Article of The Day

Feb.14.12-Dark Chocolate

Eating Dark Chocolate May Help Prevent Heart Problems

 

A Reuters Health article of August 27, 2003 reports on research that shows that eating dark chocolate, but not milk chocolate, raises plasma antioxidant levels, an effect that could help protect against heart disease. The new study from the University of Glasgow, showed eating chocolate increases blood antioxidants but consuming milk at the same time cancels the health benefits.

What are antioxidants? They are compounds that combine with free radicals in the body and neutralize their damaging effects. What are free radicals? These are highly reactive molecules that are produced through normal body processes, as well as external stimuli such as air pollution and tobacco smoke. These free radicals react with billions of cells in the body and may lead to the development of a number of chronic diseases including cancer, cataracts and heart disease. There are many studies in the medical journals demonstrating the positive effects of antioxidants on large populations to decrease the frequency of new cancers as well as decrease the recurrence rates in people who already have cancer. Additionally, antioxidants have been shown to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system by decreasing the heart attack rate.

Volunteers in the University of Glasgow study were given either plain (dark) chocolate or milk chocolate. Some were also given milk in the double-blind experiment. Then their antioxidant levels were tested. Blood analysis one-hour after dark chocolate was eaten revealed a significant rise in antioxidant levels. “Those volunteers who had dark chocolate had a 20 percent increase in antioxidants in their plasma,” said Alan Crozier, one of the research team. “But those who had milk chocolate, or milk with their dark chocolate, showed no increase in epicatechin plasma levels.”

Why is Dark Chocolate Healthy?:

Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries). Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body.

Benefits of dark chocolate… Yes, the legends are true: They do exist!

But, before you go rummaging through year-old Halloween candy and stuffing your face with Snicker’s and Tootsie Roll’s, there’s a few things you need to know.

First, and most importantly, true dark chocolate is usually considered anything at or above 65% cacao.

You’re not going to find this percentage mixed in with the Skittles and Gummy Bears, and it does taste a bit different than the sugar-laden milk chocolate you’re probably used to, but most convenience and grocery stores do have a few high percentage options to at least take them for a test taste.

Don’t worry: Just like with wine, it’s an acquired taste for some, and your palette will adjust. I remember the first time I tried 65 percent, and I had to spit it out. I’ve since worked my way up the cocoa tree to being able to thoroughly enjoy 80-85% (I’m working on the 99, but that’s the extreme!).

The higher the percentage of cacao, the more benefits and better nutritional value the chocolate contains.

For example, an average 65% dark chocolate serving would look something like this (these are estimates, as actual numbers will vary, depending on brand, size, etc.): Total Fat 15 g, Sat. Fat 9 g, Sugars 16g, Protein 3g.

Comparatively, an average 99% dark chocolate serving would look something like this (these are estimates, as actual numbers will vary, depending on brand, size, etc.): Total Fat 22 g, Sat. Fat 14 g, Sugars 2g, Protein 5g.

As you can see, the higher up the percentage scale you go, the less sugar and more protein you’re going to get.

You may also notice the high fat content, but the majority of this comes from healthy fats (yes, there is such a thing!).

5 Benefits of Dark Chocolate

  1. Studies have shown dark chocolate to lower blood pressure
  2. Studies have also shown dark chocolate to lower bad cholesterol (LDL)
  3. It turns women on more than a passionate kissing session (no wonder they want it for Valentine’s Day!)
  4. Contains serotonin, a natural mood-boosting anti-depressant
  5. Stimulates pleasure-inducing endorphin production

Now, even though there are several benefits of dark chocolate, as with anything else, moderation is key. Make sure your chocolate delights fit into your daily caloric needs, and try to work your way up to the highest percentage dark chocolate you can enjoy.

Want to learn more fun and exciting tips like the benefits of dark chocolate? Come on over to http://www.fitbuff.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Johnsonn

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Feb.6.12-Omega 3′s

Story at-a-glance

  • Omega-3 fat deficiency is a contributing factor to many neurological and psychological problems, including degenerative disorders such as “age-related” memory loss and Alzheimer’s
  • Sixty percent of your brain is fat. DHA alone makes up about 15 percent to 20 percent of your brain’s cerebral cortex, as well as 30 percent to 60 percent of your retina, making it an essential nutrient for both brain- and eye health
  • It’s important to get the bulk of your omega-3 fat from animal-based sources such as krill oil, because the DHA and EPA are far more important for your health than the plant-based ALA. While ALA can convert into DHA/EPA, this conversion is severely impaired when you have elevated insulin levels, which affects over 80 percent of Americans
  • In two different studies, taking 800-900 mg of DHA per day for 16-24 weeks resulted in significant improvements in memory, verbal fluency scores, and rate of learning

Humans evolved with a staple source of the essential omega-3 fat docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in their diets, namely seafood. Animal based omega-3 fats are considered essential because they cannot be synthesized in appropriate quantities by your body and must be supplied through your diet.

The introduction of high-quality, easily digested nutrients from seafood into the human diet coincided with the rapid expansion of grey matter in the cerebral cortex — a defining characteristic of the modern human brain. The DHA molecule has unique structural properties that provide optimal conditions for a wide range of cell membrane functions, and grey matter is a particularly membrane-rich tissue. There’s no doubt you need omega-3 fat for proper brain function. In fact, mounting evidence suggests that deficiency in this essential fat may lead to brain degeneration. According to a recent article published in the journal Nutrients1:

“An emerging body of research is exploring a unique role for DHA in neurodevelopment and the prevention of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.”

