Healthy Food Choice #1 – Walnuts

Walnuts are packed with serotonin which is a “feel good” neurotransmitter that promotes the feeling of happiness. This chemical in your brain is crucial to the way we eat, sleep, and behave. If you’re looking to improve your mood, add a handful of this healthy food option into your diet.

Healthy Food Choice #2 – Avocados

Just like walnuts, avocados contain serotonin, which helps to boost your mood and create feelings of happiness. They also contain healthy fats which are essential for good health; a diet with healthy fats can help to avoid stress, anxiety, depression, and frustration.

Healthy Food Choice #3 – Asparagus

Asparagus is full of tryptophan, which creates serotonin, and, by now, you must realize that serotonin is great for improving your mood.  Consider adding a side of asparagus to your dinner plate with this shaved asparagus salad recipe, to experience increased happiness.

Healthy Food Choice #4 – Fatty Fish (Salmon and Tuna)

Fatty fish contains the long-chain omega-3- fatty acids known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These nutrients will provide you with multiple good health benefits. University of Pittsburgh professor, Dr. Matthew F. Muldoon, revealed that individuals who reported symptoms of poor mood health had lower levels of EPA and DHA.  He stated that adding healthy food that contains EPA and DHA such as tuna and salmon into the diets of depressed patients actually improved mood health. Try for a serving or two of fish a week to experience the mood-boosting good health benefits.

Healthy Food Choice #5 – Spinach

Spinach, along with other leafy greens, is loaded with folic acid – a B vitamin that has been found to enhance mood health. B vitamins are essential in producing serotonin as well. What’s more, spinach contains other fantastic benefits as it contains antioxidants that help to prevent free radical damage and magnesium to calm down your nervous system.

Healthy Food Choice #6 – Chicken

The protein in poultry is a good source of tryptophan and vitamin B12.  Vitamin B12 gives you an energy boost and helps to calm your body, making you less moody.  This healthy food is also rich in tyrosine, an amino acid that helps the nervous system cope with stress.

Healthy Food Choice #7 – Eggs

However you like them, boiled, scrambled or as an omelette, eggs are energy-boosting healthy foods that promote good health.  The yolk of an egg contains choline, vitamin D and B12, which are nutrients required for proper cognitive functioning. In addition, the yolk is full of L-tryptophan which is known to boost the production of feel-good hormones.

Healthy Food Choice #8 – Berries

Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries contain anthocyanidins and anthocyanins, both of which help to decrease stress and anxiety, thereby helping to improve your mood. Berries also help fight against free radical damage to your body. These healthy foods also give great health benefits for boosting your overall good health and make wonderful additions to cereal, salad, or yogurt.

If you’re looking to improve your mood or prevent feelings of unhappiness, altering your diet may be a good first step.  Adding these healthy food choices to your regular diet will help to boost your mood health and defend against depression and anxiety.  In addition, by eating a healthy diet and incorporating the foods mentioned above, you’ll not only feel happier, you’re also bound to experience other good health benefits such as weight loss and reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Humans are electrical beings, and electrons play a role in every cellular process that takes place in your body.  The earth is a reservoir of negative electric energy, and when you walk on it barefoot, it has a balancing effect on the energy of your body, which is important for homeostasis (internal biology harmony).

Flip Off Your Shoes To Good Health

According to the Journal of Environmental and Public Health “…the Earth’s surface possesses a limitless and continuously renewed supply of free or mobile electrons…the earth’s surface is a surprisingly beneficial, yet overlooked global resource for the maintenance of good health, disease prevention, and clinical therapy.”

Unfortunately, we no longer roam barefoot as our ancestors did, and wearing shoes has blocked this natural and invaluable process of grounding from occurring. Reconnecting with the earth’s surface both enhances overall well-being and produces a variety of physiological changes. A study published in the ESD Journal found that grounding the body to the earth resulted in a natural electron shield on the surface of the body, which prevented the formation of harmful free radicals that destroy the body’s cells and lead to degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

Walking Barefoot for Pain Relief

The protective shield that grounding provides may also help to provide significant pain relief caused by internal inflammation. Internal inflammation is the cause behind several sources of chronic pain, such as muscle pain, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and several other pain disorders. By helping to prevent against inflammation-creating free radicals, grounding can have an impactful effect on inflammation and pain.

It should be noted that occasionally walking barefoot will likely not be enough to yield consistent pain relief. Studies investigating grounding for pain relief used grounding mattress pads (also referred to as earthing pads). The grounding pads are placed under fitted sheets and designed to replicate the electric benefits of sleeping on the earth.

Barefoot Walking Promotes Overall Good Health

The health benefits of grounding include psychological and emotional ones as well. Grounding has been found to reduce stress and to ease tension. Researchers have discovered that grounding improves overall sleep quality, and allows for fewer wake-ups during the night. Preliminary research suggests that grounding also reduces morning fatigue and enhances daytime energy.

Additional benefits associated with regular grounding include a reduced risk for osteoporosis, a stronger immune system, increased energy levels, lower blood pressure, and better blood-sugar control in type-2 diabetes. If you are lucky enough to live in a temperate climate, approximately 40 to 80 minutes per day of barefoot contact with the earth is all you may need to receive the myriad of benefits associated with grounding. If not, earthing mattress kits can be bought for under $200.

Iodine as Part of a Healthy Diet for Pregnancy

Your body needs iodine for proper thyroid function, but your body doesn’t naturally produce it; therefore, you must obtain this important mineral from your diet.  Studies have shown that iodine is especially important for pregnant women to consume. Current recommendations by the Dietitians of Canada state that adults should consume a minimum of 150 mcg of iodine per day, that pregnant women should consume a minimum of 220 mcg per day, and that breast-feeding women should consume a minimum of 290 mcg per day.

Iodine is present in most dairy foods (such as milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.), certain fruit and vegetables (such as sea vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, etc.) and also in certain types of fish (cod, haddock and tuna). However, the primary source of iodine for most of us is ionized table salt.  A healthy route to obtaining sufficient iodine is through food sources and modest salt intake.

Iodine Deficiency and Children’s Test Scores

Kristen Hynes, from the University of Tasmania, conducted a study that evaluated 228 pregnant patients from The Royal Hobart Hospital between 1999 and 2001. The women were divided into two groups – patients with urinary iodine levels below 150 mcg (mildly deficient) and patients with urinary iodine levels above 150 mcg (normal). Educational assessment data from the Australian national curriculum and Tasmanian state curriculum evaluated the children born to these women, 9 years after birth.

The children that were born from mildly iodine-deficient mothers scored, on average, 371 points on the national spelling test and 377 points on the grammar test.  Conversely, the children of women who had sufficient iodine levels scored significantly higher – specifically, 412 points on the spelling test and 408 points on the grammar test, on average.  In addition, children that were born to women who were mildly iodine deficient scored approximately 6 percent lower on English literacy tests compared to children that were born to women who had sufficient iodine levels.

The research indicates a definitive relationship between mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy and poorer test scores in children born to these women.  These results fall in line with other studies that have  shown that iodine deficiency interferes with auditory pathways in young brains. This interference affects the child’s ability to process verbal information, as well as other forms of auditory stimulation.

The Right Amount of Iodine

While this research may leave expectant mothers questioning whether they should take an iodine supplement during pregnancy, it’s important to remember that too much of this mineral is also not a healthy choice.  The safe maximum limit for healthy adults and for pregnant women is 1,100mcg.

Excessive consumption of iodine can lead to thyroid dysfunction and/or goiter. In addition to an overall healthy diet, adding in a few extra portions of dairy each day and a couple of portions of fish each week will help to ensure healthy and sufficient levels of iodine intake.

The report, published in Nature, may lead to the development of new treatment options to defend against diseases associated with aging and thus help people live longer, healthier lives.

What is the Hypothalamus?

While the hypothalamus is a very small structure in the brain, it is responsible for a number of vital functions in the body. It produces hormones that control the sleep-wake cycle as well as body temperature, hunger, thirst, emotional response and sex drive.

In addition to controlling these functions in the body, the hypothalamus is responsible for releasing hormones from many glands in the body, especially the pituitary gland.

The Hypothalamus and Aging

As aging occurs, changes occur to the inflammation levels in various body tissues. Inflammation is also a key characteristic in many diseases associated with aging, including metabolic syndrome, heart disease, neurological disease and several forms of cancer.

Previous research conducted by Dongsheng Cai, M.D., Ph.D. and colleagues has shown that changes in the hypothalamus involving inflammation can contribute to metabolic syndrome.  Due to the connection between inflammation and aging, and with inflammation and the hypothalamus, Dr. Cai and his colleagues were interested in how inflammation in the hypothalamus may be involved in the aging process.

Inflammation involves a number of different molecules and a protein complex called NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells). This is at the center of the inflammation process.   Because of the significant role that NF-kB plays in inflammation, Dr. Cai and colleagues focused on this protein complex for their current study.

The researchers found that activating the NF-kB protein complex in mice dramatically accelerated the aging process. These results were based on physiological, cognitive and behavioral test factors, where decreases in cognitive and physiological abilities are associated with aging. Results showed that the mice had decreased muscle strength and size, decreased elasticity of skin and a decreased ability to learn new tasks. On the other hand, mice that had a NF-kB pathway block in their hypothalamus had slower aging rate and about a 20 percent increased lifespan.

Not only did activating the NF-kB pathway speed up the aging process, it also decreased the level of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH is produced in the hypothalamus and is associated with reproduction.  As a result, the researchers tested their theory that a decreased GnRH production may be associated with aging.  They injected the GnRH into a hypothalamic chamber of the mice and found that the hormone protected the mice from weakening the development of brain neurons (called neurogenesis – a common characteristic of aging).  Interestingly, when aged mice were given daily injections of GnRH for a prolonged period of time, the rate of cognitive decline was less apparent.

Positive Outlook for Delaying Aging

Recent research has possibly found new ways to defend us against aging and the decline of brain function that often accompanies aging.   Preventing the hypothalamus from creating inflammation by blocking the NF-kB pathway, and increasing neurogenesis with GnRH injections, are two possible strategies that might help people to live longer, healthier lives.  This research brings hope to all of those individuals looking for timeless youth.

Feeling stressed? When left unmanaged, stress can lead to heart disease, insomnia, and premature aging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States; nearly 70 million Americans currently suffer from hypertension, which is the leading risk for heart disease. Similarly, 70 million Americans suffer from insomnia, which can ultimately lead to a long list of health problems, including early signs of aging.

The modern age has brought on continuous stressors in our lives. Stress has been linked to hypertension (commonly referred to as high blood pressure), insomnia, depression, headaches and chronic pain. According to the CDC, American medicine cabinets are fuller today than they have ever been; 50 percent of U.S citizens are taking some sort of prescription medication—increasingly for stress and anxiety. While many people seek medical treatments for stress, there is now strong evidence that encourages a natural remedy for hypertension, insomnia, and aging; the solution rests in our heads.

Attacking Stress and Anxiety without Medication

A recently published PLOS One study has revealed that Relaxation Response can act as a natural remedy for hypertension, insomnia, aging and a whole host of medical problems. Relaxation Response is a state of deep rest that alters the physical and emotional responses to stress.

The authors of the study analyzed people using relaxation methods for the first time against those who were long-time users of relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation. Participants were guided through mediation sessions over several weeks using specific breathing exercises, mantra repetition, and meditations, while seeking to reduce intrusive thoughts. Blood samples, as well as other biological measures were also taken from participants.

The researchers found that Relaxation Response leads to changes in cells within the body. These cells impact energy, metabolism, insulin levels and inflammation pathways. The researchers concluded that relaxation can actually be a natural way to fight problems such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic health issues.

The Heart of the Matter

Many other studies have tried to identify the link between stress levels and relaxation methods. Across the globe medical researchers have associated chronic stress, anxiety and even insomnia with the disruption of the body’s internal systems.

In 2008, University College London released the results of a study which demonstrated that chronically stressed workers had a 68 percent higher risk of developing heart disease. The study was extensive; one of the longest and largest running studies on stress that included 10,000 civil servants. Many high-stress participants had higher-than-normal cortisol levels. Cortisol is an adrenal-cortex hormone that, in excess, can damage blood and heart vessels.

Coping in our Stress-Filled World

Everyone reacts and stressors differently depending on the situation. Mayo Clinic doctors suggest that both genetics and our environment are main factors in determining the way we deal with stress and anxiety. For instance, if a person was exposed to a lot of stress or trauma as a child, he or she may be more predisposed to stress at an older age.

This predisposition to stress ultimately leads to a higher risk of numerous health problems. The Clinic supports the idea that practicing relaxation techniques is one of the best ways to manage and cope with stress in our lives. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and plenty of sleep are also recommended.

Infertility – the inability to conceive a child – is often associated as a female issue; however, in actuality, infertility affects men and women in equal numbers. In fact, approximately 7.5 to 12 percent of adult males are infertile, and infertility rates are on the rise.

Causes for Male Infertility

Male infertility is caused by a variety of factors, and some of the top causes include problems with semen, sperm with an abnormal shape and/or size, slow sperm mobility and, perhaps most commonly, a low overall sperm count. Lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol intake, obesity, smoking and poor diet can all reduce sperm health and increase a male’s risk for infertility.

On the other hand, making healthy lifestyle choices can increase fertility, and according to Erwin JO Kompanje, (Senior Researcher at the Intensive Care department of Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Netherlands), throwing away those jeans for a kilt may actually enhance sperm health and fertility.

Boxers, Briefs, or Kilt?

The research analyzed literature pertaining to scrotal temperature, sperm health and fertility.  According to Kompanje, wearing a skirt or a kilt without anything underneath it, results in an ideal scrotal environment because it allows the testicles to hang low and ‘breathe’ and keeps them at a slightly lower temperature than the rest of the body. This is beneficial because temperature plays a direct role in sperm health, and sperm thrive when kept at a temperature that is one or two degrees lower than the rest of the body. Unfortunately, when men wear briefs and pants, it pushes the testicles towards the body and exposes the testicles to higher temperatures—temperatures which may compromise sperm health.

The researcher concluded that “…men who regularly wear a kilt (without underpants) during the years in which they wish to procreate will, as a group, have significantly better rates of sperm quality and higher fertility.” Although this conclusion makes sense, it should be noted that there have been no large-scale scientific studies to directly prove this assumption. However, there has been a study on the effects of wearing tight underpants, and the study confirmed that it does in fact increase the temperature deep inside the scrotum.

According to Kompanje, the benefits of wearing a kilt are not purely due to the decrease in scrotum temperature. “Wearing a kilt has strong psychological benefits. A kilt will get you noticed no matter where you are. Research indicates that men wearing a kilt experience a strong sense of freedom and masculinity and that many women are attracted to men in kilts.”

He concluded that, “because the kilt is a purely masculine garment, men need not be ashamed of or be reticent about the therapeutic wearing of a kilt for a certain period of time, to possibly improve sperm quantity and quality.”

Prompted by a need for an alternative treatment, an international team of researchers gathered to finally free millions of watery-eyed allergy victims, testing out a brand new seasonal remedy. With mass sighs of relief and whooping applause, the results of this study could open the door to a whole new methodology for treating allergies.

The new seasonal allergy remedy is a daily pill that is designed to relieve ragweed allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes. The pill contains a high dose of a ragweed pollen protein, called Ambrosia artemisiifolia, that is dissolved under the tongue rather than swallowed.

To test how well the pill works, researchers conducted a study on 784 men and women over one year. The results of the study were published in the May edition of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The Results of the Study

In a double-blind study, the participants were randomly assigned a low, medium or high dose of the new pill or a placebo pill. The patients kept a detailed daily diary of their symptoms throughout the study and to record any use of other allergy medications. There were no hazardous effects from the pill, but some participants reported itchy tongue, swollen lips and mild throat irritation.

According to the study, a daily-dose of a pill that contains approximately 12 units of the Ambrosia artemisiifolia protein, works as an effective remedy for allergy symptoms such as runny nose and itchy eyes.

The researchers also noted a 27 percent decrease in the need for allergy medications and nasal steroids among the participants taking the 12 unit dose. There was also a 24 percent decrease in noticeable symptoms and medication use during peak ragweed season (which falls between August and October, depending on geographical location).

“Our results show this oral tablet for ragweed allergy is highly effective and well-tolerated, and offers considerable relief from what many allergy sufferers consider the most agonizing part of the year,” states allergist and lead study investigator Peter Creticos, M.D.

A More Convenient Remedy

The pill works similar to allergy injections, because it exposes the seasonal allergy sufferer to a tiny amount of the allergen, letting their immune system build resistance to the allergen.

This new treatment may be more convenient because it eliminates the hassle and risk of allergy shots. Current allergy pills work by blocking the release of histamine in the body, as opposed to helping the immune systems build up it’s own tolerance to the actual allergen.

Ultimately, this new treatment combines the simplicity of taking an antihistamine with the effectiveness of allergy shots.

The pill is not yet available to the public and is currently being reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval. Once it goes out on the market, this new remedy could set the stage for the development of all sorts of allergy medications that target the immune system directly (rather than just trying to blunt symptoms), potentially providing relief for a range of other allergies as well.

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland of the male reproductive system. This year alone, over two hundred thousand cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed by doctors in the United States. But, while most men are being encouraged to undergo a prostate cancer screening (PSA test), the medical committee of the American College of Physicians are warning men about the potentially harmful effects of prostate screening.

Doctor’s Committee Guides Screening

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has gone as far as to set up guidelines for doctors who specialize in treating adults, in light of their concerns about prostate screening. The ACP is asking that doctors be clear about the dangers of PSA tests before offering their male patients a prostate cancer screening. The guidelines say that doctors should not screen men under the age of 50, over the age of 69 or anyone who has less than 10 to 15 years to live.

According to the ACP committee, the problem with prostate cancer screenings is that the test detects the smallest of cancers that have an insignificant impact on a man’s life. Consequently, men who seek treatment for these insignificant cancers are then exposed to side effects such as impotence and incontinence. It is important to note that the committee acknowledges that PSA screenings are saving thousands of lives, despite the risk given from treating insignificant cancers.

Prostate Cancer Fears

According to the American Cancer Society prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. The fear is substantial and so the debate over PSA testing has become increasingly controversial. The American College of Physicians understand that it is ultimately up to the patient to decide whether to receive a screening or treatment; however, they want to make sure doctors carefully explain all the benefits and risks associated with screening, as well as guide patients to make a decision that is best for their long-term health.

The ACP is supported by the U.S Preventative Services Task Force – the panel that suggested the number of deaths avoided by screenings is not significant compared to the great risks associated with treating harmless cancers. The dangers of these treatments include infections, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and even death. The Task Force actually suggests all average-risk men avoid PSA testing.

The American Cancer Society has stated that we have been taught to fear cancer and tend to want to treat all cancer quickly and aggressively. As a result, many people place blind faith in the testing procedures for all types of cancer. Little attention is paid to the potential risks associated with the tests or with the medical treatment that could follow.

How screening is done

A prostate cancer screening simply involves drawing blood. The results are sent to a lab and within days the results come back.  If you have a family history of prostate cancer or some other reason to be thinking about prostate screening, make sure you discuss all the benefits, risks and limitations of PSA screening as well as digital testing and ultrasounds with your doctors.

Not only do nuts have an intense flavor, they also contain healthy fats, fiber, protein and phytochemicals that help to make you feel satisfied after eating.  This means that you’re less likely to reach for an additional snack, reducing the amount of food (and calories) that you consume throughout the day.

Eating Nuts is Hard Work

Unlike many unhealthy, processed snack foods that are frequently consumed, nuts take a fair amount of effort to eat.  A lot of chewing is necessary in order to make the nuts easy to swallow and this takes time. Chewing helps to break down the cell wall of the nuts which releases some of the healthy fats and proteins in the nuts. These healthy fats and proteins then help to release appetite-controlling hormones therefore increasing your feeling of satiety and triggering you to eat less.

Nut Shells Slow You Down

To get the best possible benefit from eating nuts, you should eat them in their rawest form.  While a shelled nut may be more convenient and appealing, opt for nuts that are still in their shells whenever possible. Removing the shells takes time which helps to slow down the eating process.  This increased time will allow your body time to feel satisfied and in turn you’ll consume fewer calories. Shelled nuts are also fresher, making their healthy fats more potent and less likely to be harmed through rancidity.

Choose Nuts Instead of Unhealthy Snack Options

Need a snack? Reach for a handful of nuts instead of the usual processed calorie-packed snack. The key to sticking with healthy eating is to follow a diet that is sustainable.  While nuts are high in calories, they are full of essential vitamins and nutrients including healthy fats that will help you get through your day. Including nuts in your natural weight loss diet by eating them whole; using them in recipes; or sprinkling them on top of your food; are a good ways to help you adhere to a weight loss program. Adding a mix of nuts into your diet will allow you to have a tasty treat and will help to reduce your cravings for other unhealthy foods. And because nuts are low in sugar, eating them instead of candy or chocolate treats will help to reduce risk of diabetes.

Other Health Benefits of Nuts

Not only do nuts help with natural weight loss, they also provide you with a multitude of other health benefits that are worth mentioning.  The healthy fats found in nuts, including omega-3 fatty acids, have brain and heart benefits.  In addition, the high level of fiber found in nuts has been shown to help protect against coronary heart disease.

Nuts are a great food that can help with natural weight loss, but you must remember that they do contain a significant number of calories, so moderation is key.  Try adding a handful or two to your daily diet in addition to other healthy food choices like fresh fruits and veggies, whole grain products, low fat dairy and lean meats.  Eating a balanced diet, including a variety of nuts, and exercising regularly will put you on the right track towards healthy, natural weight loss.

Fancy Tea Bags Hazardous to Your Health

Many companies are shifting from traditional, paper tea bags, to fancy silk or mesh tea bags, often triangular in shape.  Many of these new tea bags are made using plastics or nylon, or other compounded fibers. The problem is that most consumers are not made aware that these new tea bags are made with materials that are potentially toxic to health.  In recent years, there has been a lot of concern regarding the hazards of toxins leaking from plastic bottles and containers, most notably bisphenol-A (BPA), bisphenol-S (BPS) and phthalates.  These toxins seep into food and drinks from plastic bottles and containers, and mimic hormones that are naturally found in the body and can also interfere with endocrine function.  Most of these newer tea bags are made from food grade nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are considered the safest plastics in regards to leaching toxins.  However, it isn’t known at what point the toxins begin to trickle when steeping tea.  If customers were aware that these new tea bags were made of plastics and that toxins were quite possibly leaching into their cup of freshly brewed tea, they may opt for a different beverage.

Paper Tea Bags May Also Be Hazardous to Your Health

You may think that the solution is simple – switch back to those historical paper tea bags. However, paper tea bags are often treated with epichlorohydrin.  The solution may not be as simple as switching back to paper tea bags. Paper tea bags are often treated with epichlorohydrin.  Epichlorohydrin is a substance found in pesticides, has been associated with male infertility, decreased immune function, and is a potential cancer causing agent when it comes into contact with water (as occurs with steeping tea). Regular paper tea bags may be just as harmful, and potentially worse, than newer plastic tea bags.

What’s more disturbing is that The Center for Health, Environment and Justice has no current research investigating the toxicity of plastic tea bags. Future research should look at the toxicity of both plastic and paper tea bags and this information needs to be made available to all consumers.  Once the toxicity of plastic and paper tea bags is established, consumers will be able to make educated decisions about whether they should be using them for tea.

The concerns that have been raised regarding tea bags does not mean that you have to give up drinking tea, but you may want to change how you brew it.  Instead of using tea bags (paper or plastic), try brewing loose leaf tea.  While this takes a little more effort and time and may seem more inconvenient than using a simple tea bag, you will experience all of the health benefits of drinking tea without exposing yourself to toxins in tea bags that may be leaching into your cup of tea.

The Study between Prunes and Psyllium

Researchers at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics enrolled 40 constipated adult participants in an eight-week-long study that pitted prunes against psyllium. According to lead researcher, Satish Rao, MD, PhD, “Dried plums (prunes) have been traditionally used for constipation but they have not been scientifically studied for this effect. We assessed and compared the effects of dried plums and psyllium in patients with chronic constipation.”

The participants of the study were given a daily dose of 50 grams of dried plums, providing 6 grams of fiber for three weeks. They were also given a daily dose of 11 grams of psyllium, providing 6 grams of fiber for three weeks. The researchers monitored the participants’ bowel movements, and kept a record of the complete spontaneous bowel movements that occurred per week; the global relief of constipation; the consistency of the stool; and the amount of strain that was associated with each bowel movement. In addition, the researchers questioned the participants about the taste of the fiber supplements and how palatable they found each supplement to be.

The participants found the dried plums and psyllium to be equally palatable, and both supplements helped to improve constipation. There was no difference in the amount of straining between the two supplements, and neither alternative caused gas or bloating. However, the dried plums outperformed the psyllium in two ways. First, the dried plums produced a measurably higher amount of spontaneous bowel movements per week. Second, the dried plums improved the consistency of the stools significantly more than the psyllium. The researchers concluded that dried plums are more effective for the treatment of mild to moderate constipation and stated that “prunes should be considered as first-line therapy.”

Benefits to your Overall Colon Health

Study results aside, prunes are arguably the best treatment method for constipation because taking them provides a slew of additional health benefits. Prunes contain sorbitol, which works as a natural and gentle laxative in the body, helping to reduce blood pressure. They also contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which makes them excellent at not only relieving constipation but also improving overall colon health.  In addition, prunes are rich in vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. The nutritional profile of prunes makes them excellent for skin health and immunity and they may help increase bone mass and reduce the risk for osteoporosis. For the best results, consume half a cup of pitted prunes (50 grams, or approximately seven prunes) daily and be sure to consume plenty of water with them.

Menopause and Hot Flashes

A hot flash is a short sensation of heat that can come at anytime during the menopause stage in a woman’s life. It can include sweats and even be accompanied by a red, flushed looking face. Some women experience a more rapid heart rate followed by chills. Night sweats can occur with hot flashes as well and often interfere with sleep. It can be a difficult and frustrating time in a woman’s life.

The Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean diet focuses primarily on plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Butter is normally replaced with healthier fats such as olive oil. Very little salt is used to flavor food, since various herbs and spices are added instead. Red meat is kept to a minimum; however, fish and lean poultry are consumed two or three times a week.

Fruits and vegetables are known to be packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These fresh foods included in Mediterranean diets have also been associated with a lower level of bad cholesterol; the type of cholesterol that is likely to build up deposits in our arteries and potentially contribute to cardiovascular diseases.

How a Mediterranean Diet Can Help With Hot Flashes

A recent study involved six thousand women who were monitored over nine years, and aimed to see if a Mediterranean diet can reduce the occurrences of hot flashes. Those who closely followed the Mediterranean diet were 20 percent less likely to report hot flashes. Women who were in menopause and ate high-fat diets were 23 percent more likely to experience hot flashes and night sweats.

The study conducted in Australia through the University of Queensland could not specify exactly which foods prevent the flashes, but the researchers say that it is possible that low-fat diets help stabilize estrogen thus easing hot flashes. Eating a Mediterranean diet could also place blood sugar within a normal range, keeping symptoms of menopause to a minimum.

The authors of the study admit that not enough research has been done to start offering recommendations to women with menopause; however, they do remind people that a lot of research already exists to support that a Mediterranean-style diet has many health benefits. They say for this reason, adopting it at any point in life is a good idea.

Preventing Hot Flashes

While research continues in the connections between food and flashes, there are other steps women can take to lessen the effects of menopause. It may not be possible to completely eliminate hot flashes during menopause, but there are triggers that can cause them to occur more frequently. Doctors recommend avoiding the following during menopause:

• Stress
• Spicy food
• Caffeine
• Cigarette smoke
• Alcohol

Some women say keeping their room cool at night and using a fan during the day is good is helpful with hot flashes.  Wearing light layers of clothing with natural fibers like cotton will make you more comfortable should a hot flash suddenly come on.

In the United States, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death, with about 12 percent of women are currently affected by diabetes. What’s even more alarming is that gestational diabetes develops in 18 percent of all pregnancies, and diabetes increases the risk for miscarriages and birth defects.

Fats have long been demonized as contributors to diabetes, but recent research suggests that total fat intake isn’t the problem; rather, it is the type of fat that is consumed. More specifically, trans fats and saturated fats are related to a higher risk of diabetes, while monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with a lower risk.

Walnuts are particularly high in polyunsaturated fatty acids; they are also low in sugar and carbohydrates, and are high in fiber, protein, omega-3s and antioxidants. The nutritional profile of walnuts prompted researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health to study the effects of consuming walnuts with the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. For the investigation, researchers followed 79,893 women aged 35-52 and 58,063 women aged 52-77 for ten years. It is important to note that none of these women had diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer at the start of the study.

The researchers found an inverse relationship between the consumption of walnuts and the risk for diabetes. Essentially, a higher consumption of walnuts was associated with a lower risk for developing type-2 diabetes. More specifically, the women who consumed two or more servings of walnuts per week as part of a healthy diabetic diet experienced a 15 to 21 percent lower risk for type-2 diabetes. Although the study was conducted on women, the high polyunsaturated fat content and overall nutrient profile of walnuts should make them equally beneficial for the prevention of diabetes in men.

Including Walnuts in your Diabetic Diet

Like all things, more does not necessarily mean better — walnuts are high in healthy fats, but even healthy fats can contribute to weight gain when consumed in excess. One serving of walnuts (about seven walnuts) can equal to about 28 grams. In general, including walnuts in your diabetic diet should be limited to one serving per day.

Not a walnut fan? Worry not, because Toronto researchers found that other nuts (including almonds, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts, peanuts, cashews and macadamias) can also reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes. For optimal results, consume only unsalted nuts as part of your diabetic diet plan, since sodium increases blood pressure which in turn increases the risk for diabetes. Also consume nuts raw, because heat exposure degrades the nutrients in nuts and ruins the beneficial effects of the healthy fats.

What is Joint Pain and What Causes it?

Joints are found throughout your body, forming the connections between your bones.  The role of joints is to provide support and help you move.  However, damage to your joints can cause inflammation, joint pain, and can even make small movements difficult.  Many conditions that cause joint pain include: strains and sprains, arthritis, bursitis, and gout among many other conditions. Joint pain can affect any joint in your body, but common areas are the knees, shoulders and hips. Unfortunately, the risk of joint pain increases as you age. The extent of suffering can range in severity from mild pain to debilitating pain and can be acute (lasting only a few weeks) or chronic (lasting several weeks to months).  Depending on the severity of the pain, joint pain can interfere with your everyday life making it difficult to enjoy all that life has to offer.

Naturally Treat Pain with These Remedies

If you suffer from joint pain, here are five natural remedies that you can try to naturally treat pain without the side effects of medications.

1. Cold/Hot Compresses – one of the simplest ways to naturally treat pain is to use cold and hot compresses.  Applying ice for 10 to 15 minutes will help to reduce joint swelling and inflammation, while heat compresses will help to increase blood flow and help to relax the surrounding muscles.  Try a combination of cold and hot therapy for the best results.
2. Exercise – while exercise may seem like the last thing that you want to do when you’re in pain, getting active will provide you with natural pain relief.  Exercise will help to improve strength and flexibility and reduce joint pain.  Your exercise routine should include a mix of aerobic activities such as swimming, walking or biking, and other strengthening activities.  Exercising is also an effective way to keep your weight under control which will help to relieve the stress on your joints.
3. Alternative Medicine – acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care and physical therapy can all help to naturally treat pain by helping to reduce muscle spasms, increase strength and increase range of motion.
4. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements – these substances are both found in normal cartilage that helps to protect joints and cushion bones.  Adding glucosamine and chondroitin supplements into your daily routine may help to ease joint pain and improve joint function.
5. Mind-Body Therapy – stress and anxiety can sometimes increase your joint pain so it is important to manage them appropriately.  Hypnosis, meditation and relaxation techniques may be just what you need to help relieve your stress and anxiety and this may help to decrease your joint pain.

If you’re suffering from joint pain try a combination of the natural remedies discussed above to help ease your joint pain.  Getting your joint pain under control is the first step to enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle.

Recent Study on Exercise and Alzheimer’s disease

The study was commissioned by the Ontario Brain Institute and examined 55 studies related to exercise.  The results from this study showed that there is a strong relationship between regular exercise and the prevention and management of Alzheimer’s disease.  The findings showed that individuals over the age of 65 that took part in regular exercise were approximately 38% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to individuals who were inactive.

Start Exercising!

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that people over the age of 65 should engage in 2.5 hours of moderate to vigorous exercise each week.  While 2.5 hours may seem like a lot, it can be done in ten-minute exercise intervals throughout the week.  There are many types of exercise that you can take part in that will get your heart rate up and help you reap the benefits of physical activity including: brisk walking, cycling, swimming and even dancing.  You can even make little improvements throughout your day that will help you reach the 2.5 hour exercise goal.  These activities include: taking the stairs instead of the elevator, gardening, walking to the store instead of driving, and parking your car further away from the entrance to a building and walking a little further instead.  If you need a little motivation to start exercising, think about joining a club with other seniors that will help you to meet your exercise goals. And who knows, you may make some lasting friendships in the group, which will provide you with emotional support!

