Monday, March 31, 2014

HOMEOPATHY Monday – Our Immune System!!!



INFLAMMATION cannot live in a highly Alkaline bloodstream! And Inflammation cannot exist when our immune systems are healthy.

More and More we are realizing that Inflammation results in (Cancer, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Arthritis, Gout, Kidney Disease…) which plays a huge role in taking our vitality away from us and keeping is sick, tired and depressed.

If this is true, then what foods help contribute to keeping inflammation under control?

By eating a high alkaline diet and drinking highly alkalized juices actually helps our Immune System stay strong so it can naturally not only fight off viruses, infections but most importantly…fight off inflammatory diseases!

THIS is why it’s crucial we keep our juice intake highly ALKALINE in nature, but also our foods! Here’s a list of the top 10 Alkaline foods:

1. Spinach
2. Cucumbers
3. Celery
4. Almonds
5. Lemons/Limes
6. Alfalfa Sprouts
7. Asparagus
8. Apples
9. Garlic
10. Grapefruit

Remember, you can juice these as well! Also ALL LEAFY greens are highly alkaline, such as Swiss Chard, Kale, etc.,. Here’s a great link to read that shows you just what alkaline foods are, and how to use them in your diet. Mybesthealthportal dot net

9 Reasons Why Exercise May Be the Best Medicine


1. May Improve Chronic Fatigue Syndrome SymptomsThere is no debate, regular exercise is vital for maintaining health and wellness.  Again and again, research confirms that everyone can benefit from physical activity.  Want to live a long, healthy life?  Your chances of doing so are far better if you regularly work your body.  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, regular physical activity has been shown to reduce mortality rates of many chronic diseases. Additionally, many illnesses and health ailments can be improved, or even prevented, by engaging in regular physical activity. [1]
Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by endless fatigue that is not satisfied by sleep or rest.  The disease is, by definition, very debilitating and some people suffer from symptoms for years. Most people do not find relief from pharmaceuticals, and even alternative remedies fall short.  However, as part of a comprehensive approach, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital recommends exercise therapy for improving fatigue and secondary symptoms of chronic fatigue synedrome. [2]

2. Puts Insomniacs to Bed

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that exercise improved insomniac tendencies in persons with major depressive disorder.  Which symptoms?  Most of them.  Participants in the study reported improvements in mood and sleep quality and researchers concluded that exercise therapy was a recommendation-worthy therapy. [3]

3. Supports Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a very individual and personal experience; you should always consult with your healthcare provider before making any drastic lifestyle changes when you’re pregnant so take this as food for thought.  Research has shown that pregnant women who participate in mild to moderate exercise have better heart and lung fitness, are less likely to experience urinary incontinence, have fewer symptoms of depression, gain less weight, and have fewer incidence of gestational diabetes! [4]

4. Softens Aging

Diet and a sedentary lifestyle are huge contributors to the steady, physical deterioration that is often associated with age.  Don’t settle for it!  Evidence repeatedly shows that improvement in physical fitness lessens the risk of age related diseases, including mental diseases like dementia and Parkinson’’s disease. [5]
For a low-impact, easy-to-do routine, many older folks enjoy Tai Chi.  The Tufts University School of Medicine reports that Tai Chi can help improve rheumatological conditions by enhancing fitness, strength, balance, and overall physical function.  Those are just the physical effects.  Mentally, Tai Chi has been cited a stress reliever, anxiety reducer, and quality of life improver. [6]

5. Improves Mental Health

One of the largest, recurrent benefits of regular exercise is that it reduces stress and improves mood. This can be helpful for everyone, but especially persons with depression for whom pharmaceuticals do not work or are not preferred. [7] The Department of Kinesiology at the University of Georgia confirms that people who maintain a healthy heart and lungs into and through their middle ages report less incidence of depression. [8]However, it’s better to start early.  Research conducted by the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section at the University of Michigan found that adolescents who suffer from depression showed significant improvement after engaging in aerobic exercise. [9]
The Netherlands’ Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience conducted a clinical trial to examine the effects of exercise on patients with schizophrenia and discovered that exercise therapy performed at least twice a week increased cardiovascular fitness and reduced symptoms of schizophrenia, including depression. [10]

6. Fights Antidepressants’ Libido Depression

The University of Texas at Austin conducted a study involving 47 women who reported sexual arousal problems caused by antidepressants.  Researchers had the women watch three erotic film clips during which time they measured genital arousal.  Before two of the sessions, the women exercised.  The results? Exercising prior increased genital arousal and sexual satisfaction. [11]

7. May Help Menopausal Mood Swings

Hormonal changes and mood swings are often most severe during menopause.  The University of Granada’s Faculty of Health Sciences recommends that menopausal women may benefit from physical exercise, which lessens the physical and psychological changes associated with menopause. [12]

