A month ago, many of us heard about the sad demise of Ranjan Das from Bandra, Mumbai. Ranjan, just 42 years of age, was the CEO of SAP-Indian Subcontinent, the youngest CEO of an MNC in India. He was very active in sports, was a fitness freak and a marathon runner. It was common to see him run on Bandra's Carter Road. Just after Diwali, on 21st Oct, he returned home from his gym after a workout, collapsed with a massive heart attack and died. He is survived by his wife and two very young kids.
It was certainly a wake-up call for corporate India. However, it was even more disastrous for runners amongst us. Since Ranjan was an avid marathoner ( in Feb 09, he ran Chennai Marathon at the same time some of us were running Pondicherry Marathon 180 km away ), the question came as to why an exceptionally active, athletic person succumb to heart attack at 42 years of age.
Was it the stress?
A couple of you called me asking about the reasons. While Ranjan had mentioned that he faced a lot of stress, that is a common element in most of our lives. We used to think that by being fit, one can conquer the bad effects of stress. So I doubted if the cause was stress.
The Real Reason
However, everyone missed out a small line in the reports that Ranjan used to make do with 4-5 hours of sleep. This is an earlier interview of Ranjan on NDTV in the program 'Boss' Day Out':
Here he himself admits that he would love to get more sleep ( and that he was not proud of his ability to manage without sleep, contrary to what others extolled ).
The Evidence
Last week, I was working with a well-known cardiologist on the subject of ‘Heart Disease caused by Lack of Sleep’. While I cannot share the video nor the slides because of confidentiality reasons, I have distilled the key points below in the hope it will save some of our lives.
Some Excerpts:
· Short sleep duration ( <5 or 5-6 hours ) increased risk for high BP by 350% to 500% compared to those who slept longer than 6 hours per night. Paper published in 2009. As you know, high BP kills.
· Young people ( 25-49 years of age ) are twice as likely to get high BP if they sleep less. Paper published in 2006.
· Individuals who slept less than 5 hours a night had a 3-fold increased risk of heart attacks. Paper published in 1999.
· Complete and partial lack of sleep increased the blood concentrations of High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-cRP), the strongest predictor of heart attacks. Even after getting adequate sleep later, the levels stayed high!!
· Just one night of sleep loss increases very toxic substances in body such as Interleukin- 6 (IL-6), Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-alpha) and C-reactive protein (cRP). They increase risks of many medical conditions, including cancer, arthritis and heart disease. Paper published in 2004.
· Sleeping for <=5 hours per night leads to 39% increase in heart disease. Sleeping for <=6 hours per night leads to 18% increase in heart disease. Paper published in 2006.
Ideal Sleep
For lack of space, I cannot explain here the ideal sleep architecture. But in brief, sleep is composed of two stages: REM ( Rapid Eye Movement ) and non-REM. The former helps in mental consolidation while the latter helps in physical repair and rebuilding. During the night, you alternate between REM and non-REM stages 4-5 times.
The earlier part of sleep is mostly non-REM. During that period, your pituitary gland releases growth hormones that repair your body. The latter part of sleep is more and more REM type.
For you to be mentally alert during the day, the latter part of sleep is more important. No wonder when you wake up with an alarm clock after 5-6 hours of sleep, you are mentally irritable throughout the day (lack of REM sleep). And if you have slept for less than 5 hours, your body is in a complete physical mess ( lack of non-REM sleep ), you are tired throughout the day, moving like a zombie and your immunity is way down ( I’ve been there, done that ).
Finally, as long-distance runners, you need an hour of extra sleep to repair the running related damage.
If you want to know if you are getting adequate sleep, take Epworth Sleepiness Test below.
Interpretation: Score of 0-9 is considered normal while 10 and above abnormal. Many a times, I have clocked 21 out the maximum possible 24, the only saving grace being the last situation, since I don’t like to drive ( maybe, I should ask my driver to answer that line ).
In conclusion:
Barring stress control, Ranjan Das did everything right: eating proper food, exercising ( marathoning! ), maintaining proper weight. But he missed getting proper and adequate sleep, minimum 7 hours. In my opinion, that killed him.
If you are not getting enough sleep ( 7 hours ), you are playing with fire, even if you have low stress.
I always took pride in my ability to work 50 hours at a stretch whenever the situation warranted. But I was so spooked after seeing the scientific evidence last week that since Saturday night, I ensure I do not even set the alarm clock under 7 hours. Now, that is a nice excuse to get some more sleep.
Unfortunately, Ranjan Das is not alone when it comes to missing sleep. Many of us are doing exactly the same, perhaps out of ignorance. Please forward this mail/article to as many of your colleagues/friends as possible, especially those who might be short-changing their sleep. If we can save even one young life because of this email, I would be the happiest person on earth.
October 10, 2010
August 23, 2009
Swine Flu: Everything You Need To Know
by mansiagarwal on August 10, 2009
To safeguard yourself and your family from this deadly virus you need to know all the facts. So read on.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of swine flu are very much similar to that of common flu which includes cold, loss of appetite, fever above 100.4°F and tiredness. Swine flu patients have also complained of sore throat, nausea and diarrhea.
So is it common flu or swine flu?
The symptoms are all the same the only difference lies in the intensity of symptoms. The symptoms of swine flu will last for two to three weeks. The fever and muscle ache comes and goes constantly. In the early phase of the swine flu one tends to feel extremely exhausted.
What is my next action after symptoms are confirmed?
If you are suffering from the above stated symptoms you must contact a reputed doctor or government hospital and get yourself lab tested for swine flu.
Am I at risk?
Swine flu is highly contagious and anyone could be at risk. National Health Service, UK has established that some people are more susceptible than the others, they include: people suffering from chronic heart, kidney or liver diseases, long term lung disease such as asthma, diabetics, people with weak immune system, people suffering from neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, pregnant women, small children and elderly people.
How does it spread?
The swine flu virus spreads quickly through tiny droplets that are expelled from the mouth and nose when the infected person sneezes or even coughs. If you are close enough to an infected person when he sneezes you may breathe in the virus and catch the infection yourself.
Also, if an infected person coughs in his hand and then touches a surface, the virus may be transferred from the person to that surface. Anyone who touches an infected surface (tap, doorknob, railing, telephone) may catch the infection himself.
Prevention is the best cure, but can it be prevented?
Influenza antiviral drugs are given to those who have been in close contact with people infected with swine flu or show symptoms of the flu. These drugs are about seventy to ninety percent effective.
What are day today preventive measures?
* Wash you hands often
* Cover you mouth and nose with a tissue while sneezing. Dispose off these tissues carefully.
* Use a face mask while traveling in public places.
* Clean hard surfaces with disinfectants as often as possible.
* Avoid going to public places like malls or cinema houses.
* Stay at home for one day after the fever has subsided to make sure it is not swine flu, seek medical help if the symptoms persist.
Are there any dietary recommendations to fight against swine flu?
The foods that help build immunity and strength should be included in the diet. Proteins are significant as they help build strength, you must include high protein foods in your diet such as poultry, fish, milk products, nuts, legumes and lean meat. The immune system is strengthened by minerals such as zinc and selenium, they are found in meat, beans, poultry and nuts.
What are additional precautions to be adopted at schools or public places?
* Stay away from people who are sick.
* Wash your hands with soap very often.
* Avoid touching your eyes and mouth with unwashed hands.
* People who are suffering with flu like infection should stay at home and take medical help as soon as possible. Avoid traveling.
To safeguard yourself and your family from this deadly virus you need to know all the facts. So read on.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of swine flu are very much similar to that of common flu which includes cold, loss of appetite, fever above 100.4°F and tiredness. Swine flu patients have also complained of sore throat, nausea and diarrhea.
So is it common flu or swine flu?
The symptoms are all the same the only difference lies in the intensity of symptoms. The symptoms of swine flu will last for two to three weeks. The fever and muscle ache comes and goes constantly. In the early phase of the swine flu one tends to feel extremely exhausted.
What is my next action after symptoms are confirmed?
If you are suffering from the above stated symptoms you must contact a reputed doctor or government hospital and get yourself lab tested for swine flu.
Am I at risk?
Swine flu is highly contagious and anyone could be at risk. National Health Service, UK has established that some people are more susceptible than the others, they include: people suffering from chronic heart, kidney or liver diseases, long term lung disease such as asthma, diabetics, people with weak immune system, people suffering from neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, pregnant women, small children and elderly people.
How does it spread?
The swine flu virus spreads quickly through tiny droplets that are expelled from the mouth and nose when the infected person sneezes or even coughs. If you are close enough to an infected person when he sneezes you may breathe in the virus and catch the infection yourself.
Also, if an infected person coughs in his hand and then touches a surface, the virus may be transferred from the person to that surface. Anyone who touches an infected surface (tap, doorknob, railing, telephone) may catch the infection himself.
Prevention is the best cure, but can it be prevented?
Influenza antiviral drugs are given to those who have been in close contact with people infected with swine flu or show symptoms of the flu. These drugs are about seventy to ninety percent effective.
What are day today preventive measures?
* Wash you hands often
* Cover you mouth and nose with a tissue while sneezing. Dispose off these tissues carefully.
* Use a face mask while traveling in public places.
* Clean hard surfaces with disinfectants as often as possible.
* Avoid going to public places like malls or cinema houses.
* Stay at home for one day after the fever has subsided to make sure it is not swine flu, seek medical help if the symptoms persist.
Are there any dietary recommendations to fight against swine flu?
The foods that help build immunity and strength should be included in the diet. Proteins are significant as they help build strength, you must include high protein foods in your diet such as poultry, fish, milk products, nuts, legumes and lean meat. The immune system is strengthened by minerals such as zinc and selenium, they are found in meat, beans, poultry and nuts.
What are additional precautions to be adopted at schools or public places?
* Stay away from people who are sick.
* Wash your hands with soap very often.
* Avoid touching your eyes and mouth with unwashed hands.
* People who are suffering with flu like infection should stay at home and take medical help as soon as possible. Avoid traveling.
All about Allergic Dry Cough
by sonzy on March 15, 2008
An allergic dry cough can be hard to get off, its a common problem and hence I attempt to offer you some tips here. The antigens in the environment like dust-smoke particles in the atmosphere/air, pollen, smell of certain flowers, chemical or natural sprays, proteins from certain foods, some allopathic drugs can cause Dry Cough. Intestinal worms also cause it.
Symptoms of Dry Cough
* Breathing difficulties, Recurrent Cough spells
* Mucous resembling frothy soap lather, after a coughing spell
* Whizzing sound heard in the lungs
* Sneezing and Irritating Nasal Drips
* Low Fever, chest heaviness, pain in calf muscles, and Chest pain.
* Lack of Sleep and Total Fatigue.
These symptoms are caused by Vitiated Vata Dosha accompanied by a mild imbalance of Kapha. You’ll also have bad breath which indicates an excess of “Ama (the dead energy)” under the attack of microbes giving rise to foul smell.
Ayurvedic Treatment for this type of Dry Cough
* Try and observe a fast for a day or two. Boil 1/2 tsp Ginger powder and 1/4 tsp Turmeric (Haldi) and reduce it to half. Keep sipping this decoction the whole day. Alternatively, you can also take Talispatradi Choornam or Sitopladi Choornam with hot water.
* Early morning, on an empty stomach – drink the ginger decoction above along with 3-4 tsp of Cold-pressed Castor Oil. All these suggestions have to be followed under the supervision of a qualified medical/ayurvedic practitioner. The fasting would increase the agni (the good digestive fire), and boost immunity also. The castor oil balances apana vata and eliminates the bad energy (Ama).
* For those who cannot fast, they can try and take a supplement under supervision (For example – 1 tablet each of Swaskas Chintamani Ras, mahalaxmi Vilas Ras, Trikant Mani Ras etc. The tablets’ effect is further potentized by mixing them together with 1-2 tsp of Haridrakhand Avaleha. If you cannot get these in the market – the simplest could be to mix 1/2 tsp of Pure Raw Turmeric with 1 tbsp of Honey)
Some lifestyle changes -
1. Take Dinner early by 7.30 PM. Let the dinner be light. Do not stuff yourself and chew properly.
2. Vegetables should not be cooked in oil. Try using cow ghee and that too, sparingly.
3. After the attack is over, you may use sesame oil for cooking.
4. Avoid all ground nut items, Pickles, Papad, Curd, Tomatoes, fermented foods, brinjal are
to be entirely avoided. Stop all legumes. Only permitted is green gram water, tempered with cow ghee. Tempering can have fenugreek, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, asfoetida.