Exercise and Your Brain

The Mayo Clinic states that engaging in regular exercise throughout the week may have multiple benefits for your brain, including:

-          Keeping reasoning, thinking and learning skills sharp in healthy individuals

-          Improving memory, reasoning and judgement skills in those that are suffering from mild Alzheimer’s disease

-          Delaying the start of Alzheimer’s disease for individuals at risk

-          Slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

While the exact degree to which exercise helps to prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease is not completely known, it is proven that regular physical activity does benefit the brain.  Therefore engaging in regular exercise is a great way to benefit mental and physical health.

Economic Impact of Alzheimer’s disease

The economic impact of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease in Canada is staggering, costing approximately $33 billion per year. According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, if this growing problem continues to be ignored, the costs will climb to $293 billion by 2040. It is important to remember that the problems associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is not just local:  in 2010 over 35 million people worldwide were living with some form of dementia and this number is expected to double every twenty years.

The current research suggests that one way in which we can prevent Alzheimer’s disease is to exercise regularly.  Participating in exercise will not only help to prevent this debilitating disease, it will provide you with a multitude of other health benefits.  If we’re able to minimize the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, even slightly, the devastating social and economic consequences will also be minimized.

Long-term Pollution Exposure – A Recipe for Heart Attack

A study led by a University of Michigan public health researcher (and supported by the University of Washington) just revealed that high concentrations of air pollution can lead to an increased thickening of the inner two layers of the carotid artery. These are two very important blood vessels that supply blood to the head, neck and brain.  What this means is that long-term exposure to air pollution hardens these arteries, which in turn, leads to heart attack and stroke. The research team also determined that a reduction in exposure to pollution over a period of time meant a slower progression of blood vessel thickness. The thickness of blood vessels in human arteries shows just how much hardening exists in the body, even in those who don’t seem to have any obvious signs or symptoms of heart disease.

Researchers monitored over five thousand citizens from six different U.S cities. They took age and lifestyle into consideration and measured air pollution levels inside of the participant’s houses. They were shocked to find that people who were exposed to high levels of pollution were more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. The participants in this study were monitored over three years, and will continue to be monitored for seven more years. This will help researchers distinguish between cases of clinical heart disease and heart disease cases caused by long-term exposure to pollution.

The authors of this latest study say their findings help the scientific community further the understanding of how air pollution may cause increases in heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Even Moderate Pollution is Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke

In the last year, the results of a decade long study were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine linking moderate air pollution to an increase in the risk of stroke. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. This study, conducted in Boston, concluded that even moderate exposure to pollution increases the risk of stroke by as much as 34 percent.

Almost two thousand hospital patients treated for stroke were examined for this study. The onset of stroke symptoms in patients was matched with hourly measurements of air pollution near their homes. The research team was able to determine that peak pollution exposure for stroke patients consistently occurred 12 to 14 hours before the onset of the stroke. The study also determined that black carbon and nitrogen dioxide, both associated with automobile traffic, were heavily linked with stroke risk.  Since the moderate pollution testing was only conducted in Boston, which is considered to be fairly clean, the researchers promote the need for similar studies to be carried out in other U.S cities.

The Air Quality in Your Community – What To Look For

The air quality index tells you how clean or unclean your air is, and what health concerns are associated with different levels of pollution, including heart disease and stroke. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the daily air quality index, represented by six color levels. The most common are green (good), yellow (moderate), and orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups). On rare occasions, the air quality has been listed as red, which is unhealthy for most citizens. If you already have an existing health condition, it is best to avoid going outside on orange or red days.

Every year, countless lawns, gardens, parks, farms and golf courses are sprayed with pesticides to kill off weeds. The most commonly used chemical pesticide is known as Roundup®, which is produced by the agricultural and biotechnical giant Monsanto. Monsanto is notoriously known for manufacturing Agent Orange, a chemical which had lasting, health-impairing effects on thousands of people some years ago.

Roundup®, Monsanto’s more recent chemical invention, has been more widely embraced by both private and commercial sectors. In 2007, as many as 185 million pounds of Roundup’s® key component was sprayed all around the United States, and its rampant use still continues today.

Rounding Up The Evidence

There are two main factors as to why Roundup® is so popular. First, Roundup® contains the active ingredient glyphosate, which is thought to be safer than other commonly used pesticides. Second, Roundup® is especially popular since many crops have been genetically engineered to be resistant to this pesticide, which allows them to survive while only the weeds are killed off. These two factors make Roundup® the ideal solution to keeping our lawns free of weeds and our farms flourishing and productive.

For many years, Monsanto confidently alleged that Roundup® was practically nontoxic to humans. As such, it was freely sprayed in abundance onto lawns, parks, and the farms that produce our food. Monsanto’s scientific backing for unregulated use of Roundup® was so convincing that almost no testing was done to see if the pesticide has been showing up in our food.

However, with new research coming to light, it has now become clear that most of us have been ingesting this toxic pesticide for years. To make matters worse, scientists are now uncovering why exposure to Roundup® does matter after all—and it turns out that it could actually be a matter of life and death.

Scientists at MIT recently released a study that explains exactly how Roundup® is harmful to our bodies. They found that glyphosate, a chemical in the pesticide, is quietly attacking the “shikimate” pathway, found in the bacteria of our digestive system. By killing off these bacteria, Roundup® can seriously weaken our immune system and alter our ability to digest and absorb vital nutrients.

Scientists found that Roundup® weakens us even further by altering and suppressing the activity of important human enzymes. Some of these enzymes protect the body from other toxins that we are regularly exposed to. Once these enzymes are killed by Roundup®, our body is more vulnerable to those other dangerous toxins. These combined effects wreak havoc on the inner workings of the body. Unfortunately, scientists are just beginning to understand the full scope of the dangerous impacts this pesticide has on us.

Research has revealed that many previously misunderstood diseases are actually linked to glyphosate, that mischievous chemical in Roundup®. And this terrifying chemical isn’t only on our grass anymore; it has made its way into our fruits, vegetables, grain products, and even into some of the most common commercially processed and packaged foods.

The Killer Consequences of the Roundup® Weed Killer

In the short term and with light exposure, Roundup® may be safe for people to use. However, over long-term exposure and with regular intake, glyphosate is now understood to have serious health consequences. The author of the MIT study found that the “[n]egative impact on the body is insidious, and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body.”

The research linked glyphosate to an increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, autism, infertility, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. For a chemical we thought to be safe, its link to serious and deadly diseases is both alarming and disturbing. It is also a cause for us to step back and assess whether a clean lawn is really worth these deadly health risks.

The Future of Roundup®

Fortunately, some relief may be on its way. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting a review of glyphosate to determine if its use should be limited. The outcome is due in 2015, and may result in curbing the excessive use of the chemical in the near future.

However, it does not make sense to wait for the EPA or other government agencies to potentially limit the use of this chemical. There are some changes that we can all make to reduce our exposure to glyphosate. In fact, some areas in North America have already taken steps to reduce the amount of glyphosate being used. The province of Ontario has banned the use of many pesticides, including glyphosate, for residential use. On a local level, we can all take several simple yet essential precautions to ensure that we do not expose ourselves unnecessarily to glyphosate.

These precautions include include:

• Removing weeds manually, without the use of pesticides.
• Buying environmentally friendly pesticides that aren’t harming us or our environment.
• Eating organic, pesticide-free produce.
• Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables to remove any pesticide residue.

Given that children are most susceptible to the dangerous effects of pesticides, we need to take immediate action. Having lawns, parks, and food coated with toxic pesticides is not something we can knowingly allow. When it comes to protecting your lawn or garden this year, make the safe choice and keep away from using any products that contain glyphosate. Avoid the chemical which can increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, autism, infertility, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Because when you think about it, a weed-free lawn is not worth the toxic effects to you, your children, and future generations to come.

Originally posted by our friends at www.backpainrelief.net

Spring is a time for buying flowers, planting gardens and engaging in all the fun outdoor activities you missed during the winter months. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when you have a higher risk of injuring your lower back. Muscle and tendon strains or sprains, herniated discs, nerve entrapment and even fractures can occur or develop from our spring misadventures.

Minimize Arduous Spring Cleaning

Gardening and yard work are responsible for many spring back injuries because of the physical demands they place on the spine and surrounding tissues. Carrying and using heavy garden tools often requires a great deal of effort and strength, and it’s easy to overdo it. If you’re not in good physical shape to start with, injuries are more likely to occur when you lift heavy objects like large plants, garden statues or concrete blocks. The motion required to swing a sledgehammer or string trimmer can pull muscles and tendons easily, and any type of sudden strain on a weakened spine can lead to serious problems. Even bending over in your garden for long periods can lead to painful injuries.

Don’t Over Do It

Even if you prefer to let someone else do the yard work while you focus on the spring housecleaning, you could still get your lower back into trouble. Lifting and pulling heavy furniture or spending time in awkward positions on ladders, step-stools or even floors can also strain your back. Another way you can fall victim to a spring back injury is through your favorite outdoor activities and sports. This is especially true if you have been a couch potato all winter, and your muscles are not as enthusiastic about getting back to playing tennis as your brain is.

When it’s time to work on your landscaping, try to keep a few safety tips in mind to help protect your lower back. Lift properly; bend your knees and keep your back straight. Keep objects close to your body when lifting. Instead of bending over for long periods, sit or squat for weeding and planting tasks. Gardening seats can make the work easier. Pull with your arms and legs instead of your back, and avoid twisting motions when doing strenuous work. Use a wheelbarrow to carry heavy loads, and manage leaves, soil or debris in smaller piles.

Be sure that you feel comfortable while you work. Discomfort or frustration can cause you to tense your muscles or work faster and harder than your back can handle. Take frequent breaks, and rest when you feel tired. Stay cool and hydrated. Do not continue to work if you develop pain.

Moderate pain due to simple muscle strain can usually be treated at home for about two weeks before there is any cause for concern. After an injury occurs, rest for several days, but return to normal activity as soon as possible. Extended rest can actually interfere with the healing of minor injuries. If you experience severe pain that lasts more than 24 hours or interferes with your ability to sleep, stand, walk or sit comfortably, consult your physician for an evaluation.

If you have lower back pain along with weakness, numbness, tingling in the arms or legs, loss of bladder or bowel control or other unusual symptoms, get medical assistance immediately. Don’t delay in getting help if at-home measures aren’t working. There are treatment options available for all types of back injuries. Besides, spring will be over before you know it, and you don’t want to miss all the fun because of nagging back pain.

Author Profile: Jamie Arnold is a staff writer & content editor for www.backpainrelief.net. Jamie is also a yoga enthusiast, animal lover and avid traveler who loves to blog about health, fitness, and back pain relief.

Low fruit consumption

Many studies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada have pointed out how inadequate fruit consumption is among children. Some countries around the world have even said that child health is being put “at risk” because kids are not eating enough fruits and vegetables. A 2009 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that children and adolescents aren’t meeting the minimum guidelines for fruit consumption. The study carried out by researchers at Ohio State University showed that fruit consumption in males was lower than in females, and that there seemed to be a link between fruit consumption and poverty. Ethnicity also seemed to be a factor. For example, Mexican American children seemed to eat significantly more fruit than non-Hispanic white children. Ultimately, though, researchers agree that more fruit consumption is essential to good child health.

Increasing fruit consumption: How to entice your kids

Research has shown time and time again that if something is easy to handle and easy to eat then people will likely go ahead and consume it. A recent study has shown that the same seems to apply to fruit consumption. Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab conducted an experiment in school cafeterias with a simple fruit slicer. What they found was that students embraced the use of slicers. In fact, sales of fruit in the cafeterias increased by 61 per cent. Students indicated that they ordinarily avoided fruit because it got stuck in their braces after biting into it. Many girls worried that they looked unattractive chomping down on a big piece of fruit, while many students felt that big pieces of fruit were inconvenient.

Since the study only involved eight elementary schools, the researchers decided to test six middle schools. Apple slicers were placed in three of the schools, while the other three schools acted as controls. At the end of the experiment, the researchers found that fruit sales in the schools that had slicers increased by 71 percent over the control schools.

This is just one study among many involving children and food consumption. Over the last 10 years, research efforts have led to a number of different initiatives in the United States to get kids eating healthier and consuming more fruits and vegetables. In 2002, the United States Department of Agriculture launched a program to get kids in the poorest area of the nation to eat more fruits. Today, they report that both fruit and vegetable consumption has increased by a third of a cup per child amongst those participating in the program. Just this year, the USDA announced “Smart Snacks in School”; a proposed new standard to make sure that kids from Kindergarten to Grade 12 are fed healthy, accessible food.

Daily fruit recommendation

So when it comes to eating fruit, just how much should your children eat? Toddlers require about one cup of fruit each day; older children need about one-and-a-half cups; adolescents and teenagers should get two cups per day. If you have a teenager that is athletic and active, they can certainly benefit from a higher fruit intake. The main point, however, is that in order to increase their consumption, you have to make fruits fun and accessible. Cut up an apple and pack it in your child’s lunch. Have some cut up veggies on the counter for when your children get home. If they see enticing food that’s ready to grab and eat, they’re far more likely to take a bite.

Men Have Difficulty Determining the Emotions of Women

In the study, researchers examined men between the ages of 21 and 52. The men were placed in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner.  While they were in the scanner they asked to look at images of 36 pairs of eyes, half being the eyes of women and half being the eyes of men. From these images, the participants were asked to guess whether the eyes were those of a man or of a woman and were also asked to determine what emotion the image was expressing. All of the participants underwent fMRI scans of their brains during their decision making process so the researchers were able to see what areas of the brain were activated during this process.

The results showed that the participants were almost equally successful at guessing the gender of the male and female eyes. However, participants performed much worse when guessing the emotions being expressed by the female eyes compared to the male eyes. Additionally, the participants took a longer amount of time to make their decision on the emotion being expressed in the eyes of the women. The researchers therefore determined that men are able to read other men’s eyes faster and more accurately than they can read women’s eyes.

The Brain Activity in Men

From this study, researchers were able to identify that the discrepancy in reading the emotions has to do with the activation levels of different areas of the brain. When men were reading the eyes of other men there was significantly more activity in the right hippocampus and the anterior cingulate cortex of the brain compared to when they were reading the women’s eyes. These two areas of the brain are responsible for emotional memories. It may be that men are more accurate at reading other men’s eyes because they are able to draw upon their own past emotional experiences.

The difference in brain activity when looking at images of the eyes of men and women is not fully known.  However, the researchers do state that from an evolutionary standpoint, men would have had to read the eyes of other men better since they were often involved in dangerous activities such as fighting and hunting.  It would have thus been beneficial from a survival standpoint to predict the actions of other men based on their eyes and facial expressions.

While this research does suggest that men have greater difficulty reading the emotions of expressed in the eyes, it doesn’t mean that they are completely clueless.  They may take a longer time to determine the emotion, but it is possible that they will correctly identify the emotion being expressed, whether it is positive, negative or neutral.  However, if you want to live a happier, less complicated life, it might be easier to vocally express your emotions to the men in your life rather than letting them guess what you’re feeling from your non-verbal cues.  A more vocal, communicative relationship has been shown to lead to fewer arguments, better understanding between partners, fewer miscommunications and an overall deeper relationship.

What is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation (or DBS) therapy uses a surgically implanted battery-operated device, similar to a pacemaker. Once implanted, it delivers electrical stimulation to a specifically targeted area of the brain. For example, in the case of Parkinson’s disease patients who experience tremors, the target area for DBS is the section of the brain that controls movement. The electrical current produced from the device blocks abnormal nerve signals that cause tremors for Parkinson’s disease sufferers.

Weight Loss with Brain Stimulation?

A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania shows that deep brain stimulation in a specific area of the brain seems to lead to weight loss in obese animals. The scientists involved in the experiment say the stimulation appears to reinforce the involvement of dopamine shortages in increasing behavior like binge eating. Testing showed that brain stimulation could reverse binge eating through the activation of the dopamine type-2 receptor.

During the study, the researchers targeted a small area in the reward centre of the brain known for addictive behavior. Mice receiving the stimulation consumed a lot less high-fat food than the mice who did not receive any deep brain stimulation. On days when the stimulation device was turned off, the implanted mice resumed their binge eating.

The testing went a step further by examining the long-term impact of deep brain stimulation on mice that had been given unlimited access to high-fat foods. The mice who received DBS consumed fewer calories and experienced considerable weight loss. The animals showed a big improvement in their glucose sensitivity, leading researchers to believe this could hold potential for the reversal of type-2 diabetes.

This study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, is the first of its kind to show that deep brain stimulation can be successfully used to stop harmful behaviors like binge eating, and can lead to effective weight loss.  The next step for the Penn-U researchers is to pursue human trials. They are hopeful, for other studies involving DBS are already on the verge of proving positive weight loss results in human subjects.

DBS could be a Safe Solution for Weight Loss

While the researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated positive results with stimulation in mice, another U.S university has also made significant strides in human research.

Just a few years ago, the FDA gave the University of West Virginia approval to move forward with a clinical human study on deep brain stimulation in morbidly obese individuals. Under tightly controlled guidelines, only 3 patients were approved for the study. Electrodes were surgically placed in the “feeding centre” of the brain, and the patients have been monitored for 2 years now. So far, the results show successful weight loss for 2 of the patients, with no adverse side effects due to the procedure. While the authors were encouraged by the findings, they admit that a larger study group is needed.

Solving the Global Problem of Binge Eating and Weight Control

Researchers say that deep brain stimulation could work in the treatment of binge eating in different ways. One theory is that it simply reduces the craving for food. Another possibility is that it accelerates metabolism. One of the patients who participated in the University of West Virginia study went on national television 9 weeks after her procedure, stating that she didn’t have cravings anymore and had already lost close to 12 pounds.

While brain surgery sounds like a dramatically drastic approach for many, doctors say that the risks associated with DBS are minimal, and with proper patient selection, can prove to be quite successful. At the present time, weight loss strategies like diet programs, weight loss drugs and even gastric bypass surgery have not been able to work successfully for everyone. With the obesity epidemic continuing to grow, and binge eating and weight management continuing to be pressing issues for the general population, finding new methods for weight control are especially important – before this global problem spins completely out of our control.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and incredibly, new studies have recently discovered an inverse relationship between the consumption of apples and the risk of cancer. In other words, the more apples a person eats, the lower their risk is for several types of cancer. The most recent research found that a compound in apples could actually behave as a natural cancer cure,  killing colon cancer cells more efficiently than even chemotherapy drugs.

Could Apples Be the Key to Curing Colon Cancer?

In the course of this study, the researchers isolated a natural sugar found naturally in apples, called oligosaccharides. Oligosaccharides are a type of carbohydrate that contains between 3 to 6 units of simple sugar in their structure. In order to isolate the oligosaccharides from the rest of the apple, the researchers disposed of the skins, pulps, seeds and stems, and treated the juice of the apples with natural enzymes in order to break down the leftover apple compounds into pure oligosaccharides.

Once isolated, the oligosaccharides were added at various concentrations to human colon cancer cells, called HT29. At lower concentrations (about 0.9 parts per million or PPM), the oligosaccharides killed 17.6 percent of the colon cancer cells within just 36 hours. On the other hand, the chemo drug, which was administered at an even higher concentration, killed only 10.9 percent of the colon cancer cells. Although these results were impressive, the truly amazing results occurred when higher concentrations of oligosaccharides were used – at 9.0 PPM, the oligosaccharides killed a whopping 46% of the human colon cancer cells.

Apples – A Superior Natural Cancer Cure

This breakthrough research showed that the oligosaccharides in apples can not only out-perform common cancer drugs when it comes to treating colon cancer, but that they are also a non-toxic alternative, without all of the health risks and severe discomfort caused by traditional cancer therapies. Unlike chemotherapy drugs, oligosaccharides attack only the cancer cells, and do not cause harm to the patient’s healthy cells. As such, treating colon cancer with oligosaccharides could mean avoiding the troublesome side-effects associated with cancer drugs such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue and hair loss

Before you go throwing out the apple peels and consuming only the juice however, consider the results of a study published in the Nutrition and Cancer journal in 2010, which found that apple peels are also effective as natural cancer cures. The researchers found that apple peel extracts reduce the ability of several different varieties of cancer cells to survive.  According to the study, the apple peel extract decreases the level of a certain antigen found in cancer cells, and the reduction of that antigen results in a decreased ability for the cancer cells to grow and multiply. The researchers also found that apple peel extracts increase levels of a protein called maspin, which helps to prevent tumors from growing and spreading.

To maximize their cancer fighting properties, eat two apples a day and don’t discard the skin. Be sure to choose organic apples, because conventionally grown apples are contaminated with toxic pesticides and herbicides which may actually increase your risk for cancer. Also, choose locally grown apples when possible, because apples that are shipped from far away are picked before they are fully ripe and do not contain as many nutrients.

Summer is almost here, and hot weather makes us want to reach for bright summery dresses, light fluttery skirts and cool comfortable shorts! However, for the 36 percent of women who suffer with varicose veins, these clothing options often stay regretfully in the closet.

Although there are medical treatments for the elimination of varicose veins, they can be costly and are not without risk. Natural remedies, on the other hand, are safe and affordable and can be done in the comfort of your own home. So before you start to mournfully toss your favorite summer wardrobe into the Good Will bin, try these five natural remedies to not only help reduce the appearance of varicose veins, but also to prevent future ones from forming.

5 Natural Remedies for Varicose Veins

1. Dietary Changes

If you suffer from varicose veins, a practical place to begin dealing with them should start with your diet. Start by consuming more vitamin C rich foods; this will help to promote healthy blood vessels and optimal vein structure. Also, eat a diet that is high in fiber, because fiber helps to prevent constipation and the straining that is associated with constipation can both cause and worsen varicose veins. Finally, reduce your intake of salt, because salt can make varicose veins more visible by increasing swelling within the veins.

2. Exercise

Regular exercise helps to increase blood circulation throughout your body and increase vein strength — both of which help to ward of varicose veins. Exercise also helps you to lose weight, which results in less pressure on your legs and the prevention of future varicose veins.  Walking, running, jogging, calf stretching, and other exercises that focus on working your legs can provide the best results.

3. Horse Chestnut Seed Extract

Horse chestnut is arguably one of the best herbal natural remedies for varicose veins. It contains a compound known as aescin, that helps to thin the blood and enhance circulation. It also helps to prevent fluid from leaking out of veins, and preliminary research suggests that it can reduce the swelling and discomfort associated with varicose veins. For the best results, choose a supplement that has the toxic compound esculin removed and that is standardized to contain at least 15 percent aescin.

4. Hot Oil Massages

Regularly massaging your legs with essential oils will improve circulation, and may help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with varicose veins. Any essential oil will do, but Neroli oil is considered especially beneficial because it not only increases circulation, but also stimulates the growth of new cells. The best way to perform the massage is to sit-up with your legs raised slightly on a pillow, and to start from your ankles and work your way up to the top of your legs. Make gentle, upward strokes and spend about 5 minutes on each leg daily. Be sure to avoid directly massaging the varicose veins however, because doing so can actually make the veins worsen.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Although this has not been scientifically proven, apple cider vinegar is one of the most highly touted natural remedies for varicose veins – and there is certainly no risk in trying it. Saturate a cloth in apple cider vinegar and apply it to your varicose veins for 30 minutes daily, while simultaneously elevating your legs in a comfortable position. In addition to applying it externally, add one tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink one in the morning and then another glass at night (but consider using a straw to prevent the vinegar eroding your tooth enamel.).

For many people, the common response is: why bother worrying about this web? After all, if we can’t see it, feel it or touch it, then a few heat waves will likely do us no harm, especially if they provide us with so many added conveniences.

Granted, most of us do spend our lives comfortably unaware of this constant electro-web. But as far as “doing no harm” is concerned, there is still a lot of controversy as to the true effects of our irradiated world. And this continuing public controversy is what I want to speak to you about today. As a doctor, this ongoing argument about the health safety of cell phones arouses my deepest concerns and unavoidable suspicions. Numerous international studies that directly link cell phones (the biggest culprit amongst wireless devices) and life-threatening brain tumors are being white-washed by businesses with monetary interests and proponents clinging to convenience. It’s time the public was made aware – even if they don’t want to be.

An Inconvenient Truth

Our love for smart phones and mobile devices created a public eagerness to hear positive things about radiation. With popular opinion in check, convincing us of what we already wanted to hear was a matter of child’s play for the radiation lobby. And because billions of dollars were at stake, they played with loaded dice.

Remember how the tobacco industry went to great lengths to prove that smoking was healthy? Well, this conspiracy to cover up the effects of radiation from mobile phones and other wireless devices is being orchestrated along similar lines. The only difference is that the stakes are much higher now because, unlike tobacco, everybody – including children – uses cell phones.

The radiation lobby defends its case upon a body of research that they claim show “inconclusive results”. The NCI’s Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program maintains there is no definitive evidence that cell phones increase cancer risk.  This alone raises suspicion – the public is being asked to dismiss studies showing a link between cell phones and cancer based on other studies that aren’t able to prove anything at all.

When faced with such situations, it is important to remember the words of the famous author and Astrophysicist Carl Sagan  – “absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.”

Get the facts on the Dangers of Excessive Cell phone Usage

Fact 1: The supporters of micro-radiation point out that radiation waves from household electrical appliances, heaters, mobile phones and computers are safe because they are all non-ionising radiation.

Well, the exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays is also non-ionising radiation; however, there is an indisputable link between non-ionising sun rays and skin cancer.

Fact 2: A scientific study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that when rats were exposed to cell phone radiation, vital proteins leaked through the blood brain barrier. The cells within the brain, especially in the cortex and hippocampus, revealed shrunken neurons with loss of internal cell structures.

Fact 3: According to Pew Research Center, the highest users of cell phones are people aged 18 – 34 years. In a congressional hearing on September 30 2008, Prof. Ronald Herberman, the Director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, testified that “according to government statistics, the incidence of brain cancer has been increasing over the last ten years, particularly among 20-29 year-olds.”

Fact 4: Prof. Herberman sent a memo to staffers warning them to either limit their cell phone use or to use hands-free sets in the wake of “growing evidence that cell phone radiation could lead to an increased risk of brain cancer.” According to Herberman, long term and frequent use of cell phones which receive and emit radio frequency may be associated with an increased risk of brain tumors.

Fact 5: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the average time between first exposure to a cancer-causing agent and clinical recognition of cancer is 15 to 20 years or longer. This critical fact contextualizes all of the research that the cell phone industry relies on, because most of this research is based on subjects who have been using mobiles for less than 10 years. Meanwhile, the research that has shown a direct link between cell phones and dangerous brain tumors is based on populations that have been using cell phones for more than 15 years.

Fact 6: To add strength to the growing testimony against mobile phones, Keith Black, chairman of neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, says that the brain cancer (malignant glioma) that killed O. J. Simpson’s attorney, Johnnie Cochran, was the result of frequent cell phone use, based on the fact that the tumor developed on the side of the head against which he habitually held his phone

Fact 7: In a landmark ruling, Italy’s Supreme Court in Rome has ruled in favor of Mr. Marcolini, confirming that there is a “causal link” between his illness and cell phone use. Marcolini, a 60 year old Italian businessman, developed a tumor in the trigeminal nerve, close to where his phone touched his head.  He used a handset at work for up to six hours every day for 12 years. Although the tumor is non-cancerous, it nevertheless was life threatening as it spread to his carotid artery, the major vessel carrying blood to his brain. Senior Oncologist and Professor of Environmental Mutagenesis, Angelo Gino Levis, gave evidence for Mr. Marcolini, corroborated by Neurosurgeon Dr Giuseppe Grasso. According to them, electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile and cordless phones can damage cells, making tumours more likely.

Fact 8: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization, has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on an increased risk for glioma (a common form of brain tumor) associated with wireless phone use.

Fact 9: INTERPHONE, the largest study into the potential health risks of mobile phone use, was set up by an agency of the World Health Organization and was carried out in 13 countries. The study, valued at $20 million, concluded recently that making calls for more than half an hour a day could increase users’ risk of developing brain cancer by as much as 40 per cent.

All these facts clearly point towards a link between micro-radiation and brain tissue damage, including cancer.

A Dark Future Lies In Your Hands – Let Go Of It

Like most of you, I can’t help but enjoy all of the comforts and conveniences of modern technology. But in the face of all of this evidence, I can’t help but become seriously concerned when I see a small child talking endlessly on a personal cell phone.

Influential governments like ours must take the lead and educate citizens on such important health risks. In spite of all of the studies being pushed by vested parties suggesting that cell phones are safe, there is sufficient evidence against these claims to warrant your caution. Keeping mobile conversations to a minimum is a great place to start. And using headsets should become mandatory.

These are all baby steps, but if we take them collectively, we will be able to minimise the negative effects of this invisible web of radiation that we live in, and nip a growing pandemic in the bud. Before ‘the evidence’ rears its ugly head.

Moderate Amounts of Alcohol Impact Breast Cancer

A study conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle could lend more credence to the old adage: “everything in moderation.” The study demonstrated that being a moderate alcohol drinker can in fact improve breast cancer survival rate. A research team followed  over 22 thousand women with breast cancer over an eleven year period, and discovered that those who drank modest amounts (3 to 6 drinks per week) before developing breast cancer were 15% less likely to die from the disease than non-drinkers. Furthermore, drinking after diagnosis did not appear to impact survival rates either. In fact, breast cancer patients experienced a 25 percent lower risk of death from other causes during the eleven years they were followed.

During the study, the researchers also discovered there was another benefit to moderate alcohol consumption: the risk of cardiovascular disease in women with breast cancer was lower. Cardiovascular disease is a known contributor to the mortality of those who survive breast cancer. It turns out that women who drink 3 to 6 drinks per week before being diagnosed with breast cancer are also 25 percent less likely to develop heart disease.

Cancer Research UK is a huge supporter of cutting down on alcohol consumption to prevent all types of cancer. They support the notion that if you are a heavy drinker, it is not too late to cut down on drinking to reduce your risk. But they add that this doesn’t mean you have to quit completely – drinking in moderation (defined as approximately one drink a day in the UK) is deemed alright.

The Confusing Alcohol-Cancer Connection

While the Seattle study is getting worldwide attention, oncologists caution women not to view this as a license to drink. If your alcohol consumption is beyond the moderate level, you could be increasing your risk of breast cancer. Scientists don’t completely understand how alcohol increases cancer risks, but they do believe it may have to do with the way alcohol breaks down in the body, altering into a substance that could cause genetic mutation.

Other medical experts also suspect that alcohol increases the production of the hormone oestrogen. This hormone is secreted bythe ovaries and placenta, and stimulates changes in female reproductive organs. High levels of oestrogen could cause cancer cells to multiply quickly.

Toasting to the Future

So what is a woman to do with all of this conflicting information?  The researchers involved in the Seattle study say that, despite the continuing raging debate when it comes to alcohol and cancer, it would seem that breast cancer survivors can feel comfortable indulging in an occasional alcoholic beverage. Hopefully this line of research will continue to evolve, in order to shed more light on the exact level of alcohol consumption that constitutes the tipping point between cancer protection and increased cancer risk.

Brain Activity and the Onset of Addiction

Eric Stice, Ph.D., and his team focused in on the striatum, the reward center of the brain. They set out to observe the neurological activity that occurred in this region of the brain in 162 adolescents, in response to being presented with rewarding stimuli – either money or chocolate milkshakes – using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). The body fat percentages and substance usage habits were also measured in the subjects, and these measurements were then taken again one year later to see if any significant changes could be causally linked to the fMRI brain activity observed.

When the fMRIs were first conducted, the researchers noted that some subjects showed much greater amounts of activity in the brain’s reward center when presented with the money and the food. They also found that, one year later, these subjects were much more likely to have become regular substance users. Greater activity in the brain’s reward center seemed to predict greater levels of craving from people, making them more prone to becoming hooked on substances that promise to fulfill these cravings.

Although the scientists also sought to establish a connection between brain responses to food and future obesity, the study’s results found no such link. They suggested that more research be conducted in this area.

Other Links Between Brain Activity and Addiction

Interestingly, while this study showed that over-activity in the brain accurately predicts future substance use in a formerly abstinent person, it also revealed under-activity in the brains of people who were already mild substance users. People who had already begun regularly using drugs showed less brain responsiveness in their reward centers when presented with money.

This finding seems to fall in line with escalating cycles of addiction and substance abuse. As a person’s substance use continues and intensifies, the brain’s reward center responds less and less to other stimuli that were once pleasurably rewarding, such as personal relationships, accomplishments, hobbies, work, etc. As the brain’s responses to other stimuli weaken, the only form of “reward” that the brain seeks out is from the drug, leading the addiction to spiral out of control and the person to become increasingly isolated.

Why Do Some People Have Over-Active Brains?

Scientists say that not enough research has been done to determine exactly why some people have over-active brain while others do not. Other studies have suggested that lower levels of a naturally occurring amino acid, tryptophan, can lead to overactive brain circuits and depression. Researchers wonder if chemical imbalances could be associated with over-active brain and addiction, but much more investigation is needed.

How Does Cancer Develop?

Cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth. Normal cells go through a process of growth, division, and eventually, cell death.  Cancer occurs when this regular cell pattern breaks down.  Cancer cells do not undergo normal cell death; rather, they continue to multiply, creating a rapidly growing mass that starts to interfere with normal body functions.  Cancer can affect any area of the body, and there are over 100 different types of cancer.   Treatment of cancer varies depending on the type of cancer, the patient’s health status, and other factors.  Typical cancer treatment methods include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, hormone therapy or gene therapy.  The success of cancer treatment also varies from person to person, and early detection is associated with higher survival rates.

Previous Research on Caffeine and Cancer

There has been a lot of research examining the role of caffeine in cancer prevention over the past few years, that has shown some promising results. Previous research has shown that caffeine interferes with cancer cell processes that involve DNA repair, which can stop it from multiplying.  While these findings are informative, the amount of caffeine necessary to achieve these positive results is high enough to be deadly for humans. Thus, researchers strive to use this information in other ways to get closer to the development of a new, practical cancer treatment.

A Stimulating Discovery in the Fight Against Cancer

While scientists are now aware that high doses of caffeine can interfere with DNA repair – and hence, multiplication – of cancer cells, they can’t actually use this information to create a realistic treatment for cancer patients quite yet. First, scientists have to pinpoint the exact genes and proteins that are guilty of turning normal cells into cancer cells, and understand how these genes and protein work to cause cell multiplication. Once we understand these processes, then cell sensitivity to caffeine can be used to create successful, targeted therapies for cancer patients.

Researchers Ran Zhuo and Xiao Li decided to use particular fruit flies with a mutant gene (known as the melanoma antigen gene, or MAGE) to get a better understanding of how caffeine operates to kill cells.  While the flies flourished on a regular diet, their cells spontaneously destroyed themselves when the flies’ diets were supplemented with caffeine. Additionally, the researchers noted that the mutant fruit flies fed caffeine developed severely disfigured eyes.

Observation of the flies’ physical reactions to caffeine allowed the researchers to identify three genes — SMC5, SMC6, and MAGE –  that are responsible for the multi-protein complex that controls DNA repair and cell division.

The findings from this study demonstrate how we’ve been able to use the lethal effects of caffeine to our advantage, using them to bring us one step closer to the development of successful treatments for cancer patients. Developing new types of treatment that target specific genetic changes can open up a whole new dimension of possible treatment options, that could give millions of people the opportunity to finally live cancer-free.

Which Medications Are Considered High-Risk?

High-risk medications are drugs that have a higher chance of causing significant harm to a person if they are used erroneously. John Hopkins researchers state that 1.5 million Americans are injured by medication errors every year, and as many as 7 thousand people die.  According to the California Health Advocates organization, people who are 65 years of age and older have an even greater risk  of drug error – almost seven times greater than those who are under the age of 65.

The findings by Brown’s University have been published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. They were the result of an analysis involving over 6 million seniors who were part of the Medicare Advantage Plan in 2009. Medicare Advantage is a private health care plan that (in most cases) covers prescription drugs. An analysis of the available data revealed that doctors were prescribing high-risk medications to 21.4 per cent of senior aged patients, even when there are safer substitutes that could have been prescribed instead. They also determined that 4.8 percent of seniors are given two or more high-risk prescriptions, increasing the danger even more.

Why Are So Many Seniors Endangered With High-Risk Medications?

It would seem that geography played a factor in the prevalence of high-risk prescription writing. People living in South Atlantic, East South Central and West South Central parts of the United States, as well as in parts of Texas and South Carolina, had a 10 to 12 percent higher chance of receiving potentially harmful medications. At 38.5 percent, seniors in Albany, Georgia were the most likely to receive a prescription for high-risk medications, while seniors in Alexandria, Louisiana were the most likely to receive two or more high-risk prescriptions simultaneously.

Geography wasn’t the only noticeable pattern. Women across America had a 10 percent greater chance of receiving high-risk prescriptions from doctors. The authors of the study have no strong theories as to why women would stand out; however, this may have to do with the fact that many high-risk drugs are associated with conditions more common in females.

Socioeconomic status also seemed to be tied to high-risk prescriptions. It was discovered that patients with lower socioeconomic status are 2.7 percent more likely to be prescribed high-risk medications from their doctors. This may be linked to the fact that people living in poor communities often have less access to high-quality health care.

Seniors and their Doctors

It is imperative that this research be used to encourage seniors to take a more active role in their own health care. Pharmaceutical companies often influence doctors to prescribe particular medications over others, but seniors must be aware of which medications are high-risk drugs, and that very often, there are safer substitutes available. Patients must be empowered to speak openly with their doctors, and to inquire about all potential risks and all alternative medication options whenever they are given a prescription from their doctors. Further, pharmacists are also an excellent resource for questions about medications. In the meantime, policymakers should be encouraged to work towards reducing the high and unnecessary use of potentially dangerous and inappropriate medications for seniors.

However, a novel new therapy involving the use of an implanted metal ring may hold the key to relieving the troublesome symptoms of acid reflux disease, even when all else fails.

Heartburn occurs when a weak sphincter muscle in the esophagus (the tube that passes food down from your mouth to your stomach) doesn’t close properly after swallowing food. Normally, once food has passed down into the stomach for digestion, this muscle acts as a gate, preventing harsh acids in the stomach from spraying up into the more sensitive esophagus. But when this muscle is weak, a gap into the esophagus remains open during stomach digestion, allowing these stomach acids to splash upwards where they don’t belong, and creating the pain and discomforts of heartburn.

Although medications such as Nexium and Prilosec help to reduce heartburn symptoms by neutralizing stomach acids, they do nothing to correct the underlying muscular problem, and can create digestion problems by neutralizing stomach juices that should remain acidic. For some sufferers, these medications aren’t strong enough to reduce the burning feeling. Heartburn symptoms can become so bad that some sufferers even report having to sleep upright in order to prevent food from coming up while they sleep.[iii]  If left untreated, heartburn and acid reflux disease can also progress into more serious disorders, such as an eroded esophagus and even throat cancer.[iv]

A Silver Lining For Sufferers of Acid Reflux Disease

Torax Medical Inc. of St. Paul, Minnesota, has therefore developed a novel and effective treatment method that differs from heartburn treatment approaches that have come before it; it involves the use of a tiny magnetic ring called “The Linx device.”

The Linx device is a ring that is made of titanium beads with magnets inside, and it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of chronic heartburn about a year ago. For the procedure, doctors use a scope and a small incision in the belly area to place the ring at the base of the throat where the weak muscles lie. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and once the device is implanted, the patient doesn’t feel the ring at all. The ring helps to relieve burning heart symptoms by preventing the weak muscles from opening when they shouldn’t and thereby helping to seal off stomach juices. Although the ring helps to keep the muscles closed when they should be, it is also flexible enough to expand and let food pass when the patient swallows.

According to study results, the Linx ring greatly reduces measures of acid in the throat and it increases the quality of life of patients by 92 percent. Also, within one year, 86 percent of patients who have the Linx device implanted no longer require antacid medications.

However, like all good things, this heartburn solution comes with a price – it can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000 dollars, making it inaccessible for many sufferers who do not have health care coverage.[v]  Luckily, for those who do have health insurance, the majority of insurance companies will cover this procedure for people who have heartburn that does not respond to antacid medications.

Hope for Heart Burn Sufferers

For chronic sufferers who can afford the expense, the Linx ring can be life transforming. Patients tout the treatment as “life changing,” stating that the procedure fixed their symptoms “immediately” and that they can finally eat normally again after decades of restricted eating.[vi] Although the early results of this procedure are deemed extremely impressive, some cautionary practitioners warn that only time will tell how well these implanted devices will hold-up in the long run.[vii]

However, a promising new research study has found that a natural component of many fruits and vegetables could hold the very key we’ve been looking for to finally combat this deadly disease.

The Astonishing Effects of Gossypin on Skin Cancer

There are two types of cell mutations that cause the majority of melanoma, called BRAFV600E kinase and CDK4.  Researchers at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute examined the effects of a newly discovered plant agent, called gossypin, on melanoma cells in vitro and in mice, and they were amazed to discover that gossypin prevented the growth and multiplication of both types of human melanoma cells.[ii]

The exact way that gossypin halts the growth of the mutated cells is unknown, but the researchers believe that it may have to do with gossypin’s presumed ability to attach itself to genes and thereby block the activity of the mutated cells. In addition to halting the growth of these two gene mutations, gossypin was also found to prevent the growth of various other melanoma cells.

The researchers also implanted the two types of mutated cells into mice, and treated the mice with gossypin. After just ten days of treatment with gossypin, the melanoma cells were visibly smaller and the rats experienced an increased survival rate.[iii]

“Our results indicate that gossypin may have great therapeutic potential as a dual inhibitor of mutations called BRAFV600E kinase and CDK4, which occur in the vast majority of melanoma patients. They open a new avenue for the generation of a novel class of compounds for the treatment of melanoma,” reports Texas Biomed’s Hareesh Nair, Ph.D.[iv]

Nature May Hold the Key to Skin Cancer and Good Health

Gossypin may not only help treat melanoma skin cancer either; preliminary studies have also found that it may help to reduce stress and treat depression.[v] In addition to fruits and vegetables, many herbs contain gossypin, and hibiscus is a particularly potent source.[vi]

There are many cancer fighting agents out there, but the discovery of gossypin is exciting and innovative because, unlike the chemically-based treatments doctors are currently relying on, gossypin is a naturally occurring compound, called a flavone, found in fruits and vegetables. Flavones are a type of plant flavonoid, and flavonoids are known to reduce inflammation and act as strong antioxidants in the body, helping to prevent damage to your cells and DNA. Numerous other types of flavonoids (silymarin, lutein, etc.) have also been found to have a positive effects against skin cancer.

Aside from cancer, researchers have also found that flavonoids help to slow down aging and to prevent a number of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and some cancers. While gossypin research still has to be developed further, the message emerging amongst all of this building research is nevertheless loud and clear – eat your fruits and veggies!

Why the Mediterranean Diet is Ideal for Adult Health

To pinpoint the ideal diet for older adult health, the diet needs to buffer a number of areas that typically become concerns as we get older.  Interestingly, there is mounting evidence that the Mediterranean diet can offer just that. The key characteristics of the Mediterranean diet include a high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains and olive oil, a moderate intake of wine, dairy and poultry, and a low intake of red meat, sweet beverages, pastries and creams.[iii]

Recently, lead researcher Marta Guasch-Ferré and her 11 associates conducted a 5 year study which analyzed the link between the Mediterranean diet and the risk of hyperuricemia in older adults. Hyperuricemia is a condition that involves an excessive amount of uric acid in the blood. The presence of hyperuricemia is an indicator of poor health, and it is associated with a variety of adult health problems, such as metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes), type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, gout, cardiovascular disorders and increased risk of death.[iv] The study, which was published in the Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences,  was conducted on 7,445 participants between the ages of 55 to 80.

The study revealed that the closer the participants adhered to the Mediterranean diet, the lower their risk of hyperuricemia.[v] Also, consuming the diet helped to reverse hyperuricemia in patients who were previously diagnosed with it, and the low consumption of red meat (less than one serving per day) that is associated with the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of hyperuricemia by 23 percent. [vi] Subjects on the diet who also consumed sofrito sauce and legumes further reduced their risk for hyperuricemia. The researchers believe the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the diet are responsible for its ability to prevent and reverse hyperuricemia, as well as lowering the risks for other adult health problems associated with the condition. [vii]

Experts continue to tout the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and dub it as one of the healthiest diets for adult health. The diet is low in saturated fat and is loaded with micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, fiber, omega-3s and antioxidants. These factors help to greatly reduce risks for the most prevalent age-related diseases, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.[viii] [ix] The nutrient dense nature of the diet also enhances adult health by increasing energy and stamina, reducing the risk for depression and slowing the physical signs of aging.[x] In fact, a study conducted on over 74,000 Europeans aged 60 and over found that a close adherence to the Mediterranean diet increases the overall life expectancy of elderly adults, and can reduce mortality risk by a whopping 14 percent.[xi]

One must still keep in mind that we all have different metabolic systems and nutritional requirements, so to state that the Mediterranean diet is the healthier diet for all older adults would be presumptuous, to say the least. However, its healthy attributes far surpass the Standard American Diet (SAD), and the key characteristics of the Mediterranean diet undeniably contribute to a better, healthier lifestyle.

Testing Mental Performance

Researchers at the University of Granada tested the physical and mental health of a group of 28 young men. Fourteen of them reported a low level of physical activity, while the other 14 had a high level of physical activity. They compared the mental performance of each man during tasks that involved sustained attention, time-oriented attention and time perception. The group with good physical fitness showed demonstrated better performance when it came to activities requiring attention span, as compared to the group who did not exercise. The testing also showed that people who did take part in exercise had quicker reaction times.

Based on previous studies, it is believed that exercise promotes the growing of nerves and blood capillaries in certain areas of the brain. Increased physical activity has also been associated with the prevention of brain degeneration.

Beyond Attention Span

The relationship between exercise and mental performance is one that the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention monitors closely. According to their research, physical activity has an impact on the brain well beyond attention span.  They have stated that exercise increases blood flow, oxygenation, and growth of nerve cells, neurotransmitter levels, nerve connections, and brain tissue volume. These changes have been linked to improved information processing, information storage and retrieval, better coping skills, as well as reduced sensations of cravings and pain. The Illinois Department of Health has released a detailed research paper on physical fitness and mental performance, suggesting that different types of exercise may impact the brain in different ways.

Mental Performance at Different Ages

While the University of Granada study looked at young men, there has also been a lot of research conducted on exercise and mental function in middle aged and elderly people. One study published in the Journal of American Health emphasized the importance of increased physical activity in the middle age population. The research shows that fluid intelligence, which is the ability to reason quickly and think abstractly, is at risk in middle aged people when they didn’t exercise sufficiently. Also, physical fitness has always been linked to higher survival rates amongst middle age group. Some scientists even suggest that the effects of exercise on mental performance could be stronger in this age group, but more research is required to know for certain.

How Much Exercise Is Enough?

For those who aren’t natural fitness enthusiasts, the idea of suddenly maintaining a strict exercise routine may seem frightening. The good news is that medical experts don’t believe you have to over do it in order to impact your mental performance. The Mayo Clinic states that, if you are a healthy adult, 150 minutes of moderate activity each week (or 75 minutes of more intense exercise) is a great way to experience improved physical and mental health.  Moderate exercise could involve brisk walking, while more intensive exercise could involve jogging. For those who have a hectic lifestyle and find it difficult to find the time to exercise, you can divide up your workout into a few 10 minutes walks throughout the day.

The Effect of Beets on High Blood Pressure

Approximately 1 in 3 American adults have high blood pressure, half of which are not on any sort of treatment. This is worrisome, as high blood pressure can vastly increase the risks of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and cardiac death.[ii] But, while lowering your blood pressure often seems like an arduous task, a study published in the journal Hypertension found that just by eating more beets, subjects were able to significantly lower their existing blood pressure.

Lead author Amrita Ahluwalia, PhD., and her colleagues recruited 15 adult participants with stage 1 hypertension for the study, whose systolic blood pressures were between 140 and 159 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). The participants were divided into two groups, and one was given 8 ounces of beet juice to drink while the other drank 8 ounces of water. Blood pressure levels of the two groups were monitored for 24 hours after drinking the fluid, and some quite dramatic – and immediate – results were discovered . The beet juice lowered the participants’ blood pressure by about 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Participants’ blood pressure showed the most dramatic drop  about 3 to 6 hours after the juice was consumed, and blood pressure lowering effects lasted up to 24 hours.

Beet High Blood Pressure with Nitrate-Rich Vegetables

This study adds to a growing body of beet research that has shown similar results. Past research revealed that drinking beet juice has a profound effect on people with high blood pressure, but only moderately lowers the blood pressure of healthy people.[iii]

“It is well known that eating fruits and vegetables is good for cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Ahluwalia. However, she adds that vegetables that are rich in nitrates, including beets and their juices, may offer special benefits for people with high blood pressure.[iv] Dr. Ahluwalia and her colleagues are currently running another study to determine if people with high blood pressure will continue to experience benefits from drinking a daily glass of beet juice for 28 days.

Beet juice may help to lower blood pressure due to their rich source of the nitrates. When you consume nitrate-rich vegetables, your body converts nitrates into nitrites, and then further converts it into nitric oxide gas. Nitric oxide causes your blood vessels to expand which allows blood to flow more easily, thereby lowering blood pressure.[v] Nitric oxide may also benefit cardiac health in other ways, such as by promoting healthy arteries and preventing blood clots.

For those who prefer eating whole foods over drinking juice, consuming about 2 whole beets will provide you with the same amount of nitrates as one cup of beet juice (along with the additional benefits of fiber and other nutrients). Also, beets aren’t the only food that contains nitrates; for example, kale is an exceptionally rich source of nitrates, as well as carrots, turnips, spinach, radish, cabbage and celery are also nitrate-rich. All of these plant foods are excellent for people who are looking to naturally lower their blood pressure, as well as people who are looking to improve their overall health.

Every week, I have clients come into my office and complain about the poor state of their health, and how they find it increasingly difficult to lose weight. I’ve noticed that many of them are addicted to junk foods that are severely harming their health. Many of these patients are from low-income families, and junk food is all that they can afford.

Please read the following message from my friends at Lean On Life to see their proposed solution. I’d love to know what you think.

Imagine that it’s 1960-something, and you’re waiting on a street corner for the bus. As you wait, a James Dean-esque man drives by with the wind blowing in his hair, a cigarette in his lips, a can of beer dangling from his hand and no seatbelt in sight. You’d probably think to yourself, “Golly, that can’t be too good for him can it?”

Now, that anecdote is probably too convenient to be true, it illustrates one simple point: what was once commonly accepted as normal and status quo is now seen as dangerous, irresponsible, and harmful to our health.

Today, obesity rates are the highest they have ever been in our history. 1.5 billion people are overweight or obese worldwide, with that number expected to rise to fifty percent of the global population by 2030. The blame has been shifted from one source to another, yet the truth is that there is no one causal factor; a multitude of changes in our society have led to this epidemic, which must be resolved immediately.

What is the Fat Tax?

One of the proposed solutions to decrease obesity rates and improve the health of our society is to implement a fat tax on unhealthy junk foods. How would this work? Junk foods that contain a certain amount of unhealthy fat or refined sugar would have an additional tax to offset their unhealthy side-effects. For example, as New York Times food columnist Mark Bittman suggests, sweetened drinks can be taxed at 2 cents per ounce. French fries would see a 50 cent tax increase per serving. Experts will determine the appropriate amount for each food based on fat and sugar content that do not add any nutritional value.

By increasing the price of everyday unhealthy foods, consumers will be discouraged from purchasing these products and opt for healthier food alternatives instead. The proposed solution would be to take the fat tax revenue and put it towards subsidizing the cost of healthier food options (such as fresh fruits and vegetables). Similarly, revenue from the fat tax can be put in place to improve health care for obesity treatments. By discouraging consumers to buy junk food and incentivizing the purchase of healthier food options, we can evoke a real, positive change in the way we eat.

The fat tax is not a novel idea. Countries such as Denmark, Romania, and Hungary and even South Africa have implemented similar fat taxes in the past; doctors and politicians in the UK and US are strongly urging the government to increase an already existing fat tax on sugary drinks; and in Canada, the government has made a distinction between healthy and unhealthy foods, the latter of which is being charged a federal sales tax.

Fat Tax as a Preventative Measure to Save Lives

Some have made the argument that “government has no place in the pantries of the nation.” While there is no doubt that citizens should be free to decide how to live their lives, preventative measures put in place for our collective safety are generally accepted by society. They may seem like a nuisance at first, but people adapt quickly.

Before wearing seat belts became mandatory legislation, there were many who opposed the law and stated that government has no place in the cars of our nation. But today, wearing a seatbelt is seen as a preventative measure to save a life in the event of a car accident. The government cannot pass a law that bans car accidents, just as it cannot pass a law that bans lung cancer or obesity. However, it can encourage its people to make healthier, safer choices that positively impact society.

Let’s put this into perspective. If I choose to live an unhealthy lifestyle by smoking and drinking excessively, eating unhealthy foods and avoiding exercise at all costs, that’s my choice. But should I expect the rest of society to cover my inevitable medical bills because of my irresponsible behavior? A fat tax would help lower medical costs associated with obesity, which are projected to reach $344 billion by 2018.

If people choose to live unhealthy lifestyles that put them at greater health risks, those lifestyle choices should come with a premium. A fat tax won’t impose on your freedoms; you can still eat three Big Macs if you choose to. That choice will subsidize health care costs and make healthier foods more affordable for those who need them (read: everyone).

What’s Holding Us Back From a Fat Tax?

Critics say that the danger of introducing a fat tax is that it would harm the people who need the most help; families with a low income and limited access to healthy food. Because junk foods are generally less expensive than real, healthy foods, families with a lower income opt for the unhealthy foods. But how is it that these junk foods are so much cheaper than healthy food?

Did you know that the government currently funds unhealthy foods through subsidies to farmers who produce corn and soybeans (which in turn produce high-fructose corn syrup and vegetable oil)? The government generally subsidizes commodity crops (such as corn, grains, and soybeans) as opposed to sustenance farming. These subsidies keep the cost of junk food lower than the cost of real, fresh foods. For example, a fresh salad at your local fast food restaurant costs almost twice as much as a fat-laden burger and fries. We must ask why it is that the government is subsidizing the very foods that are harming our health.

The answer lies in the Big Food industry. This powerful lobby controls how funds and policies are allocated in the food industry, so that these companies keep a monopoly over grocery stores. Just as Big Food controls the government, it also controls our cravings. A recent article published by Michael Moss documents how Big Food has orchestrated our addiction to junk foods. He explains that food scientists have come up with the perfect combination of fat, sugar and salt in junk food to create a so-called “bliss point”; one that has us hooked on the unhealthy. Implementing a fat tax will help steer the ship in the right way by making healthier foods more affordable, and level the playing field for food companies.

Who Wins With a Fat Tax?

There is no simple solution to ending obesity; clearly, a multi-pronged approach will yield the best results. Imposing a fat tax to subsidize healthier foods, limiting junk food advertising to kids, and improving the food education standards in schools are all measures that can collectively help reduce obesity rates worldwide.

Yes, some people may think that a fat tax will never work; that the government is butting into places it doesn’t need to be; that we should be free to do what we want, when we want. But consider this: so did our friend who was pounding back a tallboy with a cigarette in his hand, seatbelt off, and not a care in the world.

Ultimately, the fat tax will benefit everyone. It will encourage people to make healthier food choices, and make healthy options more affordable for those who don’t have access. And those who choose to keep eating chips and donuts can; they’ll just have to pay a little more. Stepping in and changing our unhealthy habits might seem like an inconvenience or an imposition in the short term. But the alternative—doing nothing—will come at a deadly cost.

With the increasing number of deaths in China from the latest  H7N9 avian (bird) flu, people around the world are becoming tense once again when it comes to travel or crowded areas.  Although it hasn’t made its way to North America yet, people are being advised to follow certain flu prevention health tips to minimize the risk of contracting this virus, and to stop this deadly flu from spinning into an all-out global pandemic.

New Bird Flu Identified

Bird flu commonly refers to a type of flu that affects wild and domesticated birds and although it is easily transmitted among birds, it is uncommon for it to spread to humans. However, bird flu has been seen in humans. This usually happens after they have come into contact with infected poultry. In 2011, a highly contagious strain of the bird flu, H1N1, was seen and recently a new strain of the bird flu, H7N9 has been found in China. Unfortunately, there have been a steady number of human cases involving this new strain, some of which have resulted in death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the new H7N9 strain of the flu has characteristics that make it well-adapted to affect the human population. Currently, there is no vaccination against the H7N9 strain, so flu prevention steps are essential to stopping the spread of the virus.

 Flu Prevention Health Tips to Follow

While human-to-human spread of the H7N9 strain of bird flu is not completely known, it is best to take regular flu prevention steps just in case human-to-human transmission is possible. These flu prevention health tips include:

1. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
3. Avoid close contact with sick people.
4. Lead a healthy lifestyle – eat a healthy diet, exercises regularly, and manage your stress levels to help your immune system function optimally.
5. If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of germs to those around you. Avoid using your hands; try coughing or sneezing into your arm or shoulder instead.
6. If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone away.

If you have been exposed to the flu virus, you can get a prescription for anti-viral medication from your doctor which may help to prevent you from getting sick.

Flu Prevention Health Tips for Travellers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that travellers refrain from visiting countries where bird flu has been seen in poultry, other birds, or humans. However, if you must travel to these areas, the CDC recommends that you take precautions to minimize your risk of getting sick. These health tips include:

1. Avoid direct contact with all poultry and birds.
2. Avoid touching surfaces that have bird droppings on them.
3. Avoid visiting poultry farms or bird markets.
4. If you are going to eat bird products or poultry, make sure that they are cooked thoroughly.
5. Practice the general flu prevention health tips mentioned above.
6. If you do start to feel sick, seek medical attention immediately.
7. On your return home, monitor your symptoms for 7 days and seek medical attention if you start to notice any flu like symptoms and make sure you tell your doctor that you have travelled to a region where bird flu is present.

While human cases of bird flu are rare, they are being seen in China with the H7N9 strain of the virus.  For the time being, it is best to avoid travel to this area unless it is absolutely necessary.

Lead is a toxin that harms the brain, raises blood pressure and increases the risk for anemia and cardiovascular disease. Recently, Tsanangurayi Tongesayi, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Monmouth University in New Jersey, and his colleagues set out to determine how much lead was in rice grown in different parts of the world. They discovered that imported rice contains levels of lead that range from 6 to 12 mg/kg, which exceeds the Food and Drugs Administration’s (FDA) safe and allowable levels.

According to their research, rice grown in Taiwan and China contain the highest amounts of lead. However, those two countries weren’t the only offenders—rice that was grown in Bhutan, Italy, Thailand, Czech Republic and India also contained dangerously high levels of this unsafe brain toxin. These worrisome findings were presented at an American Chemical Society meeting in New Orleans on April 10^th.

Lead is especially harmful to infants and young children, and it can halt intellectual development, delay growth, and lead to a wide range of issues such as learning problems, inattentiveness, impulsiveness, aggressiveness and irritability. In fact, lead is such a powerful brain toxin that high levels can even cause kidney damage, permanent brain damage and death in infants and young children. This is particularly worrisome, since some of the highest levels of lead are actually found in baby food. “For infants and children, the daily exposure levels from eating the rice products analyzed in this study would be 30-60 times higher than the FDA’s provisional total tolerable intake (PTTI) levels,” states Tongesayi . Asians tend to include particularly high amounts of rice in their diets, which means that Asian infants and children are exposed to a whopping 60-120 times more lead than the safe upper limit.

While you may feel safe on North American soil, it’s a false sense of security. The amount of imported rice in the diets of Americans is growing every year, and American consumption of imported rice products has nearly doubled since 1999. According to Tongesayi, adults who include imported rice in their diets are inadvertently exposing themselves to dangerously high levels of this toxin; levels that are about 20-40 times higher than the FDA’s total tolerable intake levels.

Even more chilling is the fact that, even if you stop purchasing imported rice, it still doesn’t guarantee that you will be able to avoid this toxin. Rice is found in a variety of products including beer, wine, cereal, crackers, rice milk and other processed foods that don’t always label where their rice is sourced from. Even worse, lead isn’t the only toxin that is found in rice—rice is often grown with toxic pesticides and herbicides, and several studies have found high levels of inorganic arsenic in rice. Arsenic is another brain toxin that is particularly harmful to small children, and it may increase the risk for cancer. Until stronger regulations are implemented, consumers are advised to find out where their rice is coming from and to limit their consumption if they do not know what the source is.

The Importance of Houseplants for Good Health

Poor indoor air quality can create several negative effects on your health, with can occur right away or can manifest themselves years after exposure. Immediate effects include irritation and itchiness of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Delayed effects and effects from long term exposure could be far more serious, including respiratory conditions (such as asthma), heart disease and certain cancers.  And aside from these direct effects, a clean, pure supply of oxygen is vital for every function, organ, tissue and cell in your body. So, for good health, it’s important to ensure that the places you spend a lot of your time in – which, for many people, is indoors – has a good quality of air.

In the late 1980’s, NASA conducted a two year study on the ability of house plants to help people breathe easier. The study looked at the ability of 15 houseplants to remove three common VOC’s (benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene) from the air.  They found that many of the houseplants that were studied were quite effective at removing VOC’s from the air. Additionally, they found that several of the houseplants also helped to regulate indoor humidity levels.

Plants, whether rooted outside or potted indoors, are Nature’s air purifiers and humidifiers.  And they are cheaper than the one’s at the store. So try sprucing up your inner spaces with these top ten houseplants for good health. Your lungs will be thankful that you did.

Top Ten House Plants for Good Health

1.       Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens). Not only is this a pretty house plant to look at,  but it is also highly effective at removing airborne toxins. Additionally, it helps to regulate humidity levels.

2.       Lady Palm (Rhapsis excelsa). This is an easy-to-maintain house plant that is highly resistant to pests.

3.       Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii). This is another house plant that is highly resistant to pests, and is highly effective at removing airborne chemicals and providing humidity control.

4.       Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta). This house plant is very effective at removing formaldehyde from the air.

5.       Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis). This is a very attractive, low-maintenance house plant that is most effective at removing trichloroethylene from the air.

6.       English Ivy (Hedera helix). This house plant is excellent at removing formaldehyde from the air.

7.       Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii). This house plant is very effective at removing xylene from the air.

8.       Fiscus Alii (Ficus macleilandii). This attractive house plant provides general air purification, while also naturally resistant to pests.

9.       Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). This house plant may require a little more attention than the others. But it is quite effective at removing toxins from the air and maintaining humidity levels.

10.   Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp). This easy-to-maintain house plant adds a nice romantic touch to any room, while also removing chemicals such as alcohol, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde from the air.

In order to experience optimal good health benefits from the air purification from plants, add a variety of indoor house plants into your home.  Not only will you experience better health, but you may also find that they rejuvenate your spirit, as well as the warmth in your home.

Thankfully, our body is protected with detoxification organs like the colon. Our colon is constantly striving to eliminate ingested toxins, as well as internal ones that naturally result from regular digestion and body processes. But with the number of toxic elements continuing to climb, and with our diets not always what they should be, it gets increasingly difficult for our colon to keep up with all that chronic waste management.

The result – undigested food matter and residual toxins can build up in the colon and in other regions of the body, and impede healthy functions. Many believe that colon toxicity is the cause behind many health problems, such as chronic bloating, upset stomach, constipation, indigestion, food allergies, weight gain, gum disease, headaches and even depression. And thinking that detoxifying the colon will reverse the problem, these people are purchasing a wide range of products and services that are being marketed as detoxifying colon cleansers.

But before you rush out to “cleanse”, it is imperative that you understand what you are doing to your body. While some products for colon health are safe and effective, many commonly-used colon cleansers can do profound amounts damage, both to your colon and to your overall general health.

Not as Squeaky Clean as You May Think
A colleague of mine from Georgetown University recently shared a story about a 49 year old man who had come to the hospital complaining of twisting abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea for the past four days. Scans revealed inflammation, dilation and multiple intestinal loops and air pockets that suggested major irritation of the digestive tract. But the medical team was finding it difficult to pinpoint the source of the pain. Finally, after a lot of probing, the man admitted that he had used an herbal colon cleanser a few days earlier. This helped answer a few questions of the cause of his illness. The man was given the appropriate treatment, and after making sure that the prognosis was good, he was discharged from the hospital.

But three days later, he returned. Not only was he still suffering with his original symptoms, but he was now also dangerously dehydrated, and in immediate need of vital electrolytes. He had also developed severe inflammation of the pancreas and colon. A gastroenterologist was called in and he diagnosed the problem as “herbal intoxication,” caused by ingredients that were found in the colon cleanse product he had used. The man had to be immediately rehydrated, have his electrolytes replaced and undergo gradual dietary treatment. He spent five more days in the hospital before he was finally sent home.

When I heard this story, I immediately got down to writing this piece. Because cases like this aren’t as rare as one might assume. Thousands of people innocently purchase colon cleansers at pharmacies, health stores and even from the internet, hoping that they will help with a digestive issues, food allergies or weight loss. Because these products are so readily available, and so often labelled as “natural”,  people assume that they are being regulated and that they are safe for their health. The problem is that, more often than not, this is not the case.

The Dirt on Colon Cleansers
Like many new health related products and services popping up on the scene, colon cleansing products and services have yet to gain regulated supervision by a trusted medical organization. The result is a host of unsafe and unproven methods being used on unsuspecting people, that could leave them with much more severe health issues than the ones that led them to seek out a colon cleanser.

To start, a colon “cleanser” is anything that forces your colon to have a bowel movement. There are things you can do to strengthen your colon so that it can ‘move’ on its own, as it was meant to. And then there are methods that force your colon into flushing out its contents, leaving it not only drained and weakened, but also no longer able to perform elimination functions on its own.

For the most part, the majority of colon cleansers on the market are of the latter kind. Colon cleansers commonly contain powerful stimulants and laxative ingredients like senna and Cascara sagrada, some even contain OTC laxatives, and these products cause your colon to go into shock and frantic spasm because your body identifies them as dangerous poisons. The resulting bowel movements are often quite severe and painful, accompanied by cramping, bloating, nausea and dehydration, and sometimes even infection, bowel perforation and liver and kidney failure. Such aggressive colon cleansing can also cause nutrient deficiencies, flushing out vital nutrients before your body has had a proper chance to absorb them.

