previous two parts of this guide explored six possible holiday destinations in South America that were worthy of visiting this year.  As well as well known locations such as Peru and Brazil there are plenty of other locations such as Guatemala’s ancient ruins and the Chilean Desert which can offer all sorts of holidays from adventure holidays to relaxing beach lounging trips. 

The final four are locations that you certainly wouldn’t normally expect to see on a list of top holiday destinations but as trends are changing they very well may end up being the must-go-to spots this year.  This final part covers some more northern areas of South America, specifically some Caribbean locations that are becoming popular this year.

4.    Costa Rica
Costa Rica has the benefit of both the Caribbean sea and the Pacific Ocean on either side but despite having a vast amount of coastline it still has vast mountain ranges and not just rainforests but cloud forests.  These forests almost look like they are perennially foggy but in actual fact they are so high up that they are within the clouds. 

A lot of nature photography taken of rainforests with the dense clouds interspersed with the trees will likely be of these cloud forests in Costa Rica.  There are plenty of activities and hotels to stay at deep within the jungles themselves.  The aptly named El Silencio lodge and spa is located within the these cloud forest and has a yoga platform, full-service spa and for those looking for more adventure than relaxation can go horse trekking or rafting down a river.

3.    The Corn Islands, Nicaragua
The Corn Islands whilst just off the coast of Nicaragua are still considered to be within the Caribbean Sea.  Obviously like all other Caribbean Islands it has great reefs and coastlines for diving.  Deep sea diving is popular in the region and is becoming a well known spot in the scuba world.

The Corn Islands doesn’t sound too Latin in name; that is because it is a former British Protectorate and has recently been hoisted to the top of the list of best holidays for 2008 by a South American tour company due to its undeveloped land and superb marine life.  There are a few lodges and hotels on the island that people are flocking to this year.

2.    Belize
Belize is quite similar to the Corn Islands as it too is popular for diving with its Caribbean coastline and varied wildlife.  But more than this the southern Toledo district is an immense jungle that you can visit on nature trips to see the bird life in the area. 

One particular attraction is the region’s cocoa farms; chocolate fiends will be in heaven as this is where Green and Blacks’ Maya Gold bars are sourced from.  Belize is able to offer both of these attractions: warm Caribbean beaches and dense jungles that can offer a bit of shade.

And now the last of the ten recommended holiday destinations in South America…

1.    Zona Cafetera, Columbia
Columbia is at the top of this list as it is highly tipped to be the most visited South American location this year. With the film ‘Love in the time of Cholera’ being set in Cartagena it will no doubt draw in a lot of tourists from around the world.

Couple that with the New York Times putting Bogotá down as one of the must visit locations this year Columbia is likely to see a large influx of people getting hotels in one of the main cities.

So there you have it, the ten best locations in South America.  Some of the locations listed you may never have heard but many experts on the region have recommended them to the public this year.  If you book your holiday yourself you may be able to score cheap hotels if you just want to see the region or you could try one of the luxurious lodges or spas mentioned in this article.  Either way South America has a whole lot to give and will likely turn out to be the hot holiday location for 2008!

Andy Adams is an IT worker and experienced writer

Travel To South America – The Three Faces of South America

There it is, plenty of mountains, beaches, adventures and history, all at an affordable price. What are you waiting for your next trip to South America?

As a matter of fact, if you are reading this, you have already decided to go there or, at least ,you are thinking about it. But, where to? I will show you my three favorite locations in South America, you choose by your own.

Peru: Macchu Picchu and The Inca’s Road

Are you the kind of person interested in history and archeological marvels or you would rather go looking for adventure, and a little (or more) fun within it? Whatever option you chose, Peru is the right place for you to go.

Five hundred years ago, the Spaniards ransacked and destroyed most of the legacy of the Inca Civilization. They could not, however, reach the sacred city of Macchu Picchu. These almost intact ruins where found in the twentieth century, and access to the city is believed to have been reserved for the emperor (the Inca) and the nobility (Hiran Bingham, founder of the remains, held that priestesses were raised and prepared here, but this is refused by current scientists)

Macchu Picchu is also some kind of world spiritual centre, people of all credos consider it an incredible point of contact with the spirit. But reaching the Macchu Picchu without walking the Inca’s Road, one of the most spectacular walking roads of the world, would be a sin. The Incas had built a road system only comparable to the one that the Ancient Romans built. The best kept part of the Inca’s road is the one that goes from Aguas Calientes to Macchu Picchu. After paying a USD 50 rate (USD 25 for students with international card), you will be able to start three unforgettable days in which you will walk 60 miles of mountains, with incredible vegetation and landscape.