5. If there is disturbance in the sleep, try to compensate a little by taking nap during the day. Weakness increases by loss of sleep. The ghee/castor oil massage on soles at bedtime may help relaxing the nervous system.
An allergic dry cough can be hard to get off, its a common problem and hence I attempt to offer you some tips here. The antigens in the environment like dust-smoke particles in the atmosphere/air, pollen, smell of certain flowers, chemical or natural sprays, proteins from certain foods, some allopathic drugs can cause Dry Cough. Intestinal worms also cause it.
Symptoms of Dry Cough
* Breathing difficulties, Recurrent Cough spells
* Mucous resembling frothy soap lather, after a coughing spell
* Whizzing sound heard in the lungs
* Sneezing and Irritating Nasal Drips
* Low Fever, chest heaviness, pain in calf muscles, and Chest pain.
* Lack of Sleep and Total Fatigue.
These symptoms are caused by Vitiated Vata Dosha accompanied by a mild imbalance of Kapha. You’ll also have bad breath which indicates an excess of “Ama (the dead energy)” under the attack of microbes giving rise to foul smell.
Ayurvedic Treatment for this type of Dry Cough
* Try and observe a fast for a day or two. Boil 1/2 tsp Ginger powder and 1/4 tsp Turmeric (Haldi) and reduce it to half. Keep sipping this decoction the whole day. Alternatively, you can also take Talispatradi Choornam or Sitopladi Choornam with hot water.
* Early morning, on an empty stomach – drink the ginger decoction above along with 3-4 tsp of Cold-pressed Castor Oil. All these suggestions have to be followed under the supervision of a qualified medical/ayurvedic practitioner. The fasting would increase the agni (the good digestive fire), and boost immunity also. The castor oil balances apana vata and eliminates the bad energy (Ama).
* For those who cannot fast, they can try and take a supplement under supervision (For example – 1 tablet each of Swaskas Chintamani Ras, mahalaxmi Vilas Ras, Trikant Mani Ras etc. The tablets’ effect is further potentized by mixing them together with 1-2 tsp of Haridrakhand Avaleha. If you cannot get these in the market – the simplest could be to mix 1/2 tsp of Pure Raw Turmeric with 1 tbsp of Honey)
Some lifestyle changes -
1. Take Dinner early by 7.30 PM. Let the dinner be light. Do not stuff yourself and chew properly.
2. Vegetables should not be cooked in oil. Try using cow ghee and that too, sparingly.
3. After the attack is over, you may use sesame oil for cooking.
4. Avoid all ground nut items, Pickles, Papad, Curd, Tomatoes, fermented foods, brinjal are
to be entirely avoided. Stop all legumes. Only permitted is green gram water, tempered with cow ghee. Tempering can have fenugreek, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, asfoetida.
5. If there is disturbance in the sleep, try to compensate a little by taking nap during the day. Weakness increases by loss of sleep. The ghee/castor oil massage on soles at bedtime may help relaxing the nervous system.
Foods That Make You Feel Full Not Fat
by mansiagarwal on August 22, 2009
So many times even after having a full meal I feel hungry and can’t resist a second helping. And after I have had the second helping I feel guilty for stuffing my body with unwanted calories. I am sure every one goes through the same feeling atleast once in a while. The good news is that there are certain foods that impart a feeling of fullness without really making you fat. More than how much food you consume, what food products you consume influences the gratification level of a meal.
Below are some of the foods that are less fattening and makes you feel full, so whenever next you have a craving grab one of these and enjoy:
Fatty Fish: fatty fish are rich in omega 3 fatty acids which increases the metabolism apart from lowering cholesterol. Fish is a rich source of protein. The healthiest way to eat fish is to grill them and serve them with steamed vegetables. Fatty fish includes salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and herring.
Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits are good source of fiber and Vitamin C. Vitamin C aids the digestion mechanism in breaking down dietary fat faster. It also stimulated carnitine, an amino acid, which hastens the fat burning capability of the body. The water content in citrus fruits is quite high and one helping only contains about 50 to 80 kcal, leaving us repleted for a long time. Citrus fruit includes lemon, orange, papaya, grapefruit, guava and tomatoes.
Green Veggies: Green Vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli and asparagus) have high thermic effect and low calorific concentration. This implies that it is nearly impossible for these vegetables to be stored in the body as fat as maximum part of it is burned off during the process of digestion. These vegetables are also loaded with fibre which makes one feel full.
Popcorn: Popcorn when cooked without butter makes up for a rich source of fibre and they have low calorific value. Eating popcorn takes more time thus we feel more satisfied.
Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a composite carb which takes much more time to digest. Thus it discharges energy tardily, making you feel full for a longer duration. It also aids in maintaining the stability levels of blood glucose and insulin, which in turn prevents fat storage. Oatmeal is the best breakfast cereal, it provides more proteins than any other grain, and keeps one full for very long time.
Nuts like Almond and Walnuts: unsalted and uncooked nuts like walnuts and almonds are rich source of food fiber, protein, minerals and micronutrients. Crunching on fistful of these two nuts will keep you satisfies and full of vigor for long time.
Low Fat Milk Products: low fat cheese, yoghurt and skim milk are one of the best source of calcium. Calcium aids in breaking down the fatty cells. Some researches have also suggested that lack of calcium could activate the release of a hormone called calcitrol which causes storage of fat.
apple Apple: fiber and high water content in the ample makes a person feel full soon after eating it. The apple skin contains a natural appetite suppressant called pectin soluble fiber.
Beans: beans are an excellent source of proteins and are rich in fiber. Similar to other foods mentioned in this article, beans also take longer to digest thus making one feel satiated for longer hours.
So many times even after having a full meal I feel hungry and can’t resist a second helping. And after I have had the second helping I feel guilty for stuffing my body with unwanted calories. I am sure every one goes through the same feeling atleast once in a while. The good news is that there are certain foods that impart a feeling of fullness without really making you fat. More than how much food you consume, what food products you consume influences the gratification level of a meal.
Below are some of the foods that are less fattening and makes you feel full, so whenever next you have a craving grab one of these and enjoy:
Fatty Fish: fatty fish are rich in omega 3 fatty acids which increases the metabolism apart from lowering cholesterol. Fish is a rich source of protein. The healthiest way to eat fish is to grill them and serve them with steamed vegetables. Fatty fish includes salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and herring.
Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits are good source of fiber and Vitamin C. Vitamin C aids the digestion mechanism in breaking down dietary fat faster. It also stimulated carnitine, an amino acid, which hastens the fat burning capability of the body. The water content in citrus fruits is quite high and one helping only contains about 50 to 80 kcal, leaving us repleted for a long time. Citrus fruit includes lemon, orange, papaya, grapefruit, guava and tomatoes.
Green Veggies: Green Vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli and asparagus) have high thermic effect and low calorific concentration. This implies that it is nearly impossible for these vegetables to be stored in the body as fat as maximum part of it is burned off during the process of digestion. These vegetables are also loaded with fibre which makes one feel full.
Popcorn: Popcorn when cooked without butter makes up for a rich source of fibre and they have low calorific value. Eating popcorn takes more time thus we feel more satisfied.
Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a composite carb which takes much more time to digest. Thus it discharges energy tardily, making you feel full for a longer duration. It also aids in maintaining the stability levels of blood glucose and insulin, which in turn prevents fat storage. Oatmeal is the best breakfast cereal, it provides more proteins than any other grain, and keeps one full for very long time.
Nuts like Almond and Walnuts: unsalted and uncooked nuts like walnuts and almonds are rich source of food fiber, protein, minerals and micronutrients. Crunching on fistful of these two nuts will keep you satisfies and full of vigor for long time.
Low Fat Milk Products: low fat cheese, yoghurt and skim milk are one of the best source of calcium. Calcium aids in breaking down the fatty cells. Some researches have also suggested that lack of calcium could activate the release of a hormone called calcitrol which causes storage of fat.
apple Apple: fiber and high water content in the ample makes a person feel full soon after eating it. The apple skin contains a natural appetite suppressant called pectin soluble fiber.
Beans: beans are an excellent source of proteins and are rich in fiber. Similar to other foods mentioned in this article, beans also take longer to digest thus making one feel satiated for longer hours.
August 11, 2009
Calcium - The Key To Quick Weight Loss
by: Priya Shah
Are you dieting your way to bone loss?
Are you aware that the diet you follow may be depleting your bones of essential nutrients and increasing your chances of developing osteoporosis? Popular diets may promise quick weight loss, but calcium and other important nutrients are often missing from the menu, which can lead to bone loss.
And women who consistently limit what they eat to avoid gaining weight may undermine the health of their bones, according to a study by ARS researchers in California. (1)
The study looked at the eating behavior of women between the ages of 18 and 50 and found that those classified as "restrained eaters" had significantly lower bone mineral density and bone mineral content (key indicators of overall bone strength and health) than women who said they weren't concerned about what they ate.
"Exercise and eating a well-balanced diet with adequate calcium, are two of the best ways to keep your bones strong and healthy." advise the researchers.
Calcium is not only good for your bones but can help you maintain a healthy, low fat diet too. There has been increasing media coverage about numerous studies showing that a diet rich in calcium helps reduce body fat.
Why is calcium important in weight loss?
Calcium is a fat burner. High-calcium diets seem to favor burning rather than storing fat. Researchers say this is because calcium stored in fat cells plays an important role in fat storage and breakdown.
Calcium changes the efficiency of weight loss . In fact, study after study has shown that the people with the highest calcium intake overall weighed the least, and the people with the lowest calcium intake had the highest percentage of body fat. (2,3,4)
When overall calorie consumption is accounted for, calcium not only helps keep weight in check, but can be associated specifically with decreases in body fat. A low daily calcium intake is associated with greater tendency to gain weight, particularly in women. (5)
Researchers found that adolescent girls who consumed more calcium weighed less and had less body fat than girls who consumed the same amount of calories from other sources. (6)
Previous studies have shown that a higher calcium intake can block body fat production in adults and preschool children (7), but this was one of the first studies to show that it might have the same effect in body-conscious preteen and teenage girls.
But aren't dairy products fattening?
Some dieters consider dairy products to be fattening, but the evidence suggests the opposite is true.
Consumption of calcium-rich dairy foods can actually help to reduce and prevent obesity. Over 20 recent studies show that milk products actually contribute to weight loss.
A new study in obese adults, presented at the First Annual Nutrition Week Conference, showed that increasing calcium intake by the equivalent of two dairy servings per day could reduce the risk of obesity by as much as 70 percent. (8)
The study provided clinching evidence that calcium in low-fat dairy products can help adjust your body's fat-burning machinery and help keep your weight under control.
In another study, obese subjects placed on a high-calcium diet, with yogurt as the calcium source, showed markedly greater fat loss than those on a low-calcium diet. (9)
Numerous studies have shown that dairy calcium is more effective in reducing body fat than other forms of calcium. (10)
Why does diary calcium work so well?
Researchers believe that other nutrients found in milk products act in synergy with calcium to reduce fat more efficiently.
Glycomacropeptides (found in whey proteins derived from milk) in particular, are known to create feelings of satiety and fullness and decrease food intake. (11,12,13)
Foods that are a good source of calcium include cheese, milk, ice cream, baked beans and other dried legumes, dried figs, broccoli, most dark-green leafy vegetables, and soft fish bones like those in canned salmon.
Disclaimer: If you are under 18, pregnant, nursing or have health problems, consult your physician before starting any weight loss plan. The information here is not provided by medical professionals and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.
References:
1. Dieters May Lose Bone Density. April 1999; Agricultural Research magazine
2. Regulation of adiposity by dietary calcium. Zemel MB et al. [2000. FASEB J 14:1132-1138.]
3. Regulation of adiposity and obesity risk by dietary calcium: mechanisms and implications. Zemel MB. 2002. [J Am Coll Nutr 21: 146S-151S.]
4. Effects of dietary calcium on adipocyte lipid metabolism and body weight regulation in energy-restricted aP2-agouti transgenic mice. Shi H et al. [2001. FASEB J 5:291-293.]
5. Calcium intake, body composition, and lipoprotein-lipid concentrations in adults. Jacqmain M et al. [2003. Am J Clin Nutr 77:1448-1452.]
6. Higher dairy intake is associated with lower body fat during adolescence. Novotny R et al. [2003. Poster Presentation, Experimental Biology Meeting, April, San Diego, CA.]
7. The role of dietary calcium and other nutrients in moderating body fat in preschool children. Carruth BR and Skinner JD. [2001. T Int J Obesity Relat Metab Disord 25:559-566.]