8. May Improve Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammation and degeneration of the central nervous system.  This will often affect physical activities (like walking) and cognitive functions like attention and memory. According to the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, because exercise combats inflammation and neurodegeneration, it may be therapy worth investigating for sufferers of multiple sclerosis. [13]

9. Promotes Positive Recovery

Traumatic brain injuries often include a long and difficult recovery process. Unfortunately, depression can creep in.  As part of an approach to dealing with the difficulties, Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center advises that exercise may be an appropriate method to boost the quality of life for persons who have sustained traumatic brain injuries. [14]
- Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

Foods and Supplements that Prevent Inflammation


Inflammation plays an important role in causing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and aging in general. Although inflammation is a healthy response by the body to repair injury, ongoing inflammation contributes to many of our most common chronic diseases.

The best way, by far, to reduce inflammation is—you guessed it—a healthy lifestyle, meaning a wholesome diet, exercise, good sleep, sunshine and stress management. Exercise in particular helps the body move the damaging debris of inflammation out of the body, which is why people with diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia are encouraged to move, even if just by gentle stretching.

Foods that Cause Inflammation
One of the primary causes of inflammation is too much of certain fats and oils. The saturated fat found in meat is one culprit. Let me emphasize here that the key concept is excess; there’s no evidence that having a steak or lamb chop or bacon now and then does any harm. Ironically, the other fatty acid culprit is at the other end of the saturation spectrum—the omega-6 unsaturated oils such as corn, cottonseed, safflower and soybean. These are the oils found in chips, cookies, mayonnaise, salad dressings, and countless processed food products. It almost goes without saying that the hydrogenated oils (trans-fats) are particularly villainous inflammatory agents, but most of those have been removed from processed foods.

Refined carbohydrates, especially the fatty carbs like French fries and the sweet carbs like cookies and doughnuts, are likely one of the primary causes of inflammation in the U.S.

Food sensitivities also contribute to inflammation. In some people, certain foods set off immune system alarm bells that can create inflammation throughout the body. The most common culprits are wheat, dairy, soy and citrus products. The nightshade family of plants, including tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and nicotine can also cause inflammation.

    Saturday, March 29, 2014

    What is The Role of Stem Cells in Treating Knee and Joint Pain

    Stem cells are being used by doctors to treat knee and joint pain which can caused by several forms of arthritis. Stem cells are known to be able to become any type of cell. For the stem cells to be effective in treating joint and knee pain, they are usually combined with the patients platelets then injected to the joint where the pain is experienced. The stem cell usually turns into a new tissue which helps in improving the function of the joint and also reducing pain in the joints. Patients who have received this treatment have shown a noticeable improvement in the cartilage which thickens after some time, increase of repair tissue over the subchondral bone and decrease of the size of edematous subchondral patches.
    This kind of treatment is commonly used for wear and tear arthritis of the knees but has also been used to treat the shoulder, hips, spine and the ankle.Some patients have been able to notice some improvement within three months with full benefits in one year.
    Stem cells usually come from fat, bone marrow, placentas and blood.
    The mesenchymal stem cell is the cell which is usually used because they are responsible for rebuilding and regeneration. The stem cell is usually derived from the patient’s own tissues therefore there are no risks of rejection.
    The mesenchymal stems are also a potential source of cells for cell-based cartilage repair because of the ability to renew them and undergo multi-lineage differentiation.
    The plasma-rich platelets (PRP) which is usually combined with stem cells acts as a booster for growth. The PRP also provides cells signals and nourishment to help the stem cells to flourish and develop into new joints, tendons, ligaments and several other parts of the body.
    PRP also helps the stem cells to grow on their own inside the body and moves the stem cells to the area of the injury.
    Stem cells treatments have been very successful and the treatment too has advantages over other forms of treatments such as surgical treatment. One of the advantages of stem cell treatment over surgical treatment is that there are no risks of surgery and disability. There have been no serious effects that have been reported when the procedures are performed.
    When the procedure is completed the patients are advised to follow up treatments of PRP on monthly intervals so as the stem cells can work effectively.
    Stem cells treatments are safe and can be repeated several times on a joint if necessary so as to achieve the optimal results.
    Many doctors in the US have approved the use of stem cell in treating knee and joint pain. Christopher. J. Centeno MD of Bloomfield Colorado clinic says the results he has seen from stem cell treatment are remarkable. He says he has treated more than 200 patients over a two year period and two thirds of the patients have reported 50% relief and 40% have reported more than 75% relief after one to two years after the treatment.
    According to him knees have high chances of healing than other joints such as hips. He says out of his total number of knee patients only 8% have opted for a total knee replacement two years after undergoing the stem cell injection.
    Stem cells treatment has its advantages and advantages. Some of the advantages include:
    • Quick Recovery: Most of the patients who have undergone the stem cell procedures are able to be up and moving within 24 hours. Some patients are able to perform some task such as cycling by the end of the first week after the treatment.
    • Few Complications: Since stem cell treatment is a non-surgical procedure there are less chances of getting a complication compared to surgical procedures such as knee replacement surgery.
    The disadvantages that can be associated with stem cell procedure are non- existent. Only one downside has been noted:
    • The Cost of The Procedure: The stem cell injections are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration therefore they are not covered by the insurance. A single pop can go for $4000 and in many cases the patients will require more than one shot. This means this form of treatment can be quite expensive especially that someone has to part with cash money.