To top it off, by the end of this colon battering, your colon is left utterly dependent upon these substances for future functioning, leaving you in a state of chronic constipation when you stop taking them, effectively causing more harm than good.

What about supervised Colon Hydrotherapy?
colon hydrotherapy is an evasive irrigation therapy, in which a hydro-therapist uses various equipment to manually enter your colon and flush out its contents. Unfortunately, this can also be dangerous.

The equipment involved needs an immense amount of sophisticated sterilization, which isn’t always properly performed and could lead to serious and life threatening infections. Also, in most cases these hydro-therapists are inexperienced and not a part of any licensed organization. If performed incorrectly, hydrotherapy can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and the depletion of beneficial colon bacteria that are necessary for healthy immune and colon functioning.

People with pre-existing health conditions are the most vulnerable to dangerous side effects of colon hydrotherapy. People who have diabetes, hemorrhoids, heart disease, kidney disease, Crohn’s disease or any kind of digestive disorder must not pursue any kind of colon cleansing without the supervision of a doctor.

Cleaning up Your Act
Maintaining a healthy colon is vital to health, and this certainly involves keeping it clean, free of toxins, and regularly functioning. But, while more aggressive forms of colonic cleansing may sometimes be warranted (under licensed supervision), it is dangerous and counter-effective if done on a regular basis.

The solution is daily maintenance! Daily support of your colon is the most ideal approach to internal detoxification and good health. This includes regularly consuming:

1. Water; doctors recommend drinking eight to ten glasses of clean, natural spring water a day, and even more if you regularly consume coffee, caffeinated teas, or if you exercise.

2. Eat High Fiber Plant Foods; these include dark leafy green vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts and seeds, etc.

3. Eat Gelatinous Foods; these include chia seeds, flax seeds, aloe vera, glucomannan, sea weeds, etc.

4. Eat Foods Rich in Chlorophyll, such as common herbs, chlorella, spirulina, etc.

5. Healthy amounts of sleep, exercise and stress management are also vital in keeping your internal systems clean and functional.

For more vital information about easy, healthy and safe solutions for building a strong and healthy colon, CLICK HERE. Daily colon support is an ideal route for helping you avoid future health problems, improving digestion and saving you from resorting to more aggressive and unsafe colon cleansing methods, that may do you more harm than good.

The good news is that there are natural sleep aids out there that go beyond miserably counting sheep. Many foods  contain natural, sleep-lulling properties, making them extremely helpful when it comes to getting over a bout of insomnia and improving the quality – and quantity – of your sleep.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a condition where a person has difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or both.  People that suffer from insomnia often wake up in the morning feeling unrested, and this affects their ability to function optimally throughout the day.  Insomnia can take a toll on your energy levels, weaken your immune system, increase your risk of chronic health conditions and obesity, and can negatively affect your work performance and even your relationships.  While most people struggle with temporary bouts of insomnia at some point in their lives, there are some individuals that suffer with chronic insomnia all of the time, which can significantly impact their quality of life.

Causes of Insomnia

There are many causes of insomnia, according to the Mayo Clinic, including: stress, anxiety, depression, certain medications, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, certain medical conditions, changes to your work or home routine, poor sleep habits, eating too much before bedtime, and even a “learned” form of insomnia (resulting from excessive worrying about not being able to sleep).  Additionally, as people age, changes in hormone levels, activity level and general health also increase incidences of insomnia.

Whatever the cause of your insomnia, before you reach for dangerous sleeping pills, try addressing it with some natural sleep aids that are gentler on the system and promote a more natural and restful quality of sleep. Incorporating specific foods into your diet  can be an easy and successful way to nip insomnia in the bud once and for all.

Foods as Natural Sleep Aids

There are certain foods that can act as natural sleep aids and help you to get a more peaceful and restful nights’ sleep.

1. Fish. Most fish contains Vitamin B6, which is essential for melatonin production;  melatonin is a sleep promoting hormones
2. Bananas. While they are mostly known as a good source of potassium and magnesium, bananas also contain the amino acid L-tryptophan, which converts into 5-HTP in the brain.  5-HTP is a brain chemical that converts into serotonin and melatonin, both of which are neurological substances that promote sleep.
3. Cherries. Cherries are another natural food source of melatonin that promotes better sleep.  Cherry juice and dried cherries can also be used, when cherries are not in season.
4. Dairy Products. Milk, yogurt, cheese, etc. should be added to your diet to ensure that your calcium levels are adequate.  There is some evidence that individuals that have low calcium also tend to have sleep difficulties.
5. Dark, Leafy Greens. Spinach, kale, etc. also contain high levels of calcium, helping you maintain good sleeping patterns.
6. Fortified Cereals. These cereals often contain added calcium and Vitamin B6, both of which will help with sleep promotion.
7. Whole Grains. Eating whole grains will help to ensure that you are eating enough magnesium, as low levels of magnesium have been shown to interrupt the sleep cycle, making it difficult to sleep through the night. Pairing whole grains with a small amount of tryptophan containing protein can also encourage better sleep, as they encourage an insulin response that helps the sleep-inducing tryptophan to successfully get into the brain.

If you suffer from insomnia, try adding some of these natural sleep aids into your diet.  The addition of a few simple foods could make the difference between another night of helplessly staring at the ceiling, and a night of restful, pleasant and healthful sleep.

Sweet Dreams!

Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) and Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow) are two of the most common artificial food dyes in North America, providing a bright yellow, golden or orangy hue to millions of common foods and beverages that we eat on a regular basis. But while the FDA assures us that they are safe for consumption, they’ve been flat out banned in countries all across Europe, and the EU demands that food manufacturers clearly label their presence with a warning label. As thousands of us continue to innocently consume food products with these food dyes — and to feed them to our children — a growing body of research is showing that these colors are causing serious, long-term and irreversible health problems.

Why Dye?

Human beings are instinctually programmed to be attracted to brightly colored foods. In the plant kingdom, the most colorful foods are usually also the most nutritious ones. The vibrant pigments and hues of fruits and vegetables indicate the variety of vital minerals, vitamins and nutrients that they contain, helping us stay healthy and avoid nutritional deficiencies. And so, capitalizing on this human instinct, we’ve been dying foods since ancient times, using the colorful juices and extracts of plants such as saffron, beets, turmeric and various flower petals to make our meals more appetizing.

Fast-forward to the twenty first century, and food dying has not only taken on an entirely new purpose, but now involves processes that are far less natural and far more dangerous. Fish and meats are cleverly dyed to mask the effects of the unnatural feeds they’ve been raised on; fruits and vegetables are artificially colored to disguise the fact that they’ve been picked before fully ripened. While the meat of wild, naturally bred and fed salmon is pink, salmon raised and fed in farmed captivity turn grey, dyed red before sale to hide these unappetizing effects. And processed foods, which make up a disturbing majority of the foods most of us eat, are by far the largest culprit when it comes to food dyes. Brightly painted with artificial chemicals, food manufacturers strive to attract us to these unnatural products while hiding the unsightly results of extensive over-processing. Today, North Americans consume more than 18 million pounds of artificial food dyes every year, a lot of which comes from unlabeled products or sources we aren’t even aware of.

The Terrifying Track Record of Artificial Food Dyes

Many of these modern, synthetic food dyes have demonstrated dangerous side effects and wound up banned by government health organizations – but not before they were haphazardly dumped into food products already on the market, using our children as guinea pigs before their alarming health effects pulled them back off the shelves (such as Orange 1, which caused many children to become seriously ill after eating colored Halloween candy back in the 1950s). Of the 24 food dyes that were once widely used in North America, 17 have since been banned because of dangerous (and often life-threatening) side effects.

Yet the artificial food dyes that remain on the “safe” list continue to raise questions about their health risks. The Public Citizen Health Research Group and several other concerned organizations continue to petition the FDA about banning Yellow 5 and 6.  But despite reports linking Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 with hyperactivity, allergic reactions, fatigue, anxiety, bronchial constriction, chromosomal damage and even cancerous tumors, the FDA certified the use of 8,700,000 pounds of these artificial dyes in 2005, to be used without discrimination in the most commonly consumed food products – especially in products targeting children.

Yellow 5 – More Tart than Sweet

Also known as Tartrazine, this dye is commonly found in ice creams, popsicles, candy (such as Gummy Bears, M&Ms, Peeps marshmallow treats, etc.), puddings and Jell-O, baked goods, popular beverages such as Mountain Dew and Kool-Aid, snacks like Doritos, potato chips and popcorn, chewing gum, mustards, cereals, noodles like Kraft Dinner products, as well as in skin products, cosmetics, oral medications and millions of other commonly used products.   It’s been under investigation by various groups, and completely banned in Austria, Norway and other European countries. The EU now requires manufacturers to label its presence with a warning of potential side effects. What’s caused this extreme global reaction?

For starters, Yellow 5 can trigger a variety of allergic reactions, from breathing difficulties to hives and skin rashes. There have also been an increasing number of reports of induced hyperactivity in children, from minor fidgeting to full-blown ADHD diagnoses. These behavioral issues often show significant improvement once the food dye is eliminated from the diet.

Yellow 5 has also been shown to cause dangerous mineral deficiencies. Zinc, an essential trace mineral, is critical to your body’s functioning, vital for metabolism, wound healing, bone strength, thyroid function, blood clotting, and many other physical and mental processes. Causing a significant loss of zinc through urine and saliva, Yellow 5 could not only cause nutritional deficiencies in a healthy person, but has also been shown to have even more extensive effects on people with ADHD (attention deficit disorder).

This food dye has been linked to several hazardous and life-threatening health effects, such as blurred vision, migraines, fatigue, anxiety, and even chromosomal damage, lymphomas and tumors of the thyroid. A study conducted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest also claims that Yellow 5 “may be contaminated with significant levels of carcinogens.”

Yellow 6 – Not So Sunny After All

The alternate name for Yellow 6 is Sunset Yellow — but this food dye is far from the peaceful, picturesque view that its nickname implies. It’s found in several beverages, like Sunny Delight and many fruit punches, as well as in Kraft macaroni & cheese products in the U.S. and thousands of candies, desserts, smoked meats and sausages.

Like Yellow 5, it’s been linked to allergic reactions and hyperactivity; it’s also been known to lead to congestion, upset stomach and abdominal pain. Studies have linked Yellow 6 to cancers of the kidneys and adrenal glands. Norway and Finland have banned Yellow 6, and the European Union has drastically reduced the acceptable concentration allowed in drinks.

Beyond The Rainbow of Artificial Food Dyes

If these shocking reports about artificial food dyes concern you, then you’re amongst a growing body of informed people who are striving to eliminate them from their diets and our food chain. I watch far too many people mindlessly dropping foods into their grocery carts without reading their labels, trusting that major government agencies will do the health and safety checking for them. Unfortunately, this is not the reality we live in.

While the U.S. lags behind Europe in labeling and banning dyes, it’s never too late to make a personal stand in the food choices you make for yourself and your family, and to stop purchasing all products that contain Yellow 5 and Yellow 6.

Beyond this, I ask that you consider the actual need for any kind of artificial dye in our food supply at all. For, if food manufacturers have chosen to paint over their products, then it begs a disturbingly ominous question – what are they really trying to hide?

Top 5 Teas for Good Health and a Strong Immune System

1. Green Tea

Green tea has long been a staple in Indian and Chinese diets – and for good reason. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, which helps to slow down aging and prevent your cells and DNA from fee radical-induced damage. It also helps to lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk for heart disease, protect against cancer, reduce inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, control blood sugar levels in diabetics, and reduce the risk for liver disease. As if all that weren’t enough, green tea also helps you lose weight by boosting your metabolism and increasing your body’s fat burning capabilities.

2. Dandelion Tea

Most of our diets do not include a steady intake of dandelion, which is a shame because dandelions are excellent at promoting good health. Drinking dandelion tea is an easy way to get all of the health benefits that dandelion confers without having to actually eat the bitter tasting weed. Dandelion tea helps purify the blood, heal acne, relieve stomach upset, lower high blood pressure and improve bowel function. Dandelion tea also works as a mild detoxifier by helping to cleanse your liver and kidneys, and preliminary studies suggest that it may also help boost your immune system.

3. Ginseng Tea

Chinese healers have used ginseng for the promotion of good health for over 5,000 years. Today, ginseng is often prescribed by alternative practitioners as a general health tonic, to enhance longevity, to combat weakness, to boost the immune system and to balance hormones. In North America, it is well known for its ability to boost both mental and physical energy, and athletes often use it for added stamina. Despite its plethora of health benefits, you should be cautious of drinking it if you have high blood pressure, because a high consumption of ginseng can increase blood pressure.

4. Nettle Tea

Nettle tea is a natural diuretic, helping to reduce water retention. It helps to promote good health by reducing inflammation in the body, and it has been used for hundreds of years to treat eczema, acne, insect bites, gout, anemia and painful muscles and joints.  Its ability to reduce inflammation also makes it useful for relieving painful symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), arthritis, and osteoporosis. Nettle tea is also used for kidney and bladder problems and it may help prevent and treat urinary tract infections.

5. Ginger Tea

Ginger has amazing health properties, but due to its strong and unique flavor some people find it hard to incorporate into their daily diets. Ginger contains numerous antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are plant-based nutrients that have disease fighting properties. Ginger helps to reduce inflammation, promote digestion and cleanse the colon, making it excellent for all types of bowel disorders. It also helps to boost the immune system and is excellent for fighting off cold and flu. And the health benefits don’t stop there — ginger has also been found to protect against colon and ovarian cancer, reduce arthritis pain, and relieve nausea, dizziness and vomiting.

Up until recently, regular breast checks and mammography was advised for women over the age of forty. However, this study adds yet one more increasingly prevalent cancer type on a list that has been disconcertingly growing for much younger women. The Centers for Disease Control reports that the risk of cervical cancer amongst women aged 20 to 29 is just over 20 percent, while the Mayo Clinic found a significant increase in the number of skin cancer cases among young women this past spring. The idea of breast cancer being a real risk to young women just hasn’t been in the spotlight until now.

Breast Cancer in Young Women

The breast cancer study was conducted by the director of the Young Adult Oncology Program at Seattle Children’s Hospital, along with staff at the University of Washington. It states that the incidence of advanced breast cancer increased among women ages 25-39 by 2.1 percent per year, from 1976 to 2009. Analyses of cases spanning 1973-2009, 1992-2009, and 2000-2009 clearly indicate an increase in incidences of cancer, with the disease spreading beyond the lymph nodes in women ages 25 to 39 over that period of time.

The authors of the study find this significant increase disturbing, and it is unclear as to why young women would be getting breast cancer that is spreading to their bones, brains, and lungs so aggressively. Furthermore, there are currently no measures in place to screen young women for breast cancer unless they have high cancer risk, such as a strong family history of the disease.

Critics call Cancer Risk Generally Low

Critics of the study call the sampling small and insist that breast cancer risk in young women is relatively low. Only 1.8 percent of all breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women ages 20 to 34. There is a concern that this new research will frighten young women unnecessarily.  At the same time, research does show that when young women do get breast cancer, it tends to be more deadly than when older women get it.  According to the Young Survival Coalition, a national resource and support group for young women facing cancer, women ages 15 to 35 die more frequently from breast cancer than any other cancer. The coalition states that more data seems to suggest that breast cancer before the age of 40 “differs biologically” from cancer that older women get.

Uncovering the Mystery behind Cancer

Oncologists say the Seattle study has opened the door for a lot of important discussion, as well as a call for more in-depth research. Some suggest environmental exposure, childhood obesity, and delayed childbearing all need to be looked at when investigating possible causes for the increases in cancer rates.

For now, the message to young women is not to panic. However, it’s important to be aware of breast cancer risks for young women, so that immediate action is not delayed if a lump is found, or anything else that is out of the ordinary. No matter what your age, any concerns you may have should always be addressed by a doctor sooner rather than later.

Statistics on Cancer and Cancer Deaths from Alcohol

In 2009, approximately 560,000 people died from cancer in the United States. Of these cancer deaths, almost 20,000 were caused by cancer that was alcohol-related. Cancer death from alcohol affected men and women equally in the study; however, the types of cancer that they died from were different. Women with alcohol-related cancer were more likely to die from breast cancer, with 15% of all breast cancer deaths being alcohol-related. On the other hand, men were more likely to die from oral, pharynx, larynx or esophageal cancer. Approximately 6,000 men were killed by these types of cancer in 2009.

54% of cancer deaths that were alcohol-related occurred in people who drank more than three drinks per day. However, depending on the type of cancer, up to 33% of alcohol-related cancer deaths occurred in people who had only consumed one drink per day. While the high level of cancer death in the light drinking population may be alarming, the researchers do note that a large proportion of the people participating in the study fell into this drinking category.

Lifestyle Choices and Increased Cancer Risk

Researchers are not exactly sure how alcohol leads to cancer; however, it is evident that health choices such as  drinking can increase cancer risk. It is believed that people who drink excessively also make other unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as eating an unhealthy diet, choosing to smoke and leading an inactive life. The combination of these factors increase cancer risk.

While many people change their diets and lifestyles to prevent cancer, limiting alcohol consumption is often an over-looked cancer prevention method. People need to be aware of the increased cancer risk that comes along with excessive drinking.

Conflicting Research on Alcohol Consumption

This current study may lead to confusion among consumers, as previous research has shown that there are some health benefits that are associated with moderate drinking, most notably a decreased risk of cardiovascular problems. Future research should try to determine the safe level of alcohol consumption while taking all conditions (cardiovascular disease, cancer, etc.) into account. Until then, consumers need to make educated decisions on whether or not to consume alcohol.

Lead a Healthy Lifestyle for Cancer Prevention

It is known that leading a healthy lifestyle is the best way to decrease your cancer risk. This includes engaging in regular physical activity, consuming a healthy diet, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. Not only will this help to decrease your cancer risk, it will also improve your overall health and help you to live a long, healthy life.

Reason #1 to Visit Your Doctor: Heart Disease is Often Silent (to You!)

While you may not see the signs of a looming heart attack until you’re receiving treatment in the emergency room, your doctor may see one coming from a mile away.  Many doctors will ask about your activity level, and about possible discomfort that you may be feeling.  They’re not trying to make you feel bad about your lack of exercise; rather, they’re actually looking for early warning signs of a heart attack. For instance, shortness of breath after light activity and slight chest pain with light exercise can often be first signs of an upcoming heart attack. You may just blow these symptoms off, thinking you’re out of shape, but your doctor will take them more seriously. Recognizing signs and symptoms of heart disease early will help you to prevent emergency situations that can often be fatal. If your doctor thinks that you’re at risk for heart disease they may send you for testing such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest x-rays,  and/or a stress test among others.  However, while all of the testing may seem scary, often it’s little changes such as diet and exercise modification and possibly the addition of medication that will help to drastically reduce your risk of suffering heart disease, including heart attack.

Reason #2 to Visit Your Doctor: Colon Cancer is Almost Always Curable (if it’s caught early)

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, however, with early detection and treatment most cases are curable. Aging increases your risk of colon cancer and this is why it is so important to keep your doctor’s appointments for regular colon cancer screening.  Waiting for symptoms of colon cancer to appear before you actually have a visit with your doctor hinders your chance of a full recovery.

Reason #3 to Visit Your Doctor: A Simple Pap Test Can Save Your Life

A Pap test may be a little embarrassing for some but it is a simple test that checks for abnormal cells in the cells of the cervix and can detect infection, unhealthy cervical cells and cervical cancer.  Often times, women have infections and abnormal cells with no other symptoms and a Pap test is the only way to determine that something is abnormal.  The good news is, just like colon cancer if cervical cancer is caught early it is often curable.

Blowing off your appointments will do nothing but harm your health and possibly lead to an emergency in the long run.  If the reason that you’re avoiding your doctor is because they make you uncomfortable, perhaps it’s time to find a new one.  Talk to your family and friends and see if any of their doctors are accepting new patients.  Once you find a doctor that you trust, keeping your appointments and discussing your health concerns will help to keep you healthy and out of the emergency room.

Brain function during sleep

Although sleep appears to be a passive activity, it involves an active interplay of brain circuits; an activity that scientists and sleep experts have been studying for decades. Scientists have spent years studying sleep problems and the associations between sleep and learning. For instance, studies have shown that a person who has sleep problems and is sleep deprived can’t focus well enough to learn effectively. Studies have also demonstrated that sleep has a role in the consolidation of memory, which is vital for learning. Now, according to the Weizmann Institute, learning has been shown to occur during sleep.

The new research was published in the Nature Neuroscience journal. The research’s premise is based on Pavlovian theories of classical conditioning; classical conditioning involves pairing two elements, and conditioning people or animals to anticipate one element whenever they are exposed to the other element.

While participants slept, researchers of the Weizmann Institute played a tone of music and followed it with an odor to induce sniffing. Later, when the participants were awake, the researchers played the tone without presenting an odor. Despite having no conscious memory of hearing the tone, the subjects responded to the sound by sniffing, despite no odor being present. This demonstrated that a learned response had been acquired while the subject was sleeping.

Researchers then took this theory a step further to see if they could induce more than one learned response – to sniff deeply or to avoid sniffing.  The subjects were grouped, and one group was exposed to a tone followed by a pleasant odor, while the other group was exposed to a tone followed by an unpleasant odor. When they awoke the next day, they heard the tones again.  Although they had no conscious memories of having heard the tones before, the group that had been exposed to the pleasant odors inhaled deeply when they heard the tones while awake, while the other group took short, shallow sniffs when exposed to the tones in a waking state.

Learning and sleep phases

Sleep consists of 5 stages. Brain function alters throughout each stage. The last stage is called Rapid Eye Movement or REM and is characterized by increased respiration, increased brain activity, and quick eye movement. While the muscles become more relaxed, the brain and body systems become more active. The research team at the Weizmann Institute discovered that the learned response was more pronounced during the REM phase of sleeping.

Now that it has been established that some kind of sleep learning is possible, researchers want to find out just what information can be learned during sleep and what information can’t.  They also want to investigate brain function and processing in altered states of consciousness, such as coma.

Another reason to get a good sleep

Doctors are constantly telling their patients to get a good night sleep. Sleep problems can decrease your performance at work, impact your reaction behind the wheel of a car, add stress to your relationships, affect your immune system, and create cognitive impairment.  The Wiezmann study gives people another reason to focus on proper sleep. While researchers aren’t saying you can learn an encyclopedia of information while you sleep, they do believe there is enough evidence to suggest that new knowledge can be acquired while in a restful state.

Hair loss in men has become more acceptable – and even fashionable – in recent years. Many men even shave their heads to be a part of the current trend. Surveys show that bald men are considered more masculine than those who still have a full head of hair. But balding women present a very  different story.

As women get older, it is not uncommon for their hair to become thinner and for bald patches to appear; however, even women in their 20’s and 30’s can develop thinning hair. Statistics show that about 20 million American women are currently struggling with hair loss.

Types of hair loss in women

One of the most common types of hair loss in women is called Androgenetic Alopecia. It is characterized by diffuse thinning throughout the hair. Current research indicates that this type of hair loss is linked to an imbalance of male-to-female hormones, that can lead to a follicle sensitivity in the scalp. Estrogen and testosterone hormones play a major role in your hair. Testosterone can cause hair follicles to stop producing hair, while estrogen does the opposite. In cases of Adrogenetic Alopecia in women, this hormone imbalance can create other health problems outside of hair loss, including ovarian cysts and early menopause.

Dermatologists report that a condition known as Telogen Effluvium (TE) is the second most common cause of hair loss for women. Little research has been conducted on TE, but scientists believe that it causes a change in the number of active hair follicles. Short-term presentations of TE have been linked to hormonal changes that can sometimes follow childbirth, periods of extreme crash dieting or physical trauma. In recent years, some have speculated that this form of hair loss could be linked to poor nutrition and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Hair Loss and Getting Older

When a woman goes through menopause, her levels of estrogen decline in proportion to her levels of testosterone in her body, which can start to cause some hair loss. Research shows that the majority of women experience hair loss in the post-menopausal stage of their lives. This doesn’t account for the hundreds of younger women who experience hair loss due to genetic factors, while other women experience thinning of the hair for other reasons.

Treating Hair Loss

According to Harvard Medical School, medications are the most common treatment for female hair loss. Generic versions of the well-known Rogaine have been used by women; however, they can cause side effects such as dry scalp and irritation.

Some women are put on hormonal therapy by their doctors, prescribed medications to stop production of the male hormones that cause hair loss. Other women try supplementing their diet with more iron, in response to research that has linked thinning hair to low iron levels (also iron supplementation for hair loss isn’t supported by any strong scientific evidence as of yet).

Another treatment for hair loss is follicle unit transplantation. A narrow strip of scalp is removed and divided into hundreds of small grafts that each contains a few hairs. Each graft is then planted into a slit in the scalp, made by a tiny blade or needle in the section where the hair is missing. The procedure is said to look more natural than the large plugs that were traditionally used many years ago. Some inflammation can occur with follicle unit transplantation, but most people report that cold compresses help soothe the problem.

There are products on the market that claim to be “a miracle cure for baldness,” but beware – there is no such thing as a miracle cure. If you notice that your hair is thinning, instead of spending hundreds of dollars on products with side effects, that have yet to show a high success rate, seek advice from a qualified medical professional first.

This will help you to lead a normal life, free of the frequent uncomfortable stomach problems that you may experience on a regular basis.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a common, chronic gastrointestinal problem that affects the large colon.  Cramping, abdominal pain and bloating, gas and diarrhea are common symptoms of IBS.  Even though all of these symptoms can be disrupting to your life, they don’t cause permanent damage to your colon. IBS can usually be managed by diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.  Changes that you can make include adding foods high in fiber or fiber supplements to your diet, taking anti-diarrheal medications as necessary, eliminating gassy foods from your diet and taking prescribed medication as required.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a chronic digestive disease that happens when acid from your stomach (and occasionally bile) flows back into your esophagus. According to the Mayo Clinic, the backflow of acid irritates the lining of your esophagus and can lead to indigestion, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, dry coughing, sore throat, acid reflux and/or the feeling of a “lump” in your throat.  While many people experience indigestion from time to time, if it is occurring frequently or affecting your life, it’s time to speak to your doctor about possible treatment options.

Treatment for GERD is often managed with diet changes and over –the-counter remedies.  However, for some people, these treatments offer minimal relief and advanced treatment including prescription medications and possibly surgery may be necessary for long lasting relief.

Celiac Disease

Over the past few years, the number of people being diagnosed with celiac disease has been on the rise.  Celiac disease is a gastrointestinal problem that occurs when an individual eats gluten.  Gluten is found in a variety of foods including: pasta, breads, baked goods, etc. Diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating are common symptoms of celiac disease. Over time, individuals with celiac disease may present with vitamin deficiencies because of decreased absorption.  This can lead to complications involving the brain, peripheral nervous system, bones, liver and other major organs.

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There is no cure for celiac disease but individuals can manage their disease through changes to their diet simply by avoiding gluten. There are more gluten free food options available for people living with celiac disease. Vitamin supplements may also be necessary if your doctor finds that you have a deficiency.

Natural Treatment Approaches for Gastrointestinal Issues

There are various factors involved in IBS, GERD and Celiac Disease and therefore treatment is multi-faceted.  There are a number of prevention and treatment options that you can try to help relieve the stomach problems that you may be experiencing as the result of gastrointestinal issues that you have, including:.

1. Managing stress – stress is a key factor in many chronic health conditions, including gastrointestinal issues.  Stress causes hormonal changes in your body which allows the stomach to create more acid. An increased amount of acid means an increased amount of acid reflux and indigestion.  Stress can also make IBS symptoms worse so it is important to manage and control your stress levels appropriately.
2. Managing your weight – maintaining a healthy weight is an essential step in minimizing stomach problems, including indigestion.  Gaining weight can cause GERD and can make indigestion symptoms worse.  So be sure to exercise and eat healthy in order to keep stomach problems at bay.
3. Avoiding food triggers – many gastrointestinal issues have food triggers that increase stomach problems and indigestion.   Keep a food diary and once a trigger food is identified, avoid consuming it.
4. Eating smaller, more frequent meals – this may help to control diarrhea associated with IBS and may also help to prevent indigestion associated with GERD.
5. Quitting Smoking – smoking comes with a variety of health concerns and if you suffer from GERD, smoking can make your indigestion symptoms worse because it causes your stomach to produce more acid.  Additionally, smoking decreases the ability of your lower esophageal sphincter to function properly which could allow acid reflux to occur.  Kick this bad habit to minimize your GERD symptoms.
6. Adding probiotics into your routine – probiotics introduce healthy germs into your stomach.  If something interferes with the healthy germs in your colon, you could end up suffering with gastrointestinal issues. Adding probiotics into your daily routine may help to treat IBS

The Conclusion – What it Means if You Suffer Gastrointestinal Issues

IBS, GERD and celiac disease are all common gastrointestinal issues that many people live with on a daily basis.  The good news is that mild to moderate cases can usually be managed with diet and lifestyle changes.  If you’re confused and don’t know where to start, consider consulting a nutritionist or dietician to help you get started.  Having the reassurance of a healthcare professional with help to put your mind at ease and will help with all of the transitions that you have to make in order to live free of your gastrointestinal symptoms

Bad Habit #1 – Washing Your Clothes in Cold Water

While this seems like a great way to save energy and money all while helping the environment, washing your clothes in cold water is hazardous to your health. You may think that your washing machine is clean, when it fact it harbours significant amounts of E.Coli which aren’t killed in cold temperatures. Additionally, your clothes contain germs that you have come into contact with throughout the day, which can range from E.Coli, to Salmonella to Noro virus. If you wash your clothes in cold water, these germs aren’t being killed, which means that they could negatively affect your immune system and increase your infection risk. In order to kill most bacteria, viruses and dust mites, it is recommended that you wash your clothes at a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius.

Bad Habit #2 – Washing Your Undies with Household Laundry (tea towels, etc.)

You may be throwing all of your dirty laundry into one load to save time and money, but washing your underwear with dish towels and other similar household laundry is definitely a bad habit that you’re going to want to break immediately. Underwear frequently has E.Coli and Staphylococcus aureus on them. These bugs will be transferred from your underwear to your dish towels and then onto your dishes and utensils which go directly into your mouth, thereby increasing your infection risk. In order to be safe, kitchen laundry and bathroom laundry should be washed separately, both at a high temperature to kill the germs that can negatively affect your immune system.

Bad Habit #3 – Using the Same Utensils from Start to Finish of Meal Preparation

You may not even think about it, but using the same knives, forks, spoons and spatulas throughout the preparation of your family’s dinner is opening up the door to foodborne illness. Raw meat, fish and poultry all contain dangerous bacteria that can make you and your loved ones incredibly sick with food poisoning. For individuals with a weakened immune system, the risk of food poisoning is even greater. Be sure to wash your utensils thoroughly after they have come into contact with raw meat, fish and/or poultry.

Bad Habit #4 – Using Kitchen Clothes or Sponges to Wipe Countertops and Other Kitchen Surfaces

Kitchen countertops are a breeding ground for bacteria. Germs can survive on kitchen surfaces for several hours so it is vital that you clean your countertops, cutting boards, utensils, dish clothes and tea towels clean in order to minimize infection risk. Don’t use sponges or reusable kitchen clothes to clean surfaces as food particles can adhere to these surfaces and make clean up difficult because of the spread of bacteria. Instead use paper towels to clean kitchen surfaces and dispose of them immediately after.

Bad Habit #5 – Using the Same Dish Towel to Dry Dishes and Dry Your Hands

Your hands transport germs throughout your house and using the same towel to dry your hands and dry your dishes contaminates clean dishes with potentially harmful germs from your hands. It may seem inconvenient, but having separate towels available in the kitchen for these two tasks will drastically minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

There you have it – five bad habits that you may not have even realized you were doing that could be negatively affecting your immune system by allowing nasty germs into your body and increasing your infection risk. Changing these five habits is simple and requires minimal effort but will have a long lasting effect on your health.

To put this into perspective, the study reports that the costs associated with dementia care is higher than two of the leading causes of death in the United States – heart disease and cancer.  This is cause for concern, as the number of people that will be diagnosed with dementia will significantly rise in the near future with the aging population in the U.S.

So What is Dementia (According to the Alzheimer’s Association)?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a term that is used to describe a decline in mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with everyday life. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, there are multiple forms of the mental health condition. Symptoms of dementia can vary widely from person to person; however at least two of the core mental functions must be severely impaired for an individual to receive a diagnosis of dementia.  These core functions include: memory problems (including memory loss), communication and language difficulties, attention problems, decreased visual perception and difficulty with reasoning and judgement.

In the early stages of dementia, many people have difficulty with short term memory loss such as forgetting where they put their keys, or difficulty remembering appointments.  Having slight memory loss may not seem like cause for concern, but most cases of dementia are progressive with symptoms starting slowly and progressively getting worse over time. Therefore, if you start to notice memory problems in yourself or in a loved one, seek treatment right away.  Early diagnosis and treatment is vital to help improve that quality of life of individuals suffering with dementia as well as their families.