Plant-Based versus Animal-Based Omega-3 Fats

Before we go any further, it’s important to recognize that animal-based omega-3 fat is not interchangeable with plant-based sources of omega-3. And while you do need both in your diet, animal-based omega-3 fats are particularly important for your brain health. Dietary fish and marine oil supplements such as krill oil are a direct source of EPA and DHA. Plants, on the other hand, contain the parent omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can be converted into eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). However, as stated in the featured article, this conversion is ineffective in general, and appears to get progressively more ineffective with age:

“Unlike the photosynthetic cells in algae and higher plants, mammalian cells lack the specific enzymes required for the de novo synthesis of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the precursor for all omega-3 fatty acid syntheses. Endogenous synthesis of DHA from ALA in humans is much lower and more limited than previously assumed.

… [A]fter much intense research, the 1989 NATO Advanced Research Workshop on dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids on biological effects and nutritional essentiality, agreed by consensus that n-3 fatty acids generally: (1) have anti-inflammatory properties; (2) lower serum triglycerides and cholesterol; and (3) decrease thrombosis and platelet aggregation. Therefore administration was recommended as beneficial in cardiovascular disease, hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis.

Since then, however, there has been a wealth of evidence to support the notion that the omega-3 fatty acids are not bioequivalentand that the longer chain EPA and DHA are much more important than their precursor ALA.” [Emphasis mine]

The reason why EPA/DHA are more important is because although ALA (that you get from plant sources) is an essential nutrient, the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is typically severely impaired by inhibition of delta 6 desaturase; an enzyme necessary for the conversion. Elevated insulin levels impair this enzyme, and over 80 percent of the U.S. population has elevated insulin levels, so chances are high that you’ll be part of this significant majority… Therefore, you want to make sure you get the bulk of your omega-3 from animal sources, not plant sources, to make sure you won’t develop a deficiency.

DHA: One of the Most Important Nutrients for Brain Function

Sixty percent of your brain is fat. DHA alone makes up about 15 percent to 20 percent of your brain’s cerebral cortex, as well as 30 percent to 60 percent of your retina, making it an essential nutrient for both brain and eye health.

It’s found in high levels in your neurons; the cells of your central nervous system, where it provides structural support. When your omega-3 intake is inadequate, your nerve cells become stiff as the missing omega-3 fats are substituted with cholesterol and omega-6 instead. Once your nerve cells become rigid, proper neurotransmission from cell to cell and within cells become compromised.

The influence of omega-3 fat on physical and mental health has been the subject of intense research over the last four decades, and there’s compelling evidence that animal-based omega-3 fats can help reduce the symptoms of a variety of psychiatric illnesses and degenerative brain disorders. For example, low DHA levels have been linked to:

  • Memory loss ,Alzheimer’s disease , Depression ,Schizophrenia, Bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder

Aside from optimizing your omega-3 intake, ideally by taking a krill oil supplement, the following guidelines can also greatly increase your chances of avoiding any kind of cognitive decline:

  • Eat a nutritious diet with plenty of vegetables, paying special attention to avoiding all forms of sugar, especially fructose. Experts are starting to look at memory problems like Alzheimer’s as a form of brain starvation, and glucose metabolism appears to play an important role in the disease. It’s already known that diabetics have four times the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and  those with prediabetes have triple the risk.
  • Avoid and remove mercury from your body. Dental amalgam fillings are one of the major sources of mercury, however you should be healthy prior to having them removed. Once you have adjusted to following the diet described in my Nutritional Plan, you can follow the mercury detox protocol and then find a biological dentist to have your amalgams removed. ONLY see a high-quality biologically trained dentist to remove your amalgams or your health could get ruined.
  • Avoid aluminum, such as in antiperspirants, cookware, etc.
  • Exercise for three to five hours per week. According to one study, the odds of developing Alzheimer’s were nearly quadrupled in people who were less active during their leisure time, between the ages of 20 and 60, compared with their peers.
  • Avoid flu vaccinations as they contain both mercury and aluminum!

To Download this Article: Omega-3′s

 

Jan.30.12-Wheat Gluten and Carbs

Story at-a-glance

  • Wheat and other glutinous grains are probably the worst starches to consume, in terms of metabolic impact versus micronutrient benefit, and many are heavy in toxins
  • Most people will need some starchy carbohydrates for optimal health; the optimal amount appears to be about 20 to 30 percent of your total caloric intake, or approximately 200 calories per day for the average person
  • The most important consideration is that your carbohydrate sources are as organic and unprocessed as possible, free of pesticides and chemical additives, and not genetically modified
  • Studies now demonstrate that your child’s diet has a direct impact on his or her cognitive function, and that both quality and quantity of carbohydrates are important

Grains should represent a small part of your diet, regardless of your age. I personally seek to avoid most grains, except rice.

But if you’re going to eat some grain-based foods, how much is too much?

This debate heated up earlier this year when two nutritional experts, Dr. Paul Jaminet and Dr. Ron Rosedale, engaged in a debate over how many starches are too many.

Dr. Rosedale believes there is no such thing as a “safe starch” and that all starchy carbohydrates should be avoided, which of course includes all grains.

Dr. Jaminet, on the other hand, is a little more forgiving of some of the “safer starches,” such as potatoes and rice. He believes some people need a small amount of these in their diets.

This is an interesting debate.

It’s well thought out and well articulated, but quite lengthy.

If you have time, I do recommended your reading through all of it to see the nuances of their contrasting views.