    Tuesday, March 25, 2014

    Top 8 foods and herbs for healing cancer


    (NaturalNews) With 44% of men and 39% of women now being diagnosed with cancer, it has become more important than ever to understand the foods that will not only nourish your body, but also detoxify it of any cancer causing agents. Here are some of the most potent cancer destroying foods and herbs.

    Sea Vegetables

    Kelp, kombu, and nori are three of the more common sea vegetables with remarkable effects on cancer. They are one of the richest and most bioavailable sources of iodine, a substance lacking in the average diet that is implicated in many patients with breast and ovarian cancer.

    They are also rich in calcium and potassium, as well as all minerals, which assist in promoting a very alkaline environment, which makes it very difficult for existing cancer to survive.

    Algae

    Chlorella and spirulina are two of the most potent algae and are proven cancer fighters.

    Due to their incredible detoxification action (including binding to and eliminating heavy metals) and immune boosting properties (by promoting production of healthy gut flora and fighting candida overgrowth), they are a must have when healing cancer.

    Cruciferous Vegetables

    Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage have been linked to lower cancer risks and have the ability to halt growth of cancer cells for tumors in the breast, uterine lining, lung, colon, liver, and cervix.

    It appears that a phytochemical called sulforaphane can stimulate enzymes that detoxify carcinogens before they damage cells, as well as indole 3-carbinol and crambene, which are also suspected of activating detoxification enzymes.

    Medicinal Mushrooms

    Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi and chaga have had a number of bioactive molecules, including anti-tumor agents, identified in their structure. These bioactive compounds include polysaccharides, alkaloids, tocopherols, phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, folates, ascorbic acid enzymes, and organic acids.

    Studies show that long-term consumption of reishi prevents tumor proliferation and growth by increasing the level of antioxidants in an individual's blood plasma while boosting the immunity of those suffering from advanced stage cancer.

    Aloe Vera

    Research shows strong immunomodulatory and anti-tumor properties for polysaccharides in aloe vera, which means it boosts immune system function and destroys cancer tumors.

    A study in International Immunopharmacology showed that aloe vera polysaccharides exhibited potent macrophage activating activities including producing increased volumes of nitric oxide, which has anti-tumor potential.

    Hemp

    The hemp plant contains some of the most balanced and richest sources of oils on the planet, with an ideal ratio of 3:1 for omega 6 to omega 3. Hemp seed oil also contains 80% essential fatty acids, the highest of any plant.

    Essential fatty acids are fundamental to immune function due to their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory fatty acids, which helps oxidize the cells and restores health at a cellular level. Since cancer cannot survive in a highly oxygenated environment, the superb EFA content in hemp makes it a great option for healing cancer.

    Garlic

    A double blind, randomized study with over 3000 human subjects for seven clinical years showed that cancer risk was cut by 60% for those with the highest intake of allium containing vegetables, including aged garlic.

    The miracle nutrient appears to be the enzyme alliinase (a nutrient in the Allium genus) which produces the anti-cancer compounds. The key is to crush it and let it sit for 15 minutes in order to release these anti-cancer compounds.

    Turmeric

    The Life Extension Foundation has conducted extensive research into the anti-cancer properties of turmeric and found that it targets 10 causative factors involved in cancer development, including DNA damage, chronic inflammation, and disruption of cell signaling pathways.

    Hundreds of studies have also shown that curcumin is a potent anti-cancer food that blocks cancer development in a number of unique ways.

    I hope this inspires you to trust nature, so we can start to reverse these scary statistics.


    Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/044443_healing_foods_cancer_immune_support.html#ixzz2wzfogplq

    Monday, March 24, 2014

    Eating Disorders

    The Skinny on Eating Disorders


    Eating disorders are abnormal eating habits that can threaten your health or even your life. Almost everyone is worried about his or her weight occasionally. People with eating disorders take such concerns to extremes.

    An eating disorder is defined as “a complex compulsion to eat, or not eat, in a way which disturbs physical and mental health.” Many people with eating disorders have no idea that they are suffering from a serious condition, and instead feel that are just acting in accordance with what feels right at the time.