Costs Associated with Dementia Care

The researchers looked at a variety of costs that are associated with caring for a patient with dementia, including: out-of-pocket spending, Medicare spending, net nursing home spending, as well as formal and informal home care spending.  Caring for an individual with dementia, while taking coexisting conditions and demographic characteristics into account, costs approximately $28,501 per year.  These costs include nursing home care ($13,900), out-of-pocket spending ($6,200), formal home care ($5,700) and Medicare ($2,700).

Even more staggering, are the costs associated with caring for a dementia patient when informal care is taken into account.  Informal care refers to care that is provided by a family member or other non-paid person that is not associated with an agency.  Taking all costs into consideration, including informal care, the cost associated with dementia care spikes to $41,689 per year.  Add in lost wages on the part of the relative and the cost climbs even higher to $56,290 per year.

What do These Costs Mean?

The costs associated with dementia care will have a direct impact on the U.S. economy.  In 2010, the total population cost of dementia care purchased in the market place was estimated at $109 billion without taking informal care into consideration.  When informal care was taken into account, the total population cost rose to $215 billion. With the aging population in the United States, the total population costs are expected to double by 2040.

Cost of Dementia Care Compared to Other Diseases

The findings from this study place dementia care among the diseases that are most costly to society.  Costs associated with dementia care, not including informal care, were pegged at $109 billion which was similar to the direct costs associated with heart disease which were reported at $96 billion in 2008 and $102 billion in 2010. Costs associated with dementia care were substantially higher than direct costs associated with cancer which were reported at $72 billion in 2008 and $77 billion in 2010.

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With the aging population in the United States there is bound to be an increasing number of individuals diagnosed with dementia in the coming years.  Once an individual is experiencing memory problems and is diagnosed with dementia, it is too late to get arrangements in place, leaving families unprepared and overburdened.  While a diagnosis of dementia is not preventable, preparation is a key element for families.   Families need to plan for the future, accounting for treatment, and cost of living expenses that may arise if an aging parent is diagnosed with dementia.  It is also important to remember to draw up wills and power of attorney documents prior to being diagnosed with dementia.  If families plan for an unknown future they will be better prepared to deal with unexpected situations that may arise with a dementia diagnosis.

So What are Hemorrhoids Exactly?

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in your anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids can be internal (on the inside) or external (on the outside).  They can result from straining during a bowel movement, sitting on the toilet for extended periods of time, having chronic diarrhea or constipation, and/or engaging in anal intercourse.  All of these activities affect blood flow to and from the area and cause it to pool and enlarge the vessels resulting in hemorrhoids.  Hemorrhoids can also occur during pregnancy when there is increased pressure on the veins in this area.  Symptoms of hemorrhoids, according to the Mayo Clinic include:  painless bleeding during a bowel movement, itching around your anus, pain or discomfort, swelling around the anus, a lump or bump near your anus that is sensitive to the touch, and/or leakage of feces.

The Home Remedy You Need to Know for Hemorrhoids

The good news is that trying home therapies to treat your hemorrhoids won’t cause you any embarrassment and in most cases will help to resolve your symptoms.   Try the following tips to ease hemorrhoid symptoms:

1. Eat more fiber – fiber helps to soften stools and makes them easier to pass.  This puts less pressure on your hemorrhoids.
2. Drink lots of water – just like fiber, plenty of fluid will help to soften your stools putting less pressure on your hemorrhoids.
3. Soak in a warm bath – soaking in a warm tub for 10 – 15 minutes a day will help to relieve itching, irritation and spasm around the anal area that commonly occurs with hemorrhoids.
4. Use topical creams – applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and ointments that contain a local anesthetic, hydrocortisone and/or witch hazel will help to relieve some of the pain and irritation that you may be experiencing.  However, don’t use topical ointments for more than a week without consulting your doctor.
5. Ice the area – ice applied to the anal region can help to ease swelling.
6. Avoid heavy lifting or straining
7. Take pain killers – if needed, take over-the-counter pain relievers to help ease the pain associated with hemorrhoids.

If these home treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, it may be time to visit your doctor to get more aggressive treatment.

If They Don’t Resolve on Their Own – The Home Treatment for Hemorrhoids

While most hemorrhoids will resolve on their own within a week or two, there may be some people that need to seek additional medical care for pesky hemorrhoids that are sticking around causing unwanted discomfort.  If you have an external hemorrhoid and a clot has developed, a simple procedure to excise the clot may provide immediate relief.

If you have internal hemorrhoids that are causing persistent bleeding or pain your doctor may recommend other, minimally invasive procedures including:

-          Rubber band ligation – involves placing a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid.  This band causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off, usually within a week or so.

-          Injection – involves injecting a chemical solution into the hemorrhoid in an effort to shrink it.

-          Coagulation – this technique uses laser, infrared light or heat and causes small, bleeding internal hemorrhoids to harden and shrivel up.

If these minimally invasive techniques don’t remove your hemorrhoids there are surgical treatment options including a hemorrhoidectomy or hemorrhoid stapling which are more invasive but may be necessary in some cases. In order to determine what treatment option is best for you, speak with your doctor.

When is this Condition an Emergency?

While hemorrhoids can usually be managed with home care and lifestyle changes, there are situations where rectal bleeding could be an emergency situation.  One of the most common symptoms that accompany hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding. However, rectal bleeding can also be a symptom of emergency conditions such as colorectal cancer, anal cancer or colitis. In order to rule out these more serious, emergency conditions, visit your doctor to have a physical exam.

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If you have a noticeable change in bowel habits at the same time as hemorrhoids, such as black, tarry or maroon coloured stools, blood clots or blood mixed in your stool, consult your doctor immediately.  These bowel changes could mean that you have further bleeding in your digestive tract and this may lead to an emergency if the bleeding isn’t found and stopped.  In order to avoid an emergency, if you are concerned at all about your rectal bleeding or hemorrhoid symptoms, seek medical attention to be on the safe side.

There are a couple of things that you need to remember when it comes to hemorrhoids: most of them resolve without invasive treatment and you’re not the only one suffering from them.  It’s time to get over your embarrassment about them and speak up. Chances are someone’s suffering with the same pain as you are, and they’re also afraid to bring up this touchy topic.

Women are especially prone to fractures because their estrogen levels drop during menopause and lowered estrogen accelerates bone loss, making bones more vulnerable to serious injury. Menopause isn’t the only culprit however; a surprising new study revealed that heartburn pills also increase the risk for hip fractures in women. And the stats were no laughing matter, according to the study, which was published in the British Medical Journal, taking heartburn pills can increase a women’s risk for hip fractures by as much as 50 percent!

Heartburn – the Basics

Heartburn, which is also referred to as acid indigestion, is a condition that causes uncomfortable burning sensations in the chest. Although the pain is felt near the heart, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Heartburn is caused by stomach problems that force stomach acids to migrate up into the esophagus, resulting in feelings of warmth and indigestion. The most common treatment for heartburn and acid indigestion is proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) drugs, such as Pepcid and Zantac. These drugs reduce heartburn by lowering acid levels in the stomach. About one-third of all adults experience heartburn and 1 in 20 Americans take heartburn pills regularly.

Heartburn Drugs and Hip Fractures. What is the Connection?

Researchers examined data on 80,000 women who had responded to a U.S. Nurses Health Study. The study examined whether or not women took proton pump inhibitor heartburn drugs (PPIs) and also whether they had suffered any hip fractures. The researchers found that women who took PPIs 3 or more times a week over a 2 year period, had a 35 percent higher incident rate of hip fractures than women who took the drugs less frequently. The longer the women took the heartburn drugs, the higher their hip fracture risk rose.

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Women who also had a history of smoking were affected the most by the use of heartburn drugs, encountering a 50 percent greater risk for hip fractures. On a more positive note, steering clear of heartburn drugs for 2 years or longer, eliminated the added hip fracture risk that taking the meds caused.

“Our data suggests the importance of carefully evaluating the need for long term, continuous use of PPIs, particularly among individuals with a history of smoking,” states lead author Hamed Khalili. “These findings further support the recent decision of the Food and Drug Administration to revise labeling of PPIs to incorporate concerns about a possible increase in risk of fractures with these drugs.

The Explanation on What Causes Hip Fractures

As of yet there is no definitive explanation as to why PPI heartburn drugs increase the risk of hip fractures. However, a common hypothesis is that PPI’s can reduce acid too much, and your stomach needs acid in order to properly absorb the vitamins and minerals that are essential to bone health. In other words, the regular use of PPIs can cause nutritional deficiencies which subsequently leads to bone loss. The bone loss increases the likelihood of otherwise harmless falls to cause serious injuries, such as hip fractures.

Hearing Damage From These Devices…

The amount of hearing damage created from music devices such as iPods depends on both the duration of the listening and the level of the volume. Listening to loud music for sustained amounts of time, damages the tiny hair cells in the inner ear and consequently, impairs your hearing. These cells are not meant to be hit with loud noise for long periods of time, yet 80 percent of people listen to their music devices at dangerously high volumes. According to hearing specialists, the maximum volume on the iPod is 10 times as loud as recommended listening settings and it reaches noise levels that are equivalent to rock concerts.

“Maximum” Volume and Hearing Problems

Turning down the iPod volume is not only important for the habitual user; even casual listeners need to be cautious with iPod volume levels. According to researchers at Harvard Medical School, the University of Colorado and the Fligor/Children’s Hospital Boston, listening to an iPod at full volume for a mere 5 minutes a day (using the iPod stock earphones) is enough to induce hearing loss in the average person. Noise isolator earphones are even worse – and just 3 minutes of listening to music on maximum volume per day with isolator earphones can create hearing problems.

The Damage of Listening to Loud Music – And Why You Need to Be Careful

Unfortunately, the damage caused by listening to loud music devices is irreparable and you have to live with the consequences for the duration of your life. And the damage is no laugh matter either. Since the introduction of the iPod, more than a few children and teenagers have experienced hearing loss that was great enough to necessitate hearing aids. Although these cases are rare, and there were other contributing factors, the hearing problems were considered mainly music-related. The damage caused by loud listening isn’t limited to hearing loss either, prolonged listening to loud music can also lead to ringing in the ears and even hypertension (elevated blood pressure).

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If you are an avid iPod listener, worry not, because it is possible to enjoy the music experience without sacrificing your hearing in the process. People tend to listen to their music much louder in noisy environments, most likely as an attempt to drown out outside noise. Although noise isolator earphones cause the most damage when listened to on max volume, people who use these earphones tend to listen to their music at safer volume levels because the earphones drown out the outside noise for them.

The Earphones Slightly Less Likely to Cause Hearing Problems

In fact, studies show that only about 20 percent of people who use noise isolator earphones, listened to their music at sound levels that are considered risky, in contrast to the 80 percent of people who listen to dangerously loud music with other types of earphones. Earphones that sit over the ears are also considered less risky when it comes to hearing loss.

In addition to purchasing the right kind of earphones, you should utilize the iPod volume control setting which limits the volume output. Also, resist the urge to turn up the volume to more than 70 percent of its maximum output; anything louder and you put your hearing at risk. Finally, take a break from listening every 60 minutes to allow your ears some time to rest and recover.

You may recognize it mainly from its presence in sushi, desserts, or even as a decoration on some popular dishes at your favorite Oriental restaurant, but it has recently been catching on in North America for its perceived health benefits, and is it living up to the hype?

Scientists and health experts say “yes”, as it is considered to have a slew of health benefits that were previously looked over, as most people are just beginning to catch wind of these benefits now.

What is Black Rice – Why is it So Special?

Black rice is considered to be a high fibre and low sugar rice cereal that some health experts are saying could provide the key to maintaining a variety of health benefits that even include cancer prevention and heart health maintenance. One researcher of the rice said that just one spoonful of black rice has loads of powerful antioxidants and vitamins (including vitamin E) and is even said to out pack the punch of blueberries, which is hailed as another high antioxidant superfood. The idea that it is also low in sugar and high in dietary fibre is considered an additional bonus that tips the scale in favor of the traditional Chinese rice.

Not only is black rice considered to be one of the superfoods coming to the forefront of the North American diet, but black rice bran is also said to have equal benefits when it is processed so that the hard coating is removed, distilling it to a powder state which is easy to cook and work with as well, making it an easy and healthy addition to many of your favorite foods.

Why Black Rice is a Powerful Antioxidant

The secret to this lies in how the rice is processed and produced. The outside layers of the rice can be removed to produce  brown rice or refined white rice. What research is suggesting is that the antioxidants from the plant help to act as a binder to potentially harmful molecules. This scientific process within the body can help to protect arteries and prevent damage that could eventually lead to cancer. That makes rice a potentially exciting new discovery on the health front as it could act as a powerful preventative measure against different types of illness, maybe even cancer.

There are many ways that black rice can be utilized, as a cereal for breakfast, it can be incorporated into baked goods such as cake or muffins to add a key source of dietary fibre. The healthy options are endless and black rice is also reasonably cheap to produce which makes it an inexpensive addition to your diets as well.

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Experts in health are also claiming that because of the wide variety of options, and the fact it hasn’t really hit the mainstream until now, as well as the high antioxidant component, makes black rice a potentially healthier option to those who don’t care for the flavor and texture of it’s healthy counterpart: brown rice.

Study findings are preliminary, and should be taken with a “grain” of salt, but the data is still considered promising, hopefully bringing black rice into the light as a fantastic health and superfood option.

The Classes of Prescription Memory Drugs

There are two main classes of medications that aim to enhance brain function and improve memory problems in Alzheimer’s patients. The first are classified as ‘cholinesterase inhibitors,’ (Donepezil, Rivastigmine or Galantamine) and they are approved for the treatment of early to moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms. Oftentimes, elderly patients who show signs of forgetfulness are prescribed cholinesterase inhibitor drugs, even if they don’t demonstrate any other signs of early Alzheimer’s.  Some physicians also prescribe these drugs ‘off-label’ to patients looking to improve their short and long term memory, however there is currently no evidence that these drugs can improve memory and brain function in healthy individuals.

Alzheimer’s Medications – Brain Function at What Cost?

The lackadaisical approach to prescribing these Alzheimer’s medications is disturbing and can result in patients suffering unnecessarily with the negative side-effects that the drugs can produce. Cholinesterase inhibitors often cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and ingestion, and can also cause loss of appetite, joint pain, insomnia, fatigue, heartburn, headaches, and increased bowel movements. Although less common, cholinesterase inhibiters can also cause changes in vision, dizziness, fainting, incontinence and other urinary problems, agitation, confusion, rash, hives, difficulty breathing, slow heartbeat, stomach pain, sweating and uncontrollable bleeding .

The Types of Medication to “Improve” Brain Function

According to a study conducted at McGill University, people on cholinesterase inhibitors were hospitalized for fainting 200% more than those not on the drugs. The increased risk for fainting also means an increased risk for debilitating bone fractures and permanent disability. Patients on these drugs also have twice the likelihood for requiring a pacemaker implant.

The second type of medication that aims to improve memory and brain function in Alzheimer’s patients is Memantine (Nameda). Although the use of Memantine in non-Alzheimer’s patients is not approved by the FDA, physicians sometimes prescribe it to patients looking to improve memory and increase brain function. According to an analysis of multiple studies on Memantine that was published in the Archives of Neurology, Memantine works no better than a placebo when it comes to treating patients who do not have severe Alzheimer’s disease. What’s more, current studies suggest that even those with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease experience little benefit from this drug.

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Although Memantine appears to work no better than a placebo when it comes to enhancing the memory of non-Alzheimer’s patients, it sure does provide the user with some very real side-effects. Extreme tiredness, dizziness, confusion, sleepiness, constipation, coughing, pain throughout the body, and vomiting can all be caused by Memantine. In rare cases, this drug can also cause difficulty breathing, hallucinations, vertigo, a loss of consciousness and even comas.

Preserving Memory and Brain Function

Although the benefits may occasionally outweigh the risks of these drugs when it comes to preserving the brain function of certain Alzheimer’s patients, the drugs should be prescribed with extreme caution. According to Dr. Gill, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care Career Scientist “…the drugs are marketed as helping to preserve memory and improve function…but for a subset of people, the effect appears to be the exact opposite.”  Furthermore, the risks associated with cholinesterase inhibitors and Memantine are too high to justify the use of these drugs by healthy individuals who simply desire better memory capabilities.

50% of Americans Drink Soda and the Toxins Within it…

If you are amongst the 50 percent of Americans that continues to drink soda in spite of its harmful health effects, perhaps the shocking results of a new study released by the American Heart Association (AHA) will convince you to give-up this deadly beverage once and for all.

In order to find out the health effects of drinking sugary soda drinks, Harvard researchers examined 114 national dietary surveys covering more than 60 percent of the world’s population. According to Rachel Johnson, chair of the American Heart Association’s Nutrition Committee, “The investigators examined changes in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and then its association with change in body fatness or BMI (body mass index), and subsequent deaths from cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.”

The Obesity Related Related Deaths from Soda

The results of the Harvard study, which were published by the AHA were appalling. The researchers found that sugar-sweetened soda beverages are linked to over 180,000 obesity-related deaths each and every year. In addition, the countries that consume higher amounts of soda, also have more diabetes, heart disease and cancer-related deaths, suggesting that soda itself, increases the risk for these deadly diseases. The study also found that sugary soda drinks are linked to about 25,000 diabetes and obesity related deaths per year in America alone.

Empty Calories and Toxins in Soda

Although the numbers were shocking, the fact that soda increases the risk of death comes as no surprise to health professionals. Sugar-sweetened soda pops are full of empty calories and they are the single biggest source of calories in the American diet. Sugar-sweetened sodas also contain about 10 teaspoons of sugar per can. The high amounts of empty calories and sugar in soda vastly increases the risk of weight gain amongst soda pop drinkers. In fact, just one can of soda per day can result in 15 pounds of weight gain in a single year.  The weight gain that soda consumption causes, increases the risk for diabetes, heart attacks, stroke and cancer—all of which increases the risk of death.

Sugar and Common Toxins in Soda Should Alarm You

Sugar is not the only harmful substance in soda either; most sodas contain a number of additional ingredients that act as toxins in the body. Some commonly found toxins in soda include food coloring which is linked to attention deficit disorders, 4-methylimidazole which may increase the risk for cancer, and carbon dioxide which can kill healthy cells in the body. Many sodas also contain toxins in the form of preservatives, such as sulfur dioxide and sodium benzoate.

These toxic preservatives have been linked to asthma, hyperactivity, rashes, shock, fainting and comas. Most sodas also contain toxins in the form of caffeine. Too much caffeine weakens you adrenal glands, and can lead to a plethora of troublesome side-effects including insomnia, nervousness, nausea, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, depression, stomach ulcers and even death.

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In view of these facts, the continued high consumption of soda should be considered a national health emergency. The Food and Drug Association (FDA) and Health Canada need to treat this health emergency with the seriousness that it deserves. Soda pop should be banned in all schools, and national anti-soda campaigns (similar to those to reduce smoking and drugs) should be launched.

Hot yoga, or “Bikram” yoga hit the mainstream with vigor and enthusiasm, and with more and more people signing up to classes and partaking in hot yoga, medical professionals, and even yoga providers are issuing some stern warnings that the act of Bikram yoga could potentially be a dangerous activity if not done properly, effectively and under the strict supervision of someone very much in the know.

Why is This Fitness Activity Considered So Dangerous?

It’s trendy, but is it safe? Everyday thousands upon thousands of eager people sign up for hot yoga classes with high hopes of losing unwanted pounds, or relaxing, or allowing for the potential of better mobility or even to gain strength. But medical professionals are becoming increasingly concerned that as people bend themselves into odd contortions at such intense and high levels of heat, the activity could quickly turn dangerous.

What Happens to Your Body During Yoga Fitness and Hot Yoga?

The main point of contention with hot yoga that is making medical and fitness professionals start to take notice is the idea that at a high level of heat many different things begin to happen to the body that could lead to injury or other issues. For one thing, heat increases the metabolic rate of the participating individual, letting your body stretch itself in ways that wouldn’t be as likely or possible when the muscles aren’t “warmed up” to those levels of intense heat.

In fact, research shows that once you stretch a muscle past a certain point (about 20% of its resting point) you run a high risk of damage to the muscle, which can cause tears and stretches resulting in high levels of pain after the work out is completed and the muscle cools off again.

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Most of the damage and injuries that occur as a result of hot yoga happen because of bent muscles in the lower back and knees of those who take part, and both sets of injuries can have a long and painful recovery process. Healthcare practitioners are fitness experts say that muscles are not meant to bend to that degree, for that long, or at such high levels of artificial heat. Doctors are now warning that people get properly informed of the risks and dangers associated with hot yoga before signing up to their next class, or at the very least, start slow, be aware of your level of expertise, and stretch only to a point where you begin to feel resistance, keeping in mind it should never be uncomfortable to push yourself.

Why Dehydration is Also a Concern

Another issue that has health professionals concerned, is the fact that a lot of times, hot yoga, and fitness of this nature tends to happen at such high degrees of heat for such an extended period of time that the body becomes dehydrated. Something that might seem obvious, but  many don’t consider as they are too preoccupied with the work out – cool down process, that they forget to properly hydrate before, during, or after the hot yoga workout.

The Hot Yoga Rule of Thumb

Knowing your bodies limitations and staying as hydrated as possible during the hot yoga workout is of key importance. Knowing your skill level, and paying attention to any signal that your body is resisting the workout or any of the poses becomes the difference between comfortable and pleasant experience in while working out, and having a painful and long muscle recovery after the fact.

Radiation and Dangers to the Heart – Really Not So Hard to Believe

As most women know, when it comes to the treatment of breast cancer, treatment options come with certain risk factors. But what many women might not have been aware of, and up until recently researchers were oblivious to the idea of heart damage, as well. The risk factors might be slight, but are being brought to the forefront nonetheless.

Shocking Statistics on Breast Cancer Mean Women Need to Pay Attention

The breast cancer numbers are staggering – in fact, about one out of every eight women will be diagnosed with this type of cancer in her lifetime. And as is common knowledge, radiation tends to be the most popular go-to treatment option for breast cancer as it has traditionally has been an aggressive, and successfully proven method of dealing with cancer of the breast.

Radiation, as a rule tends to cause a type of damage to the inner lining of the vessels of the breast that trigger off the process of inflammation. This is a concern to cancer researchers and healthcare professionals because of the fact that this inflammation becomes the precursor to potential problems down the road. So attacking one problem, could potentially lead to triggering a whole other set of issues.

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One study that appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms that inflammation as a result of radiation is a real cause for concern in this population of women. The researchers looks at data that went back all the way to 1958 and notices some scary trends. The authors of the study confirmed something that was long suspected, but this time confirmed….the risk of developing heart disease as a result of radiation (or the inflammation caused by said radiation) was somewhat low, but still made the scale enough that women need to be made well aware of the risks.

Radiation as a Breast Cancer Treatment Option?

Healthcare practitioners tend to use the rule of thumb that less is more when it comes to radiation, and the standard is in place that while beneficial to the breast cancer patient, using a small amount of radiation is better. However, the authors of this study found a small glitch in even the plans to use small amounts of radiation treatment. When it comes to cancer of the left breast, which is closer to the heart, the risk of inflammation leading to heart problems becomes a very real threat. And one that women should be well educated on, as they consider their options for cancer treatment.

For decades research has supported the thought that liver health depends largely on lifestyle.  Whether we eat a healthy diet, participate in regular exercise, get enough fresh air, and avoid unhealthy vices, can determine the long-term outcome of our liver function.

Poor Liver Function and Food Choices

Since our liver acts as a filter, there are many things that can impact it. Some lifestyle choices can be more harmful than others though.

Gastrointestinal specialists say the standard American diet is not very good for the liver. Fast food is a no-no. A recent U.S study shows that fast food consumption can lead to a condition called, “fatty liver”. The research demonstrates that after just 4 weeks of consistently eating fast food, there are big changes in the liver; changes that resemble hepatitis and can lead to liver failure. Eating foods that are rich in flavonoids, iron, magnesium, selenium and B-vitamins is a way to ensure good liver health.

These nutrients can help your liver detoxify your body.  Consuming more fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds and nuts can help us to achieve better liver function. Foods rich in antioxidants such as, broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts can help stop free radicals and help detoxify the body.

What the Research on Liver Function Says

Over the last few years more research says that carbohydrates are killing us. Too many carbs are causing fatty build-up in the liver of thousands of Americans and this can lead to liver dysfunction. According to a study by UT Southwestern Medical Center, cutting carbohydrates is more effective in reducing fat in the liver than reducing calories. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition did point out that if your doctor tells you that you should do something about fatty build-up in your liver, you can reverse some of the damage within a month by changing your eating habits. The key is to catch the problem.

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One of the leading causes of liver failure in both the United States and the United Kingdom is drug induced liver problems. Drug induced liver injury is caused by either physician prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, illegal drugs, over-use of vitamins and herbs or even environmental toxins. Long term use of medications when closely monitored by a doctor shouldn’t cause problems, but when directions are not followed properly serious problems can arise.  Misuse of acetaminophen is one of the biggest causes of drug induced liver injury in the U.S.

Liver Health and What You Drink

What you drink is important to your liver health as well. We all know that too much alcohol can have a serious affect on the liver. Close to 30 thousand Americans die every year from cirrhosis of the liver. It is either caused by alcohol or hepatitis C.  There is no cure, except is some cases people have the option of getting a liver transplant. The average liver can handle moderate alcohol consumption, but studies show that 50 per cent of excessive drinkers experience some or all of the symptoms associated with alcohol induced liver damage. Those symptoms include:

• Fat deposits in liver
• Discoloration of skin
• Swelling of abdomen
• Inflammation of liver tissue
• Abdominal pain

What you combine with drinking can also impact your liver. For instance, you may not be a heavy drinker, but you should never take acetaminophen with alcohol. Some research indicates that the two combined can destroy liver cells.

Obvious Signs of Anxiety

Job loss, a death of a family member or close friend, illness, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect are obvious triggers for stress. Psychologists say that there are many more stressors that women don’t seem to recognize right away. Common feelings of fatigue, headaches, forgetfulness and depression are often fluffed off by women. They believe they are signs of weakness when in fact it could be hidden stressors that are causing these symptoms.

The Sources of Stress are Individual

What is stressful to one person may not be stressful to someone else. Furthermore, studies show that even low amounts of anxiety over a long period of time can be harmful. It is mainly because we are often not aware of the stressors. Doctors warn that these factors are slowly chomping away at our health. Figuring out what our own hidden stress triggers are can allow us to cope better so we can take care of ourselves. Here are some examples of daily hidden stressors; triggers for anxiety and depression:

• Unrealistic expectations of yourself or family members
• Inability to accept that we can’t control everything
• Poor communication with family, friends or co-workers
• Fast-paced lifestyle
• Changes at work
• Pressure to look a certain way
• Daily commutes
• Daily chores

Determining our hidden sources of stress can help us figure out if daily habits are affecting our emotional health. Stress is individual so only you can determine what the source of anxiety really is and only you can eliminate or diminish that level of anxiety.

Knowing the Signs of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

The first step is knowing the signs of stress. Sometimes they can be hidden as well. For instance stress often causes people to lose their appetite; however, studies show that there are also many cases where depression and anxiety causes people to crave certain foods like chocolate or junk foods. There is also some scientific evidence that suggests when certain people get stressed out they lose their hair. According to dermatologists people with sensitive skin tend to experience conditions like eczema when they are depressed or feeling extra stress. Irregular periods can be another sign that a woman is stressed out.

How to Lower Stress in Your Life

Most psychologists will suggest getting plenty of rest and practicing relaxation exercises to deal with the obvious stressors in your life. If you think you might have sources of stress that are not obvious then consider the following:

• Become more aware of your expectations and adjust them so they are more realistic.
• Accept that there are some things in life that you just can’t change
• Work on improving communication with the people around you
• Pay close attention to the habits that could cause stress in your life

If you are struggling with stress don’t be afraid to seek help. After all there is no shame in it. According to the American Psychology Association 47 per cent of Americans say they are concerned about the amount of stress in their lives and 20 per cent are seeing a mental health professional to help them relieve the anxiety.

Death Wish Coffee is one of the newest turbo-charged caffeinated beverages to hit the market, made from a coffee bean that contains almost 200% more caffeine than the typical brew. Makers of this new super-bean coffee flaunt its high quality processing, fair trade practices and organic certification, lauding it as the ultimate solution to consumers’ most popular demand – “give me your strongest coffee!” And while they cleverly poke fun at themselves for being “a responsible coffee company with an irresponsible product,” it’s vital that the public realize the truth behind the jest – this new drink can cause real harm to your health, and true to its word, can even be deadly.

The Truth Behind the Tongue-in-Cheek Marketing

Studies have linked a moderate intake of caffeine to a variety of health benefits, but too much caffeine can be extremely harmful to your health. Despite this fact, companies concerned more about money than the health of their consumers are selling products that contain dangerously high levels of caffeine. People falsely assume that these products are safe, relying on governing bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada to ban products that are unsafe. But this assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. Caffeine is a drug, and if you value your health, you will avoid highly caffeinated products at all costs.

According to the company, “Death Wish Coffee is the most highly caffeinated premium dark roast organic coffee in the world. This is Extreme Coffee, not for the weak…many sleepless nights will result from this coffee…consider yourself warned.” Most people reading this would pass off the statements as silly marketing gimmicks and not take them seriously; but make no mistake: these statements should be taken literally.

Short-term Consequences of Excessive Caffeine Intake

Too much caffeine often leads to immediate side-effects and can make you feel jittery, shaky, restless and anxious. Symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, headaches, rapid heartbeat, depression, dizziness, irritability, insomnia and mood swings are also common amongst heavy caffeine drinkers. To make matters worse, while caffeine is commonly used to “stay alert” during work time or other stressful situations, it actually causes stress to be physiologically intensified. Finally, too much caffeine ruins your ability to concentrate, so if you’re consuming highly caffeinated beverages to get through your workday, it will likely backfire.

Your Body on Caffeine

Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system and the effects can last up to 6 hours. When you consume caffeine, your brain sends out signals to your pituitary gland (a gland responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body), which are interpreted as an emergency. The pituitary gland then sends a signal to your adrenal glands that there is an emergency, and your adrenal glands respond by pumping out stress hormones. In effect, drinking caffeine makes your body react the same way as it would to an actual threat, like a car accident. Unfortunately, the more caffeine you drink, the more worn-out your adrenal glands get. This leads to escalating fatigue levels, which causes you to consume more caffeine. Ultimately, excessive caffeine intake creates a viscous and addictive cycle that eventually deteriorates your health.

Still Not Convinced?

Turbo-charged caffeinated beverages can not only lead to immediate side-effects and adrenal gland exhaustion; rather, they can also cause gastrointestinal issues such as stomach ulcers and heart burn; they can raise your blood pressure and cholesterol levels; and they can increase your risk for heart disease. And if you’re still not willing to give up your favorite ‘upper’, then consider the fact that continuing to consume caffeine in such concentrated amounts could actually be a matter of life or death. Caffeine overdoses can cause heart attacks, convulsions, spontaneous abortions and seizures, and the FDA has received many filings connecting caffeinated energy drinks to fatalities. The scary thing is that consuming just 900 mg of caffeine is enough to cause an overdose with these potentially fatal side-effects. To put this into perspective, a cup of Death Wish Coffee contains approximately 520 mg of caffeine, heavily exceeding the daily allowable caffeine intake by Health Canada, making just 2 cups enough to be fatal.

My Advice to You

There is absolutely no reason that anyone should require such an extreme concentration of caffeine to get through their day. If you find that you are regularly suffering from bouts of fatigue, speak to your doctor and work on incorporating some lifestyle changes that can strengthen your adrenals glands, rather than weakening them further and making them drug dependent. Incorporating more nutritious foods, regular eating habits, and routine exercise into your day can provide you with a more natural and self-sustaining source of energy, which is safe and effective.

To be clear, an occasional coffee is not an issue. As with most other things in life, moderation is the key. But in the case of super-charged caffeinated beverages, more isn’t better; in fact, Death Wish Coffee is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

So How Exactly Does Digestion Work?

Our bodies break down the food we eat and use the nutrients as fuel. Once energy is taken from the food through digestion and metabolism, the remainder is removed through the bowel.

When we chew food gastric juices help release the nutrients. Once we swallow, the food is pumped from the stomach into the small intestine where it gets flooded with fluid and enzymes from both the liver and pancreas. These chemicals help break up the molecules from the food into small pieces. The smallest of nutrients are absorbed while the largest make their way to the large intestine where they become fecal matter. The system can break down when it is abused though. Evidence shows that highly processed foods, as well as our stressful lifestyles can disrupt the enzymes that make digestion easy. This makes digestion harder, our bodies are then robbed of energy and nutrition…the end result is a host of health problems.

Digestive Problems – A Long List of Complications

The National Institutes of Health estimates that somewhere between 60 and 70 million Americans suffer from digestive problems. Back in 2004 just over 200 thousand deaths in the U.S were associated with digestive problems. Digestive problems include abdominal wall hernias, chronic constipation, gallstones, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, GI infections, colitis, irritable bowel, peptic ulcers…and the list goes on.

Research shows that digestive problems are not confined to the above ailments. Digestion can impact many aspects of our health including our hormones, our auto immune system and even our chances of getting cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute about 25 percent of all cancers are GI related. Examples include colon, rectum, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and liver.