Controversial Carbs

The amount of carbohydrates one should consume for optimal health is a widely controversial topic. Fortunately we can gain some insights as to how much we might need by examining a child’s diet, which is critically important for proper brain development. As you would expect, the quality of a child’s diet will directly affect his or her cognitive functioning. Two recent studies highlight just how important this is.

STUDY #1: In the first study, Japanese researchers analyzed the relationship between breakfast staples and intelligence in children. They divided 290 healthy children into three groups according to their breakfast staple—rice, bread, or both. What they found was that children in the rice group had significantly more gray matter in their brains and showed a higher perceptual organization index, which is a component of intelligence. This supports the theory that children’s breakfast choices affect their cognitive function.

According to the study:

“… [O]ne possible mechanism underlying the difference between the bread and the rice groups may be the difference in the glycemic index (GI) of these two substances; foods with a low GI are associated with less blood-glucose fluctuation than are those with a high GI.”

STUDY #2: A 2011 cross-sectional study in Tehran, Iran, examined the relationship between long-term refined carbohydrate intake and non-verbal intelligence among 6 to 7-year-old schoolchildren. Researchers found that refined carbohydrate consumption and non-verbal IQ were inversely related for these Tehrani children. In other words, the more refined carbs the children were eating, the lower their non-verbal IQs. So how much starch is too much starch for breakfast—or any other meal, for that matter?

Avoid Carbs that are Loaded with Toxins

Aside from providing excessive calories as carbohydrates, one of the major adverse consequences of most grains is that they are loaded with toxins. In fact, as you’ll learn in the interview above, the average person gets about 1.5 grams of natural food toxins daily, which makes up more than 99.9 percent of all the toxins ingested. These are toxins made by plants, as opposed to manmade toxins, which serve to protect the plant from being eaten by mammals.

The one grain type that is virtually toxin free is white rice, which has far fewer toxins than brown rice. The vast majority of toxins in white rice are destroyed by cooking, which is why white rice is the only grain Dr. Jaminet recommends. One of the grain toxins with which you may be familiar is gluten.

“Gluten” comes from the Latin word for glue, so named because its adhesive properties hold bread and other baked goods together. Gluten is present in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. The glue-like properties interfere with the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, including the nutrients from other foods in the same meal. The result is a sticky, constipating lump in your gut, rather than a nutritious, easily digested meal. This undigested glutinous gut-bomb may trigger your immune system to attack the lining of your small intestine, causing diarrhea or constipation, nausea, and/or abdominal pain. Severe reactions are classified as “celiac disease,” and milder reactions fall under the category of “gluten intolerance.” Over time, your small intestine can become increasingly damaged and less able to absorb nutrients, such as iron and calcium. This in turn can lead to anemia, osteoporosis and other health problems. Modern wheat (and other grains) differs greatly from the wheat our ancestors ate. The proportion of gluten protein in wheat has increased enormously as a result of hybridization. Legumes are also loaded with lectins, which is why most who follow a Paleo type diet avoid them.

Wheat Lectin (WGA) is Cytotoxic, Neurotoxic, Cardiotoxic and Immunotoxic

Wheat lectin, or “wheat germ agglutinin” (WGA), is largely responsible for many of wheat’s pervasive ill effects. WGA is highest in whole wheat, especially sprouted whole wheat, but wheat isn’t the only grain with significant lectin. All seeds of the grass family (rice, wheat, spelt, rye, etc.) are high in lectins. WGA has the potential to damage your health by the following mechanisms (list is not all-inclusive):

  • Pro-Inflammatory: WGA lectin stimulates the synthesis of pro-inflammatory chemical messengers, even at very small concentrations
  • Immunotoxic: WGA lectin may bind to and activate white blood cells
  • Neurotoxic: WGA lectin can pass through your blood-brain barrier and attach to the protective coating on your nerves, known as the myelin sheath. It is also capable of inhibiting nerve growth factor, which is important for the growth, maintenance, and survival of certain neurons
  • Cardiotoxic: WGA lectin induces platelet aggregation and has a potent disruptive effect on tissue regeneration and removal of neutrophils from your blood vessels
  • Cytotoxic (Toxic to cells): WGA lectin may induce programmed cell death (apoptosis)

Research also shows that WGA may disrupt endocrine and gastrointestinal function, interfere with genetic expression, and share similarities with certain viruses.

The following foods contain chitin-binding lectins, which are very similar to wheat lectin:

Chitins are the primary binding target of wheat lectin; therefore, wheat lectin and chitin-binding lectin are functionally identical. This could be important information if you are struggling with celiac disease or other gastrointestinal issues

To Download this Article: Wheat Gluten and Carbs

Jan.26.12-Never Grab a Soday as a Quick Thirst-Quencher

NEVER Grab a Soda as a Quick Thirst-Quencher

Two risky ingredients immediately come to mind with sodas and so-called soft drinks… and those ingredients are aspartame and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

There are many reasons why I believe you should never grab a soda to quench your thirst. But aspartame and HFCS are definitely at the top of my list.

Here’s why…

Aspartame, found in most diet sodas, can possibly lead to…

  • Headaches…Insomnia…Memory loss…GI tract disorders…Loss of energy…Depression…Even seizures

And this may only be the tip of the iceberg with aspartame. Many folks drink diet soda thinking it will help them take off some pounds. But due to aspartame’s potential to block your brain from signaling you’re full, the very opposite effect could actually happen.