    Eating Disorder Causes:

    An Eating disorder is the result of irregular and improper diet intake, stress filled lifestyle and the over ambition to reach size zero. Emotional bearing is also one of the reasons. It is a common disorder experienced by a sizable percentage of the population. Weight gain due to junk food habit because of less home cooking and the associated fear of being over weight are the root cause of eating disorder. More than two million people in USA are suffering from this.

    Eating disorder which includes anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating are some of the serious forms of mental illness. Living a life with this illness imparts a feeling of insecurity, shame, anxiety. Mostly, the individual is left to struggle alone because of the complicated combination of physical and mental symptoms, but with proper medication, this illness can be cured. People with eating disorder feel that they are overweight and continue eating less and become malnourished.

    Eating disorders are characterized by an abnormal obsession with food and weight. Eating disorders are much more noticed in women than in men. Environmental factors have a large influence on developing eating disorders but more research is being performed on hormonal imbalances, brain lesions and their effects on eating disorders. Many types of eating disorder such as, anorexia nervosa, starvation diet,binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, diabulimia and night eating syndrome.

    Types of Eating Disorders:

    Compulsive overeating – Overeating or addiction of over eating is called compulsive overeating. People suffering from their abnormal eating, feels uncomfortable in society. Compulsive Overeater is at risk for a heart attack, high blood-pressure and cholesterol, kidney disease and/or failure, arthritis and bone deterioration, and stroke.

    Binge Eating Disorder – Eating much more food during a binge episode than during a normal meal or snack. Frequent dieting without weight loss.Hoarding food.Hiding empty food containers.Feeling depressed, disgusted or upset over the amount eaten.

    Diabulimia – It is a condition that is currently under recognized, but which deserves more attention. If there is little awareness, more deaths can occur. So what is diabulimia? If you look at the term “diabulimia” closely, you will find that it is a combination of the terms “diabetes” and “bulimia”.

    Night Eating Syndrome – Night Eating Syndrome is a relatively new disorder. A person with night eating syndrome will often eat large quantities of food after their last meal of the day. Usually just before bed and during the middle of the night. They in turn will skip breakfast and not start eating until the middle of the day. Those with night eating syndrome will not just indulge in the occasional midnight snack, they will typically consume high calorie, low nutritious foods often through the night.

    Bulimia :- Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder and psychological condition in which the subject engages in recurrent binge eating followed by feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation and intentional purging to compensate for the excessive eating, usually to prevent weight gain. Purging can take the form of vomiting, fasting, inappropriate use of laxatives, enemas, diuretics or other medication, or excessive physical exercise.

      Sunday, March 23, 2014

      Top 10 Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms Women Should Not Ignore


        Pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding aren’t the only signs of gynecologic cancer, which includes cervical cancer, ovarian cancer or uterine cancer (also known as endometrial cancer).

      As part of Cervical Health Awareness Month in January, cancer experts at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center share other gynecologic cancer symptoms that often are overlooked.

      Gynecologic Cancer

      More than 80,000 women in the United States are diagnosed each year with a gynecologic cancers, such as cervical cancer, ovarian cancer or uterine cancer.

      “Unfortunately, because symptoms for these gynecologic cancer are often vague, many women mistake symptoms for these gynecologic cancer for other less serious conditions,” said Therese Bevers, M.D., medical director of MD Anderson’s Cancer Prevention Center. “So, it’s important to know exactly what to look for because gynecologic cancers are usually most treatable when found early.”

      Below are 10 symptoms of cervical and other gynecologic cancers that every woman should watch for. “Alert your doctor if these symptoms appear, especially if you’ve already gone through menopause,” Bevers said.
      1. Swollen legs. Does one leg look or feel swollen for no reason? This may be a sign of cervical cancer. Typically, though, a swollen leg isn’t a sign of cancer unless there’s also pain, discharge or other cervical cancer symptoms.
      2. Constant fatigue. A little rest should typically cure fatigue. But women should see a doctor if fatigue constantly interferes with work or leisure activities.
      3. Persistent indigestion or nausea. Feeling queasy for an extended period of time? Occasionally, persistent indigestion or nausea can signal gynecologic cancers, so play it safe and see a doctor.
      4. Belly bloat. Women often feel bloated after eating or drinking a lot, especially during their menstrual cycles. But a woman may have ovarian cancer if she continues feeling bloated for more than two weeks or after her period ends.
      5. Pain in the pelvis or abdominal area. Ongoing abdominal pain or discomfort — including gas, indigestion, pressure, bloating and cramps — can signal ovarian cancer. And, constant pelvic pain or pressure can be a sign of endometrial cancer.
      6. Abnormal vaginal bleeding. More than 90% of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer experience irregular bleeding. Women who’ve already undergone menopause should have any bleeding,including spotting, evaluated. Women who haven’t gone through menopause should see a doctor about bleeding between periods, heavy bleeding or bleeding during sex.
      7. Vaginal discharge colored with blood. Bloody, dark or smelly discharge usually signals infection. But sometimes, it’s a sign of cervical or endometrial cancer.
      8. Loss of appetite or constant feeling full. Never hungry anymore? Or constantly full? These appetite changes may be symptoms of ovarian cancer.
      9. Unexplained weight loss. Women who suddenly lose more than 10 pounds without changing diet or exercise habits should see their doctor.
      10. Constantly needing bathroom breaks. Constantly need to use the bathroom or feel continuous bladder pressure? This may be a sign of cancer. “Take note especially if you also feel full, have abdominal pain and experience bloating,” Bevers said.