The contact with the local people is one of the most attractive sides of traveling to South America, and this is particularly noticeable on the Inca’s Road.. You will find several “postas” all along the way (the antique places where Incas messengers got rest), and the natives hired for carrying the heavy luggage (the “portadores”) still resemble those antique messengers: they run at an incredibly rhythm; when you arrive to the “posta” they will have already set up your tent. However, not only rest is to be expected at the end of the day: depending on which “posta” you choose to stop, you can be received but one of the parties enjoyed by the innumerable youngsters that visit Macchu Picchu from all around the world.

The Inca’s Road is usually preceded by a visit to Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, and one of the greatest urban monuments from Colonial times in Latin America.

Yet, if I were you, I would start from the Argentine city of Salta, visit Bolivia, the Titicaca Lake, and just then go to Cusco. It is a bit longer, yes, but you will never forget it.

Brazil, always Brazil

What else can be said of Brazil that you have not heard about? Brazil is not a place to be visited once, it is a place to fall in love with. Brazil is also one of the largest countries of the globe, so my first advice is to get a travel guide book, and also one of those promotional plane tickets including 5 destinations for a reduced price.

Brazilians are worldwide known for their eternal smile and happiness; they tend to have less prejudices regarding human relations. That may be the reason why you will find a party almost wherever you find a Brazilian. Although Rio is “the” place for nightclubs, discos, and related events, the entire coast of Brazil is a permanent party.

If you are planning a trip for two, let me recommend you Trindage, an almost unnoticed place between Rio and Sao Paulo. The road ends at Parati, a beautiful beach town known for its Colonial architecture. After Parati, you will have to walk 8 kms. (around 3 miles). Renting a car is an option too, but I prefer hitchhiking. Every night there are reggae parties on the beach, and the sky is so clean that you will see several falling stars. You can a take a bath in of the rivers of the zone, but please remember not using soap in order to keep the environment unpolluted.

For those who enjoy adventures, the Amazon is a huge challenge. If you want to visit the jungle but without taking big risks, it is always nice to visit the mythic city of Manaos, with its Opera and its glorious past. Manaos is today a tax-free zone, so you may also find very cheap electronic devices.

Buenos Aires: the most pretentious city in South America

I was not surprised when I read that a London magazine has chosen Buenos Aires as the ‘sexiest city in the world’. With most of its population of European origins, and the frenzy proper of a big city, Buenos Aires has an incredible night life. Fancy nightclubs and pubs (accessible to the tourist, because of the low local currency, the Argentine Peso) are concurred by both young and mature people.

I would recommend going to one of the exclusive restaurants located in Puerto Madero, eat some Argentine meat, and then start the night at the Recoleta, the fanciest zone in Buenos Aires. You will ask yourself whether you are in Milan or Paris (do not dear to remind an Argentine they are from South America, they will get mad at you!).

Culturally, Buenos Aires is the most active city in South America. Writers, film directors, philosophers and artists of all kind are usually in the city giving performances or conferences.

If you like Theater, Corrientes Av. is some sort of local Broadway, all along which you will find uncountable spectacles. Of course, you cannot leave Buenos Aires without visiting the Colon Theatre, the most refined of its kind in South America.

During the day, you can visit San Telmo square, place of bohemians and artists, home of Tango, the Argentine typical dance. You can always go to a “tangueria” (tango bar) and get some lessons or just enjoy the sensual movements of the dancers.

For the weekend, going to a soccer match is a must. If you want to go to the biggest stadium in Argentina, go to the River Plate Stadium. However, if you prefer something slightly smaller but much more intense, go to the antagonist Boca Juniors Stadium, where 60,000 souls tight in a reduced space make literally vibrate the concrete. Soccer is not just a sport for the Argentines, it is a passion. Although Argentine beaches are not famous, you can enjoy several near Buenos Aires.

The most crowded is Mar del Plata, but the most beautiful is perhaps Necochea. If you are thinking on going a little more to the south, you can visit Las Grutas, the most southern beach where you can take a bath (below that, it is freezing cold). As a matter of fact, this would be an excellent excuse for visiting the entire Patagonia, with the lakes, the mountains and the Pampa, but this is subject for another article on traveling to South America…

Additional resources and information can be found by going to: http://www.TravelToSouthAmerica.com

Jason Gadayan is a contributing writer for http://www.TravelToSouthAmerica.com

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