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There are over 80 different auto immune disorders. Studies show many genetic predispositions to auto immune diseases are kept under control thanks to diet, lifestyle and the elimination of stress; all factors that are also connected to digestion.

North Americans are no strangers to bacterial digestive infections. It could be as simple as consuming tainted food or water. Commonly, it occurs if meat is not cooked properly.  Doctor Daniel Kalish has conducted extensive research on digestive problems and has said what many people don’t realize is that chronic digestive infections over active the stress hormone system. As a result fat burning slows down and fatigue and depression set in.

How to Achieve Healthy Digestion and Natural Wellness

Most people don’t think much about it, but taking time to chew food thoroughly is a very important step to healthy digestion. Additionally, before even putting anything inside the mouth we have to consider diet.  Foods that are high in fiber are highly recommended. They not only help regulate bowels, they are known to assist in lowering cholesterol and controlling blood sugar levels. Including a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables in our diet is a good way to avoid digestive problems. For more digestive health tips you can follow the link below to the American College of Gastroenterology http://patients.gi.org/topics/digestive-health-tips/.

Two of the biggest bone health issues facing American adults are Osteoporosis and Infectious Arthritis.  About 10 million people in the United States are currently suffering from osteoporosis, a bone disease that is known for leading to fractures in hips, wrists and even the spine.

Infectious Arthritis, also referred to as Septic Arthritis, is an inflammation of one or more joints that is brought on by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. It is estimated that around 20 thousand cases of infectious arthritis; characterized by debilitating joint pain, occur in the U.S each year. Add to this the fact that one in 5 Americans suffer from some other form of Arthritis and it seems like there are more people suffering from joint pain than not.

Treating Joint Pain and Inflammation

To treat joint pain and inflammation doctors prescribe over-the-counter medications or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, especially in cases where the joint pain includes inflammation. For osteoporosis, Bisophophonates; a class of medication that slows bone breakdown is often used.  Hormone- like medication is also recommended for women with the disease. While these drugs seem to help certain people, many medical professionals say it isn’t enough.

Natural Ways to Support Bones

More doctors say good nutrition, along with supplementation and regular exercise are keys to better bone health. They suggest that lifestyle changes can both prevent and treat bone problems.

One study that has received a lot of attention was conducted at the University of Illinois in 2011. It showed that adults who increased their intake of calcium and vitamin D increased their bone mineral density and significantly reduced their risk of hip fracture. The scientists said some prescription drugs help build bone in one area of the body and increase fractures in another section of the body.

Diets for Bone Health -  Don’t Just Look to Calcium…

They added other medications build new bone on top of old bone, so your old bone may be thicker, but not necessarily structurally sound. It has been suggested by scientists that supplements and foods high in calcium and vitamin D are therefore good options for bone strength.

For years medical experts thought calcium was the magic answer to all our bone health concerns; however, in recent years more studies have shown that we need sufficient vitamin D to help us absorb the calcium properly. More foods are now fortified with calcium and vitamin D making it a little easier to include in our diets. Below are some examples:

• Soy milk
• Orange juice
• Yogurt
• Crackers
• Cereals
• Bread
• Breakfast bars

Although the debate rages on, several studies demonstrate that alkaline diets are good for bone health. An alkaline diet is dominated by fruits and vegetables, as opposed to proteins and grains.

Exercising Joint Pain Away

Exercise is also considered a natural bone-building method. Research shows that regular exercise helps increase bone density. It also builds balance and flexibility to prevent falls.  Even light exercise such as walking is beneficial. A study recently published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal states that physical exercise in women who are pre-menopausal can significantly reduce sclerostin, which is known for slowing bone formation. It was determined that women who took part in more than 2 hours of exercise per week had much lower levels of serum sclerostin.

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Our bones give us more than structure…they allow us to sit, stand, walk and play. Bones also protect our vital organs and soft tissue from the damaging elements of the outside world. The inside of our bones are filled with bone marrow, which is where red blood cells are made. Clearly, we need to take care of our bones if we want to lead an active, comfortable life.

However, the role of liver cancer screening is this population has not been previously established.  A study from Denmark, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, finds that the value of liver cancer screening in patients that have alcoholic cirrhosis is not only unlikely to reduce the risk of death from cancer, it is also unlikely to be cost-effective.

Alcohol and Cirrhosis of the Liver

Years of heavy drinking can lead to inflammation of the liver and can eventually lead to scarring and cirrhosis of the liver. The scarring and cirrhosis replaces healthy tissue in the liver and the liver is unable to work properly. The damage caused by cirrhosis is irreversible and is permanent and will ultimately lead to liver failure.

While cirrhosis of the liver doesn’t occur in all heavy drinkers, the risk increases the longer a person drinks and with increased consumption of alcohol.  Symptoms of alcoholic liver disease (including cirrhosis) according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, include: abdominal pain and swelling, decreased appetite and weight loss, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, dry mouth, increased thirst, yellowish skin and eyes, red veins of the skin, very dark or very pale skin, redness of the hands and feet, itching, difficulty thinking and remembering, mood changes, fainting, light headedness, and numbness in the hands and feet.

Danish Study of Liver Cancer Screening in Alcoholic Cirrhosis Patients

Dr. Peter Jepsen and his colleagues examined a nationwide Danish registry of 8, 482 patients that were admitted to the hospital with a first time diagnosis of alcoholic liver cirrhosis between 1993 and 2005.  They found that 169 of these patients developed liver cancer and 5,734 died.  Of the individuals that died, 151 had liver cancer.  The found that the incidence of liver cancer and the death rate from liver cancer was not greater in those that had alcoholic liver cirrhosis compared to those in the general population.  They concluded that individuals with alcoholic liver cirrhosis have a low risk of liver cancer and that death from liver cancer has little impact on this particular population.  The researchers go on to suggest that liver cancer screening in this population would have a minimal effect on death rates and would likely not be cost-effective.

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The researchers note that there are limitations to their study including that the diagnoses were made by hospital physicians and they did not use a set criteria.  Additionally, the data used was from a registry and therefore all care that patients may have received, including possible liver cancer screening, was not accessible.   They suggest that further, randomized controlled studies may find differing results, but that they based their conclusions on the data that was available.

Implications for the Future of Liver Cancer

The findings from this research suggests that putting patients that have alcoholic liver cirrhosis through various liver cancer screening tests including blood work, ultrasounds and possibly more advanced imaging techniques may not be the most beneficial or cost-effective strategy.  It would be more beneficial and cost effective to treat this population by offering them tools to help them abstain from alcohol, helping them to improve their nutrition and offering them counselling if necessary.

His story may be an eye opener into how patients suffering from digestive problems, in particular Crohn’s disease, can lead a relatively normal life free of stomach and other gastrointestinal problems that are often debilitating and disruptive to normal life.

First Off – What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which usually affects individuals aged 15-35.  The intestines are usually affected, but the disease can affect anywhere from the mouth to the anus. The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown but it is a type of autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks and destroys healthy tissues.  This leads to chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to all of the unpleasant symptoms that accompany the disease.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease – It’s Not Just Digestive Problems

There are many symptoms of Crohn’s disease, according to the Mayo Clinic, including: diarrhea, abdominal pain and stomach cramping, bloody stools, ulcers, decreased appetite and weight loss. When Crohn’s disease is advanced, there may be additional symptoms including: fever, fatigue, inflammation of the eyes, skin disorders, mouth sores, liver and/or bile duct inflammation and delayed growth or sexual development (in children).

Risk Factors for Crohn’s Disease

While the exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, there are a number of factors that seem to be associated with the disease according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, including: genetics and family history of the disease, environmental factors, smoking and the tendency of the body to over-react to normal bacteria in the intestines.

Ari Meisel’s Solution to ‘Curing’ His Crohn’s Disease

According to www.foxnews.com,  Ari Meisel was taking 16 pills a day to manage his Crohn’s disease. However, he also admitted that he was smoking a pack of cigarettes per day and consuming fast food.  Meisel reported that he was hospitalized for a bowel obstruction which led to an incredibly bad night in the hospital where he stated that he didn’t think he was going to make it through the night.  It was because of this experience, that Meisel decided that it was time to make changes to his diet and lifestyle.

It started with quitting smoking and eating a vegan diet for one month back in 2008. Slowly, he added small amounts of dairy back into his diet and became a vegetarian for six months.  At this time he also started practicing yoga and started taking part in triathlons as a way to deal with his stress.  At the end of the six month period he added fish back into his diet as well as some supplements such as krill oil, garlic, cat’s claw and probiotics. With all of the changes that he was making to his diet and lifestyle, he started feeling better and made the decision to wean himself off of his medications (these medications included high dose steroids and mercaptopurine -6MP).

Before doing this, he spoke with his doctor, Dr. Bart Kummer about his plan to stop taking his medication and although Dr. Kummer was hesitant, he respected Meisel’s decision.  Meisel was to inform Dr. Kummer when he felt bad and had to maintain regular visits to monitor the disease.  After all of the diet and lifestyle changes and after stopping all medication, Meisel and Dr. Kummer agree that Meisel’s Crohn’s disease is in remission, for the time-being.

What is Responsible for the Remission of Crohn’s Disease?

While Meisel and Dr. Kummer agree that Meisel Crohn’s disease is in remission, there are slight differences in their opinions as to why this occurred.  Dr. Kummer believes that it was the 6MP medication that is responsible for Meisel’s remission.  He states that Meisel took the 6MP for a long time, felt good, stopped taking it and continued to feel good; but that this was a mechanism of the medication.   However, Meisel feels that changes to his lifestyle also had a positive impact. Whether or not Meisel’s Crohn’s disease will flare up again and if he’ll need medication again is up in the air.  Dr. Kummer states that if an individual goes into remission for over a year, they have an 80% chance of going a long time without a flare up.  However, two thirds of patients do have recurrences so it is possible that Meisel will need treatment in the future.   However, Meisel states that he’s “cured” of Crohn’s disease because the disease will never hold him hostage again because he knows how to deal with it now.

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Ari Meisel’s story is a positive one that shows that the symptoms, including digestive problems and stomach issues, can be managed (not cured) with diet and lifestyle changes.  However, it is important to remember that Meisel made all of these changes under the supervision of a medical professional.  If you suffer from Crohn’s disease, it is beneficial to make healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle. But before you consider stopping your medication, speak to your doctor to avoid serious complications. And remember, Crohn’s disease is a life-long, chronic disease that is incurable

As such, many people assume that UTI’s are more of a younger woman’s problem, however this assumption is false. The sad truth is that there is no such thing as outgrowing UTI’s and post-menopausal women actually have a higher risk then pre-menopausal woman for developing them.

Reason #1 – Urinary Tract Infections

A reduction in the hormone estrogen is the primary reason why post-menopausal women have an increased susceptibility to UTI’s. This is because urinary tract infections develop when unhealthy bacteria such as E. coli grow in the bladder. Normally, the healthy bacteria – lactobacilli prevent urinary health problems by stopping the growth of these unhealthy bacteria and estrogen encourages a robust level of lactobacilli. However, estrogen levels drop after menopause, which can also mean a drop in lactobacilli and consequently, an increased susceptibility to bacterial-related bladder problems such as UTI’s.

Reason #2 – Urinary Tract Infections

Physical changes in the vaginal wall are also responsible for the increased susceptibility to UTI’s experienced amongst post-menopausal women. More specifically, the reduction in estrogen post-menopause causes the lining of the vagina to get thinner, which makes it easier for unhealthy bacteria to multiply. The vaginal fluid also becomes less acidic, which is problematic because acid kills harmful bacteria and unhealthy bacteria thrive in alkaline environments. The reduction of estrogen can also prevent the bladder from emptying completely, and any bacteria that are in the urine will then remain in the bladder, increasing the likelihood for developing bacterial-induced bladder problems such as UTI’s. Other things that increase the risk for urinary tract infections in elderly women include dehydration, a lowered immune system, kidney problems, immobilization and catheterization.

Is There a Medical Solution for Urinary Tract Infections?

Since the primary underlying cause of increased urinary tract infections in older women is lower estrogen levels, the obvious solution is to increase estrogen. If you are a post-menopausal women who frequently experiences UTI’s you may benefit from supplements or medications that boost estrogen and you should talk to your healthcare practitioner about the appropriate therapy for you. There are also vaginal estrogen creams and rings that may help to prevent the thinning of the vaginal wall and to keep the vaginal wall acidic.[x] A few lifestyle changes can help too. Start by avoiding tight-fitting pants, wearing cotton-crotch underwear and cleaning the genital area from front to back with soap after every bowl movement. Also, take showers as opposed to baths, and avoid feminine hygiene products, powders and douches.

What About a UTI Dietary Solution?

Drink plenty of water in order to ensure that the bladder is flushed out frequently. Be sure to reduce your intake of sugar and processed food because they encourage the proliferation of the harmful bacteria that can contribute to UTI’s. You should also repopulate your body with healthy bacteria by consuming probiotic foods such an unsweetened yoghurt and kefir.

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You may also be able to boost estrogen levels and thereby reduce the risk for UTI’s by increasing your intake of foods that are high phytoestrogens (a naturally occurring form of estrogen). Some of the richest sources of phytoestrogens include soy, flaxseeds, sprouts, alfalfa, sesame seeds, beans, peas and yams

Other Studies on Infections Were Gently Tied to Memory Loss

This certainly isn’t the first study on the subject. There has been research done in the past that linked the sometimes unsightly herpes virus/infection with a potentially heightened risk for Alzheimer’s disease. What makes this newer study rather interesting is the idea that there are more specific factors associated with the link between cold sores and the risk for impaired cognitive function, which includes loss of memory.

What the Infection/Cold Sore Virus Entailed

The researchers of the study delved in over 1600 adults in their later years, in and around 70 years old  and blood tests were done looking for an idea of prior infections of blood for evidence of previous herpes simplex type 2 (also commonly known as a genital herpes infection), chlamydia pneumonia and the most common type of herpes virus (called cytomegalovirus). What researchers noticed was shocking. They saw that these specific infections put people in the direct line of fire for a heightened risk of stroke.

What a Heightened Infection Risk Means for Memory Loss

The researchers looking at the information also provided a test to the elderly participants, which took into account the “cognitive abilities” which naturally included, attention to detail, memory capabilities and general skills with language.

The results of this research found that of the elderly participants of the study, they noticed that the higher the chance of infection, there was a considerably higher risk they would perform much below average on the tests which included the test for memory loss and cognitive capability.

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These adults had a 25% higher chance of symptoms that included memory loss and were the most noticeable within the female participants of the research study with low levels of physical exercise.

What Happens to the Body to Make Infections and Memory Loss Connect?

The science is complex, but if you break it down into layman’s terms, researchers say that what happens within the body is actually somewhat simple. When the body has an infection take over, it can increase levels of general inflammation within the body, which is what aids in the decline of cognitive ability, and can lead to memory loss. Further studies are in the works to be conducted, as experts say this could be considered good news, and at least realizing the link between memory loss and cold sores can mean there is one part of cognitive decline that is potentially treatable, which could lower the risk across the board.

How well do women handle the aging process as opposed to men? And does that have a benefit when it comes to the idea of getting older and living longer? While there has been much discussion on life expectancy, and the reasons behind why women live longer, there hasn’t been too much discussion on who handles the whole thought process of getting older better.

The Surprising Reveal – Women Win the ‘Getting Older’ Battle in More Than One Way!

It appears that studies are not only showing women have a longer life expectancy, but also that they tend to live up to the theory of aging more “gracefully” as well. Part of this thought process could be because women have traditionally been more self aware when it came to dealing with personal matters, making them more likely to live longer, as they have a better understanding of what is going on with their body, mind and health. Women appear to not only have this in their corner, but they also have an easier time securing the proper resources and support systems required for a long and happy life.

Women Deal With Emotional Stress and Anxiety Better Than Men, Too…

One study published its results in Psychology Today, makes mention of the fact that women’s lives appear to get better as they age, while men stay the same, or take a slight downward spiral in terms of quality of life. Women win again in the area of overall mental wellness, having significantly lower instances of depression, anxiety and suicide.

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The reasons for this aren’t too far-fetched either. Alongside women’s ability to deal with matters of an emotional nature in a more calm way, the self awareness they possess only helps when it comes to properly handling their emotional situations. Women possess qualities like patience and the ability to listen, qualities that are seen in their male counterparts, but not with the frequency that women do.

Why Do Men Fall Short in Areas of Stress and Anxiety Maintenance?

Study authors across the board are quick to note that all men aren’t affected in the same way, and there are men who possess these qualities, but when it came to aging, and older adults and their views of getting older, men were much less likely to put coping mechanisms into place to deal with complex life challenges than women. This allowed women to move past them on many fronts including longevity, attitude towards getting older and overall emotional health (stress and anxiety management)

Where Do Women Get This Strength to Cope With Aging?

Experts show that the universal answer to this question is pretty simple. Women over 50 years old especially tend to find their strength to face the day and take on getting older from within, not from material possessions and beauty as was previously considered. As the idea of the mature woman comes more to fruition, so does the idea that women are placing a certain emphasis on emotional maturity as well.

Top Deadly Food in the Market

The Bellagio Report is a compilation of information gathered from a meeting attended by various nutrition groups in the United States and Europe, as well as members agencies of the United Nations, such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).  This meeting focused on identifying the most current research findings relating to good health.  The attendees were mostly concerned about food schemes that may promote good health, as well as identifying common deadly foods in the market.  After identifying and discussing these deadly foods, the international meeting then translated all the gather information into intervention schemes that would decrease the chances of consumers needing emergency medical treatment based on the effects of these harmful food items.

Deadly Food to Watch For – Sugar

One of the major deadly foods identified in the Bellagio Report is sugar, in the form of fructose.  Fructose is more commonly known as the sugar naturally present in fruits and vegetables. There are currently a growing number of reports concerning fructose intake, including the increased risk of developing fatty liver, which may eventually lead to liver cirrhosis.  Fructose from fruits has also been associated with elevated triglyceride levels in blood, which may result in various cardiovascular diseases, as well as insulin resistance, which may lead to diabetes.  Fructose has also been linked to increased appetite, resulting in obesity.  Although these outcomes are not considered as emergency medical conditions, these effects may influence the incidence of disease in society, equal to the effects of smoking and drinking.

How Added Sugar is a Threat to Good Health …and Your Diets

Added sugar is another harmful food item identified in the Bellagio report; added sugar is often used by food manufacturers in the production of common products such as cereal, sodas, cookies, and snacks.  This food item has long been considered to influence elevated caloric intake, often resulting in the development of cardiovascular and liver diseases, and increase the risk for obesity and diabetes. The Bellagio meeting recommends that the consumption of added sugars may cause emergency and non-emergency medical issues in children, since this specific age group consumes more of these types of food items, including sodas and high-energy drinks.  To maintain good health, the meeting concluded that not more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar be consumed each day.

A Threat to Good Health and Your Diets

Another group of harmful food items identified at the meeting involve those containing omega-6 fatty acids, which are commonly found in corn oil and sunflower oils used in cooking.  The Bellagio meeting discussed that these items may cause non-emergency yet severe medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, as well as breast and prostate cancer.  The Bellagio consortium is recommending that olive oil and hazelnut oil be used instead for cooking meals to promote good health.

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The recent Bellagio report provides an extensive review of the most common food items that may be harmful to human health.  The meeting has identified specific common products that we earlier considered as safe and healthy.  Based on the information gathered from this meeting, it may be possible to reduce the occurrence of emergency and non-emergency medical conditions and improve our general health

Scientists and researchers have been aggressively conducting investigations on methods for early detection of cancer, as well as identifying effective drugs that may prevent the abnormal cell division and spread of cancer cells throughout the body.

The Association Between Heart Health and Cancer Risk

A recent medical report published in the journal Future Oncology discussed the association between heart health and cancer risk and treatment outcomes.  For decades, heart health has been considered as a separate medical entity from cancer.  However, the authors of the recent medical report has shown that maintaining good heart health may actually decrease the chances of developing cancer by producing essential proteins that prevent the abnormal cell division of cells in specific organs of the body.

Monitoring Heart Health Becomes Increasingly Important

For example, the cells of the heart, called cardiomyocytes, produce chemicals called cytokines when an initial damage to the heart occurs.  It is possible to assess heart health on a regular basis to monitor the level of cytokines in an individual; a low cytokine level will indicate that no damages currently occur in the body.  On the other hand, an individual with cellular or tissue damage in a specific organ will generally show a higher level of cytokines in the blood and this will suggest that the person requires medical treatment for a specific disease, including that of cancer.

Watching the Heart Carefully During Treatment

The report also discussed that monitoring various chemicals produced by the heart during treatment of cancer patients allows them to measure the response of the patient to chemotherapeutic drugs.  A high level of heart-specific biomarkers may indicate that the drug used in the treatment may be toxic to the patient’s heart or cardiotoxic.  Using less toxic yet equally effective anti-cancer drugs should then be administered to the patient.

The information provided in the recent medical report is very useful for both physicians and patients because it allows us to understand that maintaining good heart health may also reduce cancer risk.  Following a healthy lifestyle, including that of consuming sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables and engaging in regular exercise, may be beneficial to cardiovascular health by allowing cardiomyocytes to effectively screen for cellular and tissue damages within the body.  For patients undergoing chemotherapeutic treatment, the heart is usually monitored by physicians to determine if the patient is well responding to the administered drugs without any adverse side effects.

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Health-centered organizations have been actively campaigning for schemes that would reduce cancer risk and the recent medical report emphasizes the need for all of us to know that this deadly disease may be prevented by maintaining good health, especially that relating to the heart.  This report increases our awareness that the heart controls a wide range of physiologic functions, including that of preventing the development of malignancies and other major medical diseases.  Our previous notion that heart diseases are totally independent of cancer incidence will now change; this association may also assist us in designing our own personalized healthy lifestyles.

How Dangerous Drugs Work Within the Body

Drugs find their way into the bloodstream and make their way to different parts of the body, including the brain. Drugs can dull or intensify the senses, alter senses and sometimes decrease physical pain. Often times the drugs people ingest are full of harmful toxins. People can knowingly or unknowingly misuse or abuse drugs, which can lead to negative consequences, emergency situations, and even death.

The Dangerous Drugs Available Legally…

If you asked people to name a dangerous drug, the majority would likely mention hard, illegal substances such as cocaine or heroin; however, medical officials say some of the most dangerous drugs are in fact legal. In 2011 British Researchers analyzed 20 different drugs and found that alcohol was the most harmful. The researchers pointed out that when you look at car crashes, boating accidents, homicides, domestic violence, suicides, fires, child abuse, and drowning; the number one cause is alcohol. Statistics show that alcohol accounts for nearly 4 percent of deaths worldwide. According to the U.S Library of Medicine 18 million adult Americans are either alcoholics or have a problem with alcohol.

The Toxins in Alcohol are Just as Dangerous

Some medical researchers believe the reason alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs is because it is so accessible…it is everywhere. It has a sedative effect on people, yet we don’t need a prescription for it. Doctors describe it as a central nervous system depressant that can lead to a number of behavior changes.

Cigarettes are full of toxins and smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. For this reason, medical professors at the University of Virginia Health System have declared smoking one of the most dangerous drugs. Again, it is perfectly legal; yet close to half a million people in the U.S alone, die every year as a result of smoking.

Prescribing Too Many Drugs Could Be the Real Emergency…

Staff at St. Joseph’s Medical Centre in Detroit agrees that smoking is perhaps one of the worst drugs to grip not only America, but the world. They also insist misuse of prescribed pain medication is one of the most dangerous drug situations facing the country. Emergency room doctors are overwhelmed with the misuse of medication. Just under 30 thousand people die each year in the U.S due to overdosing on prescription medication. One study concluded that these drugs kill three times as many people than heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines put together.

Illegal Drugs Still Considered a Medical Emergency

When it comes to hard drugs medical researchers around the world rank heroin at number one. As this drug enters the brain, the body converts it into morphine and it binds to the brain’s opiate receptors. This creates a sudden surge of pleasure. Heroin can be smoked, snorted or injected and is highly addictive.

When examining drugs for level of danger, scientists don’t just look at the contents and toxins, they look at the overall physical harm to the individual and the social harm the drug creates. Scottish researchers conducted a comprehensive study of 19 recreational drugs and determined that on the physical scale heroin, crack, and crystal meth were neck-in-neck when it came to taking the top spot as the most dangerous drug; however, it turns out that alcohol was a very close second. Following alcohol in the Scottish study was Cocaine and then nicotine. On the social scale, heroin and alcohol were tied for top spot.

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According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse over 500 billion dollars is spent every year in the United States to deal with the increased costs associated with drug abuse. This includes increased health care cost, lost productivity and crime. It is estimated that alcohol alone cost the American economy close to 200 billion per year and another 200 billion is spent on the fall-out from tobacco use. Even more frightening though, the number of lives being lost and knowing it’s preventable.

Research shows that poor diets can increase your risk of disease and as a result speed up the aging process. On the flip-side good foods can improve your health and act as an anti-aging mechanism.  Today there is mounting evidence to suggest there are certain foods, including specific fruits and vegetables that promote longevity.

The Staples of Anti-Aging

Americans spend millions of dollars every day on creams, lotions, and potions in an effort to fight aging. Scientists say they really don’t have to look beyond their local market to find anti-aging staples; approaches that not only refresh and rejuvenate the skin but are good for our internal systems as well. Fruits and vegetables are high in flavonoids and carotenoids; two powerful plant-based antioxidants. They can remove free radicals from our skin and body that cause us to age prematurely.

Green Fruits and Vegetables for Longevity

Green vegetables are at the top of the list in terms of longevity. They are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, not to mention they are low in calories. Kale, Spinach, Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts are examples of good greens. Although they are higher in calories, avocadoes are also considered an anti-aging food. Nutritionists say diets should include avocadoes because they are one of the most nutrient-dense foods. They are high in fiber and full of folate, potassium, vitamin E, and magnesium.

Specific Longevity Foods

When it comes to fruits and vegetables there are many that fit into the longevity category so if you don’t like a particular vegetable for example, chances are you will be able to find others  high in flavonoids and carotenoids that you will enjoy. In terms of fruit, many are packed with essential vitamins but some stand out as being extra powerful. Oranges have a lot of vitamin C to keep our immune system healthy and they also have limonoids and phytochemicals which have been linked to disease protection. Melons have both vitamins and antioxidants in them. Although many people overlook pomegranates as a super fruit, the seeds do contain an antioxidant that some researchers suggest may decrease the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. There are also fruits that offer anti-inflammatory properties, such as red grapes.

Protein and Your Diets – Why This is So Important in Anti-Aging Efforts

We have known for a long time that beans are high in protein and fiber; however, more nutritional science is saying that some varieties are also high in antioxidants and are like eating grapes, cranberries and apples. In recent studies, black beans came out on top with the most antioxidant power.

Dr. T Colin Campbell is a Nutritional Scientist and professor emeritus at Cornell University. He believes that plant-based diets can prevent 70 to 80 percent of existing, symptomatic disease. Campbell is the author of “The China Study”, one of the most comprehensive studies of nutrition ever written. He has said that cutting down on “animal based protein” will lead to better health and longevity. The doctor cites animal carcinogens as one of his arguments for limiting animal protein.

Fish – The Anti-Aging Connection

There is a lot of evidence to indicate that omega-3 fatty acids provide many health benefits. It has been associated with good cardiovascular health, the regulation of blood flow, good postnatal neurological development, the reduction of inflammation, and even the promotion of healthy skin. Fish is packed with omega-3. Below is a list of fish with the most omega-3 content:

• Mackerel
• Lake Trout
• Herring
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Sturgeon, Atlantic
• Tuna, Albacore

For those of us who like to snack there is good news.  Various nuts are considered an excellent source of phytochemicals; however not all nuts are alike. Studies show the best choice is walnuts because they are very high in antioxidants. Brazil nuts are also a good choice. They are a concentrated source of mineral selenium.

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While there aren’t any sugary snacks and salty foods on longevity lists, there are a lot of choices when it comes to following an anti-aging regiment. Our diets can still be filled with a variety of foods we can enjoy, while keeping us healthy for a long time.

Just because aluminum is one of the toxic hidden metals that are impossible to avoid, it does not mean that you are powerless to reduce your exposure to it. If you care about your health, take the time to learn some of the common kitchen and bathroom products that contain aluminum and take action to avoid them.

The Real Dangers of Hidden Metals Like Aluminum

Aluminum is a heavy metal that is used for a large variety of industrial applications and it is also one of the greatest toxins found in consumer products today.  Aluminum enters your body through your lungs, through your digestive tract and through your skin. It builds-up in your kidneys, liver, brain and thyroid and it attacks your central nervous system. Studies have found that aluminum and other hidden metals are potent toxins that harm the brain by causing both inflammation and free radical induced damage.

In fact, aluminum exposure is associated with memory loss and a decline in cognitive abilities in the elderly, as well as degenerative brain disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease. A high level of aluminum exposure may also lead to reproductive issues, anemia, nervous system disorders, headaches, insomnia, soft and brittle bones, glucose intolerance and cardiac arrest.

The Aluminum Hiding in Your Kitchen

Although aluminum is one of the hidden metals and toxins that you cannot completely avoid, you can and should reduce your exposure. Aluminum toxins can leach into your food when you use aluminum based cookware and foil. This can be avoided by using enamel coated steel cookware or cast iron cookware and by avoiding aluminum-based utensils. Also, avoid cooking with aluminum foil and use glass Tupperware as opposed to tinfoil for storing food.

Although aluminum is naturally present in many of the foods that we eat, the levels of aluminum are generally low enough to be considered safe. However, if you are truly concerned about your aluminum exposure, consider eliminating tea, all products made with baking powder, processed cheese and grain products, because they tend to contain the highest amounts of aluminum.

The Aluminum in Your Bathroom

Many cosmetic and medical products expose you to aluminum toxins. Most antiperspirants contain aluminum and you should look for an antiperspirant or deodorant that says aluminum-free on it, at your local health food store. Aluminum is also used in cosmetic tubs and for the coloring of certain cosmetics, although the levels may be too low to cause any real damage. Other cosmetic products that may contain aluminum toxins include: body lotions and creams, shampoos and conditioners, soaps, suntan lotions and lip balms.

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Aluminum is especially abundant in your medical cabinet. Many antacids contain aluminum and studies have linked a large intake of aluminum-containing antacids to calcium loss and osteoporosis (weak bones). Due to the fact that post-menopausal woman have a higher risk for developing osteoporosis, it is considered especially important that they avoid aluminum-containing antacids.  Aluminum is also found in a large variety of over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. You should read labels and consult with your pharmacist in order to identify whether or not the over-the-counter products you use contain aluminum. Finally, if you are on any prescription drugs, ask your doctor if they contain any aluminum. If so, he or she may be able to prescribe an aluminum-free alternative

Although these are some worrisome statistics, the latter fact is great news because it means that you have the power to reduce your stroke risk and thereby increase your life expectancy. Below is an easy recipe for stroke prevention that has the added benefit of also reducing your risk for heart problems.

Stroke Prevention Step #1 – Throw Out Those Cigarettes!

When it comes to stroke prevention, quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke should be your top priority. This is so important because smoking doubles your risk for having a stroke and substantially increases your risk for fatal heart problems such as coronary heart disease. The good news is that it’s never too late to quit. According to The National Stroke Association, a person’s stroke risk is greatly reduced no matter how old they are when they decide to quit smoking.

Stroke Prevention Step #2 – Take it Easy on the Bottle…

Although there is some evidence that moderate alcohol consumption can lower heart disease and stroke risk, any potential benefits are negated when you drink too much. Males should not drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day and females should drink no more than 2. Any more than that and you increase your heart attack and stroke risk.

Stroke Prevention Step #3 – Chill Out

Stress can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels – both of which increase stroke risk. Even more problematic is the fact that stress can make you more prone to developing atherosclerosis, (a condition characterized by a narrowing of the arteries), and approximately 80 percent of all strokes are caused by atherosclerosis. Some good ways to reduce stress include sharing your feelings, being more assertive, learning to say no, taking time to laugh, giving yourself some alone time every day, treating yourself to vacations, keeping a journal, taking a bath, meditating, exercising, and doing something that makes you laugh.

Stroke Prevention Step #4 – Get Moving

Exercise is an essential part of the stroke prevention recipe because it helps to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, to prevent diabetes, and to reduce stress – all of which are risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Perhaps even more important is the fact that exercise helps you to obtain and/or maintain a healthy body weight, which vastly reduces your stroke risk.

Stroke Prevention Step #5 – Don’t Eat Junk

Consuming a healthy diet is arguably the most important thing you can do when it comes to stroke prevention.  A healthy diet reduces the same heart attack and stroke risk factors as exercising, but its effects even are more profound. To reduce your stroke risk, start by eliminating or vastly reducing your intake of refined and packaged foods, and base you diet on whole, unprocessed foods instead.