As far as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), this sweetener, which may be disguised using other names, is unhealthy because it’s metabolized to fat in your body far more rapidly than any other sugar. And because most fructose is consumed in liquid form in soft drinks, its negative metabolic effects may become significantly magnified… potentially contributing to…

  • Diabetes…Obesity…Metabolic Syndrome…An increase in triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels…Liver abnormalities…

Fructose also contains no enzymes, vitamins or minerals. Plus, it leeches micronutrients from your body. Unbound fructose, found in large quantities in HFCS, can interfere with your heart’s use of minerals… such as magnesium, copper, and chromium.

To add even more fuel to the fire, HFCS is almost always made from genetically modified corn. In my opinion, this type of GMO sweetener raises concerns about potential side effects and health.

There should be little doubt why I don’t drink soda… In my opinion, you would be wise to take the same approach.

Super-Flavonoids Are Found in Many of These Beverages

Outside of pure, clean water, tea is a beverage that I often enjoy.

There are many teas available that are very healthful. But what are the most common health-supporting nutrients found in the best teas?

I believe the key nutrients in the most nutritious teas are antioxidants. You may be familiar with other sources of antioxidants including high quality, fresh, organic, and preferably locally grown foods. And the key to all this is a large family of natural antioxidant compounds called polyphenols.

And a subclass of the polyphenol family found in some of the most healthful teas is flavonoids.

These potent polyphenol flavonoids provide bountiful benefits because they may…

  • Help support memory and concentration
  • Boost the effectiveness of vitamin C in your antioxidant network
  • Regulate nitric oxide – a potent free radical that supports blood flow
  • Help promote a healthy heart
  • Support the immune system

But just like everything else, there is a catch to flavonoids and the teas that contain them…

Why I Believe ‘Organic’ is So Important

When it comes to any tea or herb, my preference is to avoid any of them that are not organically grown.

And why is that?

Well, when it comes to flavonoids, if the tea is not organically grown and processed, here’s what often happens and why…

  • In response to environmental stressors like insects and other competing plants, tea plants produce flavonoids that have antioxidant effects on your body, but…
  • Conventional growing methods that use pesticides, herbicides, and unnatural fertilizers hamper the production of flavonoids, and…
  • Plants exposed to these synthetic chemicals have less of a need to even produce flavonoids

To Download this Article: NEVER Grab a Soda as a Quick Thirst

Jan.25.12-Reversed Neck Curve & Lower Back Pain

Reversed Neck Curve and Lower Back Pain Corrected with Chiropractic – A Case Study

 

A case report study published on November 21, 2011 in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research documents the improvement of a person who was suffering with lower back pain and had a reversal of their neck curve.

The authors of the study start by noting that lower back pain is one of the most common conditions today with between six and twelve percent of the population suffering from this problem. They also report that medical care has not found a solution for this issue in spite of the fact that there has been a 629% increase in medical spending on lower back care.

The authors point out that chiropractic has consistently been shown to be effective in helping people with lower back pain. They also report that other studies have shown that abnormal curvatures of the spine have been linked to a variety of health related problems, including back pain. In this case the authors show a correlation between the two.

In this case a 41-year-old woman went to a chiropractor with lower back pain that she had been suffering from for two years. It had started when a chair she was sitting in gave way and she fell on her back. She had gone to multiple doctors including chiropractors and had not gotten relief. Her MRI showed problems with the vertebrae and discs in the lower back.

A motion x-ray (video fluoroscopy) was also done and showed abnormal spinal motion in both her lower back and her neck. X-rays also revealed a reversal of the neck, which should have a bending curve forward when viewed from the side on x-ray. Based on the x-rays and an examination, it was determined that spinal subluxations were present in her lower back and neck. A series of specific adjustments were initiated.

The case study reports that by the 11th visit the patient was completely pain free in her lower back and her leg, with only minimal pain still in her hip. After 6 weeks of care a follow-up set of x-rays were taken to monitor the progress. What was noticed was that the curve in the neck had gone from a reversal, to a normal curve during the course of care. This, coupled with the fact that the woman was feeling much better led the researchers to the conclusion that the neck was a large contributing factor in this persons lower back pain.

In their conclusion, the authors noted that the structure of a neck curvature can have a profound effect on lower back issues. They state, “Correcting the abnormal structure within the cervical spine can alleviate most symptoms associated with LBP.”

To Download this Article: Reversed Neck Curve and Lower Back Pain

Jan.23.12-Dairy Not Part of Healthy Diet

Harvard Declares Dairy Not Part of a Healthy Diet

 

 

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/harvard-declares-dairy-not-part-of-healthy-diet.html#ixzz1jeqLN1cS

Harvard School of Public Health sent a strong message to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and nutrition experts everywhere with the recent release of its “Healthy Eating Plate” food guide.  The university was responding to the USDA’s new My Plate guide for healthy eating, which replaced the outdated and misguided food pyramid.

Harvard’s nutrition experts did not pull punches, declaring that the university’s food guide was based on sound nutrition research and more importantly, not influenced by food industry lobbyists.  The greatest evidence of its research focus is the absence of dairy products from the “Healthy Eating Plate” based on Harvard’s assessment that “…high intake can increase the risk of prostate cancer and possibly ovarian cancer.”  The Harvard experts also referred to the high levels of saturated fat in most dairy products and suggested that collards, bok choy, fortified soy milk, and baked beans are safer choices than dairy for obtaining calcium, as are high quality supplements.