8. Calcium and Dairy Acceleration of Weight and Fat Loss during Energy Restriction in Obese Adults. Zemel MB et al. [Obes Res. 2004 Apr;12(4):582-90.]
9. Dairy (yogurt) augments fat loss and reduces central obesity during energy restriction in obese subjects. Zemel MB et al. [2003. FASEB J A1088:679.3]
10. Calcium and Weight: Clinical Studies. Heaney, R.P., Davies, K.M., Barger-Lux, M.J. [Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 21(2), 2002, pages 152S-155S.]
11. Cholecystokinin decreases food intake in rats. Gibbs J, Young RC, Smith GP.J Comp [Physiol Psychol 1973 Sep;84(3):488-95]
12. Cholecystokinin antibody injected in cerebral ventricles stimulates feeding in sheep. Della-Fera MA, Baile CA, Schneider BS, Grinker JA. [Science 1981 May 8;212(4495):687-9]
13. Peptides with CCK-like activity administration intracranially elicit satiety in sheep. Della-Fera MA, Baile CA. [Physiol Behav 1981 Jun;26(6):979-83]
Are you dieting your way to bone loss?
Are you aware that the diet you follow may be depleting your bones of essential nutrients and increasing your chances of developing osteoporosis? Popular diets may promise quick weight loss, but calcium and other important nutrients are often missing from the menu, which can lead to bone loss.
And women who consistently limit what they eat to avoid gaining weight may undermine the health of their bones, according to a study by ARS researchers in California. (1)
The study looked at the eating behavior of women between the ages of 18 and 50 and found that those classified as "restrained eaters" had significantly lower bone mineral density and bone mineral content (key indicators of overall bone strength and health) than women who said they weren't concerned about what they ate.
"Exercise and eating a well-balanced diet with adequate calcium, are two of the best ways to keep your bones strong and healthy." advise the researchers.
Calcium is not only good for your bones but can help you maintain a healthy, low fat diet too. There has been increasing media coverage about numerous studies showing that a diet rich in calcium helps reduce body fat.
Why is calcium important in weight loss?
Calcium is a fat burner. High-calcium diets seem to favor burning rather than storing fat. Researchers say this is because calcium stored in fat cells plays an important role in fat storage and breakdown.
Calcium changes the efficiency of weight loss . In fact, study after study has shown that the people with the highest calcium intake overall weighed the least, and the people with the lowest calcium intake had the highest percentage of body fat. (2,3,4)
When overall calorie consumption is accounted for, calcium not only helps keep weight in check, but can be associated specifically with decreases in body fat. A low daily calcium intake is associated with greater tendency to gain weight, particularly in women. (5)
Researchers found that adolescent girls who consumed more calcium weighed less and had less body fat than girls who consumed the same amount of calories from other sources. (6)
Previous studies have shown that a higher calcium intake can block body fat production in adults and preschool children (7), but this was one of the first studies to show that it might have the same effect in body-conscious preteen and teenage girls.
But aren't dairy products fattening?
Some dieters consider dairy products to be fattening, but the evidence suggests the opposite is true.
Consumption of calcium-rich dairy foods can actually help to reduce and prevent obesity. Over 20 recent studies show that milk products actually contribute to weight loss.
A new study in obese adults, presented at the First Annual Nutrition Week Conference, showed that increasing calcium intake by the equivalent of two dairy servings per day could reduce the risk of obesity by as much as 70 percent. (8)
The study provided clinching evidence that calcium in low-fat dairy products can help adjust your body's fat-burning machinery and help keep your weight under control.
In another study, obese subjects placed on a high-calcium diet, with yogurt as the calcium source, showed markedly greater fat loss than those on a low-calcium diet. (9)
Numerous studies have shown that dairy calcium is more effective in reducing body fat than other forms of calcium. (10)
Why does diary calcium work so well?
Researchers believe that other nutrients found in milk products act in synergy with calcium to reduce fat more efficiently.
Glycomacropeptides (found in whey proteins derived from milk) in particular, are known to create feelings of satiety and fullness and decrease food intake. (11,12,13)
Foods that are a good source of calcium include cheese, milk, ice cream, baked beans and other dried legumes, dried figs, broccoli, most dark-green leafy vegetables, and soft fish bones like those in canned salmon.
Disclaimer: If you are under 18, pregnant, nursing or have health problems, consult your physician before starting any weight loss plan. The information here is not provided by medical professionals and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.
References:
1. Dieters May Lose Bone Density. April 1999; Agricultural Research magazine
2. Regulation of adiposity by dietary calcium. Zemel MB et al. [2000. FASEB J 14:1132-1138.]
3. Regulation of adiposity and obesity risk by dietary calcium: mechanisms and implications. Zemel MB. 2002. [J Am Coll Nutr 21: 146S-151S.]
4. Effects of dietary calcium on adipocyte lipid metabolism and body weight regulation in energy-restricted aP2-agouti transgenic mice. Shi H et al. [2001. FASEB J 5:291-293.]
5. Calcium intake, body composition, and lipoprotein-lipid concentrations in adults. Jacqmain M et al. [2003. Am J Clin Nutr 77:1448-1452.]
6. Higher dairy intake is associated with lower body fat during adolescence. Novotny R et al. [2003. Poster Presentation, Experimental Biology Meeting, April, San Diego, CA.]
7. The role of dietary calcium and other nutrients in moderating body fat in preschool children. Carruth BR and Skinner JD. [2001. T Int J Obesity Relat Metab Disord 25:559-566.]
8. Calcium and Dairy Acceleration of Weight and Fat Loss during Energy Restriction in Obese Adults. Zemel MB et al. [Obes Res. 2004 Apr;12(4):582-90.]
9. Dairy (yogurt) augments fat loss and reduces central obesity during energy restriction in obese subjects. Zemel MB et al. [2003. FASEB J A1088:679.3]
10. Calcium and Weight: Clinical Studies. Heaney, R.P., Davies, K.M., Barger-Lux, M.J. [Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 21(2), 2002, pages 152S-155S.]
11. Cholecystokinin decreases food intake in rats. Gibbs J, Young RC, Smith GP.J Comp [Physiol Psychol 1973 Sep;84(3):488-95]
12. Cholecystokinin antibody injected in cerebral ventricles stimulates feeding in sheep. Della-Fera MA, Baile CA, Schneider BS, Grinker JA. [Science 1981 May 8;212(4495):687-9]
13. Peptides with CCK-like activity administration intracranially elicit satiety in sheep. Della-Fera MA, Baile CA. [Physiol Behav 1981 Jun;26(6):979-83]
5 Myths About Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer
by: Emily Clark
Sara spends much of her summer near the beach. She lives in a
mild climate and is very athletic. She loves to swim, bike and
play games outdoors. Sara knows the dangers of the sun and so she
opts for tanning salons to get her 'golden glow' while being sure
to apply sunscreen every day before heading out.
Joseph lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers can be
very humid, but most of the year is mild or even below freezing
during the harshest winter months. The beach has never been much
of a draw for him and he spends most of his time doing indoor
activities or at his job. Joseph doesn't worry about sunscreen
and only had one sunburn that he can remember and that was when
he was a child.
--------------------
Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did
you know that Sara and Joseph are both at risk of developing skin
cancer? We have all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun
exposure. We know all about the importance of wearing sunscreen
and hats. But are YOU protected from skin cancer? Consider these
myths and facts:
MYTH ONE: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun
20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to
four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB
rays, 'The Skin Cancer Answer' states that "UV-A penetrates more
deeply into the skin than UV-B, can cause skin cancer, and may
suppress the immune system."
MYTH TWO: Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection
85 percent of UV rays can even make it through on cloudy days.
That means you are equally at risk in the car, walking the dog or
letting your children out to play at any time of year - even when
you're not at the beach. Of course, you are usually less attired
at the beach and so covering up is recommended even when wearing
sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and
should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet.
MYTH THREE: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You
Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin
Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80
percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18.
Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double
the risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will
reduce the risk, but not eliminate the damage already done.
MYTH FOUR: Having a Tan Means You're More Protected
Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but
tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures
the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.
MYTH FIVE: You Can't get Burned on Overcast Days
Just because the sun is hidden by some cloud does not mean that
you don't need protection from the harmful effects of the suns rays.
So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some
suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun - especially for
infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a
sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes
before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your
children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered
up when outdoors. Have fun and be safe.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.
Sara spends much of her summer near the beach. She lives in a
mild climate and is very athletic. She loves to swim, bike and
play games outdoors. Sara knows the dangers of the sun and so she
opts for tanning salons to get her 'golden glow' while being sure
to apply sunscreen every day before heading out.
Joseph lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers can be
very humid, but most of the year is mild or even below freezing
during the harshest winter months. The beach has never been much
of a draw for him and he spends most of his time doing indoor
activities or at his job. Joseph doesn't worry about sunscreen
and only had one sunburn that he can remember and that was when
he was a child.
--------------------
Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did
you know that Sara and Joseph are both at risk of developing skin
cancer? We have all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun
exposure. We know all about the importance of wearing sunscreen
and hats. But are YOU protected from skin cancer? Consider these
myths and facts:
MYTH ONE: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun
20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to
four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB
rays, 'The Skin Cancer Answer' states that "UV-A penetrates more
deeply into the skin than UV-B, can cause skin cancer, and may
suppress the immune system."
MYTH TWO: Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection
85 percent of UV rays can even make it through on cloudy days.
That means you are equally at risk in the car, walking the dog or
letting your children out to play at any time of year - even when
you're not at the beach. Of course, you are usually less attired
at the beach and so covering up is recommended even when wearing
sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and
should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet.
MYTH THREE: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You
Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin
Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80
percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18.
Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double
the risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will
reduce the risk, but not eliminate the damage already done.
MYTH FOUR: Having a Tan Means You're More Protected
Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but
tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures
the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.
MYTH FIVE: You Can't get Burned on Overcast Days
Just because the sun is hidden by some cloud does not mean that
you don't need protection from the harmful effects of the suns rays.
So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some
suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun - especially for
infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a
sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes
before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your
children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered
up when outdoors. Have fun and be safe.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.
Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes
by: Michael Brooks
That’s right, the colorful little fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several forms of cancer. A variety of studies indicate that a diet rich in tomato based products (tomato paste, sauce, juice, soup and ketchup) can significantly reduce the risk of prostate, lung and colon cancer. Not bad for a fruit that was considered by many to be poisonous and inedible until the 19th century.
What is the Active Ingredient?
The active ingredient that makes tomatoes such a formidable opponent against cancer cells is the carotenoid called Lycopene. Lycopene is the natural red pigment found in tomatoes and tomato based products. The redder the tomato, the more lycopene is present.
How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?
In the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher than all other carotenoids. Some organs, such as the testes and adrenal glands, store higher levels of lycopene than do other organs or tissues. Lycopene acts as a super antioxidant by picking up free radicals in the body. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. Their primary danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs.
Is there any Research on the Cancer fighting power of Lycopene?
Although more large-scale studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be made, current research does suggest that lycopene from various tomato products is indeed associated with the lowered risk of several types of cancers. Several published reports are listed below.
Gann et al. 1999 - Cancer Research
The study examined initial plasma caroteniods (including lycopene) of 1872 men in 1982, and then followed them for 13 years. These men were randomly assigned to a placebo group or a group to receive beta-carotene and aspirin supplementation. Of the men studied, 578 developed prostate cancer versus 1294 control subjects. Lycopene was the only antioxidant with a significantly lower average blood level in those men with cancer as compared to those without cancer. In those men not receiving the aspirin and beta carotene, plasma lycopene levels were very strongly related to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This study concluded that increased consumption of tomato products and other lycopene-containing foods may reduce the onset of prostate cancer.
Giovannucci 1999 - Journal of the National Cancer Institute
This journal is a review of research studies available regarding cancer risk (not just prostate cancer) and intake of tomato based foods as well as blood lycopene levels. After identifying 72 studies that fit these criteria, it was found that an inverse relationship between tomato intake or blood lycopene levels and cancer risk was reported in 57 of them. Of these 57, it was found that 35 of these inverse relationships were statistically significant. It was also found that cancer protection from lycopene was strongest for prostate, colon and stomach cancers, but also appeared to have some benefit in the treatment of other cancers.
Rao et al. 1999 - Nutrition and Cancer
This study examined plasma and prostate lycopene levels in cancer patients and a control group free of cancer. Though only 12 patients were in each group, significantly lower serum and prostate lycopene levels were found in those with cancer. Levels of other carotenoid substances did not vary between the groups.
Additional Benefits
In addition to fighting cancer, the lycopene found in tomatoes has been associated with better mental activity in old age and a reduced risk of heart disease. A University of Maryland study found that tomatoes might protect the eyes by hampering macular degeneration, a cause of vision loss in older adults.
How do I get Lycopene into my body?
The best source of lycopene intake is through eating tomato-based products. This is more effective than supplementation. You will get the most lycopene through concentrates and processed products such as tomato paste, sauce, soup and canned tomatoes. Heating helps to release lycopene and adding a little light olive oil will increase absorption. Start packing your diet with more tomato based recipes and begin enjoying the cancer fighting power of the mighty tomato.
That’s right, the colorful little fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several forms of cancer. A variety of studies indicate that a diet rich in tomato based products (tomato paste, sauce, juice, soup and ketchup) can significantly reduce the risk of prostate, lung and colon cancer. Not bad for a fruit that was considered by many to be poisonous and inedible until the 19th century.
What is the Active Ingredient?
The active ingredient that makes tomatoes such a formidable opponent against cancer cells is the carotenoid called Lycopene. Lycopene is the natural red pigment found in tomatoes and tomato based products. The redder the tomato, the more lycopene is present.
How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?
In the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher than all other carotenoids. Some organs, such as the testes and adrenal glands, store higher levels of lycopene than do other organs or tissues. Lycopene acts as a super antioxidant by picking up free radicals in the body. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. Their primary danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs.
Is there any Research on the Cancer fighting power of Lycopene?
Although more large-scale studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be made, current research does suggest that lycopene from various tomato products is indeed associated with the lowered risk of several types of cancers. Several published reports are listed below.
Gann et al. 1999 - Cancer Research
The study examined initial plasma caroteniods (including lycopene) of 1872 men in 1982, and then followed them for 13 years. These men were randomly assigned to a placebo group or a group to receive beta-carotene and aspirin supplementation. Of the men studied, 578 developed prostate cancer versus 1294 control subjects. Lycopene was the only antioxidant with a significantly lower average blood level in those men with cancer as compared to those without cancer. In those men not receiving the aspirin and beta carotene, plasma lycopene levels were very strongly related to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This study concluded that increased consumption of tomato products and other lycopene-containing foods may reduce the onset of prostate cancer.
Giovannucci 1999 - Journal of the National Cancer Institute
This journal is a review of research studies available regarding cancer risk (not just prostate cancer) and intake of tomato based foods as well as blood lycopene levels. After identifying 72 studies that fit these criteria, it was found that an inverse relationship between tomato intake or blood lycopene levels and cancer risk was reported in 57 of them. Of these 57, it was found that 35 of these inverse relationships were statistically significant. It was also found that cancer protection from lycopene was strongest for prostate, colon and stomach cancers, but also appeared to have some benefit in the treatment of other cancers.
Rao et al. 1999 - Nutrition and Cancer
This study examined plasma and prostate lycopene levels in cancer patients and a control group free of cancer. Though only 12 patients were in each group, significantly lower serum and prostate lycopene levels were found in those with cancer. Levels of other carotenoid substances did not vary between the groups.
Additional Benefits
In addition to fighting cancer, the lycopene found in tomatoes has been associated with better mental activity in old age and a reduced risk of heart disease. A University of Maryland study found that tomatoes might protect the eyes by hampering macular degeneration, a cause of vision loss in older adults.
How do I get Lycopene into my body?
The best source of lycopene intake is through eating tomato-based products. This is more effective than supplementation. You will get the most lycopene through concentrates and processed products such as tomato paste, sauce, soup and canned tomatoes. Heating helps to release lycopene and adding a little light olive oil will increase absorption. Start packing your diet with more tomato based recipes and begin enjoying the cancer fighting power of the mighty tomato.
August 10, 2009
3 Easy Ways to Treat Body Acne!
by: Venkata Ramana
Are you suffering from Body acne? or Zits below the neckline? Don't worry. You are not alone! Lot's of teen get body acne. It is common in the winter months, when you are wearing piles of heavy clothing.
Sweat can clog skin pores and lead to breakouts all over. Other things that can cause body acne are tight fitting clothing ( It traps sweat against the skin, leading to clogged pores and blemishes) stress and hormones. Body acne commonly pops up on the chest and back.
Ø To zap body acne and prevent it from coming back, you can wash your body daily with a salicylic acid based cleanser. Look for this ingredient on product labels.
Ø Shower daily and be sure to shower as soon as possible anytime you have been sweating - such as after playing sports, working outside or just being in the sun. After your shower, you can follow up by a body moisturizer that contains Alfa Hydroxy acid. This will exfoliate skin and help prevent breakouts, without drying skin out.
Ø At Nighttime you can treat body acne just like facial acne, by applying an acne zapping gel or cream at the effected parts.
Ø If your body acne is particularly bad and wont respond to this treatment after about a month, you will probably need to see a dermatologist.
Are you suffering from Body acne? or Zits below the neckline? Don't worry. You are not alone! Lot's of teen get body acne. It is common in the winter months, when you are wearing piles of heavy clothing.
Sweat can clog skin pores and lead to breakouts all over. Other things that can cause body acne are tight fitting clothing ( It traps sweat against the skin, leading to clogged pores and blemishes) stress and hormones. Body acne commonly pops up on the chest and back.
Ø To zap body acne and prevent it from coming back, you can wash your body daily with a salicylic acid based cleanser. Look for this ingredient on product labels.
Ø Shower daily and be sure to shower as soon as possible anytime you have been sweating - such as after playing sports, working outside or just being in the sun. After your shower, you can follow up by a body moisturizer that contains Alfa Hydroxy acid. This will exfoliate skin and help prevent breakouts, without drying skin out.
Ø At Nighttime you can treat body acne just like facial acne, by applying an acne zapping gel or cream at the effected parts.
Ø If your body acne is particularly bad and wont respond to this treatment after about a month, you will probably need to see a dermatologist.
All About Green Tea And Polyphenols
by: Kurt Hurley
-A discovery is said to be an accident meeting a prepared mind, Albert von Szent-Gyorgyi (1893 - 1986)
Or as I like to say… When the student is ready, the teacher shall appear! By the way, have I said how much I passionately enjoy green tea, the personal benefits I have witnessed from green tea and what a fantastic unearthing this ‘ancient medicine’ is for modern western living?
After a good deal of research, I have found that there isn’t any other food or drink in general consumption reported to have the innumerable health benefits that green tea possesses...none!
The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches and lethargia to depression. And did you know that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for over 4,000 years… When will we westerners learn?
At present, in both Asia and America, scientific research is providing a more than solid substantiation for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For instance, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study demonstrating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. Conversely, University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
To abridge just a few of the medical conditions in which drinking green tea has proved to be helpful:
impaired immune system function
cardiovascular disease
cancer
rheumatoid arthritis
elevated cholesterol levels
numerous types of infections
muscle wasting diseases
Green tea’s ‘secret’ lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been exceedingly effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The preceding takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the foremost cause of heart attacks and stroke. Quite startling, don’t you think?
For The Record Books…
Correlates are being drawn between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were mystified by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in saturated fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas concluded that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is significantly low, even though in excess of seventy-five percent are smokers.
So why don't other Chinese teas have similar earth-shaking health benefits? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed.In particular, green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are processed from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being transformed into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various conditions and diseases.
Some Additional Benefits…
The latest evidence emerging is that green tea can even help dieters attain success more rapidly an efficiently. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Incidentally, green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacterium that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market showing positive effects.
The Potential Unsafe Effects?
As of today, the only adverse side effect reported from drinking green tea is mild insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. On the other hand, green tea contains much less caffeine than coffee and most soda: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee and can you imagine the huge contrast in caffeine content between green tea and these ‘new’ high-tech energy drinks that are currently being consumed by the masses with such ravenous voracity.
Green Tea Polyphenols, What Are They You Ask?
Specifically, tea polyphenols are compounds in tea leaves that are natural plant antioxidants. Antioxidants have been proven to prevent damage caused by free radicals to DNA and other molecules.
How Do They Work?
Green tea polyphenols have corroborated several cancer preventive properties. In addition to antioxidant activity, these compounds may as previously mentioned have shown to reduce abnormal cell growth and inflammation; help the body get rid of cancer-causing agents; and restore communication between different cells in the body.
On Cancer… The Facts
The relationship between green tea consumption and human cancer has been studied in several different populations and at various cancer sites. Some of the studies comparing green tea drinkers to non-green tea drinkers support the claim that green tea-drinking, in fact prevents certain types of cancer. Certain dietary, environmental, and population differences may account for these discrepancies. In animal studies, different tea extracts, tea polyphenol mixtures, purified tea components, and tea infusions as the sole drinking fluid have more consistently been shown to prevent cancer, including cancers of the colon, esophagus, liver, stomach, lung, breast, pancreas, and skin. The purified component, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), prevented colon cancer, but did not prevent cancer of the esophagus in animal models. A polyphenol mixture with EGCG, called Polyphenon E, has also shown cancer preventive properties in animals. Animal studies were inconclusive as to whether EGCG or Polyphenol E caused DNA mutations that might trigger cancer growth. Both EGCG and Polyphenon E are being tested for safety and efficacy in humans.
Slower Prostate Cancer Cell Growth Found From Consumption Of Green And Black Tea
A study at The Experimental Biology 2004, in Washington, D.C., reported as part of the scientific program of the American Society of Nutritional Sciences, anti-tumor effects of green and black tea polyphenols in human tissue. And researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles found and were able to detect tea polyphenols in prostate tissue after a very limited consumption of the tea. More notably, the scientists found that prostate cancer cells grew more slowly when placed in a medium containing blood serum of men who had consumed either green or black tea for five days compared to serum collected before the men began their tea-drinking regimen. Serum from men who drank comparable amounts of diet or regular soda showed no such slowing in cancer cell proliferation.
Consequently, Dr. Susanne Henning, UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, pronounced that the UCLA research team - a combination of nutrition scientists and urologists - focused on the feasible outcome of tea polyphenols on factors named polyamines and the enzymes responsible for the production of polyamines. Elevated levels of polyamines have been connected with malignancy in humans, including prostate cancer, and - since polyamines are current in prostate tissue in high concentration - are considered a logical target for chemoprevention of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the most widespread cancers among males in the United States, and more than a fourth of all those patients with prostate cancer are known to use alternative therapies, including green tea. This study suggests that both black and green tea are promising natural dietary supplements useful for chemoprevention of prostate cancer, according to Dr. Henning. She plans to investigate if this effect can be enhanced by consuming larger amounts of tea polyphenols in the form of green tea extract supplement capsules.
So If It’s That Good, How Much Should I Drink?
Strangely enough, there are as many answers to this question as there are researchers investigating the beneficial properties of green tea and polyphenols. Herbs for Health magazine mentions a Japanese report citing that men who drank ten cups of green tea per day stayed cancer-free for three years longer than men who drank less than three cups a day (there are approximately 240 - 320 mg of polyphenols in three cups of green tea).
Meanwhile, a study by Cleveland's Western Reserve University concluded that drinking four or more cups of green tea per day could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, or reduce symptoms in individuals already suffering from the disease. And Japanese scientists at the Saitama Cancer Research Institute have discovered that there were fewer recurrences of breast cancer, and the disease spread less quickly, in women with a history of drinking five cups or more of green tea daily.
A University of California study on the cancer-preventative qualities of green tea concluded that you could probably attain the desired level of polyphenols by drinking merely two cups per day. So which is it? I personally don’t buy the hype that those that manufacture and sell green tea products are propagating…moderation is, like with all things probably your best bet! But given all the evidence, it is almost certainly safe to plan on drinking four to five cups of green tea daily. If you're a real aficionado, by all means imbibe more; but whether or not you'll derive added health benefits remains to be determined.
Okay, enough science… Let’s all just relax and have a cup of green tea or if you like your beverages cold like I do, a glass of ‘iced’ green tea.
-A discovery is said to be an accident meeting a prepared mind, Albert von Szent-Gyorgyi (1893 - 1986)
Or as I like to say… When the student is ready, the teacher shall appear! By the way, have I said how much I passionately enjoy green tea, the personal benefits I have witnessed from green tea and what a fantastic unearthing this ‘ancient medicine’ is for modern western living?
After a good deal of research, I have found that there isn’t any other food or drink in general consumption reported to have the innumerable health benefits that green tea possesses...none!
The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches and lethargia to depression. And did you know that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for over 4,000 years… When will we westerners learn?