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Be sure to also avoid all Trans fats, and to consume plenty of foods that are high in fiber and low in fat such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. To finish off the stroke prevention recipe add in a daily dose of cold pressed olive oil and green tea. Studies have found that they both reduce the risk for stroke

The Alzheimer’s Research – Breakdown

Researchers looked at data from 10,802 African American and Caucasian people living in Chicago, aged 65 or older between 1993 and 2011. Every three years, the participants in the study were interviewed and assessed for dementia. The participants age, race and education level were all factored into the research. This data was then combined with US death rates, education and current as well as future population estimates that were obtained from the US Census Bureau. The results of the data analysis showed that the number of people in the United States that will be living with Alzheimer’s disease by 2050 is expected to be around 13.8 million. Furthermore, about 7 million of these individuals will be over the age of 85.

Reasons for the Dramatic Increase in Alzheimer’s Disease Cases

The main reason for the significant increase in the number of people that will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the coming decades is the increasing age of the population.  The population in the United States is aging and as more and more US baby boomers reach the age of 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease increases for these individuals.  Also, due to advances in medicine, people are living longer lives. It is already known that increasing age is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease; therefore, the longer a person lives, the more likely it is that they will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at some point in their life.  Additionally, as more attention is focused on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, doctors are increasingly diagnosing patients with the disease whereas in the past, these individuals may not have received a clear diagnosis.

Reasons Why Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease is So Important

Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease is vital to help individuals and their families learn how to cope with their symptoms and to help preserve as much brain function as possible.  An early diagnosis also allows families plan for the future, allowing them to make necessary arrangements for living accommodations and financial stability.

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Memory loss is usually one of the first signs that brain function is impaired and that an individual may be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Other symptoms that brain function is impaired include difficulty with word finding, a decline in visual or spatial reasoning and a decline in reasoning and judgement.  As Alzheimer’s disease progresses memory loss becomes more significant and the simplest tasks become difficult for the individual to carry out.  If you start to notice signs of decreased brain function, including memory loss, in a loved one seek medical attention immediately so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.

The Findings from the Current Study on Alzheimer’s Disease …and What They Mean

The findings from the current study support previous research that has shown a disturbing trend in the number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease that will be diagnosed in the coming decades.  It is vital that additional research be conducted on this debilitating disease and that new prevention and treatment options be developed to deal with the significant rise in Alzheimer’s disease cases that is projected to occur in the coming years.  If, as a society, we do not prepare for the increasing number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease that will be diagnosed in the near future, those that are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease as well as their care givers will have a decreased quality of life.  It is essential that Alzheimer’s disease prevention and treatment be a top priority in the coming years in order to reduce the burden on our medical and social support systems.

So What is Menopause?

Before we address some of the most awkward questions that you may have about menopause, let’s first take a look at what it is and why it happens.  Menopause can happen in your 40’s or 50’s ; however, the average age is 51 years in the United States. Menopause involves the end of your menstruation cycle and therefore the end of your fertility. According to the Mayo Clinic, menopause is defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period.  Some of the symptoms leading up to menopause according to the Mayo Clinic, include: irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, weight gain, thinning hair, dry skin and decreased breast fullness.

What Happens During Menopause in a Woman?

Menopause can be caused by a number of things including: a decline of naturally occurring hormones (estrogen and progesterone), having a full hysterectomy (this affects the production of reproductive hormones and less estrogen and progesterone are produced), chemical or radiation therapy and/or primary ovarian insufficiency (where your ovaries do not produce the required levels of reproductive hormones, including estrogen and progesterone).  Whatever the cause of your menopause, you are bound to have questions and concerns about the changes that are happening to your body. Three of the most awkward menopause questions are addressed

Awkward Menopause Question #1 – What can I do about the facial hair that I’ve developed?

Not every women going through menopause will experience increased facial hair growth, but it is a big problem for many women and can be quite upsetting. Facial hair growth in women is caused by an imbalance of hormones.  The imbalance that creates unwanted facial hair growth involves falling levels of estrogen and progesterone and increasing levels of androgens (male hormones).  Thankfully there are a number of options for hair removal that can fit into any budget including: waxing, bleaching, hair removal creams and lotions, electrolysis and laser hair removal.

Awkward Menopause Questions #2 – How can I make sex more enjoyable?

In order to have more enjoyable sex, you have to be open and honest with your partner about how your body is feeling.  Along with the vaginal dryness that you may be experiencing can come uncomfortable, and possibly painful, sex.  Vaginal moisturizers are the first line of treatment for better sex.  If this doesn’t work, you can try a water-based lubricant to help make intercourse more pleasurable.  If you still aren’t experiencing pleasurable sex, you may need to speak with your doctor about prescription

Awkward Menopause Questions #3 – What can I do about the vaginal itching/burning that I have?

Decreasing levels of estrogen causes many women to experience vaginal dryness.  As estrogen levels decrease the tissue that lines the vagina becomes thinner and loses moisture and elasticity.  This can lead to an itching, burning sensation because of irritation of the vaginal walls.  The good news is that there are a number of treatments that will help to combat the vaginal dryness that you’re experiencing.  There are a variety of creams, tablets and rings that deliver a small amount of estrogen to the affected area.  Speak to your doctor about which solution is right for you.

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When it comes to your body during menopause, it may be embarrassing to speak to your healthcare professional about the symptoms that you’re experiencing.  But, remember, your doctor is there to help guide you through this naturally occurring process.  Speak up – don’t needlessly suffer with the symptoms of menopause

Everyone Knows Smoking and Tobacco are Bad

The statistics on smoking are shocking, and continue to get worse, with smoking and tobacco use near the top of the list of dangerous pastimes, and abused substances. Smoking has detrimental health effects. It kills an average of 1200 people every single day across North America.

The real problems are heating up too as the big multi-billion dollar tobacco industry gets taken on in court. One federal judge has taken a stance that has turned heads, by re-emphasizing an earlier order that smoking and tobacco companies need to publish statements saying they weren’t truthful about the dangers of smoking cigarettes, and weren’t upfront about the ill health effects. What adds insult to injury and really sticks it to tobacco companies is that they are actually being told that not only will they need to issue the corrective statements, but they could need to pay for them too.

What is Supposed to Happen Regarding the “Corrective” Statements?

Every smoking ad that airs is told that they need to have full disclosure, and tell the public that not only is smoking dangerous, and each company was purposely misleading to the consumer, but that smoking in North America kills more people than murder, car crashes and death as a result of alcohol combined.

The original case that stated the need for these sorts of public statements go back several years, all the way back to 1999 in fact. One judge said that cigarette companies has been purposely deceptive by trying to hide the dangers of smoking from the public for many years and as a result it was only fair that they pay out of their own pockets for the ads to try and turn things around, or at least make an attempt at being more honest.

How Tobacco and Smoking Ads are Now on the Hook

The statements Kessler chose included five categories: adverse health effects of smoking; addictiveness of smoking and nicotine; lack of significant health benefit from smoking cigarettes marked as “low tar,” “light,” etc.; manipulation of cigarette design and composition to ensure optimum nicotine delivery; and adverse health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke.

The dangers of smoking are vast, and most people find their strong addiction to nicotine to be the main reason why they done quit. The reasons why people should quit smoking are extensive, and include:

-There is no safe level of second hand smoke, which means even people who don’t smoke are at a heightened risk.

-Cigarettes were made to purposely be addictive for the individual

- Smoking kills over 1000 people every single day

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-Smoking and secondhand smoke causes lung cancer and heart disease, even in people who do not smoke.

-Children who are exposed to cigarette smoke are at risk for problems with their respiratory systems, ears nose and throat, and could suffer heavily reduced lung function.

Why Food Allergies Seem to be on the Rise

Experts say that over 11 million people in the United States suffer from a different form of food allergy. That is a pretty staggering number, and is brought even more to the forefront because of the fact that food labels seem to be more difficult to read than ever. With the variety of unpronounceable chemical names and additives, it becomes harder for shoppers and consumers to know exactly what they are taking in.

What are Some of the Most Common Food Allergies

There is 8 general groupings of food that account for almost all (90%) of food allergies. They are as follows:

-Peanuts
-Other nuts that grow on trees (such as pecans)
-Shellfish
-Other types of fish
-Soy
-Milk
-Wheat
-Eggs

And these are just considered to be the major ones. There are thousands of other types of allergies and types of allergic reactions that vary from mild to severe. Sulfites, tannins and various food additives can bother different people at different times in their life from childhood through to adulthood.

Is it Even Possible to Avoid Food Allergies in Today’s Society?

The short answer is yes, but it definitely takes a conscious eye for detail, and what you consume. The rule of thumb is to always check with your healthcare practitioner to gain some perspective on what medications, vitamins or supplements you might be taking, because there are often additives that aren’t completely obvious on the label.

Not only this, but as a rule, it is a safe bet that for a whole slew of reasons, any processed food or fast food could have something in it that you haven’t planned for. Taking a good look at the label and picking up the often available nutrition guides recently available at most fast food chains can give you an idea of the additives in your food that could cause an allergy or allergic reaction that you weren’t expecting.

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Nutritional experts will also warn of something called “cross contamination” that can affect the food you take in too. Be aware of how you package your leftovers, or if it is done for you at a restaurant. Some people have allergies that can be heavily triggered off by the simple act of one affected food item touching or mixing with another one.

An interesting new study has suggested that the idea of “living long and happy” might actually be a stretch. As a matter of fact, the idea of the grumpy old man, or the bitter old woman might really be onto something. The study suggests that those who don’t have high hopes for a happy and prosperous future, might be more likely to find themselves living longer.

Compared to people who have an outlook of optimism, or who are generally more sunny in their mental health, older people who live longer tend to have worse, and/or more pessimistic attitudes.

The Aging Study Might Really Shock You

The findings of the study showed that not only did people who are more pessimistic more liking to live longer but people who have more happy or sunny outlook tend to have a much greater risk of disability, and even death within the 10 years following.

One theory is that people who are less optimistic are by default more realistic about the direction their life is headed, which could lead them to making better, and more informed choices with their health, as well as participating in more streamlined safety precautions.

The Study Numbers on How to Live Longer, Aging and Happiness

The team of researchers looked at a group of over 10, 000 German people between the years of 1993 and 2003 and the results didn’t focus on a particular age, but took rather broad strokes with the age group only being narrowed between the ages of 18-96 years old. The poll asked the group several questions about their levels of satisfaction with their lives, as well as asking them to predict how they would feel in the longer term, say up to five years down the line. Respondents were asked to put their answers on a scale of 0-10.

The Optimistic vs. Pessimistic Numbers on Aging are Interesting to Note

The older population of people in the study (over age 65 years old) tended by a landslide to have pretty low expectations about their future, and even less so when asked to predict up to 5 years ahead. Only about 25% had accurate ideas about how their future turned out.

Researchers said they found that people who were in a pretty good place in life (stable income and health) had stronger associations with a decline in their lifestyle compared to those who had poor health and/or income. Another interesting point of mention is that the more money people made, the greater the risk of the individual having problems with a future disability.

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The idea that a grumpy old man could potentially live longer because of this fact (being pessimistic or grumpy) is a shocking one. And the theory of how a pessimistic person could live longer than an optimistic one was interesting enough, to have a full research study done on it. For a full idea of the findings of this study, and the people involved, as well as the optimistic vs. pessimistic outlook can be viewed online in the journal Psychology and Aging.

Technological Advances in Depression Therapy

But the truth be told, there are many therapies that are available, that while aren’t commonly talked about or well received by the masses, have been some leaps and bounds and made real headway. And with an issue as dominant as depression or anxiety, there are millions of people who might want to take notice of these technological advances, as the more options that come available the better.

The Depression Therapy That Has Everyone Talking

Depression has long been noticed as a brain health issue that is difficult at best to diagnose, nevermind treat. The difficulties and side effects, as well as the drug interactions between depression and anxiety medications, and other types of medications are well documented. People remain skeptical of the side effects, and the effectiveness and addiction potential as a whole. Experts in the field of mental health say that despite some negative associations in the movies, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment has developed serious headway. In fact, a current study at JAMA Psychiatry examines a treatment called Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) that is seen to be effective, and could also be a treatment, while electrical, that is rumored not to have the negative side effects of ECT.

The Odd Depression Therapy – What Exactly Does it Do?

This treatment is really quite simple for experts to explain, but the resistance remains static. This depression therapy means stimulating the brain with an electrical current that is rather weak yet still considered by experts in mental and brain function to be overall an effective treatment. The current travels through the front of the brain via electrodes on the top of the head. The “alternative” therapy happens once a day for about 30 minutes at a time. Patients receiving the treatment are awake and cognizant of their surroundings during the entire process.

A Basic Idea of Depression and it’s Treatment

Depression is scary for healthcare practitioners because it remains tricky to diagnose. It is actually considered to be one of the most ignored afflictions in the United States today. It typically sees an onset in early adulthood (before age 30) and symptoms can range heavily from manic and major to mild and difficult to diagnose, never mind treat. Women are almost two times as likely to experience the symptoms associated with depression as men.

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Most healthcare practitioners will recommend that if you experience feelings of being lost or hopeless, suicidal thoughts, or extreme fatigue, for up to or longer than 2 weeks you speak to someone about your symptoms right away.

Lean on Life is a team of committed health, nutrition and fitness experts with a website that combines the skill set of several doctors, nutritionists, fitness trainers, health coaches, chefs and passionate foodies. They aim help you look and feel your best by sharing invaluable health, fitness and weight loss secrets all in one place!

Trying to avoid sugar? There are a host of other options – both natural sweeteners and artificial sweeteners – each with its vocal proponents and detractors. We’ve rounded up a top ten list to help you thresh out which sugar substitutes are safe for your health, and which ones may have health effects that are questionable.

10 Safe & Suspicious Alternative Sweeteners

Aspartame: SUSPICIOUS

Aspartame has been used as an artificial sweetener for around 30 years, and the medical community is still split between those who think it’s safe for health and those who find it potentially dangerous. It is the primary artificial sweetener in diet sodas and found in Equal brand sweetener. Amidst wide-scale scientific controversy, conspiracy theories and financial conflicts of interest, aspartame has emerged from the health wars as one of the most vigorously tested food additive to date, deemed safe for health by over one hundred different regulatory agencies from around the world. However, studies continue to find negative side effects from this artificial sweetener found in so many commercial drinks and products; it’s wise to monitor your intake of aspartame and be sure you aren’t overdoing this non-nutritive sweetener.

Sucralose: SUSPICIOUS

Sucralose is derived from sugar, but contains no calories and is 600 times sweeter, so you can use significantly less of it. Many people think that it is a natural sweetener, as it is originally derived from sugar. But turning sugar into sucralose requires replacing part of the sugar molecule with chlorine. This renders it lower in calories, but also creates a structure reminiscent of numerous pesticides. Sucralose is the artificial sweetener found in Splenda, and there is less evidence against it than other sweeteners. But it is too new to know potential long-term health effects.

Saccharin: SAFE

One of the earliest artificial sweeteners, saccharin was deemed unsafe for many years, and carried a health warning label that it caused cancer in lab animals. Now, however, after further testing, the label has been removed: human bodies did not demonstrate the same health effects seen in lab rats. Saccharin is frequently known for the metallic after-taste it leaves. If the taste doesn’t bother you,nor the thought of tumorous lab mice, current studies render this artificial sweetener to be safe for human consumption.

Stevia (Truvia): SAFE

Stevia is a calorie-free natural sweetener that comes from a plant in the Chysanthemum family. Some find it to have a bad aftertaste in food, but for many, it is the sweetener they’ve been waiting for. Common Stevia usage in Japan dates back over 30 years, lending credence to its safety for health. It’s also been used as a natural sweetener in its native South America for centuries, in various forms. Because of its naturally concentrated sweetness, only the smallest proportion is needed to replace sugar in recipes. It may require some experimenting with different forms (liquid or powder) and brands to find one whose taste suits you, but the general consensus is that this natural sweetener is safe for your health.

Honey: SAFE

Many people mistakenly think that honey is better for you than sugar; but when it comes to calories, they are actually pretty equal. However, honey is sweeter, so you don’t have to use as much. It’s also less processed compared to sugar, whose high processing needs carry environmental concerns and strip away any natural nutritional content that it originally contained. Some people prefer local raw honey for its trace nutrients and potential anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and wound healing health benefits. When using this natural sweetener as a sugar substitute in baking, keep in mind that it’s important to use less and to reduce other liquids.

Molasses: SAFE

Like honey, molasses is a natural sweetener that works well as a baking and cooking substitute, but requires tinkering with the recipe since it has a different sweetness and consistency. It can contain many minerals; a rule of thumb is the darker the molasses, the better for health and the more nutrient dense it is—but it will also have a stronger “molasses” flavor to it. It contains more calories than sugar, but because it’s sweeter it can be used in smaller quantities.

Dates: SAFE

Date paste is easy to make at home (soak dates and then throw them into a blender), or can be purchases pre-prepared at many stores. The result is a vaguely caramel-flavored sweetener, exchangeable for agave, honey, or other liquids. Closer to its original, raw form, date paste is a natural sweetener that retains its fiber and nutritional content, making it a health ful alternative to refined sugar. Date sugar, which is dehydrated and ground dates, can be substituted for both brown and white sugar. It is less sweet than sugar, but healthier overall, and carries none of the potential side effects of the artificial sweeteners.

Neotame: SUSPICIOUS

A relatively new artificial sweetener, Neotame is thousands of times sweeter than table sugar. It’s manufactured by the same company as aspartame, and isn’t available direct to consumers yet. But it’s already being used as an additive in some foods, and no labelling is required. Critics of Neotame claim that it is actually more toxic than aspartame, and that the studies have been flawed. Given its relationship to aspartame and the controversy already brewing, it’s another artificial sweetener who’s health effects are still questionable and should be avoided thus far. If you know where it’s hiding that is.

Acesulfame K: SUSPICIOUS

This no-calorie, no-aftertaste artificial sweetener seems like an ideal solution, but it needs to undergo more testing. It’s currently approved by the FDA for general purposes; however, some experts worry that it may be a potential carcinogen, and all seem to agree that it’s best to stick to small doses. Since it’s so new to the market, it’s wise to be wary until more health research is undergone and side effects are studied more thoroughly.

Agave Syrup: SUSPICIOUS

Agave liquid and powder are the latest sweetener crazes, trying to jump on the natural sweetener bandwagon along with Stevia. However, agave syrup and other derived sweeteners are often highly refined and processed products, and their production is unregulated. While some variants are organic, most are made from the root of the plant instead of the traditional stem, and are heavily processed. Due to the lack of consistency in production, and without a clear label deeming the product raw, organic and sourced from the stem, there is no guarantee that agave has any more health benefits than other sweeteners.

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Back Pain and Walking – It’s So Simple

A recent medical report published in the journal Pain Research and Treatment showed that walking can decrease the intensity of back pain and more importantly, walking at higher speed can result in more enhanced pain relief.  Using a study population of 60 individuals, the researchers of the study examined walking speed, gait, and occurrence of pain problems in specific parts of the body.  The study population was further classified into three groups based on the pain characteristics of the participants.  One group consisted of 20 study participants who were suffering from back pain only, another 20 subjects were experiencing leg pain that was attributable to back problems, and another 20 subjects were healthy, pain-free individuals.

The Variable Factors for Pain Problems

The study participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that included questions regarding the level of pain that they were suffering, as well as the occurrence of any other medical disorders.  The study participants were also assessed in terms of height, weight, and body mass index.  In addition, the study participants were also of their preferred walking speed, whether they would rather walk at a slow, medium, or fast pace during their daily activities.  These individuals were also asked to engage in a gait analysis experiment, which involved walking at various speeds on a walkway in the laboratory.  This equipment measured the speed of walking, thus allowing the researchers to monitor their pace during this physical activity.

How to Reduce Pain Problems in Your Lower Back

The results of the study showed that the group with leg pain suffered more during walking.  Interestingly, the members of the group with back problems only showed a significant improvement during the walking exercise in the laboratory.  The researchers concluded that walking itself, especially at higher speeds, imparted an analgesic effect on these study participants, resulting in a reduced level of pain in their lower back.

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The researchers explained that having leg pain may have changed the gait of the study participants during walking, thus resulting in more pronounced pain problems.  On the other hand, those individuals who were experiencing pain problems in their lower back only experienced pain relief that was attributable to the walking activity.  Contrary to our common notion that rapid walking can induce more damage when we are suffering from lower back problems, this research study has directly shown that walking itself can improve symptoms of back pain.

What Walking Really Does for Pain Relief

Walking is a physical activity that involves movement of muscles and joints of various parts of the body.  This activity also requires changes in motion that improves the flexibility and strength of the musculoskeletal system.  This recent medical study has shown that this particular physical exercise not only improves cardiovascular health, but also imparts an analgesic effect on individuals suffering from persistent pain in the lower back.  Physicians and physical therapists may benefit from the information provided in this report and this may also be included in the design of patient-tailored exercise regimens.

Diet and Exercise – For Optimal Functioning

A well-oxygenated brain allows optimal functioning of a wide range of physiological activities, from muscle contraction to the production of enzymes that are essential for growth and maintenance of the body.  Research studies have earlier shown that diet and exercise can significantly improve one’s health; it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

The role of proper diet and exercise applies to all age ranges, including that of the elderly.  An age-specific exercise is often recommended for older adults and these consider the agility level of these individuals.  Studies have also shown that elderly individuals have better brain health when they follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen.  Brain health disorders among the elderly include dementia, which is characterized by a loss of memory and other brain processing functions.  Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that also presents with memory loss.

The Mental and Physical Outcome of Exercise

Various health outcomes have been associated with exercise.  Is self-control also linked to physical activities?  According to a recent medical report published in the journal BMC Geriatrics, regular exercise may also help in promoting self-control in the elderly.  The proponents of the study explained that following a regimen that include proper diet and exercise promotes good brain health by stimulating the main control center of the body to perform at its normal expected capacity.

The Research Study on Self Control and Exercise

The research study involved approximately 250 adults within the age range of 55 to 80 years old.  These study participants were enrolled in an 18-month long program that monitored changes in various physical and mental characteristics of the subjects.  Physical characteristics included weight, body mass index, and other health-related conditions, whereas mental symptoms included cognition, self-control, and self-esteem.  Assessment of mental symptoms was conducted by using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scoring system, which consisted of 24 indicators of cognition and self-control.  The study population was divided into two groups: one was subjected to an age-specific exercise program, whereas the other followed a minimal to negligible level of physical activity.

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The results of the study showed that the group subjected to an exercise program were associated with improved physical and mental conditions over a monitoring period of 18 months.  In terms of self-control, the study participants showed stable conditions that involved minimal emotional outbursts.  In addition, this group are showed efficiency in performing simple tasks that involve cognition, including sorting a deck of cards, speaking with other co-participants and researchers, and performing simple daily tasks.  The researchers also highlighted the observation of self-control among the members of the exercise group, in which these individuals were aware of the proper ways of maintaining their health, especially after receiving non-formal discussions on health for the elderly.

The Association Between Diet and Exercise and Self Control

The findings of this recent medical report serves as the first account on the association between physical activity and self-control in a specific population.  Although the mechanisms behind physical activity and self-control remain elusive, the report has effectively demonstrated that exercise in the elderly may result in better cognition function, especially in terms of self-control.  The proponents of the study will conduct further studies on this association to further examine the extent of improvement that may be linked to physical exercise.

Doctor’s continue to use Botox today for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, and it was recently approved for the treatment of bladder control problems.

Botox and Bladder Control…and The Painful Symptoms

The bladder is located right below your abdomen and it is responsible for the storage of urine. Many people don’t give their bladder’s much thought, but when bladder problems such as bladder control issues develop, the embarrassing and sometimes painful symptoms can make it nearly impossible to think of anything else.

Urinary incontinence is a common problem that is characterizes by a loss of bladder control. It develops when the bladder muscles become either too weak (stress incontinence) or too active (overactive bladder), and both prostate problems and nerve damage can increase the risk for the development of urinary incontinence.

Treatment Methods for Bladder Problems

The symptoms of urinary incontinence can range widely from the occasional mild episode of leakage, to uncontrollable wetting. Treatment methods for a loss of bladder control vary depending on the cause and severity of the problem but some of the most common include bladder exercises, medications, the insertion of medical devises, and the use of behavioral techniques. In severe cases, surgery is sometimes used to help people with urinary incontinence, but surgery is invasive and expensive, and it is best used as a last resort. Luckily, there is a new alternative for the treatment of urinary incontinence that doesn’t respond to other therapies, and if the title didn’t give it away – it’s the very same thing that you use to smooth your wrinkles.

The Procedure for Overactive Bladder

On January 18^th, 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Botox to treat the loss of bladder control that is caused by an overactive bladder. This procedure involves injecting small doses of Botox into the bladder muscles with the use of a small instrument that is inserted through the urethra. Once the Botox is injected it blocks the release of the chemicals that cause muscle spasms and causes temporary muscle paralysis.

In so doing, the injection of Botox into the bladder causes the bladder to relax and increases the amount of urine that the bladder can store. The procedure usually only takes about 20 minutes and most patients can go home the same day that they receive it. The Botox injections are done with the use of anesthesia (a numbing agent), so the procedure is usually not painful. Patients start to notice an improvement in symptoms approximately 7 days after the procedure and the results last anywhere from nine months to one year.

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According to two clinical studies, conducted on over 1,000 participants, Botox injections can significantly reduce urine leaking, frequent urination and a sudden, urgent need to urinate. In fact, approximately four out of ten women became completely continent just 6 weeks after treatment. “Today’s approval provides an important additional treatment option for patients with overactive bladder, a condition that affects an estimated 33 million men and women in the United States,” states Hylton V. Joffe, M.D., director of the Division of Reproductive and Urologic Products the in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.  So if you are at your wits ends with your lack of bladder control, and you have tried everything else, take head because this simple procedure may be just the answer you are looking for.

So What’s the Deal With This Weight Loss Plan?

The “Fast Diet” is a weight loss plan developed by London doctor, Michael Mosley. It basically calls for 2 days of very low calorie food consumption and 5 days of eating whatever you want. On the so called fasting days, women can consume no more than 500 calories and a man can eat 600 calories. Some people refer to it as “intermittent fasting” or “alternate day dieting”.  No matter what you call it, literally thousands of people in Europe and the United States say the diet is causing them to drop pounds.

The Debate About Fasting – A Good or Bad Idea?

A lot of eye-brows are raised when the word “fasting” is mentioned in any diet plan. Many nutritionists, dieticians, and doctors argue that any kind of fasting can create gastrointestinal problems. Dehydration, weakness, and fatigue have been associated with fasting. When people devote themselves to a fasting plan they can put themselves at risk of weakening their immune system. As well, they might be depriving their body of essential nutrients and minerals to help their organs function properly.

The Fast Diet Doctor – He Says it Works…

The “Fast Diet” is not your typical fasting technique where you go without food for days, or even weeks.  It is 2 non-consecutive days during the week where you restrict food intake in a very big way. According to Michael Mosley the “Fast Diet” works because you are taking in fewer calories. He estimates that the average person is eating ¼ the amount of calories on the 2 fasting days. Based on this projection, you should then be losing one pound of fat per week. Mosley admits that in the beginning it is mostly water but insists if you stick with the diet, you will soon shed real weight.

This Diet at the Cellular Level – Promoters of the Diet

At the cellular level Mosley, as well as other doctors and scientists promoting the diet say what happens is that your system becomes stressed in a good way. They explain to those who are overweight and looking for a new approach to dieting that as humans we evolved at a time when feast and famine was normal; that our bodies became used to the stress of going without food.  For example, cavemen would hunt for food, gorge themselves and then not eat for days because they could not find sufficient food. During the fasting or stress time, some studies seem to indicate that our bodies go from growth mode to repair mode.

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Researchers at the University of Southern California Institute of Longevity have studied the impact of the “Fast Diet” on the insulin-like growth hormone, IGF-1. They concluded when we eat, this hormone drives our cells to help us grow. This is important when we need to grow, but not so good when we are trying to lose weight. The researchers also indicated that intermittent fasting turned on a number of DNA repair genes.

Sensible Eating and This Diet Plan…

Nutritionists with the Mayo Clinic state that fasting is safe on an occasional basis; however they also say that it threatens long term weight-management. They report that when people end their fasting routine they tend to go back to consuming starchy, high fat foods.  The clinic promotes lower fat intake, eating at least five fruits and vegetables per day, drinking plenty of water, getting proper sleep, and walking at least 30 minutes per-day.

If the “Fast Diet” appeals to you, keep in mind that for some people fasting can be dangerous. Pregnant women, people with serious illnesses or immune problems should avoid fasting. If in doubt, discuss your plans with your doctor first.

Osteoarthritis, a Joint Disorder in Need of Attention

Osteoarthritis, which is also referred to as degenerative joint disorder, is the most common type of arthritis and approximately 12 percent of the American population over the age of 25 suffers with it. Osteoarthritis is a disorder that affects joint health, and it leads to a degradation of joints and a loss of bone cartilage, particularly in the hands, feet, spine and hips.

The Common Signs of Osteoarthritis

The most common signs of osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness in the joints. Overtime, the joints become stiffer and it becomes harder to move,  and this joint health disorder can eventually lead to debilitating disability. Since there is no current cure for osteoarthritis, people who suffer with this type of arthritis are offered two options – pain relief methods or joint replacement surgery. On the other hand, researchers believe that broccoli may help to reduce the risk for, and the symptoms of, osteoarthritis and studies are underway to determine whether or not broccoli may play a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

The Active Ingredient in Broccoli for Your Joint Health

Researchers at the University of East Anglia, began an investigation in 2010 to determine if consuming broccoli affects the risk and severity of osteoarthritis. They found that broccoli contains a compound called sulforaphane, which is a naturally occurring sulfur compound. Although sulforaphane is found in a variety of foods, including cauliflower, cabbage and kale, the richest source is broccoli sprouts.

The Broccoli/Osteoarthritis Connection

Sulforaphane has strong antioxidant properties, which means that it helps to kill harmful free radicals in your body and it prevents free radicals from causing damage and death to your bodily cells. There has been a lot of research on the health effects of sulforaphane, and it has been found to help reduce the risk of cancer, fight high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, protect the heart, activate the immune system and protect the skin from sun damage. Although more research needs to be done, the prevention of osteoarthritis and reduction of its symptoms, may soon be added to the list of benefits that sulforaphane produces.

When you eat broccoli, it results in a high level of sulforaphane in your blood. This is beneficial because sulforaphane has been found to blocks the enzymes that cause the destruction of joint health and the development of osteoarthritis.

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Despite this fact, researchers are still unsure of whether or not enough of the sulforaphane actually enters the joints from eating broccoli, in order to measurably reduce osteoarthritis risks and symptoms.  Results of the University of East Anglia study have not yet been publicly revealed, but Science Daily states that sulforaphane may act to slow and/or prevent the development of osteoarthritis.

Additional Broccoli and Arthritis Benefits

Regardless of what the study finds, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of broccoli, make it beneficial for the health of your bones and joints. Broccoli also contains vitamin K which builds and strengthens bone cartilage, reduces pain-triggering inflammation in the joints and has been shown to lower the risk for osteoarthritis of the hands and knee

Smoking and Bladder Cancer

Looking for yet another great reason to quit smoking once and for all? Well here’s a fact you may not be aware of — smoking is considered the leading risk factor for developing bladder cancer. In fact, a study published in “The Journal of the American Medical Association,” in 2011, found that smoking causes at least 50% of all bladder cancer cases in both males and females.  And bladder cancer is not as uncommon as you may think; it is the 6^th most common cancer in the United States. Although both males and females are at risk for bladder cancer, males have a higher risk and approximately 1 in 26 males will develop it during their lifetime.

The Smoking/Bladder Cancer Study

For the study, researchers analyzed data questionnaires pertaining to the health of 450,000 men and women. The questionnaires were filled-out in 1995, and the researchers followed-up with the participants in 2006. According to the study, current smokers have a 4 times higher risk of developing bladder cancer than people who have never smoked. Although the risk is reduced for those who quit smoking, previous smokers still have twice the risk of bladder cancer, compared to people who have never smoked at all. To put a more positive spin on that fact – if you quit smoking today, you will in effect, reduce your bladder cancer risk by 50 percent.

Smoking and Other Bladder Problems

Bladder cancer isn’t the only bladder related risk you incur from smoking. Smoking may also increase your risk of overactive bladder syndrome, which is a condition characterized by increased urinary urgency and frequency, as well as urine leakage.

RELATED READING:  Why Suffer in Silence When You  Can Conquer Your Leaky Bladder

Smoking may also worsen the pain associated with interstitial cystitis, which is a chronic condition characterized by pressure, burning and sometimes extreme discomfort of the bladder area. Finally, smoking may increase the risk of bladder infections because it reduces beneficial bacteria and increases the risk for all types of bacterial infections. Although no studies have been conducted to prove a connection between smoking and bladder infections, many people have reported a reduction in them after they quit smoking.

How Smoking Affects Your Bladder

Cigarettes contain a number of harmful chemicals that are extremely irritating to the walls of your bladder. When you inhale tobacco smoke, the chemicals move through your body and are filtered into your urine. As the urine sits in your bladder waiting to be eliminated, the toxic chemicals in the urine remain in contact with your bladder and cause damage to the cells and lining of the bladder wall. Smoking also causes frequent coughing, which forces the abdominal walls to put pressure on the bladder and can lead to a weakening of the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. Overtime, the bladder can get worn down and it becomes more vulnerable to serious bladder problems such as incontinence and cancer

One study has shown that the days after moving the clocks ahead or the act of “springing forward” an hour in March is actually associated with a heightened risk of having a heart attack. What is more interesting to note, that if you were going to just chalk these numbers up to a meaningless statistic, the opposite is actually true when the clocks “fall back” in October. The risk of a heart attack decreases by 10%.