Kudos to Harvard for promoting greater consumption of vegetables and fruits, as well as healthier protein options such as fish, beans or nuts.  And kudos to Harvard for ignoring the lobbyists and showing the USDA what healthy eating is all about.

Adapted from World’s Healthiest News by Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD.  Get your free e-news subscription here.

Read more: Diet & Nutrition, Food, General Health, Health, Michelle Schoffro Cook, News & Issues,

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/harvard-declares-dairy-not-part-of-healthy-diet.html#ixzz1jeqBdSRx

 To Download this Article: Dairy Not Part of Healthy Diet

 

Jan.19.12-10 Surprising Health Benefits of Beer

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Beer

Beer drinkers rejoice: Your favorite brew may be healthier than you think.

For years, wine drinkers have indulged without guilt, reveling in the news that red wine can help protect against heart disease. Recent research shows that beer can also be good for what ails you, from reducing risk for broken bones to helping warding off diabetes and mental decline. It can even increase longevity, a large study suggests. However, the key to tapping into beer’s benefits is moderation, meaning just one 12-ounce beer per day for women and two for men. Heavy drinking ups the threat of liver damage, some cancers, and heart problems. Bingeing on brewskis can also make you fat, since a 12-ounce regular beer has about 150 calories, while light beer has about 100. 

1. Stronger Bones

Beer contains high levels of silicon, which is linked to bone health. In a 2009 study at Tufts University and other centers, older men and women who swigged one or two drinks daily had higher bone density, with the greatest benefits found in those who favored beer or wine. However, downing more than two drinks was linked to increased risk for fractures. For the best bone-building benefits, reach for pale ale, since a 2010 study of 100 types of beer from around the word identified these brews as richest in silicon, while light lagers and non-alcoholic beers contained the least.

. 2. A Stronger Heart 

A 2011 analysis of 16 earlier studies involving more than 200,000 people, conducted by researchers at Italy’s Fondazion di Ricerca e Cura, found a 31 percent reduced risk of heart disease in those who quaffed about a pint of beer daily, while risk surged in those who guzzled higher amounts of alcohol, whether beer, wine, or spirits. More than 100 studies also show that moderate drinking trims risk of heart attacks and dying from cardiovascular disease by 25 to 40 percent, Harvard reports. A beer or two a day can help raise levels of HDL, the “good” cholesterol that helps keep arteries from getting clogged.

3. Healthier Kidneys

A study in Finland singled out beer among other alcoholic drinks, finding that each bottle of beer men drank daily lowered their risk of developing kidney stones by 40 percent. One theory is that beer’s high water content helped keep kidneys working, since dehydration increases kidney stone risk. It’s also possible that the hops in beer help curb leeching of calcium from bones; that “lost” calcium also could end up in the kidneys as stones.

4. Boosting Brain Health 

A beer a day may help keep Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia at bay, researchers say. A 2005 study tracking the health of 11,000 older women showed that moderate drinkers (those who consumed about one drink a day) lowered their risk of mental decline by as much as 20 percent, compared to non-drinkers. In addition, older women who downed a drink a day scored as about 18 months “younger,” on average, on tests of mental skills than the non-drinkers.

5. Reduced Cancer Risk 

A Portuguese study found that marinating steak in beer eliminates almost 70 percent of the carcinogens, called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) produced when the meat is pan-fried. Researchers theorize that beer’s sugars help block HCAs from forming. Scientists also have found that beer and wine contain about the same levels of antioxidants, but the antioxidants are different because the flavonoids found in hops and grapes are different.

6. Boosting Vitamin Levels 

A Dutch study, performed at the TNO Nutrition and Food Research Institute, found that beer-drinking participants had 30 percent higher levels of vitamin B6 levels in their blood than their non-drinking counterparts, and twice as much as wine drinkers. Beer also contains vitamin B12 and folic acid.

7. Guarding Against Stroke 

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that moderate amounts of alcohol, including beer, help prevent blood clots that block blood flow to the heart, neck and brain—the clots that cause ischemic stroke, the most common type.

8. Reduced Risk for Diabetes 

Drink up: A 2011 Harvard study of about 38,000 middle-aged men found that when those who only drank occasionally raised their alcohol intake to one to two beers or other drinks daily, their risk of developing type 2 diabetes dropped by 25 percent. The researchers found no benefit to quaffing more than two drinks. The researchers found that alcohol increases insulin sensitivity, thus helping protect against diabetes.

9. Lower Blood Pressure 

Wine is fine for your heart, but beer may be even better: A Harvard study of 70,000 women ages 25 to 40 found that moderate beer drinkers were less likely to develop high blood pressure—a major risk factor for heart attack—than women who sipped wine or spirits. 

10. Longer Life 

In a 2005 review of 50 studies, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that moderate drinkers live longer. The USDA also estimates that moderate drinking prevents about 26,000 deaths a year, due to lower rates of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These benefits appear to apply in other countries as well, with an earlier study reporting that, “if European beer drinkers stopped imbibing, there would be a decrease in life expectancy of two years—and much unhappiness.”

** Moderation in all aspects of our life is what makes us complete !!!

(This is the only article of which all the male patients take home and put on their Refrigerator)

Ce la vi.