      “Remember, having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer,” Bevers said. “But if the symptoms last two weeks or longer, see your doctor. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

      Saturday, March 22, 2014

      How to Keep Your Joints Healthy and Strong

      Joints are the connection points between two bones. Joints allow you to be able to bend your knees, elbow, and turn your head and several other movements in the body. A smooth tissue called cartilage, synovial fluid and synovium found in the joint ensures there is smooth movement in the joints. If the joints are not taken care of they end up not functioning properly. Several factors have been cited to cause wear and tear of the cartilage. Some of these factors include:
      • Injury
      • Age
      You should always ensure your joints are healthy and strong by observing the following measures:
      1. Watch Your Weight
      You should ensure you keep your weight within a healthy range so as to avoid stressing your joints. Being overweight put a lot of pressure to the joints which can result to overworking them which can further lead to injuries.
      You can maintain or reduce your body weight by exercising your body. Some of the exercises that you can do include:
      • Aerobic ExercisesAerobic exercises help in reducing joint swelling.
      • Low Impact Exercises: These exercises include bicycling and swimming.
      Taking a walk or jogging everyday can also be helpful in ensuring that the joints don’t become stiff.

      2. Know Your Limits. Don’t Over Exercise

      Some exercises can be tough for your joints to handle. You should always ensure you start with simple exercises so as to make your joints adapt to the tasks.
      You can get advice from a physical therapist on which exercises are good for you but you can also listen to your body when doing the exercises so that you can know which exercises are good for you.

      3. Build Your Muscles

      Building your muscles will help in supporting your joints. Less muscles result to pressure on the joints especially the knee which supports the entire body. Weight lifting can be a good exercise for building and keeping your muscles strong. Before commencement of any weight lifting exercise, ensure you get an advice from a fitness trainer so as to avoid straining your joints when trying to strengthen them.

      4. Always Ensure You are in Good Posture


      Good posture protects your joints from injuries. You should avoid slouching as it is not good for your joints.
      You should also ensure good posture when performing tasks for example, when lifting and carrying a load, ensure you use the biggest muscle in your body by bending at your knees and avoiding bending your back.

      5. Eat a Balanced Diet


      A healthy balanced diet is good for healthy joints. It helps in making the bones and joints to be strong and healthy. Healthy and strong bones and joints will prevent you from easily falling down which can result to fractures. Foods that are rich in Calcium are good for the bones and joints. Such food include leafy green vegetables such as kales, spinach and cabbage, milk, yogurt, salmon and figs. Calcium supplements can also be used incase you don’t get enough Calcium from your diet. Vitamin D ensures that Calcium is absorbed from your diet.
      Vitamin D can also be formed in your body when you are exposed to direct sunlight.
      Omegas 3s are also good for healthy joints. Omega 5 fatty acids help in reducing joint pain and swelling especially in people who suffer from arthritis.
      Foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids include salmon and mackerel. Omega 3 can also be in form of supplements such as fish oil capsules.

      6. Use of Ice


      Ice is commonly used to relieve pain and swelling. Applying a cold pack on a powerful area can help in reducing the pain temporarily. You should avoid applying the ice directly to the skin.

      7. Protecting Your Joints

      You can protect your joints by wearing knee pads, helmets, elbow and wrist pads when involved in activities that put you at risk of falling down.
      Preventing injuries can put you out of risk of diseases such as arthritis.

      Friday, March 21, 2014

      5 Ways to Prevent Diabetes


      Diabetes is a horrible disease that is on the rise in America. Experts say that it, along with our obesity crisis, will continue to grow (pun intended) over the next two decades. Research shows that there are number of ways to either prevent diabetes entirely or at least slow down the effects. Here are the top 5:

      1. Get Active – Our country has never been more sedentary. Technology is a wonderful thing but it has also made us move less, interact less and SIT more! Becoming more physical doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to start power lifting or doing one of the myriad of infomercial boot camps where the people in them look like Olympic athletes. Start with small changes. Stand instead of sit, park further away from the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Eventually your energy will increase and you will WANT to walk or jog, go to the gym or workout at home. For more on easy exercise tips go to: Exercise Help Guide.