At present, in both Asia and America, scientific research is providing a more than solid substantiation for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For instance, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study demonstrating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. Conversely, University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
To abridge just a few of the medical conditions in which drinking green tea has proved to be helpful:
impaired immune system function
cardiovascular disease
cancer
rheumatoid arthritis
elevated cholesterol levels
numerous types of infections
muscle wasting diseases
Green tea’s ‘secret’ lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been exceedingly effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The preceding takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the foremost cause of heart attacks and stroke. Quite startling, don’t you think?
For The Record Books…
Correlates are being drawn between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were mystified by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in saturated fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas concluded that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is significantly low, even though in excess of seventy-five percent are smokers.
So why don't other Chinese teas have similar earth-shaking health benefits? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed.In particular, green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are processed from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being transformed into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various conditions and diseases.
Some Additional Benefits…
The latest evidence emerging is that green tea can even help dieters attain success more rapidly an efficiently. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Incidentally, green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacterium that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market showing positive effects.
The Potential Unsafe Effects?
As of today, the only adverse side effect reported from drinking green tea is mild insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. On the other hand, green tea contains much less caffeine than coffee and most soda: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee and can you imagine the huge contrast in caffeine content between green tea and these ‘new’ high-tech energy drinks that are currently being consumed by the masses with such ravenous voracity.
Green Tea Polyphenols, What Are They You Ask?
Specifically, tea polyphenols are compounds in tea leaves that are natural plant antioxidants. Antioxidants have been proven to prevent damage caused by free radicals to DNA and other molecules.
How Do They Work?
Green tea polyphenols have corroborated several cancer preventive properties. In addition to antioxidant activity, these compounds may as previously mentioned have shown to reduce abnormal cell growth and inflammation; help the body get rid of cancer-causing agents; and restore communication between different cells in the body.
On Cancer… The Facts
The relationship between green tea consumption and human cancer has been studied in several different populations and at various cancer sites. Some of the studies comparing green tea drinkers to non-green tea drinkers support the claim that green tea-drinking, in fact prevents certain types of cancer. Certain dietary, environmental, and population differences may account for these discrepancies. In animal studies, different tea extracts, tea polyphenol mixtures, purified tea components, and tea infusions as the sole drinking fluid have more consistently been shown to prevent cancer, including cancers of the colon, esophagus, liver, stomach, lung, breast, pancreas, and skin. The purified component, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), prevented colon cancer, but did not prevent cancer of the esophagus in animal models. A polyphenol mixture with EGCG, called Polyphenon E, has also shown cancer preventive properties in animals. Animal studies were inconclusive as to whether EGCG or Polyphenol E caused DNA mutations that might trigger cancer growth. Both EGCG and Polyphenon E are being tested for safety and efficacy in humans.
Slower Prostate Cancer Cell Growth Found From Consumption Of Green And Black Tea
A study at The Experimental Biology 2004, in Washington, D.C., reported as part of the scientific program of the American Society of Nutritional Sciences, anti-tumor effects of green and black tea polyphenols in human tissue. And researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles found and were able to detect tea polyphenols in prostate tissue after a very limited consumption of the tea. More notably, the scientists found that prostate cancer cells grew more slowly when placed in a medium containing blood serum of men who had consumed either green or black tea for five days compared to serum collected before the men began their tea-drinking regimen. Serum from men who drank comparable amounts of diet or regular soda showed no such slowing in cancer cell proliferation.
Consequently, Dr. Susanne Henning, UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, pronounced that the UCLA research team - a combination of nutrition scientists and urologists - focused on the feasible outcome of tea polyphenols on factors named polyamines and the enzymes responsible for the production of polyamines. Elevated levels of polyamines have been connected with malignancy in humans, including prostate cancer, and - since polyamines are current in prostate tissue in high concentration - are considered a logical target for chemoprevention of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the most widespread cancers among males in the United States, and more than a fourth of all those patients with prostate cancer are known to use alternative therapies, including green tea. This study suggests that both black and green tea are promising natural dietary supplements useful for chemoprevention of prostate cancer, according to Dr. Henning. She plans to investigate if this effect can be enhanced by consuming larger amounts of tea polyphenols in the form of green tea extract supplement capsules.
So If It’s That Good, How Much Should I Drink?
Strangely enough, there are as many answers to this question as there are researchers investigating the beneficial properties of green tea and polyphenols. Herbs for Health magazine mentions a Japanese report citing that men who drank ten cups of green tea per day stayed cancer-free for three years longer than men who drank less than three cups a day (there are approximately 240 - 320 mg of polyphenols in three cups of green tea).
Meanwhile, a study by Cleveland's Western Reserve University concluded that drinking four or more cups of green tea per day could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, or reduce symptoms in individuals already suffering from the disease. And Japanese scientists at the Saitama Cancer Research Institute have discovered that there were fewer recurrences of breast cancer, and the disease spread less quickly, in women with a history of drinking five cups or more of green tea daily.
A University of California study on the cancer-preventative qualities of green tea concluded that you could probably attain the desired level of polyphenols by drinking merely two cups per day. So which is it? I personally don’t buy the hype that those that manufacture and sell green tea products are propagating…moderation is, like with all things probably your best bet! But given all the evidence, it is almost certainly safe to plan on drinking four to five cups of green tea daily. If you're a real aficionado, by all means imbibe more; but whether or not you'll derive added health benefits remains to be determined.
Okay, enough science… Let’s all just relax and have a cup of green tea or if you like your beverages cold like I do, a glass of ‘iced’ green tea.
January 11, 2009
Breakfast Choices
The cinnamon roll on the right is 500 calories. Our healthy breakfast platter is just 250 calories and contains more food!
Most over-sized baked goods found in so many coffee shops and bakeries can mean starting the day with too many calories not to mention a dose of fat and sugar. Big + Baked = Diet Mistake!! Most large pastries are well over 400 calories.
The healthy breakfast plate formula is 1 cup milk/nonfat yogurt, 1 serving whole grain and 1 cup fruit. Variations might include:
* oatmeal with skim milk, fruit
* yogurt with granola, fruit
* smoothie (skim milk, fruit) and whole grain toast
* small whole grain waffle with fruit and skim milk
* whole grain cereal, skim milk, fruit
Most over-sized baked goods found in so many coffee shops and bakeries can mean starting the day with too many calories not to mention a dose of fat and sugar. Big + Baked = Diet Mistake!! Most large pastries are well over 400 calories.
The healthy breakfast plate formula is 1 cup milk/nonfat yogurt, 1 serving whole grain and 1 cup fruit. Variations might include:
* oatmeal with skim milk, fruit
* yogurt with granola, fruit
* smoothie (skim milk, fruit) and whole grain toast
* small whole grain waffle with fruit and skim milk
* whole grain cereal, skim milk, fruit
January 06, 2009
Control Portions When Eating Out
* Share your meal, order a half portion, or order an appetizer as a main meal.
* Take-half or more of your meal home. You can even ask for your half-meal to be boxed up before you begin eating so you will not be tempted to eat more than you need. Stop eating when you begin to feel full. Focus on enjoyingthe setting and your friends or family for the rest of themeal.
* Avoid large beverages, such as “supersize” soft drinks.They have a large number of calories. Order the smallsize, choose a calorie-free beverage, or drink water with a slice of lemon.
* When traveling, bring along nutritious foods that will not spoil such as fresh fruit, small cans of fruit, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, whole grain crackers, carrot sticks, air-popped popcorn and bottled water.
* When traveling, stop at fast-food restaurants that offer salads and sandwiches with lean meats and vegetables.
* Order the small burger with lettuce and tomato. Have water or nonfat milk with your meal instead of a soft drink. If you want french fries, order the small size.
* Remember the amount of calories you eat affects yourweight and health. Look at size of portions you eat.
Choosing nutritious foods and keeping portion sizes sensible may help you reach and stay at a healthy weight.
Resource: Department of Health and Human Services/NIH
* Take-half or more of your meal home. You can even ask for your half-meal to be boxed up before you begin eating so you will not be tempted to eat more than you need. Stop eating when you begin to feel full. Focus on enjoyingthe setting and your friends or family for the rest of themeal.
* Avoid large beverages, such as “supersize” soft drinks.They have a large number of calories. Order the smallsize, choose a calorie-free beverage, or drink water with a slice of lemon.
* When traveling, bring along nutritious foods that will not spoil such as fresh fruit, small cans of fruit, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, whole grain crackers, carrot sticks, air-popped popcorn and bottled water.
* When traveling, stop at fast-food restaurants that offer salads and sandwiches with lean meats and vegetables.
* Order the small burger with lettuce and tomato. Have water or nonfat milk with your meal instead of a soft drink. If you want french fries, order the small size.
* Remember the amount of calories you eat affects yourweight and health. Look at size of portions you eat.
Choosing nutritious foods and keeping portion sizes sensible may help you reach and stay at a healthy weight.
Resource: Department of Health and Human Services/NIH
December 29, 2008
Organic Health Food
The interest in organic health food in modern society grows along with the strong emphasis on “going green”, the awareness of the dangers of pollution as well as the importance of preserving the earth. There are guidelines set for farmers and ranchers to have their products considered as organic health food. Thus, it is essential for them to understand the procedure of product labeling in order to understand what organic health food really is.
What will be Considered Organic Health Food?
The drive in increasing productivity has caused many farmers and ranchers choose the route of hormones, pesticides and other chemicals to have their cows grow bigger and their crop production grows larger. Luckily, there are still some individuals who prefer living off their land by using the traditional means instead of using the modern technology of farming and ranching. The foods produced by these traditional measures are considered as organic health food.
The obvious differences between the traditional technology and the modern one in farming and ranching are found in the process used to grow the crops and raise the cattle. In organic health food, you won’t find any pesticides used for ranching antibiotics and hormones to speed up growth. Instead, the farmers use other friendly methods, including ways to keep from polluting water sources as well as keeping the crops from being exposed to chemicals.
In growing organic health food, the farmers use natural fertilizers like manure in order to make their crops healthy. This way not only benefits the crops but also prevents the soil and water from becoming contaminated with chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides. What’s more, the farmers may also incorporate the use of natural pesticides, like using insects or birds to control the pest problem, or hand tilling as well as manually pulling weeds instead of using chemical weed control. Meanwhile, ranchers only use natural organic foods for their livestock that is allowed to graze in a more natural environment instead of being penned up.
To be labeled organic, organic health food should get the label of such from the FDA and needs to meet the stringent criteria of the Food and Drug Administration. They should perform such things in order to have the consumers ensured that the marked foods are truly organic as what they are advertised. With more and more farmers succeed to meet the consumer’s demand for organic products, now it’s time for us to enter the era of organic health food!
What will be Considered Organic Health Food?
The drive in increasing productivity has caused many farmers and ranchers choose the route of hormones, pesticides and other chemicals to have their cows grow bigger and their crop production grows larger. Luckily, there are still some individuals who prefer living off their land by using the traditional means instead of using the modern technology of farming and ranching. The foods produced by these traditional measures are considered as organic health food.
The obvious differences between the traditional technology and the modern one in farming and ranching are found in the process used to grow the crops and raise the cattle. In organic health food, you won’t find any pesticides used for ranching antibiotics and hormones to speed up growth. Instead, the farmers use other friendly methods, including ways to keep from polluting water sources as well as keeping the crops from being exposed to chemicals.
In growing organic health food, the farmers use natural fertilizers like manure in order to make their crops healthy. This way not only benefits the crops but also prevents the soil and water from becoming contaminated with chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides. What’s more, the farmers may also incorporate the use of natural pesticides, like using insects or birds to control the pest problem, or hand tilling as well as manually pulling weeds instead of using chemical weed control. Meanwhile, ranchers only use natural organic foods for their livestock that is allowed to graze in a more natural environment instead of being penned up.
To be labeled organic, organic health food should get the label of such from the FDA and needs to meet the stringent criteria of the Food and Drug Administration. They should perform such things in order to have the consumers ensured that the marked foods are truly organic as what they are advertised. With more and more farmers succeed to meet the consumer’s demand for organic products, now it’s time for us to enter the era of organic health food!
December 20, 2008
Vitamins
Vitamins (or VItal AMINes) are, as the name suggests, vital for good health. The primary source of vitamins is from our dieat, however due to the excessive processing of modern foods, which destroys or renders inactive many vitamins, plus the chronic problem of depleted soils, many people today are deficient on one or more vitamins, and many modern diseases can be either worsened, or even caused by vitamin deficiencies.
With the exception of Vitamin D, which is manufactured in response to sunlight, the vitamins are an essential part of the diet and play vitally important roles in controlling organ and body funtion.
Vitamin A ( Beta-carotene)
The B-Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Biotin
Folic Acid
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin D (Calciferol)
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin K (Phylloquinone)
With the exception of Vitamin D, which is manufactured in response to sunlight, the vitamins are an essential part of the diet and play vitally important roles in controlling organ and body funtion.
Vitamin A ( Beta-carotene)
The B-Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Biotin
Folic Acid
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin D (Calciferol)
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin K (Phylloquinone)
December 09, 2008
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis b is really contagious, especially if your children has no anti-hepa b vaccine. For adults, you can easily get Hepa b through sexual intercourse with an affected person.
If you think that you don't have any symptoms of hepa b, try to have a blood check. Try to undergo a hepatitis profile and if you are negative with HbsAg, Then you still have a chance to have have a shot of anti-hepa b vaccine.(3 shots)
Now if one of your family has hepa b and you want to prevent yourself and the rest of your family from getting it, then you have to follow these:
try to separate spoons, forks, drinking glass and plates of the affected person from the rest of your dinner stuffs. Because the virus is just in the body fluids of the affected person. It can be in the saliva, tears, blood, semen, and sweat of the a hepa b positive person. But if the patient recovers from it. everything goes back to normal.
Now, there is no cure for hepa b or let me say there is no medicine that is meant to cure it. because it is caused by a virus and not a bacteria or fungus. Just like chicken pox. The medicine that is generally given are just vitamins (jetefar, essentiale) for liver. that's why It is usually symptomatic way to help the affected person. For example, if the patient has a headache, They would give him analgesic or if the patient has fever he will be given paracetamol.
In addition in preventing this virus.You should try to avoid eating too much fatty food, too much alcohol intake, because it is not helping the liver at all. Because vaccine can't do anything to an affected person. So better have your children take those anti-hepa shots. It is very important
If you think that you don't have any symptoms of hepa b, try to have a blood check. Try to undergo a hepatitis profile and if you are negative with HbsAg, Then you still have a chance to have have a shot of anti-hepa b vaccine.(3 shots)
Now if one of your family has hepa b and you want to prevent yourself and the rest of your family from getting it, then you have to follow these:
try to separate spoons, forks, drinking glass and plates of the affected person from the rest of your dinner stuffs. Because the virus is just in the body fluids of the affected person. It can be in the saliva, tears, blood, semen, and sweat of the a hepa b positive person. But if the patient recovers from it. everything goes back to normal.
Now, there is no cure for hepa b or let me say there is no medicine that is meant to cure it. because it is caused by a virus and not a bacteria or fungus. Just like chicken pox. The medicine that is generally given are just vitamins (jetefar, essentiale) for liver. that's why It is usually symptomatic way to help the affected person. For example, if the patient has a headache, They would give him analgesic or if the patient has fever he will be given paracetamol.
In addition in preventing this virus.You should try to avoid eating too much fatty food, too much alcohol intake, because it is not helping the liver at all. Because vaccine can't do anything to an affected person. So better have your children take those anti-hepa shots. It is very important
December 02, 2008
Cancers
Besides being poorly understood by most, cancer - the "C" word, is perhaps the most feared of all medical diagnoses, not least because the modern medical establishment veils it in mystery and inaccessibility, largely to hide their own ignorance of its causes, prevention and (in most cases) the cure, which has been known at least for decades and probably for over a century.
It is this fear of the unknown, combined with the misplaced reverence given to cancer Doctors that leads many unwittingly to their deaths, usually at the hands of the very "treatments" they have received, rather than the cancer itself. Indeed, oncology is perhaps the only branch of medicine that in any way considers dead patients as "treatment successes", as their many hundreds of thousands of "cured but dead" victims would rightly attest - if only they could.
This curious (and, frankly ridiculous) epithet is given to those who have "successfully" undergone butchery, masquerading as treatment by these so-called "medics", and whose "treatment" has eliminated any detectable trace of cancer cells, usually by eliminating any detectable trace of life itself. The patient is thereby treated as a treatment "success", despite not being there to enjoy it.
This complete absurdity shows just how far modern medicine has strayed from the principles of Hippocrates they claim to follow.
What are cancers?
Oncologists (cancer Doctors) would have you believe that cancers are some myriad collection of loosely-related, locally specific disruptions to cell biology that, therefore require local treatment only.
Nothing could be further from the truth (although truth, as we have seen above, is a somewhat foreign concept in this most ineffective of medical specialities).
In fact, all cancers have the same origins and develop by the same process, for the same reasons. As this might suggest, It is merely a question of which part of the body is affected that decides which of the various cancers result.
Cell damage
Unbeknown to most of us, an immense battle rages continuously inside our bodies, of epic proportions. Every day, millions of cells are born, other millions die and massive numbers are damaged either in the course of their various functions or as a result of external influences. Like all finely-tuned machines, this damage must be repaired if the machine (that is you and me) is to carry on working properly, and various body systems have no other function but to carry out these repairs 24/7, 365 days a year.
Some toxins are more or less organ specific, e.g. alcohol will cause liver damage as the liver tries to remove it from the blood, and smoking predisposes to lung damage as the chemicals in the smoke are directly inhaled. Others, such as environmental toxins, water-born toxins (e.g. fluoride, chlorine, estrogen) and food-based toxins (e.g. sugar, aspartame, food additives) may have more generalised effects, following distribution throughout the body.
Studies show that our bodies (and even those of newborn babies) now contain hundreds of known cancer-causing chemicals, many of which didn't even exist 50 or 100 years ago.
Healthy healing response.
Wherever it happens, damage to cells causes a similar response. Stem cells in the blood join together to form a stem cell trophoblast, covering the injury site and preventing further damage. Further stem cells then begin to change into the appropriate type of cell to replace the damaged ones. Once the damaged cell is repaired or replaced, the trophoblast is dissolved by enzymes from the pancreas, along with various other co-factors, such as Vitamin B17, Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which help digest the trophoblast for excretion.
The failed healing response - cancers
When the body doesn't have the proper nutrients present, it can't make the proper trophoblast, enzymes or other compounds required in the healing process. The result is a poorly formed trophoblast, which keeps growing unchecked because of the lack of pancreatic enzymes and their co-factors (e.g. Vitamin B17).
Simply put, the body lacks the chemical "switch" required to turn off the healing process, and the various cancers are the result.
The role of parasites (and yeasts/fungi) in cancers.
Much discussion surrounds the role that parasites play in the developments of cancers. Our bodies are home to billions of bacteria, most of which help us with digestion etc, but some of which have little or no beneficial function. Normally, these are kept in check by the "good bacteria", but under certain conditions, the "bad guys" thrive, causing more cell damage, and even damaging the trophoblast itself.
Almost ALL cancers (well over 90%) occur in tissues close to storage vessels and ducts. It is the sugar-rich nature of these cells, along with the acidic, oxygen-poor environment caused by a high sugar, high animal-protein diet that provides an ideal breeding ground for yeasts, fungi and parasites. Once they start to grow, they branch out filaments, called mycelia, which grow like roots into the cells, damaging, feeding off of them and leaving behind toxic waste products (mycotoxins) and fermentation products that encourage more parasitic growth.
They even grow into the trophoblast cells, weakening and damaging them, and causing more trophoblast to be formed from the healing stem cells. The normal cells try to divide to fix the problem, but, in doing so, both "daughter cells" become damaged and mutated. This is how cancers turn healthy cells into tumour cells, consuming tissue.
ALL cancer patients have a parasite problem, which is fundamental to the continuation of the growth of their cancers.
There are, of course, other elements to the story, but this is the basic mechanism by which ALL cancers develop, spread and wreak their havoc. However, it should be remembered that very FEW patients with cancers actually die of their cancers, and MOST die of the so-called "treatments" that maim, burn and wreck their immune systems.
The real success story when dealing with cancers is the simple, effective cancer treatment program which was devised almost exactly 100 years ago and remains THE MOST EFFECTIVE way of treating cancers to this day - and it doesn't include the horrible effects of chemo, radio, or butchery.
It is this fear of the unknown, combined with the misplaced reverence given to cancer Doctors that leads many unwittingly to their deaths, usually at the hands of the very "treatments" they have received, rather than the cancer itself. Indeed, oncology is perhaps the only branch of medicine that in any way considers dead patients as "treatment successes", as their many hundreds of thousands of "cured but dead" victims would rightly attest - if only they could.
This curious (and, frankly ridiculous) epithet is given to those who have "successfully" undergone butchery, masquerading as treatment by these so-called "medics", and whose "treatment" has eliminated any detectable trace of cancer cells, usually by eliminating any detectable trace of life itself. The patient is thereby treated as a treatment "success", despite not being there to enjoy it.
This complete absurdity shows just how far modern medicine has strayed from the principles of Hippocrates they claim to follow.
What are cancers?
Oncologists (cancer Doctors) would have you believe that cancers are some myriad collection of loosely-related, locally specific disruptions to cell biology that, therefore require local treatment only.
Nothing could be further from the truth (although truth, as we have seen above, is a somewhat foreign concept in this most ineffective of medical specialities).
In fact, all cancers have the same origins and develop by the same process, for the same reasons. As this might suggest, It is merely a question of which part of the body is affected that decides which of the various cancers result.
Cell damage
Unbeknown to most of us, an immense battle rages continuously inside our bodies, of epic proportions. Every day, millions of cells are born, other millions die and massive numbers are damaged either in the course of their various functions or as a result of external influences. Like all finely-tuned machines, this damage must be repaired if the machine (that is you and me) is to carry on working properly, and various body systems have no other function but to carry out these repairs 24/7, 365 days a year.
Some toxins are more or less organ specific, e.g. alcohol will cause liver damage as the liver tries to remove it from the blood, and smoking predisposes to lung damage as the chemicals in the smoke are directly inhaled. Others, such as environmental toxins, water-born toxins (e.g. fluoride, chlorine, estrogen) and food-based toxins (e.g. sugar, aspartame, food additives) may have more generalised effects, following distribution throughout the body.
Studies show that our bodies (and even those of newborn babies) now contain hundreds of known cancer-causing chemicals, many of which didn't even exist 50 or 100 years ago.
Healthy healing response.
Wherever it happens, damage to cells causes a similar response. Stem cells in the blood join together to form a stem cell trophoblast, covering the injury site and preventing further damage. Further stem cells then begin to change into the appropriate type of cell to replace the damaged ones. Once the damaged cell is repaired or replaced, the trophoblast is dissolved by enzymes from the pancreas, along with various other co-factors, such as Vitamin B17, Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which help digest the trophoblast for excretion.
The failed healing response - cancers
When the body doesn't have the proper nutrients present, it can't make the proper trophoblast, enzymes or other compounds required in the healing process. The result is a poorly formed trophoblast, which keeps growing unchecked because of the lack of pancreatic enzymes and their co-factors (e.g. Vitamin B17).
Simply put, the body lacks the chemical "switch" required to turn off the healing process, and the various cancers are the result.
The role of parasites (and yeasts/fungi) in cancers.
Much discussion surrounds the role that parasites play in the developments of cancers. Our bodies are home to billions of bacteria, most of which help us with digestion etc, but some of which have little or no beneficial function. Normally, these are kept in check by the "good bacteria", but under certain conditions, the "bad guys" thrive, causing more cell damage, and even damaging the trophoblast itself.
Almost ALL cancers (well over 90%) occur in tissues close to storage vessels and ducts. It is the sugar-rich nature of these cells, along with the acidic, oxygen-poor environment caused by a high sugar, high animal-protein diet that provides an ideal breeding ground for yeasts, fungi and parasites. Once they start to grow, they branch out filaments, called mycelia, which grow like roots into the cells, damaging, feeding off of them and leaving behind toxic waste products (mycotoxins) and fermentation products that encourage more parasitic growth.
They even grow into the trophoblast cells, weakening and damaging them, and causing more trophoblast to be formed from the healing stem cells. The normal cells try to divide to fix the problem, but, in doing so, both "daughter cells" become damaged and mutated. This is how cancers turn healthy cells into tumour cells, consuming tissue.
ALL cancer patients have a parasite problem, which is fundamental to the continuation of the growth of their cancers.
There are, of course, other elements to the story, but this is the basic mechanism by which ALL cancers develop, spread and wreak their havoc. However, it should be remembered that very FEW patients with cancers actually die of their cancers, and MOST die of the so-called "treatments" that maim, burn and wreck their immune systems.
The real success story when dealing with cancers is the simple, effective cancer treatment program which was devised almost exactly 100 years ago and remains THE MOST EFFECTIVE way of treating cancers to this day - and it doesn't include the horrible effects of chemo, radio, or butchery.
November 23, 2008
Calcium and Vitamin D
What is calcium and vitamin D?
Calcium is one of the many minerals that you need to be healthy. Calcium is very important to ensure strong, healthy bones and teeth. It also helps muscles and nerves to work properly. In addition, calcium may help you to manage your weight and blood pressure, and play a role in preventing colon cancer. Vitamin D helps you to absorb and use calcium and has other health benefits.
How much calcium and vitamin D do I need?
Recommended Calcium Intake
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Age (Male and Female)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0-6 months 210 mg/day
7-12 months 270 mg/day
1-3 years 500 mg/day
4-8 years 800 mg/day
9-18 years 1300 mg/day
19-50 years 1000 mg/day
Over 50 years 1200 mg/day
Recommended Vitamin D Intake
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Age (Male and Female)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0-1 year 400 IU/day
1-50 years 200 IU/day
51-70 years 400 IU/day
Over 70 years 600 IU/day
Note:
People with osteoporosis may need more calcium and vitamin D. Check with your doctor.
What foods contain calcium?
Breastfeeding is the best way to meet your baby's calcium needs. Infant formula provides calcium for babies who cannot be breastfed.
Dairy foods are very high in calcium, especially milk, yogurt and cheese. Other good sources include calcium-enriched orange juice, rice beverages, and soy beverages. For more information, see Food Sources of Calcium below.
What foods contain vitamin D?
There are only a few food sources of vitamin D. Good sources of vitamin D are fortified foods and beverages like milk, soy drinks, and margarine. Check the labels on these foods. Fish, liver, and egg yolk are the only foods that naturally contain vitamin D.
If you do not eat vitamin D rich foods often, you may want to consider taking a vitamin D supplement. Most multiple vitamin supplements contain vitamin D. Breastfed babies under 1 year of age need 400 IU of vitamin D from a supplement each day. People over 50 need extra vitamin D and should take 400 IU from a supplement each day.
Food Sources of Vitamin D
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Serving Vitamin D (IU)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Milk 1 cup 100
Fortified rice or soy beverage 1 cup 80
Fortified orange juice 1/2 cup 45
Fortified margarine 2 tsp 51
Egg yolk 1 25
Herring or trout, cooked 75 g 156
Mackerel, cooked 75 g 80
Salmon, Atlantic, cooked 75 g 225
Salmon, canned or cooked* 75 g 608
Sardines, Atlantic, canned 75 g 70
Sardines, Pacific, canned 75 g 360
Tuna, canned, light or white 75 g 41
Tuna, canned, yellowfin (albacore, ahi) 75 g 105
Tuna, skipjack, cooked 75 g 381
Tuna, bluefin, cooked 75 g 690
*includes Chinook, Coho, Humpback (pink), Sockeye
What if I do not eat dairy foods?
Every day, choose a variety of foods from the Food Sources of Calcium list below. Plan your food choices carefully. If you find it difficult to get the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D from foods, a combination of food sources and supplements is recommended.
Food Sources of Calcium
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dairy Foods Serving calcium (mg)
Milk, with added calcium 1 cup 430
Milk, whole, 2%, 1% skim 1 cup 300
Milk, evaporated 1/2 cup 367
Cheese, hard 50 gm 360 (average)*
Processed cheese spread 4 Tbsp 348
Cheese, processed slices 50 gm 276
Cottage cheese, 1 or 2% 2 cups 310
Cottage cheese, <0.1% 2 cups 156
Yogurt, plain 3/4 cup 290 (average)*
Yogurt, fruit bottom 3/4 cup 233 (average)*
Frozen yogurt, soft serve 1 cup 218
Ice cream 1 cup 194
*calcium content varies, check label
Beans and Bean Products Serving calcium (mg)
Tofu, medium firm or firm, made with calcium sulphate 150 gm 347
Tofu, firm, made with calcium sulphate and magnesium chloride 150 gm 234
White beans 3/4 cup 119
Navy beans 3/4 cup 93
Black turtle beans 3/4 cup 75
Pinto beans, chickpeas 3/4 cup 58
Nuts and Seeds Portion calcium (mg)
Tahini (sesame seed butter) 2 Tbsp 130
Almonds, dry roast 1/4 cup 93
Almond butter 2 Tbsp 88
Sesame seed kernels, dried 1/4 cup 50
Meats, Fish, and Poultry Serving calcium (mg)
Sardines, Atlantic, canned with bones 75 gm 286
Sardines, Pacific, canned with bones 75 gm 180
Salmon, canned with bones 75 gm 208
Grains Serving calcium (mg)
Bannock 1 med 84
Oats, instant, regular, no sugar added 1 pouch 165
Non Dairy Drinks Serving calcium (mg)
Fortified rice or soy beverage 1 cup 319**
Orange juice fortified with calcium and vitamin D 1/2 cup 165
Regular soy beverage 1 cup 110
**added calcium sometimes settles at the bottom of the container; shake well before drinking
Vegetables (all measures for cooked vegetables) Serving calcium (mg)
Turnip greens 1/2 cup 104
Chinese cabbage/bok choy 1/2 cup 84
Okra, frozen 1/2 cup 65
Mustard greens 1/2 cup 55
Kale 1/2 cup 49
Chinese broccoli (gai lan) 1/2 cup 46
Rutabaga 1/2 cup 43
Broccoli 1/2 cup 33
Fruit Serving calcium (mg)
Orange 1 med 52
Other Serving calcium (mg)
Brown sugar 1 cup 198
Blackstrap molasses 1 Tbsp 179
Regular molasses 1 Tbsp 44
Asian Foods Serving calcium (mg)
Dried fish, smelt 35 gm 560
Soy bean curd slab, semisoft 100 gm 308
Daylily flower 100 gm 303
Sea cucumber, fresh 100 gm 285
Soy bean milk film, stick shape 100 gm 77
Seaweed, Wakame, raw 1/2 cup 63
Seaweed, dry (agar) 1/2 cup 50
Fat-choy, dried 1/4 cup 50
Soy bean milk film, dried 100 gm 48
Boiled bone soup 1/2 cup negligible
Calcium is one of the many minerals that you need to be healthy. Calcium is very important to ensure strong, healthy bones and teeth. It also helps muscles and nerves to work properly. In addition, calcium may help you to manage your weight and blood pressure, and play a role in preventing colon cancer. Vitamin D helps you to absorb and use calcium and has other health benefits.
How much calcium and vitamin D do I need?
Recommended Calcium Intake
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Age (Male and Female)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0-6 months 210 mg/day
7-12 months 270 mg/day
1-3 years 500 mg/day
4-8 years 800 mg/day
9-18 years 1300 mg/day
19-50 years 1000 mg/day
Over 50 years 1200 mg/day
Recommended Vitamin D Intake
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Age (Male and Female)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0-1 year 400 IU/day
1-50 years 200 IU/day
51-70 years 400 IU/day
Over 70 years 600 IU/day
Note:
People with osteoporosis may need more calcium and vitamin D. Check with your doctor.
What foods contain calcium?
Breastfeeding is the best way to meet your baby's calcium needs. Infant formula provides calcium for babies who cannot be breastfed.
Dairy foods are very high in calcium, especially milk, yogurt and cheese. Other good sources include calcium-enriched orange juice, rice beverages, and soy beverages. For more information, see Food Sources of Calcium below.
What foods contain vitamin D?
There are only a few food sources of vitamin D. Good sources of vitamin D are fortified foods and beverages like milk, soy drinks, and margarine. Check the labels on these foods. Fish, liver, and egg yolk are the only foods that naturally contain vitamin D.
If you do not eat vitamin D rich foods often, you may want to consider taking a vitamin D supplement. Most multiple vitamin supplements contain vitamin D. Breastfed babies under 1 year of age need 400 IU of vitamin D from a supplement each day. People over 50 need extra vitamin D and should take 400 IU from a supplement each day.
Food Sources of Vitamin D
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Serving Vitamin D (IU)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Milk 1 cup 100
Fortified rice or soy beverage 1 cup 80
Fortified orange juice 1/2 cup 45
Fortified margarine 2 tsp 51
Egg yolk 1 25
Herring or trout, cooked 75 g 156
Mackerel, cooked 75 g 80
Salmon, Atlantic, cooked 75 g 225
Salmon, canned or cooked* 75 g 608
Sardines, Atlantic, canned 75 g 70
Sardines, Pacific, canned 75 g 360
Tuna, canned, light or white 75 g 41
Tuna, canned, yellowfin (albacore, ahi) 75 g 105
Tuna, skipjack, cooked 75 g 381
Tuna, bluefin, cooked 75 g 690
*includes Chinook, Coho, Humpback (pink), Sockeye
What if I do not eat dairy foods?
Every day, choose a variety of foods from the Food Sources of Calcium list below. Plan your food choices carefully. If you find it difficult to get the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D from foods, a combination of food sources and supplements is recommended.
Food Sources of Calcium
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dairy Foods Serving calcium (mg)
Milk, with added calcium 1 cup 430
Milk, whole, 2%, 1% skim 1 cup 300
Milk, evaporated 1/2 cup 367
Cheese, hard 50 gm 360 (average)*
Processed cheese spread 4 Tbsp 348
Cheese, processed slices 50 gm 276
Cottage cheese, 1 or 2% 2 cups 310
Cottage cheese, <0.1% 2 cups 156
Yogurt, plain 3/4 cup 290 (average)*
Yogurt, fruit bottom 3/4 cup 233 (average)*
Frozen yogurt, soft serve 1 cup 218
Ice cream 1 cup 194
*calcium content varies, check label
Beans and Bean Products Serving calcium (mg)
Tofu, medium firm or firm, made with calcium sulphate 150 gm 347
Tofu, firm, made with calcium sulphate and magnesium chloride 150 gm 234
White beans 3/4 cup 119
Navy beans 3/4 cup 93
Black turtle beans 3/4 cup 75
Pinto beans, chickpeas 3/4 cup 58
Nuts and Seeds Portion calcium (mg)
Tahini (sesame seed butter) 2 Tbsp 130
Almonds, dry roast 1/4 cup 93
Almond butter 2 Tbsp 88
Sesame seed kernels, dried 1/4 cup 50
Meats, Fish, and Poultry Serving calcium (mg)
Sardines, Atlantic, canned with bones 75 gm 286
Sardines, Pacific, canned with bones 75 gm 180
Salmon, canned with bones 75 gm 208
Grains Serving calcium (mg)
Bannock 1 med 84
Oats, instant, regular, no sugar added 1 pouch 165
Non Dairy Drinks Serving calcium (mg)
Fortified rice or soy beverage 1 cup 319**
Orange juice fortified with calcium and vitamin D 1/2 cup 165
Regular soy beverage 1 cup 110
**added calcium sometimes settles at the bottom of the container; shake well before drinking
Vegetables (all measures for cooked vegetables) Serving calcium (mg)
Turnip greens 1/2 cup 104
Chinese cabbage/bok choy 1/2 cup 84
Okra, frozen 1/2 cup 65
Mustard greens 1/2 cup 55
Kale 1/2 cup 49
Chinese broccoli (gai lan) 1/2 cup 46
Rutabaga 1/2 cup 43
Broccoli 1/2 cup 33
Fruit Serving calcium (mg)
Orange 1 med 52
Other Serving calcium (mg)
Brown sugar 1 cup 198
Blackstrap molasses 1 Tbsp 179
Regular molasses 1 Tbsp 44
Asian Foods Serving calcium (mg)
Dried fish, smelt 35 gm 560
Soy bean curd slab, semisoft 100 gm 308
Daylily flower 100 gm 303
Sea cucumber, fresh 100 gm 285
Soy bean milk film, stick shape 100 gm 77
Seaweed, Wakame, raw 1/2 cup 63
Seaweed, dry (agar) 1/2 cup 50
Fat-choy, dried 1/4 cup 50
Soy bean milk film, dried 100 gm 48
Boiled bone soup 1/2 cup negligible
November 10, 2008
Sunburn
If you have ever sunbathed, swum in tropical waters, had a summers picnic, or any one of a million ther activities, it is quite likely you have had sunburn - that itchy, painful, smarting ugly redness that tells us we have overdone it in the sun.
But, what is sunburn, what does it mean and what can we do about it?
When the suns rays strike the skin, they penetrate through the uppermost layer (the epidermis), which sonsists largely of dead, old skin cells, to the dermis, the living, growing part of the skin that creates new skin cells.
These young, newly-formed cells are particularly sensitive to sunlight, which, when over-exposed, can dehydrate them, damage the cell walls, leading to disease and even cause severe damage to the DNA of the cell itself, which is one of the recognised starting points of skin cancer. As the heat persists in the skin, it causes further damage, literally "cooking" these new skin cells as they emerge.
These different forms of irritation all require a healing response, whose design is to stop us from causing further damage, whilst giving the skin time to repair itself. If we continue to gets lots of sun exposure, the skin will gradually darken, increasing its melanin content in the form of a suntan to filter out some of the harmful rays and protect us from chronic skin damage.
The image on the felt, shows some of the damaged cells in sunburnt skin.
In the short-term, however, the result is sunburn - probably the single most effective way of getting us to keep out of the sun (the body is VERY clever like that :-)
Like many other problems, children's skin heals more quickly from sunburn, but is also less likely to contain protective melanin. As we age, the components of our skin change in the same way that other parts of our body do, generaly making them less efficient at what they do.
So what can you do about sunburn?
The most obvious point is not to get burnt in the first place, either by not getting overexposed, or by using a high-quality, reflective suncreen (unlike most sunscreens, which can actually CAUSE skin cancer), but that isn't always possible.
The vast majority of aftersun products concentrate on remoisturising the skin, helping dissipate the heat at the same time as soothing the pain and itching. Some traditional remedies such as lavender or aloe vera oil can actually reduce the extent of the burn as they do for conventional burns (tip - ALWAYS keep lavender oil in the kitchen - you'll be amazed at how effective it is on burns!), but do little to help the healing process.
Recently, however, new preparations have appeared that actually stimulate the healing process and help repair the DNA damage that can be so dangerous if left unchecked.
This is a remarkable advance on previous treatments and can actually halt the damage in its tracks, not only reducing the pain, swelling, redness and itchiness of sunburn, but also helping resolve the dangerous DNA damage that can be the start of skin cancer.
The visual results are just as impressive. In the images below, the left-hand photo is of a man who has developed sunburn after overexposure. The right-hand image is of the same man the next day after applying DNA repair creme the night before. As you can see, the results were dramatic and enabled him to venture out the next day, which his friends who had been equally burnt could not.
But, what is sunburn, what does it mean and what can we do about it?
When the suns rays strike the skin, they penetrate through the uppermost layer (the epidermis), which sonsists largely of dead, old skin cells, to the dermis, the living, growing part of the skin that creates new skin cells.
These young, newly-formed cells are particularly sensitive to sunlight, which, when over-exposed, can dehydrate them, damage the cell walls, leading to disease and even cause severe damage to the DNA of the cell itself, which is one of the recognised starting points of skin cancer. As the heat persists in the skin, it causes further damage, literally "cooking" these new skin cells as they emerge.
These different forms of irritation all require a healing response, whose design is to stop us from causing further damage, whilst giving the skin time to repair itself. If we continue to gets lots of sun exposure, the skin will gradually darken, increasing its melanin content in the form of a suntan to filter out some of the harmful rays and protect us from chronic skin damage.
The image on the felt, shows some of the damaged cells in sunburnt skin.
In the short-term, however, the result is sunburn - probably the single most effective way of getting us to keep out of the sun (the body is VERY clever like that :-)
Like many other problems, children's skin heals more quickly from sunburn, but is also less likely to contain protective melanin. As we age, the components of our skin change in the same way that other parts of our body do, generaly making them less efficient at what they do.
So what can you do about sunburn?
The most obvious point is not to get burnt in the first place, either by not getting overexposed, or by using a high-quality, reflective suncreen (unlike most sunscreens, which can actually CAUSE skin cancer), but that isn't always possible.
The vast majority of aftersun products concentrate on remoisturising the skin, helping dissipate the heat at the same time as soothing the pain and itching. Some traditional remedies such as lavender or aloe vera oil can actually reduce the extent of the burn as they do for conventional burns (tip - ALWAYS keep lavender oil in the kitchen - you'll be amazed at how effective it is on burns!), but do little to help the healing process.
Recently, however, new preparations have appeared that actually stimulate the healing process and help repair the DNA damage that can be so dangerous if left unchecked.
This is a remarkable advance on previous treatments and can actually halt the damage in its tracks, not only reducing the pain, swelling, redness and itchiness of sunburn, but also helping resolve the dangerous DNA damage that can be the start of skin cancer.
The visual results are just as impressive. In the images below, the left-hand photo is of a man who has developed sunburn after overexposure. The right-hand image is of the same man the next day after applying DNA repair creme the night before. As you can see, the results were dramatic and enabled him to venture out the next day, which his friends who had been equally burnt could not.
November 02, 2008
HIV AIDS
No-one can have escaped the controversy surrounding the recent decision by South Africa to provide anti-retroviral drugs to the massive number of HIV AIDS sufferers in that country. Many will consider this to be a victory for the HIV AIDS lobby in South Africa, but is it?
Or are we about to see a massive jump in AIDS deaths from the use of these dangerous, toxic drugs.
The following is a summary of what the public generally believes about AIDS today:
AIDS is a disease arising from an infection from the virus known as HIV.
The virus is spread in humans either through promiscuous, unprotected homosexual sex, through sexual contact with an HIV-infected member of the opposite sex, through the sharing of intravenous drug users' contaminated needles or through contaminated blood supplies.
Pregnant women who test positive can pass the virus on to their unborn child
HIV can also be transmitted to the baby outside of the womb through breast-feeding.
The AIDS test is a simple and accurate method of detecting HIV.
In the West, HIV infection is spreading among women and heterosexual men and is increasing exponentially every year.
Drugs are available to treat AIDS patients but they are very expensive. A new range of anti-HIV drugs, the 'protease inhibitors', are now believed to be more effective.
AIDS is devastating the Third World.
There is currently no cure for AIDS.
With the exception of AIDS drugs being expensive, everything you have just read in the above summary is ENTIRELY FALSE and has no scientific validity whatsoever.
In this astonishing new book, FIND OUT...
Why, in spite of the millions it has spent, medical science still cannot find and isolate a human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV)
Why AIDS is NOT a sexually transmitted syndrome
Why the HIV=AIDS=DEATH hypothesis is fraudulent
Why the 'AIDS test' routinely throws up 'false positives'
How a positive 'AIDS test' result is being used to traumatise patients and coerce them into taking highly toxic drugs
What REALLY is causing the immune suppression
How the man who 'popularised AIDS' was subsequently convicted of science fraud
Why Africa is NOT being devastated by HIV
The real story behind these African illnesses
The real story behind the Western-led AIDS 'agenda'
How 'AIDS sufferers' who learn the truth are curing themselves of HIV AIDS
Or are we about to see a massive jump in AIDS deaths from the use of these dangerous, toxic drugs.
The following is a summary of what the public generally believes about AIDS today:
AIDS is a disease arising from an infection from the virus known as HIV.
The virus is spread in humans either through promiscuous, unprotected homosexual sex, through sexual contact with an HIV-infected member of the opposite sex, through the sharing of intravenous drug users' contaminated needles or through contaminated blood supplies.
Pregnant women who test positive can pass the virus on to their unborn child
HIV can also be transmitted to the baby outside of the womb through breast-feeding.
The AIDS test is a simple and accurate method of detecting HIV.
In the West, HIV infection is spreading among women and heterosexual men and is increasing exponentially every year.
Drugs are available to treat AIDS patients but they are very expensive. A new range of anti-HIV drugs, the 'protease inhibitors', are now believed to be more effective.
AIDS is devastating the Third World.
There is currently no cure for AIDS.
With the exception of AIDS drugs being expensive, everything you have just read in the above summary is ENTIRELY FALSE and has no scientific validity whatsoever.
In this astonishing new book, FIND OUT...
Why, in spite of the millions it has spent, medical science still cannot find and isolate a human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV)
Why AIDS is NOT a sexually transmitted syndrome
Why the HIV=AIDS=DEATH hypothesis is fraudulent
Why the 'AIDS test' routinely throws up 'false positives'
How a positive 'AIDS test' result is being used to traumatise patients and coerce them into taking highly toxic drugs
What REALLY is causing the immune suppression
How the man who 'popularised AIDS' was subsequently convicted of science fraud
Why Africa is NOT being devastated by HIV
The real story behind these African illnesses
The real story behind the Western-led AIDS 'agenda'
How 'AIDS sufferers' who learn the truth are curing themselves of HIV AIDS
October 26, 2008
Open the windows after you enter your car
In brief, the above article says: According to research done by a U.C., the car dashboard, sofa, air freshener will emit Benzene, a cancer causing toxin (carcinogen). In addition to causing cancer, it poisons your bones, causes anemia, and reduces white blood cells. Prolonged exposure will cause Leukemia, increasing the risk of cancer. May also cause miscarriage.
Acceptable Benezene level indoors is 50 mg per sq. ft. A car parked indoors with the windows closed will contain 400-800 mg of Benezene. If parked outdoors under the sun at a temperature above 60 degrees F, the Benezene level goes up to 2000-4000 mg, 40 times the acceptable level. The people inside the car will inevitably inhale an excess amount of the toxin.
It is recommended that you open the windows and door to give time for the interior to air out before you enter. Benzene is a toxin that affects your kidney and liver, and is difficult for your body to expel.
Acceptable Benezene level indoors is 50 mg per sq. ft. A car parked indoors with the windows closed will contain 400-800 mg of Benezene. If parked outdoors under the sun at a temperature above 60 degrees F, the Benezene level goes up to 2000-4000 mg, 40 times the acceptable level. The people inside the car will inevitably inhale an excess amount of the toxin.
It is recommended that you open the windows and door to give time for the interior to air out before you enter. Benzene is a toxin that affects your kidney and liver, and is difficult for your body to expel.
October 19, 2008
Correct way cooking instant noodles
Ah... Instant noodles, it's bad for health, counting the calories and the sodium and MSG inside, but in the busy cities of most countries, and with the way how marketing side is promoting, instant noodles has become quite a norm to the society.
I know many may disagree that we should continue to consume instant noodles, but when we just can't avoid having a quick fill of the stomach and ahead with the rush of assignments we have in hand, there are some tips and reminders you need to know about cooking instant noodles.
Normally, we cook the instant noodles byputting the noodles into a pot with water, throw in the powder and let it cook for 3 mins.
Believe it or not, this is the WRONG method of cooking the instant noodles.
By doing this, when we actually boil the ingredients in the powder, normally with MSG, it will change the molecular structures of the MSG causing it to be toxic. The other thing that you may or may not realized is that, the noodles are coated with wax and it will take around 4 to 5 days for the body to excrete the wax after you have taken the noodles.
The Correct Way
which you may or may not know
1. boil the noodles in a pot with water.
2. once the noodles is cooked, take out the noodles, and throw away the water which contains wax.
3. boil another pot of water till boiling and put the noodles into the hot boiling water and then shut the fire.
4. only at this stage when the fire is off, and while the water is very hot, put the ingredient with the powder into the water, to make noodle soup.
5. however, if you need dry noodles, take out the noodles n add the ingredient with the powder and toss it to get dry noodles.
Hope this piece of information is of importance to your health in relation to eating instant noodles and please apply this cooking method with immediate effect.
I know many may disagree that we should continue to consume instant noodles, but when we just can't avoid having a quick fill of the stomach and ahead with the rush of assignments we have in hand, there are some tips and reminders you need to know about cooking instant noodles.
Normally, we cook the instant noodles byputting the noodles into a pot with water, throw in the powder and let it cook for 3 mins.
Believe it or not, this is the WRONG method of cooking the instant noodles.
By doing this, when we actually boil the ingredients in the powder, normally with MSG, it will change the molecular structures of the MSG causing it to be toxic. The other thing that you may or may not realized is that, the noodles are coated with wax and it will take around 4 to 5 days for the body to excrete the wax after you have taken the noodles.
The Correct Way
which you may or may not know
1. boil the noodles in a pot with water.
2. once the noodles is cooked, take out the noodles, and throw away the water which contains wax.
3. boil another pot of water till boiling and put the noodles into the hot boiling water and then shut the fire.
4. only at this stage when the fire is off, and while the water is very hot, put the ingredient with the powder into the water, to make noodle soup.
5. however, if you need dry noodles, take out the noodles n add the ingredient with the powder and toss it to get dry noodles.
Hope this piece of information is of importance to your health in relation to eating instant noodles and please apply this cooking method with immediate effect.
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