What Does This Change Really Have to Do With Heart Health?

What this means for heart health, and heart attack risk actually does have something to do with sleep. The couple of days after moving the clocks ahead an hour requires a sleep change that is directly correlated with the time people get up to go to work. And several studies have shown that the risk of a heart attack, or another heart health related problem actually increases and hits a peak on Monday morning when people are most likely to rise early to go to work.

The Opposite Theory for Your Heart Health

The opposite theory is a pretty simple one, when the clocks “fall back” and you get that extra hour of sleep your body adjusts to the extra rest in a way that leads to a lessened risk of a heart attack, good news and a big plus for those who enjoy sleeping in.

What Sleep and Heart Health Have in Common

While most adults are well aware of how much sleep is required to be able to properly function through your day, sleep deprivation is considered a very real health concern with a direct link and impact on your heart health, and heart attack risk. The effect of sleep on your immune system, and cardiovascular health is one that shouldn’t be ignored, and trying to find a way when the clocks “spring ahead” to make certain you don’t “lose” that hour of quality sleep time could make a real difference to your heart that you were not expecting.

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Many heart health studies have pointed out that the connection DST has on your heart is a spider web of interconnected health behaviors. People who don’t get enough sleep tend to have a heightened likelihood of obesity and weight control issues, not to mention the heart health issues and a higher risk of heart attack already mentioned. Losing sleep can alter other body responses such as the body’s response to inflammation.

The variable however, quickly becomes the idea that your own lifestyle has a lot to do with it, too. Clearly a person who is more prone to work nights is going to adjust better to the idea of losing or gaining an extra hour of sleep at night. People who are considered to be morning people are more likely to have a difficult time adjusting to a time change, because it directly impacts their work schedules and day to day routines.

Did You Know – Processed Food in Places You Don’t Expect…

However, if there is one big processed food “scam” on the market, and lurking around grocery stores these days, it’s the idea that a lot of these common junk food items aren’t necessarily who you should be pointing the finger at. While they are certainly not good for you, the key is, they are obvious. And it’s what you aren’t noticing that is most frightening.

Did you know that for example, baby carrots are considered to be a ‘processed food’? While you might think of the scary chicken nuggets when you think of processed food, many nutritionists are quick to point out, that just because they don’t have the mask of the evil fast food industry making them obvious, doesn’t mean that many frozen vegetables, like baby carrots, aren’t considered to be heavily processed foods as well.

The Truth is Pre-Made, Often Means Processed Food

Many food products that you are quick to grab on the promise of good health are in fact loaded with sodium and sugar through the food processing ordeal, and you wouldn’t even know. And isn’t this thought a lot more scary? The idea of processed food lurking around in your fridge or freezer, or in your kids lunches under the glaze of being healthy?

If you see a package of dip for chips on the store shelf, the fact of the matter is, if it is pre-packaged, there is a good chance that it has been injected full of something that would make you raise an eyebrow. It could be salt, it could be fat, but there is all kind of branding in place that gives the illusion that something could be a whole lot healthier than it actually is.

What are You Supposed to Do to Avoid Junk Food Lurking in Your Fridge?

It’s common sense, but many people need the occasional reminder that the fastest and easiest way to have the  most control over the food that you actually take in, is to make it from ingredients you hand pick from the produce section yourself. Using the example of dip for chips: You have a pretty good idea, that it tastes the way it does because of a sneaky amount of fat, or salt – but consider going out and doing your research, and making your own dip at home. That way you are fully aware of the ingredients, in what quantities, the level of freshness without the guess work of reading the complicated labels on the packaging.

Another Common Trick of the Junk Food Trade…

Fortifying nutrients into a prepackaged product is something else the wary consumer should be on the lookout for. Just because a cereal, or other processed food comes with the claim of being “fortified with vitamins and minerals” on the label doesn’t make it any less of a junk food. The vitamins could well have been fused into the product, but the harm of various fats and added calories remains.

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Nutritional experts will maintain the best way to control what you consume is to make it yourself. Don’t be so quick to think that just because something claims to be healthy, or doesn’t fall under the “obvious” label of junk food, that it isn’t over processed, and equally as unhealthy as a result!

In 2012, the Journal “American Academy of Optometry,” published a study that revealed that 3D movies can cause a range of eye health and vision problems – problems which may make you think twice before immersing yourself in the 3D experience.

3D Movies and the Interesting Effect on Eye Health

The researchers of the study performed a variety of movie watching experiments on young to middle aged adults. The participants were instructed to sit at difference distances and angles, while watching the movie “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” in 2D and then in 3D. The researchers monitored the participants while they watched the movie and they found that over 20 percent of the 3D viewers encountered eye health and vision problems. Some of the most common symptoms reported amongst the young adult participants were blurry vision, double vision, dizziness, nausea, motion sickness and disorientation. Interestingly, the older adults (46 and over) did not seem to experience as many vision problems from the 3D films as the younger adults did.

The Journal of Vision – Eye Health Study

Another study published in the “Journal of Vision,” found that watching 3D movies significantly increases eye strain and fatigue, and reduces visual clarity, once the movie was over. According to Banks (the study leader), the reason why 3D films cause blurry vision, eye fatigue and other vision problems, is because 3D is not congruent with real life and it violates the standard rules of perception.  The term used to describe this is “vergence-accomodation,” which refers to the fact that when you watch something in 3D your eyes are forced to constantly adjust between the distance of the actual screen and that of the 3D content.

3D Movies and Eye Strain, Blurry Vision

Although there is definitive evidence that 3D viewing can strain your eyes and cause immediate eye fatigue, there is not yet any evidence that it can cause lasting damage. 3D supporters also point out that all TV and movie watching strains your eyes, because your eyes are forced to constantly adjust to changes of contrast and brightness, when watching the images on the screen.

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If you’d rather be safe than sorry there are two steps you can take when it comes to 3D viewing. First off, every 20 minutes of 3D viewing should be followed by a 20 second break, in order to allow your eyes to rest. Second off, forgo the home 3D viewing experience and head to the movie theatre instead, because the “Journal of Vision,” study found that there is less eye fatigue and strain when 3D movies were watched in a movie theatre, as opposed to on a home screen.

It Boosts Brain Performance

A team of researchers at St. Lawrence University instructed 159 students to solve difficult logic puzzles as well as a variety of other mentally demanding tasks. Half of the students were given sugar-free gum to chew on during the tasks, and the other half were gum-free. The gum chewers performed significantly higher on 5 out of 6 of the tests. Another study conducted at Cardiff University found that chewing gum helps people to be more attentive and increases reaction time in stressful situations. Finally, chewing gum has been found to increase concentration, memory performance and overall academic performance.

Reduces Health Problems – Even Emotional Ones

Chewing gum can helps to reduce emotional health problems such as tension, anxiety, frustration and stress. In fact, the U.S. Armed Forces have been giving its soldiers chewing gum ever since World War I as a tension relief method.

Dental Health Problems

Thanks to advertising campaigns from companies such as trident, the fact that sugar-free chewing gum helps prevent cavities is no secret. But did you know it can also help prevent a range of other dental health problems? The act of chewing helps to increase the flow of saliva, which washes away acids from food and thereby helps to protect the enamel of your teeth and keep them strong. Chewing gum also helps to prevent the build-up of plaque and preliminary evidence suggests that it may help prevent gingivitis. Gum can also help to whiten teeth, and it is beneficial for people who suffer with Xerostomia syndrome (chronic dry mouth).

Can Help Prevent Motion Sickness

Researchers in Iran developed a chewing gum with medication in it that helps to cure symptoms of motion sickness such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting. The biggest benefit of this gum over other motion sickness medications is that other medications need to be digested before they provide relief, and that takes time. With medicated chewing gum, the dimenhydrinate (the active ingredient in many motion sickness medications), is absorbed through your cheeks and then directly into your blood stream, so you experience much faster relief.

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Chewing gum encourages the release of digestive juices, which helps you to digest your food better. Gum also increases the flow of saliva, which has an antacid effect in your stomach and thereby helps to prevent acid reflux

Sadly, people would only decide on visiting the eye doctor when they experience vision problems.  If not, eye clinic visits would even be part of our annual schedules.  This sad reality is so different from our regular visits to the dentist, in which we undergo dental prophylaxis every six months, with or without the presence of dental cavities or disorders.

Shocking News About Eye Health

A recent medical report presents quite shocking news about eye health— the simple act of drinking water can prevent the development of blurry vision and other vision problems.  The report describes that dry eye is an eye health condition that is characterized by difficulty in producing tears.  Although this description sounds so simple and straightforward, it is best to understand that tears play a major role in eye health.

Tears help the eyes maintain this wet condition that allows good eyesight.  In addition, tears form the film that coats the eyes as it is exposed to the air while we are awake.  When there is a decrease in the amount of tears around the eyes, we may feel discomfort, and in some cases, may cause severe eye pain.  A lack of tears may also cause blurry vision and other forms of vision problems.

Dry Eye Syndrome and Blurry Vision

The recent medical report presented the findings of a research study involving approximately 111 study participants diagnosed with dry eye syndrome and answered questions regarding eye health, vision problems, and frequency and amount of intake of water and other fluids.  The questionnaire also included questions regarding dry eye symptoms.  In addition, blood samples were also collected from the study participants and these were subjected to measurements of plasma osmolality, or the amounts of ions present in a specific volume of plasma.  Plasma osmolality directly reflects that degree of hydration of a study participant; a high plasma osmolality level indicates poor hydration and a low plasma osmolality value represents good hydration.  A control group consisting of individuals without dry eye syndrome was also assessed using the same questionnaires and blood tests.

The Results of the Eye Health Study

The results of the study showed that the patients with dry eye syndrome have a higher plasma osmolality level, indicating that these individuals were not drinking enough fluids on a regular basis.  On the other hand, the members of the control group showed lower plasma osmolality levels, which represented better drinking schemes.

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The findings of the recent medical report shows direct evidence that the simple act of drinking sufficient amounts of water on a regular basis can influence one’s eye health.  The authors of the report thus suggest that in order to prevent the development of vision problems and blurry vision such as that involving dry eye syndrome, it is best to drink at least eight glasses of water each day.  This preventative measure, when coupled with the consumption of healthy food items and regular exercise, may thus result in good health and eyesight.

One of the major misconceptions about sleepwalking is that it is a benign disorder, in which minor effects result from this condition. More recent reports have now shown that somnambulism is associated with adverse events, including placing one’s self within harm’s way and inflicting injuries to one’s bed partner.

Sleepwalking and Violent Behavior

According to a recent medical report published in Lancet Neurology, an increasing number of reports related to sleepwalking involve violent behaviors and these events do not occur while an individual was sleeping, but as soon as the person wakes up.  An alarmingly high number of legal cases have also been filed in court involving sleep-related acts of violence.  Other forms of extremely aggressive behavior during sleepwalking include offensive driving of a motor vehicle, suicide, and homicide.

Sleep Problems That Even Effect Children

The report explained that sleepwalking was often observed among children and thus the related actions of these young individuals were considered non-violent or benign.  In addition, these benign episodes were so common that it was previously considered to a safe enough not to seek medical intervention.  The Lancet Neurology report showed that 3% of toddlers experience sleepwalking, and this prevalence increases among 7- to 8-year-olds, at 11%.  By age 10, approximately 13–15% of children experience these forms of sleep problems.  Medical reports have shown that once these children grow older, the occurrence of somnambulism disappears.

Continuing Sleepwalking as an Adult

However, the recent medical report also shows that approximately 25% of children who experience sleep problems continue to sleepwalk as adults.  The actual cause of this continuity into adulthood remains unclear.  Furthermore, the report also explains that some adults may also start sleepwalking, even without any history of this problem during their childhood.

Anxiety, Mood Disorders and Sleepwalking

The researchers of this Lancet Neurology study discussed that 25% of adult sleepwalkers also experience anxiety and other forms of mood disorders, which are often associated with insomnia.  This condition of difficulty in sleeping or staying asleep may also be harmful to one’s health because it reduces the capacity of the body to rest.  More importantly, insomnia decreases the opportunity for the brain to processes information and events that have occurred during the day.  Most people struggling with insomnia thus show a reduction in quality of performance at work or at school because they lack the necessary rest during the evening.  Other people experiencing insomnia may be working on the night-shift and thus this may also cause disturbances to their circadian rhythm.  Insomnia has also been strongly associated with major medical disorders including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.  Insomnia has also played a role in accidents related to operating motor vehicles and machines.

The Root Cause of Sleepwalking – Anxiety

The recent medical report postulates that sleepwalking might be caused by anxiety.  In the case of children, separation anxiety may be the major cause of these forms of sleep problems.  On the other hand, adults face higher degrees of stress at work and at school, which are highly likely to cause insomnia and eventually other forms of sleep problems.

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It is quite alarming to know that 80% of sleepwalkers have at least another family member who is affected by the same condition.  In addition, children with parents that sleepwalk are more likely to experience the same medical disorder.  The report stated that having a sleepwalking parent increases the risk by ten-fold among their children.

The information provided by the recent medical report provides useful information that would help readers in understanding the conditions and consequences of somnambulism.  Although insomnia, stress, anxiety, and family history are associated with this condition, additional research is still needed for design of effective diagnostic and treatment schemes for this sleep disorder.

The Key to Healthy Eyes and Good Eye Health

Include greens in your diet, keep your eyes hydrated, and take your vitamins. These are some of the common tips people have heard to keep their vision sharp. The other step you can take to ensure good eye health is, get physical.

Over the last few years more scientific research has supported the notion that physical fitness has a positive impact on eyes. One science paper, published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, states physical activity may help reduce the risk of glaucoma.

Physical Activity and Eye Health

The study looked at physical activity in relation to low ocular perfusion pressure, which is an important risk factor for glaucoma. Over 5, 600 men and women aged 48 to 90 took part in the study. Their eye pressure was examined, blood pressure was monitored, and their physical activity was assessed. The results indicated that moderate physical activity was associated with a 25 percent reduced risk of low OPP.  Those who worked on the study say although an exact cause can’t be pinpointed; there is an association between sedentary behavior and factors which seem to increase the risk of developing glaucoma.  Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States.  It is caused by unusually high pressure inside your eye.

Vision and Disease

The connection between physical fitness and good vision doesn’t end there. In 2006 the British Journal of Ophthalmology reported that people with a more active lifestyle were 70 percent less likely to develop WET AMD; a type of age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration occurs when you have damage to the retina, thus causing damage to your central vision. According to the Mayo Clinic, Wet Macular Degeneration is usually caused by abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid into the center of the retina, called the macula.

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Blood vessels play an important role in our eye health. Doctors say that the small blood vessels in the eyes can show damage when a person has hypertension or high blood pressure. Research indicates that regular exercise lowers blood pressure. So when people are told to eat healthy foods to regulate their BP, they are not only protecting themselves from health problems like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, they are protecting their eyes.

Eye health has always been a big factor when it comes to controlling diabetes. Vision is one of the biggest problems with poorly managed blood sugar levels. Many physicians tell their patients that staying physical fit is a good way to help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and ward off any eye complications.

The Eye Health of Americans

According to the National Eye Institute more than 3.3 million Americans 40 and older are suffering from either blindness or low vision. The institute says we should all have our eyes examined. People who are 60 or older are advised to have an annual eye exam even if they are seeing well. It is easy for us to take our eyes for granted, but take a moment and imagine what it would be like if you couldn’t see the face of someone you love anymore, then go out and get physical!

Simply put, urinary incontinence is the inability of the body to properly control urination. While it is significantly more common in women than men, research has shown that over one in five Americans will experience urinary incontinence in their lifetime.

Although some may think of incontinence as a minor problem, it can have a profoundly negative effect on those who suffer from it. Not having control over your bladder can limit your daily activities, wreak havoc on your emotional and mental health, and negatively impact your social interaction and personal relationships. Many individuals who suffer from incontinence feel embarrassed and uncomfortable by this condition, and hesitate to even leave the house.

But, there are a number of things you can do to help deal with the causes and symptoms of a leaky bladder.

Visit your Doctor:

Sometimes incontinence or a leaky bladder is a sign of an underlying medical issue which can be addressed. Consulting with your doctor is the best way to try and identifying the source of your bladder problems, and what possible options are available to you.

Seeing an urologist or other specialists may provide additional information on the cause and how to resolve your urinary issues. Specialists will have more experience with bladder and urinary problems compared to the average personal physician. Their expertise can help identify the root cause of incontinence and other bladder problems. For e.g. two of the common causes are child birth and the weakening of bladder muscles, but there are other potential causes.

Manage your Diet:

Obesity is a well established risk factor for urinary incontinence, it is linked to both the risk of developing urinary incontinence and the severity of the symptoms. One theory behind the association of obesity and urinary incontinence is that the excess weight places significant pressure on the bladder. A healthy diet can help you manage your weight, thereby reducing the risk of urinary incontinence.

Bladder control is directly tied to what you eat and drink. By watching and managing what you eat and drink, you can reduce some of the stress on your bladder. For instance, avoiding foods with high amount of salt and sugar can greatly reduce your thirst, leading to less urine production. Limiting your fluid intake is essential for managing bladder problems.

Avoid Alcohol Consumption:

Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it increases the production of urine. This is the last thing you want if you are suffering from a leaky bladder. On top of increasing the amount of urine production, alcohol also reduces your control over your bladder. It only makes sense for those with bladder issues to stay away from alcohol.

Be Prepared and Proactive:

If you suffer from a leaky or weak bladder, you know problems can arise at any time. So you must make sure you are always prepared. This can be as simple as knowing where the nearest washroom is.

Many people are having success managing and reducing bladder leakage by making lifestyle changes. There are also a number of natural therapies available for people dealing with a weak or leaky bladder.   Natural supplements offer a high level discreetness, helping you avoid the embarrassment associated with many bladder control solutions. They are also simple and convenient to take. But you must chose wisely, as I have only seen success with a limited number of natural products.

Bladder Rescue is a leading bladder support supplement for men and women, and it addresses a number of causes for leaky bladders. Bladder Rescue is a product I feel you can rely on, click here to learn more.

In the end, those suffering from bladder problems will have to find the alternatives which work best for them. When properly controlled, you can live a happy and healthy life while dealing with bladder problems.

The Unexpected Toxins in Your Food

Millions of Americans are accustomed to checking labels for calorie content and ingredients but a lot of people are not that familiar with words like Polybrominated dphenyl ethers or Hexabromocyclododecane. PBDE’s and HBCD’s, as they are commonly referred to in the food industry, are additives. They are also chemical flame retardants. Yes…chemical flame retardants can be found in food.

The Dallas Study on Toxic Chemicals

One study conducted in Dallas showed foods found in grocery stores between 2009 and 2010 had various levels of HBCD in them. This included a variety of lipid-rich foods such as fish, peanut butter, pork, beef, and poultry. HBCD’s and PBDE’s were originally designed for use in polystyrene foam for thermal insulation of electrical equipment, buildings, airplanes, and upholstery textiles.

According to doctors at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences the amount of HBCD’s in a certain food could depend on how that food is packaged, whether there are particles of the toxic chemicals in the air or even what toxins the animals ate, since toxic chemicals like HBCD’s will work through the food chain. This is likely why you can find a piece of fish at one store that has no HBCD in it and a piece of fish at another that does.

Some animal studies have indicated that ingestion of flame retardants can cause disruptions in the reproductive, immune, and endocrine systems. Epidemiology experts and genetic specialists say as these chemicals stay in your body, they will affect you until they are cleared.

Don’t Panic About Toxic Chemicals – But Stay Informed

Other researchers say we should not push any panic buttons; that it isn’t clear just how harmful these retardants are to humans. The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S Food and Drug Administration are closely monitoring the concerns surrounding toxic chemicals in the food chain.

The Center of the Toxic Food Controversy

For decades the beverage industry has been adding Brominated Vegetable Oil or BVO to certain sodas, sports drinks, and juices to keep the artificial flavoring from separating and floating to the top of the bottle or can. BVO is essentially a synthetic chemical that is developed when vegetable oil is bonded to the element bromine. It is estimated that about 10 percent of all soda sold in the U.S contains BVO. In recent years BVO has been at the centre of controversy.

The FDA and Health Canada approve of the food additive but it is completely banned in Europe and Japan. Some studies suggest that BVO can build up in human tissue. Animal studies have shown it causes behavioral, as well as reproductive problems in large doses. The FDA limits the amount of the additive in flavored beverages to 15 parts per million. The organization deemed the compound safe for the food industry back in 1977; however, according to a report in the New York Times, that ruling was supposed to be an interim one, until more studies could be conducted, yet over 30 years later it is unchanged.

RELATED READING: Toxins in Energy Drinks Under Fire Again

Earlier this year PepsiCo removed BV0 from its Gatorade drinks after a Mississippi teenager started an online petition against the toxin. The company has stated they were already in the process of eliminating the additive but still many believe consumer concerns had something to do with the toxin being removed from the popular sports beverage.

Some hospital emergency departments across the U.S have reported cases of high bromide levels in blood tests, which cause severe headaches, fatigue, and loss of muscle coordination. In some cases when they have questioned patients, they’ve learned that 2 to 4 litres of soda were consumed per day; soda that contained BVO.  As many in the food industry point out, a reasonable amount of soda likely won’t lead to an emergency.

Food experts say because there are also toxins in the air, it is impossible to keep track of everything that we ingest; however, reading the labels when you purchase a product at the grocery store and consuming in moderation are the first steps to making sure you stay healthy.

Statistics have shown that drivers talking on their hands free devices are just as likely to be involved in a crash as those talking on their handheld devices and the results of this study may give insight as to why this occurs.

Study on Brain Function – and Hands Free Calls

Dr. Schweizer, of St. Michael’s hospital in Toronto, spent time developing a driving simulator inside a function magnetic resonance imaging machine (fMRI).  Functional magnetic resonance imaging is an ideal way to measure brain function and activity because it measures blood flow to different areas of the brain in real time.  This allows the areas that are being activated and deactivated to be seen in real-time.

The team of researchers, led by Dr. Schweizer, studied seven women and nine men between the ages of 20 and 30.  The participants had a brain scan using the fMRI while they were in the driving simulator.  During the brain scan, the participants were asked to drive straight, turn left with no traffic, turn left with on-coming traffic and in some instances they had to answer true and false questions at the same time in an effort to mimic a hands free phone conversation. The results of this research showed that brain function differed with various types of driving tasks.

Left Hand Turns and Brain Function

Many serious crashes occur when drivers are making left hand turns at busy intersections.  Left hand turns can be complicated to make because there are many things that a driver has to take into consideration including: on-coming traffic, pedestrians, and timing of lights.  Add in a phone conversation and the results can be disastrous.  The results from this study showed that brain function during a difficult left hand turn was excessively demanding on the posterior, visual and spatial areas of the brain, which are the areas responsible for vision processing and maintaining alertness.  Interestingly, these areas of the brain were basically turned off when the participants were having a simulated hands free phone call. Blood flow in the brain was instead redirected towards the prefrontal cortex which is involved in conversation during these simulated conversations.

The Visual Cortex of the Brain and Collisions

The visual cortex is the area of the brain that is a key player in making safe left hand turns.  When this area is shut down during a hands free conversation, a crash can occur when making the decision to turn left.  This partially explains why drivers using hand held and hands free devices have similar crash statistics.  Additional research is needed to determine the brain function difference that are seen when drivers are using hand held devices to better understand the relationship.

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While using hand held devices is banned across provincial and territorial laws across Canada, the use of hands free devices is still allowed.  This research shows that multi-tasking when driving; including chatting on hands free devices, can compromise vision and mental alertness thereby leading to collisions.  Further, larger scale studies are needed to determine if the negative effects on brain function while have a hands free conversation are seen across all age populations.  For the time being, the findings from this study suggest that you should shut your phone off completely while driving to allow your brain to function optimally and focus on the task at hand – driving.

The decrease in the amount of housework being performed by women in recent years compared to decades ago may be contributing to the rising levels of obesity that are being seen in today’s society, according to a recent study published in PLosOne.

While doing less housework may seem like a wonderful idea, it may have a devastating effect on your waistline according to this research.

Housework Decreases – What This Means for Weight Gain in Women

Researchers looked at historical data from women 19-64 years of age, from 1965-2010, investigating how much time and energy was spent on household chores (cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.).  The results showed that in 1965, women spent an average of 25.7 hours per week on household chores, while in 2010 women were only spending 13.3 hours on housework. Women who were unemployed decreased their household task hours by about 17 hours while working women decreased their household chore hours by about 7 hours.

Disturbingly, women were found to be spending their extra time plopped in front of the television.  The researchers found that in 1965, women typically spent about 8 hours per week watching television programs.  In 2010, the number of hours spent watching television increased to 16.5 a week. This type of inactivity can lead to weight gain and obesity.

What This Means for Weight Gain, Obesity and Energy Expenditure

In addition to finding that women were spending less time on household chores in 2010 compared to 1965, the researchers also discovered that the amount of energy that women expend on household chores decreased by 42% in unemployed women from 1965 to 2010.  In 1965, women were burning 6,004 calories per week on household tasks compared to only 3,486 calories in 2010.  This amounts to a decrease of 2,518 calories being burned on a weekly basis.  If the amount of calories eaten exceeds the amount of calories burned, weight gain is inevitable.  As women expend less energy on household chores and spend more time sitting around watching television, their energy intake is far greater than their energy out.  This will lead to weight gain and possibly obesity if they continue.

Increase Physical Activity to Defend Against Obesity

The increasing accessibility of dishwashers and other small appliances that make every day household tasks a little easier and less time consuming has led to a significant decrease in the amount of physical activity and energy expenditure required to perform house work.  Instead of using the free time gained from advances in technology to watch television, women should be engaging in other forms of physical activity to make up for the lack of calories that they would be burning doing household chores.  This will help to prevent weight gain and help to prevent the development of obesity.

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While some women may get defensive about this research, the researchers do stress that they are not saying the women (or men) should do more housework; but rather that individuals should think about how much energy they expend in a day.  In order to prevent the levels of obesity from climbing even higher, attention needs to be focused on calories intake versus calories output.  Once people understand the effect that calories play on weight gain and obesity, they will have a better understanding on how to monitor and change their diet if necessary.

The Medical Report on Skin Problems and Milk

A recent medical report showed that the occurrence of skin problems is increased when milk and/or dairy products are consumed on a regular basis.  One of the most common skin problems is acne, which affects approximately 85% of adolescents in the United Kingdom.  Although the incidence of acne in other countries may be lower, it is important to understand the association between acne and specific components of our daily diet, especially in terms of consumption of milk and other dairy products.

Skin Problems and Dairy Products

The first association study on skin problems and dairy products was published in the 1940′s, in which acne flares were reported after drinking milk.  However, subsequent studies in the 1960s refuted this claim, indicating that there was no association between acne and dairy products.  To further examine the relationship between skin problems and diets containing dairy products, the researchers of this recent medical report conducted a study involving approximately 44 patients positively diagnosed with acne vulgaris, or more commonly known as cystic acne.

What the Study on Skin Problems Involved

Cystic acne is generally characterized with scaly reddish skin, blackheads, and occasionally, pus.  Acne not only affects the face of an individual but also the chest, back, and sometimes the upper regions of the arms.  Although most of the cases of acne occur among teenagers, this skin disorder may also affect adults.

The research study involved giving a questionnaire to the study participants that asked for information regarding the dietary patterns for two weeks.  The questionnaire also collected information on the study participants’ family history.  Measurements of body weight, as well as height and percentage of body fat were also conducted on the study participants.

The results of the study showed that a higher frequency of drinking milk and consuming dairy products such as ice cream was associated with a higher incidence of skin problems.  Interestingly, the results of the study also showed that females tend to consume more dairy products and milk compared to males.  The study also showed that regardless of body weight, height, and body fat percentage, the occurrence of acne is mainly influenced by the consumption of dairy products.

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The results of the study were interesting because it provides another avenue in establishing specific causes of acne among specific groups of individuals in society.  Although the study employed a small study population, it somehow associates consumption of dairy products with the development of skin acne.  The length of monitoring of the study participants was also short (2 weeks) and thus future studies should look into this food-acne association using a longer study period.  Nevertheless, the information provided by this recent medical report allows us to understand that there are certain specific factors within the diet that may trigger the development of skin disorders and thus we have to be more careful with our food choices.

The Medical Report on Diet and Heart Attack

According to a recent medical report published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the Mediterranean diet may help in reducing the risk for heart attack and stroke.  The study was sparked by earlier research efforts indicating an association between this type of nutrition with lowered heart attack incidence.  However, previous studies only involved smaller study populations, as well as short observational periods.  The authors of the report were interested in conducting a randomized trial to examine the actual effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet as compared to a control diet consisting of low-fat food items on preventive heart attack and stroke.

What This Diet Means for Heart Attack and Stroke

Using a study population of approximately 7,447 individuals, the study participants were randomly assigned to either one of three groups.  The first group followed a Mediterranean diet that was supplemented with olive oil, the second group followed a Mediterranean diet that consisted of mixed nuts, whereas the third group was given a control diet that mainly contained low-fat food items.  At the same time, the study participants attended educational sessions that provided information on the nutritional value of various food items.  The study participants were also monitored for the occurrence of heart attack and stroke, as well as death for nine years.

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The results of the study showed that approximately 288 study participants suffered from heart attack and stroke within the study period.  Around 96 of the 288 individuals came from the group that followed the olive oil-supplemented meals, whereas 83 came from the group that followed the nuts-enriched meals.  On the other hand, 109 individuals originated from the group that followed the low-diet nutritional scheme.  Statistical analysis showed that the number of cases of heart attack was significantly lower among those who followed the Mediterranean meals, regardless of whether it was supplemented with olive oil and nuts.

Positive Feedback – Reducing the Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

The report emphasized the positive effects of the Mediterranean-style meals in reducing the risk of heart attack, which was observed after an extended period of time.  The researchers who conducted the study found that following a nutritional regimen that integrated olive nuts and/or nuts can prevent cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease and stroke.  Although there were differences within each meal group that was following the Mediterranean-style of nutrition, the general trend of the results showed that indeed, the risk of heart attack was lower compared to the group that consumed low-fat meals.

The Heart Attack Risk Follow-Up

This recent medical report shows strong evidence that a certain types of food items may help in lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.  One strong advantage of the study was that it involved a very large number of individuals from different study centers.  In addition, the follow-up period of nine years was long enough to monitor any changes and events that could have happened to the study participants.  This report may be helpful to both physicians and patients who are interested in finding effective ways in preventing heart disease.

Why Such a Massive Increase in Cosmetic Surgery?

A recent report by a French based forum for plastic surgeons and dermatologists supports the Society’s data. They too have seen a rise in the demand for everything from breast augmentation and liposuction to Botox and other treatments for wrinkles. The forum indicates that global demand for cosmetic surgery grew by 10 per cent in 2012 and is expected to grow at least that much again this year.

The Anti-Aging Trend Seeing Growth

All signs seem to indicate that Asia will experience the most growth this year with high demand for procedures such as eyelid and nose surgery. A 14 per cent boost in the market is the prediction. In Europe the forecasted growth is set at 6.6 per cent. Much of this is attributed to the strong demand for anti-aging treatments from the over 50 population. When added up, the global market for plastic surgeries in 2012 reached approximately 6 billion dollars.

Surgeons in the United States, especially those in Beverly Hills, have reported an influx of new patients from countries around the world in recent years. Doctors believe that the demand for procedures that will help consumers look younger will only continue to rise as they develop new and innovative techniques. They point out that many anti-aging treatments are minimally invasive, making it more inviting to a lot of consumers who want to look younger.

Procedures to Look Younger – Most Popular

For women around the globe, breast augmentation turned into a nightmare a few years ago when they learned that the French-made implants they had were created with an industrial silicone not fit for human use. The government banned the implants and the owner of the company that manufactured them was charged with manslaughter. French authorities recommended that women with PIP implants have them removed. The PIP implants were not sold in the United States; however, women in over 60 countries, including many in Britain and South America received the implants. Despite the scandal, the French forum reports that breast augmentation is expected to grow by 5.2 per over the next 4 years.

Avoiding Wrinkles – It Doesn’t Stop There

Whether it is a case of avoiding wrinkles or enhancing a part of your body, plastic surgeons say more people are placing increased importance on their physical appearance. A U.S based survey shows that 51 per cent of Americans approve of cosmetic surgery. Sixty- seven per cent say they wouldn’t be embarrassed if their family and friends knew they had a cosmetic procedure.

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Today plastic surgeons say that minimally invasive procedures account for about 90 per cent of their work. This is likely because they cost less and require less recovery time. The most common of all cosmetic procedures is associated with wrinkles. Botulinum toxin or Botox, is used to smooth out skin. The second most popular technique uses products like Restylane to plump and fill in wrinkles.

If you are thinking about cosmetic surgery it is recommended that you do some homework first.

Make sure the doctor who will be conducting the procedure is board-certified, operates in an accredited facility, is well trained and experienced in the procedure you will be getting, and adheres to a strict code of ethics. Talking to your general practitioner before getting plastic surgery is also a wise idea.