To Download this Article: 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Beer

 

Jan.19.12-Naturopaths and Chiro

Story at-a-glance

  • The medical profession has a long history of opposing alternative healing professions. The rules of engagement have changed; as the AMA is finding new “legal” ways to discredit and limit practitioners of natural medicine
  • Alternative healthcare professionals such as chiropractors, naturopaths, and midwives have been targeted by the American Medical Association (AMA) for nearly a century, in spite of a federal court injunction against the AMA in 1987 for illegally trying to create a monopoly in the healthcare market
  • Other medical associations have joined forces to manipulate the public into believing natural medicine is quackery by spreading propaganda and mistruths

By Dr. Mercola

The medical profession has a long history of opposing alternative healing professions.

While always claiming public safety as its reason for the attacks, the true reasons often involve protecting their monopoly of the healthcare market.

Medicine’s opposition to chiropractic was its strongest under the leadership of Morris Fishbein, Secretary of the American Medical Association from 1924 to 1949, who led a 50-year anti-chiropractic campaign in both professional publications and the public media.

The AMA’s Bedfellows

Even with the success of the Wilkes Case, the AMA has continued to wage war against natural medicine for the past 20 years—but in more covert ways. It’s the “Cold War” phase of this battle, but every bit as fierce. And now the AMA has rallied up a few significant allies, including:

  • The American Dental Association (ADA)
  • The American Cancer Society (ACS)
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and
  • The American Psychiatric Association (APA)

… not to mention governmental regulatory agencies; all willing to march toward a common goal—a monopoly on medical care in this country. Together, they form a formidable lobbying force that controls just about every regulatory and legislative body in America. The truth is that chiropractic, naturopathic, and osteopathic medicine have PROVEN to be medically effective and cost effective for the patient, and the AMA can’t stomach this, viewing natural medicine as a huge threat to their bottom line.

Federal Courts Rule AMA “Guilty as Charged”

In 1987, the federal courts found the AMA and several other medical groups guilty of seeking to create a healthcare monopoly. Specifically, they were found guilty of the following actions (published in the January 1988 issue of JAMA):

  1. Systematic defamation of naturopathic, chiropractic, and osteopathic physicians
  2. Publishing and distribution of propaganda specifically intended to ruin other healthcare professionals’ reputations
  3. Forcing MDs to refuse collaboration with naturopathic, chiropractic, and osteopathic physicians in the co-management of patients
  4. Denying hospital access to naturopathic, chiropractic, and osteopathic physicians

The attack on osteopathic medicine has largely faded away since then, but chiropractic and naturopathic practitioners, as well as other legitimate natural medicine practitioners, continue to be the targets of suppression and misrepresentation. The war isn’t over, but the rules of engagement have changed. AMA Declares New War on Natural Medicine in 2006

In 2006, the AMA declared war on natural medicine by publicly stating on its website its intention to forcibly oppose licensure and practice of naturopathic physicians. Although they quickly removed this from their site, the following is a direct quote from that post, according to Naturopathy Digest: “RESOLVED, That our American Medical Association work through its Board of Trustees to outline a policy opposing the licensure of naturopaths to practice medicine and report this policy to the House of Delegates no later than the 2006 Interim Meeting. (Directive to Take Action) Fiscal Note: Implement accordingly at estimated staff cost of $10,836.” Translation: Eliminate the competition. According to The Integrator Blog, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) joined the battle with a statement that their goal was to “thwart the growing threat of expansion of scope of practice for allied health professionals” and included psychologists on the list of medical practitioners who needed to be “thwarted” (in addition to naturopaths, chiropractors, and midwives). The APA pledged their allegiance to the AMA in assisting them with “coordinating research to help medical specialty societies and state medical associations fight expansions in non-medical scope of practice, and improve information sharing among those groups.” Other medical associations have made similar pledges, such as the Minnesota Medical Association and the New York Academy of Family Physicians. They maintain that their position is based on concern for quality of care and patient safety, but the REAL agenda is just an attempt to destroy the competition.

As Chiropractor Louis Sportelli writes in his 2010 article in Dynamic Chiropractic:

“Just look around and you will see clear and compelling evidence that the long-standing war between the AMA and everyone else who does not come under the AMA umbrella is far from over. Thenames have changed, the venue has changed, but the intent has remained the same: to maintain monopolistic control over the delivery of health care.”

Old Mission, New Tactics: AMA Learns How to Discriminate with Impunity

In 2010, the AMA House of Delegates introduced a resolution regarding scope of practice that contains limitations on who can be considered a legitimate physician, and who can medically diagnose. Specifically, the AMA’s “Definition of a Physician” (H-405.969) contains the following language:

“The AMA affirms that a physician is an individual who has received a ‘Doctor of Medicine’ or a ‘Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine’ degree.” This is proof, without a doubt, that the AMA as well as individual state medical associations intend to continue doing everything they can to prevent you from accessing natural healthcare. Texas and Connecticut medical associations were the first to join the cause, and others will likely follow. Similarly, the AMA’s “Comprehensive Physical Examination by Appropriate Practitioners” reads as follows: “…the performance of comprehensive physical examinations to diagnose medical conditions [should be limited] to licensed MDs/DOs or those practitioners who are directly supervised by licensed MDs/DOs.”

Profit Motives Cleverly Disguised as Concern for Your Health and Safety

According to Naturopathy Digest, the AMA and other medical groups justify their opposition to natural medicine on the basis of three areas of concern:

  1. Quality of patient care
  2. Patient safety
  3. Quality of education of medical practitioners

As the article so eloquently points out, none of these arguments holds up, and most are based on medical and pharmaceutical industry propaganda. If they were TRULY concerned about patient care and safety, they would not be targeting natural medicine, which has an incredibly low incidence of adverse consequences, but instead going after their own allopathic medical practices that are leaving a trail of death and destruction.