      2. Eat Smaller, Healthier Portions More Often – To keep blood levels (and energy) at balanced levels throughout the day, eat 100 – 200 calorie meals every three hours. Meals should be low glycemic as often as possible. This will help you keep your weight down as well as make you feel satiated all day long.

      3. Quit Smoking…NOW! – If you do nothing else, do this! Smoking is the WORST thing that you can do for yourself. Even if you exercise, eat right, etc., by smoking you almost negate these positive things. I know people who have used Chantix, the Patch, cold turkey and an assortment of other ways to quit. Although research is still being done on the future effects, many people have left the 4,000 – 7,000 chemical producing cigarette for the “E-Cigarette” which typically has only Citric Acid, Nicotine, Distilled Water, Natural Artificial Flavors and USP Grade Glycerin in it. Go to the American Cancer Society to find out more on how and why to quit: American Cancer Society.

      4. Deal with Stress in a Productive Way – We all have things we deal with on a daily basis that create stress in our lives. Some people consider stress a negative thing but really without stress we wouldn’t grow at all. It’s how we RESPOND to stress that makes or breaks us! Studies actually show that stress hormones alter blood glucose levels directly and increase the risk of the diabetes. Some of the best known ways to relieve stress are the holistic arts – yoga, tai chi, aikido as well as weight training, walking, Pilates, dance, gardening, etc

      5. See Your Doctor – As we age it is important to get check ups and well visits as often as recommended by our doctors. Many health issues, when caught early are much more treatable.

      For an overview of everything you would ever want to know about diabetes including the symptoms, treatments, complications and so on go to the American Diabetes Association.

        Top Five Green Superfoods


        It’s nearly spring and St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. While the food most commonly associated with the holiday is typically fat-and-calorie-laden “Irish fry” fare such as corn beef and cabbage, Irish stew and black pudding, there is no reason why you can’t celebrate the luck of the Irish by lightening up your day with healthy green foods!

        For better health, try adding lots ofGREEN (superfoods, that is) into your day.  Here is a list of five of the most nutritious green superfoods:

        1. KALE
        Kale is the new insanely nutritious superfood on the block. At only 36 calories per cup (boiled), kale is a great low-calorie veggie, packed with mega-vitamins such as K, A, and C, plus carotenoids, flavonoids, fiber, calcium, and iron. What’s more, kale is a cruciferous vegetable, or a "crucifer," meaning it belongs to the Crucifae family of vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables have numerous health benefits, most notably their ability to fight cancer. Crucifers containisothiocyanates, chemical compounds that combat carcinogens by inhibiting their activity, repairing damage made by them, and also speeding up cancer cell death. Try oven-roasting kale with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and just a touch of sea salt for a crispy treat.

        2. EDAMAME
        Edamame, or immature green soybeans, are a virtual powerhouse of nutrition. A half-cup serving of shelled edamame pods contains just 120 calories and a whopping 9 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein.  And soy is a “complete,” high-quality protein meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for growth and development.  A few swallows of this little bean will also supply you with a nice amount of iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, thiamin, folate and vitamin K.

        Both the soy protein and the isoflavones -- powerful plant-based chemicals similar in structure to estrogen and proven to help lower cholesterol -- housed within edamame have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, our nation’s leading cause of death.

        3. BROCCOLI
        Love it or hate it, this green vegetable never fails to garner the coveted superfood title. Another cruciferous cancer-fighting vegetable, broccoli stands out as the most concentrated veggie source of Vitamin C.  Plus it contains the flavonoids necessary for Vitamin C to recycle effectively. Also concentrated in broccoli are the disease-fighting carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene.

        Broccoli is simply loaded with the medicinal anti-inflammatory isothiocyanate called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane has proven cancer-prevention properties and may also help prevent and treat other chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. And all this for a mere 50 calories in one cup of steamed broccoli!

        4. GREEN TEA
        Most people know that green tea is a health food.  But do you know why? Tea is a plant food; and plants contain a plethora of phytochemicals that, when stacked together, maximize your body’s defense against chronic disease.

        There are three main varieties of tea -- black, oolong, and green -- and all are derived from the tea plant known as Camellia sinensis. Teas are classified based on how the leaves are processed. Green tea, the least processed of the three, is dried but not fermented. Oolong tea has been withered (wilted), fermented, then fired directly to prevent continued fermentation. Black tea goes through the most processing. Here the tea leaves have been fermented for a much longer period, a process that gives black tea its darker color and richer flavor.

        The predominant disease-fighting flavonoid in all forms of tea is the catechins. Green and black tea have the most scientific evidence supporting their heath benefits. So let’s all take a tip from the Brits and make time for tea -- green tea, that is.