Drug “side effects”, prescription errors, unnecessary surgeries, nosocomial infections, and hospital “errors” are a leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, one estimate is that allopathic medicine kills 493 American patients daily. The number of people who die each week as a result of medical treatments surpasses the number of deaths caused by the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Yes, each and every week!

Many of the drugs advertised in JAMA (the AMA’s scientific journal) are the very same drugs that are killing tens of thousands of Americans each year. This massive funding of the AMA by drug companies is a blatant conflict of interest. If the AMA really cared about your safety, they’d be putting their substantial assets into overhauling the American healthcare system. The AMA is fond of lambasting the education and training of chiropractors, when in actuality, they should be more concerned about the educational qualifications of their own physicians. In their own publications, they have stated:

“Medical education is failing to prepare students adequately for their future practice… medical education is currently being held together with peanut butter and bubble gum.”

At least four consecutive studies have documented that most MDs are incompetent when it comes to diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems, something at which chiropractors excel. Another example of an abysmal lack of education of Western physicians is in the area of diet and nutrition. The AMA itself has published research showing that dietary interventions should be used before drugs in the treatment of heart disease. Yet, medical students receive virtually NO training in nutrition. Naturopathic and chiropractic physicians, on the other hand, are usually well versed in the importance of nutrition and exercise.

It’s Not Just the AMA

Perhaps it’s time to take a real look at medical associations, and the concern that they may be doing more harm than good. For groups who claim to exist in order to protect your health, they inevitably end up sabotaging it. It isn’t just the AMA. Other medical associations that claim to exist for the betterment of public health include the following:

  • American Dental Association (ADA): Continues to support the use of mercury fillings and demonizes American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Claimingto be protecting your children, the AAP is largely funded by vaccine manufacturers but refuses to disclose just how much money it gets from them; partners with Congress to protect pediatricians and drug companies from liability for vaccine injuries, while preventing you from getting truthful vaccine information.

Actions Speak Louder than Words

When someone’s words differ from their actions, chances are that their actions more accurately reflect their values—and this is true for organizations, as well as individuals. Although medical associations claim to have your best interests at heart, their actions tell a different story. It’s time to begin holding them accountable for their behavior and stop letting them hide behind the same old tired rhetoric.

You have a right to make your own choices about your healthcare, be it allopathic or naturopathic—whether you see an MD, an ND, or a DC should be YOUR decision and yours alone.

References:

 

Dr.Bob’s Notes: IF you cannot grow it in the ground or in a tree it cannot be good for you!-Jack LaLanne.

 

I have never seen a FLU SHOT tree or an ADVIL plant yet !

 

*Good health comes from the farm not the pharmacy.

To Download this Article: Naturopaths & Chiro

Jan.18.12-Hep B & Nail Salons

Story at-a-glance

  • Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with blood and/or body fluids of an infected person. Common routes of infection include IV drug abuse, sexual activity with an infected partner, and blood transfusion. But any procedure where contaminated tools can break your skin, such as manicures/pedicures, tattoos, or body piercings can spread the infection
  • Fears about hepatitis B may lead some people to mistakenly assume vaccination is the best answer, but this vaccine is fraught with dangerous side effects
  • Routine vaccination against hepatitis B for newborns began in 1991, but children rarely have detectable antibodies in the blood 7-10 years after vaccination, indicating that the inoculation does NOT provide lasting protection
  • Aside from the potential of spreading infectious disease, certain manicure procedures and most nail polishes typically involve or contain a number of toxic chemicals that can wreak havoc if accidentally introduced into your body. Most problems arise due to chemicals getting into abrasions, which can easily occur if a nail file slips or if your cuticles are cut back too far

About 4.4 million Americans are living with chronic hepatitis — and most of them have no idea they have it. A new study has shown that customers in nail salons could be putting themselves at risk for the deadly disease. 

Many nail salons use sharp instruments, which carry a risk of infection if they are re-used. 

I’m willing to bet many of my female readers enjoy getting their nails done.  I know I enjoy having mine done periodically.

Aside from looking well-groomed, getting a manicure and/or pedicure is a good stress reliever too, I’m told.

But there are certain risks involved. To protect yourself from accidental exposure to diseases such as hepatitis, make sure scissors and clippers are disinfected after each use, and that only disposable files are used.

The same goes for the pedicure bath and all suction screens in the tubs.

You’d also be wise to always bring your own nail polish—ideally a non-toxic version, which I’ll discuss in a moment—as the polish can be both a source of infectious contamination as well as adding to your toxic burden.

Woman’s Health Channel reports:

“It’s not just nail salons to watch out for…  [Anyplace where you can get tattoos, ear piercing, body piercing, and even dental offices can put you at risk."]

What is Hepatitis B?

“Hepatitis” means liver inflammation. The “A,” “B” and “C” designations refer to the type of hepatitis virus involved. Symptoms of hepatitis A and B are very similar, and include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

However, hepatitis B is often called “the silent killer” because as many as 95 percent of those with the disease exhibit no symptoms at all, until it’s too late. The disease can progress unnoticed for years in some cases, and patients oftentimes learn they have chronic hepatitis B once they develop severe liver damage.

But as mentioned above, anytime you’re getting tattooed or pierced, or even just getting a manicure or pedicure, you can be exposed to the virus via contaminated instruments breaking through your skin. The virus is spread through contact with blood and/or body fluids of an infected person. Common routes of infection include:

  • IV drug abuse
  • Sexual activity with an infected partner
  • Blood transfusion using contaminated blood

Your nail polish may also add to your toxic burden (remember, women who use make-up on a daily basis can absorb almost 5 pounds of chemicals into their bodies each year, so every little bit certainly adds up). Dangerous chemicals commonly found in nail polish include:

 To Download this Article: hepbnailsalons

Jan.16.12-Green Cleaning Supplies

Story at-a-glance

  • Simple Green claims to be “non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentally safe,” but it contains 2-Butoxyethanol, a petrochemical solvent that has been shown to destroy red blood cells and cause reproductive problems and birth defects
  • 2-Butoxyethanol is also in Corexit 9527, a dispersant used during the early days of clean-up in the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Corexit 9527 has been determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be a ‘chronic and acute health hazard’
  • 2-Butoxyethanol is not listed on Simple Green’s label, as cleaning product manufacturers — even those that claim to be “green” — are not required by law to disclose all ingredients on their labels
  • You can find more information about a product’s ingredients in its material safety data sheet (MSDS), but even these do not always disclose all ingredients
  • The habit of using conventional cleaning products is one of the most unnecessary ways to expose yourself to toxic chemicals. Tried and true items such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can get the job done just as well

By Dr. Mercola

Demand for safe “green” cleaning products is on the rise, as consumers are increasingly unwilling to risk their health for the sake of a “clean” home. The truth is, most cleaning products on the market are toxic chemical cocktails, and when you spritz your bathtub or kitchen counter with that brightly colored liquid you’re exposing yourself and your family to endocrine-disrupting phthalates, carcinogenic benzene, and organ-damaging phenols, just to name a few. Unfortunately, finding a safer option is not as straightforward as it may seem, because when it comes to cleaning products — even avowedly “green” cleaning products — you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Popular Green Cleaner “Simple Green” is Actually Toxic

Simple Green is one of the most widely used, supposedly “green” cleaning products on the market.

It’s named “green” not only because of its color, of course, but because it is trying to promote a safe and natural image. In fact, Simple Green’s web site calls it “the leader of non-toxic, biodegradable, environmentally safer cleaning products.” This sounds great… until you discover its ingredients, which by the way is not a simple feat because cleaning product manufacturers — even those that claim to be “green” — are not required by law to disclose all their ingredients on product labels. This is where a product’s material safety data sheet (MSDS) comes in handy. The product manufacturer must make an MSDS available to consumers; this is federally mandated, so if you are in doubt about a product’s true ingredients, this is the source to turn to. In the case of Simple Green, the MSDS is incredibly revealing, as it states that the formula contains up to 4 percent 2-Butoxyethanol by volume.

2-Butoxyethanol Linked to Birth Defects, Reproductive Problems and More Unfortunately, Simple Green is not the only chemical cleaner trying to masquerade as a natural product. In general, if you pick up a green cleaning product and it does not have its ingredients clearly labeled, you need to be very suspicious.

Do You Want to Clean Your Home Safely? Here are the Simple Tips …

Have a clean home should not mean sacrificing your health due to chemical exposures, plain and simple. In fact, some of the best cleaners are items you probably already have around your home, such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Here’s a simple starter list of what you need to make your own natural cleaning products:

Baking soda

White vinegar

Lemon juice

Hydrogen peroxide

Liquid castile soap

Organic essential oils (optional)

Mixing bowls

Spray bottles

Microfiber cloths

 

For a great video on how to use these ingredients and other tips for cleaning your home without hazardous chemicals, please review the article: How to Keep Your Home Clean Naturally. For example, lemon juice is a natural whitener, vinegar and water makes an excellent window cleaner, and vinegar combined with hydrogen peroxide works exceptionally well as both a disinfectant and sanitizer.

Baking soda is also great to scrub your bath and kitchen. Put it in a glass grated cheese container with a stainless steel top that has holes in it, and just sprinkle the baking soda on the surfaces and scrub. You may add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to this, such as lavender and tea tree oil, which have added anti-bacterial qualities.

If you prefer a ready-made cleaner, there are some truly safe versions out there, including our new Greener Cleaner, which my team and I spent over three years working on to develop the best environmentally and personally safe cleaner on the market. Ideally, you can use safe cleaners such as this, in combination with tired-and-true natural ingredients, to completely replace dangerous chemical cleaning products in your home. Here are several more simple tips to get you started:

  • Use baking soda as a safe, non-scratch scrub for metals and porcelain.
  • To clean your oven, sprinkle a cup or more of baking soda over the bottom of the oven, then cover the baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste. Let the mixture set overnight. The next morning the grease will be easy to wipe up because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven.
  • To unclog a drain, pour 1/2 – 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, then slowly pour 1/2 – 1 cup of vinegar in after it. Cover the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. If it bubbles like a volcano, it means it’s working as planned. Flush with a gallon of boiling water.
  • Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes, then vacuum.
  • To rid your garbage disposal of foul smells, add vinegar to water for ice cubes, then let a few of them get chopped by your disposal.
  • To clean your silver, boil 2-3 inches of water in a shallow pan with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a sheet of aluminum foil. Totally submerge silver and boil for 2-3 minutes more. Remove silver from the pan and wipe away the tarnish with a clean cotton cloth.

Source:  Green Med Info December 30, 2011

Related Links:

How Safe Are Green Cleaning Products?

Beware — Some ‘Green’ Cleaners are Deceptive and Toxic

How to Keep Your Home Clean Naturally

 To Download this Article: greencleaningsupplies

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