        5. AVOCADO
        Who knew? Avocados are nicknamed alligator pears because of their pear shape and alligator-like skin. Avocados are actually considered a fruit and as such are the ultimate health food packed with super-heart-healthy monounsaturated fat in addition to an array of vitamins, minerals, andphytonutrients not found in butter or mayo. So replace those artery-clogging fats by going green with a spread of super-buttery, creamy, and delightfully tasty ripe avocado and do your heart a favor!

        Think GREEN, not just for the environment and St. Patrick’s Day but also for your body, your health, and your fitness. Aim for at least one cup of dark green veggies such as kale, broccoli, or spinach every day.  Everyone surely has a little Irish in them, even if just in spirit.  So why not take this opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with some of these healthier green foods?  With the support of Fitness Together you’ll surely be giving yourself the gift of better health.

        Wednesday, March 19, 2014

        Study Questions Fat and Heart Disease Link

        Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill/PRNewsFoto A new study questions the relationship between heart disease and saturated fat.
        Many of us have long been told that saturated fat, the type found in meat, butter and cheese, causes heart disease. But a large and exhaustive new analysis by a team of international scientists found no evidence that eating saturated fat increased heart attacks and other cardiac events.
        The new findings are part of a growing body of research that has challenged the accepted wisdom that saturated fat is inherently bad for you and will continue the debate about what foods are best to eat.
        For decades, health officials have urged the public to avoid saturated fat as much as possible, saying it should be replaced with the unsaturated fats in foods like nuts, fish, seeds and vegetable oils.
        But the new research, published on Monday in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, did not find that people who ate higher levels of saturated fat had more heart disease than those who ate less. Nor did it find less disease in those eating higher amounts of unsaturated fat, including monounsaturated fat like olive oil or polyunsaturated fat like corn oil.
        “My take on this would be that it’s not saturated fat that we should worry about” in our diets, said Dr. Rajiv Chowdhury, the lead author of the new study and a cardiovascular epidemiologist in the department of public health and primary care at Cambridge University.
        But Dr. Frank Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, said the findings should not be taken as “a green light” to eat more steak, butter and other foods rich in saturated fat. He said that looking at individual fats and other nutrient groups in isolation could be misleading, because when people cut down on fats they tend to eat more bread, cold cereal and other refined carbohydrates that can also be bad for cardiovascular health.
        “The single macronutrient approach is outdated,” said Dr. Hu, who was not involved in the study. “I think future dietary guidelines will put more and more emphasis on real food rather than giving an absolute upper limit or cutoff point for certain macronutrients.”
        He said people should try to eat foods that are typical of the Mediterranean diet, like nuts, fish, avocado, high-fiber grains and olive oil. A large clinical trial last year, which was not included in the current analysis, found that a Mediterranean diet with more nuts and extra virgin olive oil reduced heart attacks and strokes when compared with a lower fat diet with more starches.
        Alice H. Lichtenstein, a nutritional biochemist at Tufts University, agreed that “it would be unfortunate if these results were interpreted to suggest that people can go back to eating butter and cheese with abandon,” citing evidence that replacing saturated fat with foods that are high in polyunsaturated fats – instead of simply eating more carbohydrates – reduces cardiovascular risk.
        Dr. Lichtenstein, who was not involved in the latest study, was the lead author of the American Heart Association’s dietary guidelines, which recommend that people restrict saturated fat to as little as 5 percent of their daily calories, or roughly two tablespoons of butter or two ounces of Cheddar cheese for the typical person eating about 2,000 calories a day. The heart association states that restricting saturated fat and eating more unsaturated fat, beans and vegetables can protect against heart disease by lowering low-density lipoprotein or so-called bad cholesterol.
        In the new research, Dr. Chowdhury and his colleagues sought to evaluate the best evidence to date, drawing on nearly 80 studies involving more than a half million people. They looked not only at what people reportedly ate, but at more objective measures such as the composition of fatty acids in their bloodstreams and in their fat tissue. The scientists also reviewed evidence from 27 randomized controlled trials – the gold standard in scientific research – that assessed whether taking polyunsaturated fat supplements like fish oil promoted heart health.
        The researchers did find a link between trans fats, the now widely maligned partially hydrogenated oils that had long been added to processed foods, and heart disease. But they found no evidence of dangers from saturated fat, or benefits from other kinds of fats.
        The primary reason saturated fat has historically had a bad reputation is that it increases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL, the kind that raises the risk for heart attacks. But the relationship between saturated fat and LDL is complex, said Dr. Chowdhury. In addition to raising LDL cholesterol, saturated fat also increases high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, the so-called good cholesterol. And the LDL that it raises is a subtype of big, fluffy particles that are generally benign. Doctors refer to a preponderance of these particles as LDL pattern A.
        The smallest and densest form of LDL is more dangerous. These particles are easily oxidized and are more likely to set off inflammation and contribute to the buildup of artery-narrowing plaque. An LDL profile that consists mostly of these particles, known as pattern B, usually coincides with high triglycerides and low levels of HDL, both risk factors for heart attacks and stroke.
        The smaller, more artery-clogging particles are increased not by saturated fat, but by sugary foods and an excess of carbohydrates, Dr. Chowdhury said. “It’s the high carbohydrate or sugary diet that should be the focus of dietary guidelines,” he said. “If anything is driving your low-density lipoproteins in a more adverse way, it’s carbohydrates.”
        While the new research showed no relationship overall between saturated or polyunsaturated fat intake and cardiac events, there are numerous unique fatty acids within these two groups, and there was some indication that they are not all equal.
        When the researchers looked at fatty acids in the bloodstream, for example, they found that margaric acid, a saturated fat in milk and dairy products, was associated with lower cardiovascular risk. Two types of omega-3 fatty acids, the polyunsaturated fats found in fish, were also protective. But a number of the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, commonly found in vegetable oils and processed foods, may pose risks, the findings suggested.
        The researchers then looked at data from the randomized trials to see if taking supplements like fish oil produced any cardiovascular benefits. It did not.
        But Dr. Chowdhury said there might be a good explanation for this discrepancy. The supplement trials mostly involved people who had pre-existing heart disease or were at high risk of developing it, while the other studies involved generally healthy populations.
        So it is possible that the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids lie in preventing heart disease, rather than treating or reversing it. At least two large clinical trials designed to see if this is the case are currently underway.

        Tuesday, March 18, 2014

        Suffering From Lupus

        Lupus is an autoimmune disease which occurs when the body immune system attacks the healthy body tissues instead of the foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. When this happens inflammation occurs which leads to swelling, pain, and damaged tissues in the body. Lupus damages different parts of the body such as:
        • Joints
        • Skin
        • Blood vessels
        • Brain
        • Heart
        • Kidney
        • Lungs
        There are several types of lupus. These include:
        • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: This type of lupus affects many parts of the body. It is the most common type of lupus.
        • Drug Induced Lupus: This is a kind of lupus that is caused by certain kind of medications.
        • Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: This kind of lupus usually causes skin rash that does not go away.
        • Neonatal Lupus: This is a type of lupus that usually affects the new born.
        • Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: This is a kind of lupus that makes the skin sore when it is exposed to sunlight.
        The cause of lupus is not yet known but researchers believe that certain genes that have an effect to the immune system to be the cause of the disease.
        Other factors that are believed to cause lupus include viral infection that causes mononucleosis, sunlight, smoking, some medications especially those in the penicillin and sulfa groups, exposure to certain chemical compounds such as trichloroethylene which can be found in water and dust. Infections such as hepatitis C infections, cytomegalovirus (CMV), parvovirus and Epstein- Barr virus common in children are also suspected to trigger the onset of the condition.
        Lupus is common in women than men and it mostly affects women of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic origin than Caucasian women.
        Lupus has several symptoms and they vary according to people affected. The common lupus symptoms include:
        • Muscle pain
        • Swollen glands
        • Joint swelling and pain
        • Hair loss
        • Fatigue
        • Fever with unknown cause
        • Red rashes in the face
        • Swollen glands
        • Sun sensitivity
        • Chest pain especially when taking a deep breath
        • Mouth ulcers
        • Pale and purple fingers or toes
        • Swollen legs and on areas around the eye
        • Weight loss or gain
        • Dry eyes
        There is no single test that can be used to diagnose lupus and doctors will take months or years to diagnose lupus. Tools which can be used to diagnose lupus include:
        • Blood tests
        • Kidney biopsy
        • Medical history
        • Skin biopsy
        • Complete body examination
        Lupus can be treated with different drugs depending on its severity. When you experience mild to severe symptoms the following medication can be used:
        • Corticosteroids: These drugs are usually used to prevent inflammation. They have side effects such as osteoporosis which the risk can be reduced by taking Calcium and Vitamin D supplements. Other side effects include diabetes, hypertension, easy bruising, increased risk of infection, and weight gain.
        • Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Examples of these drugs include naproxen sodium (Aleve), aspirin, and ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil).
        • Anti-malarial Drugs: These drugs are commonly used to treat lupus symptoms and prevention of flares even though there is no relation between malaria and lupus. Side effects of these drugs include muscle weakness and vision problems. An example of these drugs is Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil).
        In cases of severe lupus symptoms the following drugs can be used:
        • Immunosuppressive Drugs: Side effects of these drugs include infertility, cancer risk, and liver damage. Examples of these drugs include azathroprine (Imuran) and Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxam)