Aspartame And Splenda May Lead To Kidney Failure

I often talk about the dangers of consuming artificial sweeteners.  These products are toxic to your body in so many ways.  A study even found that artificial sweeteners can lead to kidney decline. 

Individuals who consume a diet high in artificially sweetened drinks are more likely to experience a decline in kidney function, according to a paper presented at the American Society of Nephrology's annual meeting in San Diego, California.

Research conducted by Julie Lin MD, MPH, FASN and Gary Curhan, MD, ScD, FASN of Brigham and Women's Hospital examined the influence of sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages on kidney function decline in a group of 3,000 women subjects in a Nurses’ Health Study.

This investigation reported "a significant two-fold increased odds, between two or more servings per day of artificially sweetened soda and faster kidney function decline; no relation between sugar-sweetened beverages and kidney function decline was noted.”

The association persisted even after the study authors accounted for age, caloric intake, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, physical activity, and cardiovascular disease.

Sources:

  ScienceDaily November 2, 2009

Aspartame Dangers You Need to Know

Aspartame goes by the brand names NutraSweet and Equal. It is one of the first generation of artificial sweeteners and is 180 times as sweet as sugar. There are over 6,000 products containing aspartame, sold in over 100 countries and consumed by over 250 million people worldwide.
There have been more reports to the FDA for aspartame reactions than for all other food additives combined. And, there are over 900 published studies on the health hazards of aspartame. You can find a list in the National Library Medicine Index. 
There are also some 10,000 documented reports of adverse reactions to aspartame, including death. Since it is estimated only about 1 percent of people who experience a reaction report it, it is safe to assume at least a million people have had a reaction to this chemical.
Among the risks, the phenylalanine in aspartame dissociates from the ester bond and increases dopamine levels in your brain. This can lead to symptoms of depression because it distorts your serotonin/dopamine balance. It can also lead to migraine headaches and brain tumors through a similar mechanism.
Furthermore, the aspartic acid in aspartame is a well-documented excitotoxin. Excitotoxins are usually amino acids, such as glutamate and aspartate. These special amino acids cause particular brain cells to become excessively excited, to the point they will quickly die. Excitotoxins can also cause a loss of brain synapses and connecting fibers.
Then the ester bond in aspartame is broken down to formaldehyde and methanol, which have their own toxicities. So it is not surprising that this popular artificial sweetener has also been found to cause cancer. 

Why Splenda is Not so Splendid

Splenda was approved by the FDA in 1998 as a tabletop sweetener and for use in products such as baked goods, nonalcoholic beverages, chewing gum, frozen dairy desserts, fruit juices, and gelatins. Sucralose is also permitted as a general-purpose sweetener for all processed foods.
The approval was given after the FDA supposedly reviewed more than 110 animal and human safety studies, but out of these 110 studies, only two were human studies, and the longest one was conducted for four days!
And, those animal studies reveal plenty of problems, such as:

• Decreased red blood cells -- sign of anemia -- at levels above 1,500 mg/kg/day
  
• Increased male infertility by interfering with sperm production and vitality, as well as brain lesions at higher doses
  
• Enlarged and calcified kidneys (McNeil stated this is often seen with poorly absorbed substances and was of no toxicological significance. The FDA Final Rule agreed that these are findings that are common in aged female rats and are not significant.)
  
• Spontaneous abortions in nearly half the rabbit population given sucralose, compared to zero aborted pregnancies in the control group
  
• A 23 percent death rate in rabbits, compared to a 6 percent death rate in the control group
  

A recent study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health also found that Splenda: 

• Reduces the amount of good bacteria in your intestines by 50 percent
  
• Increases the pH level in your intestines
  
• Affects a glycoprotein in your body that can have crucial health effects, particularly if you’re on certain medications
  

They also found unmistakable evidence that Splenda is absorbed by fat, contrary to previous claims. 
It’s truly disturbing that Splenda can destroy up to 50 percent of your healthy intestinal bacteria, as these bacteria help maintain your body's overall balance of friendly versus unfriendly micro-organisms, and support your general health.

Plain and simple, stay away from this stuff!

How To Reduce Electromagnetic Fields In Your Bedroom

Periodically during the past few decades a story about the adverse health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) or electricity has made a small splash in the public media. These stores are quickly discounted as being untrue or hypochondriac in nature. And yet, these stories and case studies continue to emerge As reported in one publication, "In one pooled study that combined nine well-conducted studies from several countries, including a study from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a twofold excess risk of childhood leukemia was associated with exposure to magnetic fields above 0.4 µT. In another pooled study that combined 15 studies, a similar increased risk was seen above 0.3 µT."ⁱ

In yet another study, "A questionnaire survey of 2,072 people in California found that the prevalence of ES [electro¬sensitive] within the sample group was 3.24% with ES being defined as "Being allergic or very sensitive to getting near electrical appliances, computers, or power lines" (Levallois 2002, response rate 58.3%). A similar questionnaire survey from the same year in Stockholm County (Sweden), found a 15% prevalence of ES amongst the sample group, with ES being defined as "Hypersensitivity or allergy to electric or magnetic fields" (Hillert 2002, response rate 73%)."ⁱⁱ

In addition, there is now a plethora of products that are making claims of "protection," "shielding," or "reduction" of exposure to EMF. There is no magic pill or product that can protect us, and though it is true that some of the products are effective, none of them address all of the issues. And in fact, if misused, they can exacerbate the situation. 

The general public is often overwhelmed with the technical terms and the complexity, so the tendency has been to simply ignore the issue Though the majority of the general public believes there is some risk in using a cell phone, people continue to use it because it is convenient. Just as people know that "fast food" is not healthy, the convenience trumps the risk. What the general public does now know is that the largest risk to EMF may not be the cell phone (though it is bad there as well), but within their bedroom. At night our bodies recuperate from the daily onslaught of stress, our cells and organs detoxify and replace themselves. If this process is interrupted because our cell membranes are in constant stress, then healthy cells can be damaged ^{iii, iv}, while unhealthy cells (infections, mutations, neural disorders)^v,vi can proliferate. For example, several individuals link Lyme disease to electromagnetic exposure as follows:

"Nodular, discoid morphoea-like, and widespread cutaneous fibroses in chronic Borrelia infection may be provoked by trauma, surgery or electromagnetic radiation."^vii

"Just as Lyme Disease sufferers using rife technology experience herx reactions following treatment sessions, it is feasible that people with EMF [electromagnetic fielci] sensitivity are experiencing the effects of electromagnetic fields on undiagnosed infections in their body "^viii 

"Based on the growing consensus that Lyme Disease is often misdiagnosed and is spreading rapidly, it seems possible that EMF [electromagnetic field] sensitivity may in fact be due to undiagnosed Lyme Disease or similar infection. According to one author, the problem of EMF sensitivity has grown to epidemic proportions. Further evidence supporting this hypothesis is that many people who suffer from EMF sensitivity have lots of other health problems that suggest infection."^ix
 

Research has established that our bodies communicate first bio-electrically and then bio-chemically^x.

In nature there are many electromagnetic fields that have no adverse effect on our bodies, That is because natural fields are either temporally constant (same frequency) or spatially constant (same shape), but not both. On the other hand, manmade signals by necessity for communication are both temporally and spatially constant. According to Dr. Carlo, with prolonged exposure, these constant signals can cause the protein vibratory receptors located on our cell membranes to go into resonance^xi

Once in resonance, the cell must determine whether the "signal" is a biological communication or a foreign invader. If the latter, as is the case with all man made signals, then the cell will react by going into sympathetic lock in order to protect the cell from this perceived invasion. Sympathetic lock prevents the cell from taking in nutrition and releasing toxins.

This cell membrane reaction triggers a cascade of events that can then manifest itself in a variety of symptoms and diseases starting with compromising the immune system. According to Dr. Becker, "it is well-established that exposure to any abnormal electromagnetic field produces a stress response. If the exposure is prolonged, the stress-response system becomes exhausted, and the competency of the immune system declines to below normal. In such a state, animals and humans are more susceptible to cancer and infectious diseases."^xii

Note that though the discussion here is about healthy cells, other cells within our bodies, such as viruses and bacteria, will also respond as if under attack and proliferate in order to survive.

So how does one protect themselves and their family? The answer is by Creating Sleeping Sanctuaries Read on to find the steps to take to identify and remove as much of this "electrosmog" from their bedroom as possible. In a recent article in the Townsend Letter, the "Guided Digital Medicine Management of Lyme Disease consists of four main components:" of which "Component #4 addresses blocks and potential blocks to the treatment: diet, reduction of electromagnetic pollution, emotional stress, etc."^xiii

Creating a Sleeping Sanctuary - Limiting the Electrosmog 

The ultimate goal is to expose the body to as natural a background as possible. Unfortunately, in most living environments this will require some type of protection as the external environment is also polluted. However, we find by far that the indoor pollution (that within your control) is quite often much higher than the external environment.

Step 1: Magnetic fields 

Magnetic therapy has been established as a well-known treatment, especially for those with inflammation; however, chronic exposure nightly can cause problems. Magnetic fields have a direct impact to the intercellular gap junction communication.^xiv

Magnetic fields are caused whenever there is an unbalanced flow of current. They cannot easily be shielded and will penetrate through walls, floors and ceilings. Thus, the best advice is to first determine if you have them and then distance yourself from them.

Sources:

• Digital clocks with displays (move at least 6ft from bed) 
• Appliances (refrigerators, TVs, stereos, air conditioning units) - should not be within 6ft of sleeping area - this includes the adjacent room or room above or below) 
• Breaker/Fuse boxes - should not be within 6ft of sleeping area - this includes an adjacent room 
• Wiring errors - this requires you to investigate with a Gaussmeter. You can buy an inexpensive Gaussmeter and then survey your sleeping area. Levels above 1 mG are considered too high^xv

Step 2: Electric fields 

Electric fields are present whenever there is something nearby that is energized or "hot." Electric fields have a beginning and an end, and therefore, there are ways to shield from these. Because of the orthogonal magnetic field component of electric fields, it is suspected that the biological interaction of electric fields also occurs at the intercellular gap junction^xvi One of the critical elements of exposure to electric fields is the reduction of melatonin.^xvii

The biological effects of such have been attributed to neurological and malignant growth effects within the body^xviii

Sources:

• Wiring in the walls and wall outlets that are within 6ft of the bed - turn these off at night by flipping the circuit breaker, or install a demand switch that leaves them off unless needed 
• Electrical appliances, such as lamps, extension cords, alarm clocks or radios - do not use these at night, if you need something near your bed, use a battery-powered device 

Step 3: Radio frequency fields 

This category includes everything that is used for wireless communications, from radios, to TV's, to cell phones, to wireless internets. Human bodies are not designed to live within a world with elevated radio frequency signals; yet we have created such an environment. Long-term exposure to low levels of RF can cause sympathetic lock of cell membranes and tile consequential cascade of cellular dysfunction.^xix

Sources:

• Turn OFF all wireless devices at night. If you need something at night, don't use devices that are wireless. 
• Examples of wireless devices that are often found in bedrooms, that should not be present - cordless telephones, RF baby monitors, and wireless speakers. Of these, the cordless phone base appears to have the worst biological impact as many of them transmit a signal 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. 
• Avoid any wireless device that is digital. There are baby monitors available that are not digital. 
• Protection from external RF sources can best be done by erecting a canopy made from RF reflective material over the bed. Films and fabric on windows may also be effective, but quite often the signal is also penetrating through the walls, floors or ceilings. 

Step 4: Static Magnetic fields 

Metal bedsprings often have residual magnetism, either from when mined or due to repetitive compression over time Though magnetic therapy can be beneficial, constant exposure to magnetic field anomalies can reduce the production of red blood cells and disturb the REM sleep.xx And as with electric fields, static fields can also reduce melatoninxxi
Sources:

• Replace any bed where a liquid-filled compass slid slowly over the bed has a needle deflection 
• Note that cribs with metal are especially susceptible to this.

Just 20 Minutes Of Exercise Can Make You Younger

Nobody likes to exercise, but when you read results like one published in the following study it really gives you the incentive you need to start regular aerobic workouts.  Just 20 minutes a day is all you need to turn back the hands of time.

A recent study published in the journal Mechanisms of Aging and Development confirms the "anti-aging" effect of high-intensity training.

Telomere shortening occurs as you age, however the factors involved are not entirely understood as of yet. The study was conducted to determine whether age-associated telomere shortening is related to habitual endurance exercise and maximal aerobic capacity.

The results suggest there's a direct association between reduced telomere shortening in your later years and high-intensity-type exercises.
The authors' state:

"The results of the present study provide evidence that leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is related to regular vigorous aerobic exercise and maximal aerobic exercise capacity with aging in healthy humans.
LTL is not influenced by aerobic exercise status among young subjects, presumably because TL is intact (i.e., already normal) in sedentary healthy young adults.
However, as LTL shortens with aging it appears that maintenance of aerobic fitness, produced by chronic strenuous exercise and reflected by higher VO2max, acts to preserve LTL.
… Our results indicate that leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is preserved in healthy older adults who perform vigorous aerobic exercise and is positively related to maximal aerobic exercise capacity. This may represent a novel molecular mechanism underlying the "anti-aging" effects of maintaining high aerobic fitness."

But that's not all.
High-intensity interval-type training also boosts human growth hormone (HGH) production. A 2003 study published in the journal Sports Medicine found that "exercise intensity above lactate threshold and for a minimum of 10 minutes appears to elicit the greatest stimulus to the secretion of HGH."

Sources:

  Mechanisms of Ageing and Development February 2010;131(2):165-7

  Sports Medicine 2003;33(8):599-613

  Sports Medicine 2002;32(15):987-1004

  Growth Hormone and IGF Research December 2008;18(6):455-71

  Journal of Applied Physiology 2005; 98: 1985–1990

  Journal of Applied Physiology 2005; 98:1983-1984

Vitamin D Not Calcium For Strong Bones

Calcium has been the focus of nutritional research for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis as many clinical trials of calcium supplementation have found that it can indeed reduce bone loss and lower the risk of bone fractures.

However, the trials often include a simultaneous treatment with vitamin D, which makes it difficult to attribute the benefits to calcium alone. Also, the bone density increase found during the first year or two of calcium supplementation may not substantially increase in the long term.

In contrast to most clinical data, most observational studies did not find a significant association between calcium intake and fracture risk or bone loss. Despite this, and based largely on the clinical evidence, the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences raised the recommended daily dose of calcium for women over 50 years of age to 1200 mg.

Milk is often thought to decrease osteoporotic bone loss and fracture risk since it is a primary source of calcium and vitamin D. However, while milk, and other dairy food, intake has been found beneficial in women under the age of 30 years, there has been no clear benefit documented for women over the age of 50 years.

It is known that calcium, at low or moderate doses, is largely dependent on the action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D for active transport. Sufficient amounts of vitamin D are important in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss.

For instance, one 18-year study, which examined calcium and vitamin D intakes, milk consumption, and use of calcium supplements among postmenopausal women, found that those with higher vitamin D intakes, either from food alone or from food plus supplements, had a significantly lower risk of hip fracture. However, calcium intake did not appear to be associated with fracture risk.

Insufficient vitamin D leads to less calcium absorption, elevated blood concentrations of parathyroid hormone, and increased rates of bone resorption, which may eventually lead to bone fracture. In line with this are several studies that have found that older people who experience a hip fracture have lower serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D than do those without a fracture.

Some 25 percent to 50 percent of the elderly have vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to loss of muscle strength and an increased likelihood of falling that, in turn, increases the risk of hip fracture.

Sunlight exposure is a major source of vitamin D, however older adults may not spend enough time in the sun to get adequate amounts of vitamin D. Also, sunscreens, of which usage has increased, significantly reduce skin production of vitamin D.

Another problem with obtaining vitamin D from sunlight is that synthesis of vitamin D is absent during the winter months in higher latitudes where nearly all of the United States is located.

As we age, vitamin D status may be further affected by a decreased capacity of the skin to manufacture vitamin D, a reduced ability of the liver or kidney to hydroxylate vitamin D to its metabolically active form, or a lower consumption of dairy foods or diminished intestinal absorption of vitamin D.

American Journal Clinical Nutrition February, 2003;77:495-503

Signs Of Omega-3 Deficiency - Krill Oil Can Help!

Are You Deficient In Omega-3?

Omega-3 deficiencies have been linked to a number of other health problems, such as:

• Dyslexia
• Violence
• Depression
• Memory problems
• Weight gain
• Heart disease and cancer
• Eczema and allergies
• Inflammatory diseases and arthritis

As related by Gallagher, there are more than 2,000 scientific studies demonstrating the wide range of problems associated with Omega-3 deficiencies.

Omega-3 Oil Supplements Can Help Increase Concentration and Reduce ADHD

A clinical study in children with ADHD showed that they significantly improved both their clinical scores and identified EEG patterns when their diets were supplemented with krill oil for a period of 13 weeks.

The EEG patterns of the study participants were compared to a database of more than 400 children with an established ADHD diagnosis, providing ample comparative data.

Dr. Hogne Wik said, "This is an important observation identifying positive effects on the central nervous system (CNS) after supplementation of krill oil in humans. For the first time objective EEG-measurements -- before and after a 90 day intervention period with krill oil—have confirmed observed improvements in a clinical CNS condition."

NPI Center reports:

"... Krill is a pure, natural source of the health-promoting EPA & DHA omega-3 essential fatty acids and the naturally occurring antioxidant astaxanthin."

Sources:

  NPI Center October 13, 2010

20 Anti-Aging Herbs And Spices

The typical American diet that is high in simple carbohydrates--white flour, white salt, and processed food--is aging us. We are getting all the bulk without the nutrients, plus adding to our propensity for developing real food cravings. So whether you are a vegetarian or an omnivore, you can start to reverse aging by simply choosing to eat the right foods to keep you full of vim, vigor, and vitality, especially over the holidays.
The easiest way to make sure you are getting more nutrients into every meal.

Every time you flavor your meals with herbs or spices you are literally "upgrading" your food without adding a single calorie. You are taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary by adding color, flavor, vitamins, and often medicinal properties.

Here's why:
* Spices and herbs maximize nutrient density. Herbs and spices contain antioxidants, minerals and multivitamins. At the cocktail party, choose the Thai chicken satay stick over the tried and true fried chicken strip.

* Spices and herbs create a more thermogenic diet. Because spices are nutrient dense, they are thermogenic, which means they naturally increase your metabolism.

* Some spices and herbs increase your overall feeling of fullness and satiety, so you'll eat less. One study conducted at Maanstricht University in the Netherlands showed that when one consumes an appetizer with half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes before each meal, it decreased their calorie intake by 10-16 percent.

* Spices and herbs have real medicinal properties. Study after study shows the benefits of distinct herbs and spices. For example, one 2003 trial of 60 people with type 2 diabetes reported that consuming as little as two teaspoons of cinnamon daily for six weeks reduced blood-glucose levels significantly. It also improved blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, perhaps because insulin plays a key role in regulating fats in your body.

Choose flavor over blandness every time, and try to incorporate these specific herbs and spices into your diet if you have the following health concerns:

• rosemary and basil for their anti-inflammatory power
• cumin and sage for their dementia-fighting power
• cayenne and cinnamon for their obesity-fighting power
• coriander and cinnamon for their sugar regulating powers
• lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron for their calming effects on your mood
• turmeric for its cancer fighting power
• oregano for its fungus-beating power
• garlic, mustard seed and chicory for their heart-pumping power
• basil and thyme for their skin-saving power
• turmeric, basil, cinnamon, thyme, saffron, and ginger for their immune-boosting power
• coriander, rosemary, cayenne, allspice and black pepper for their depression-busting power

Sources:

  The Huffington Post December 20, 2008

Combat Holiday Depression And Enjoy Yourself

What is it about the holiday season that puts people under so much stress? If you answered lack of money, then you rank with the 61 percent of Americans who cite this as the number-one reason for holiday stress, according to a poll by the American Psychological Association. Following the lack of money were the pressures of gift giving, not enough time and credit card debt.

Holiday stress has become a growing concern as one out of every five Americans are worried that the excess stress could potentially affect their physical health. Common coping methods that over one-third of Americans turned to were eating and drinking to soothe their stresses. On a positive note, the poll revealed that 45 percent of Americans use exercise as a stress-coping tool, while 44 percent utilize religious and spiritual practices. Additionally, a small percentage took advantage of massage and yoga.

Experts stressed that most people turn to what they are most familiar with when faced with stressful situations and as such a common familiar coping strategy involved eating or drinking alcohol. Even though these activities aren't good for their health, people take solace in them because they provide them with a sense of comfort.

Rather than resorting to these short-term fixes, one expert offered some healthier and long-lasting stress-relieving techniques.

• Think of holidays as a way to reconnect with people and solidify good relationships
• Keep your holiday task list simple to avoid overwhelming yourself by setting goals that aren't realistic
• Look at stressful situations in a broader context and keep a handle on blowing things out of proportion
• Before a holiday stressor gets the best of you, find out what the underlying cause of the stressful situation is and focus on that
• Don't ignore your own needs and remember to take the time to participate in activities that are meaningful and relaxing to you
  

By practicing these techniques and taking care of yourself, the mind and body will become stronger and more resilient to stressful situations as they surface throughout the holiday season.

Science Blog December 7, 2004

Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder Naturally

A bedside device that simulates sunrise may provide relief from the winter depression known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD.

"Negative air ionization" may also be effective.

A new study has shown that the two techniques, when activated toward the end of sleep, are as effective as bright light therapy upon waking up, an established treatment for SAD. Dawn simulation and negative air ionization are more convenient than bright light therapy, which involves sitting at a bright light box for 30 minutes each morning.

In the study, 99 adults with SAD were randomly assigned one of five treatments: dawn simulation, a brief dawn "pulse," bright light therapy, high flow rate negative air ionization, or low flow rate ionization.

Full dawn simulation, high negative air ionization, and bright light therapy were roughly equal in terms of the improvement in SAD symptoms; improvement was seen in between 48 percent and 57 percent of subjects receiving these therapies. In contrast, only 23 percent of those receiving low flow rate ionization showed improvement.

Further, 43 percent of those receiving sunrise pulse treatment showed improvement, but it also exacerbated depressive symptoms in other patients.

Sources:

  American Journal of Psychiatry December 2006; 163(12): 2126-2133

  Reuters January 3, 2007

The Battle Over Raw Milk vs. Pasteurized

Milk may be a symbol of wholesomeness for most of us, but according to Time Magazine, it's also a battleground between government regulators and natural health food proponents who want to drink whole, raw milk.

The war is a test of their freedom to choose to drink a rich-tasting beverage full of beneficial bacteria, enzymes, vitamins and amino acids, that are mostly destroyed through pasteurization, the proponents say.
But to the FDA, it's a basic health issue: "Raw milk is an inherently dangerous product, and it really should not be consumed by anyone at any time for any reason," a representative from the FDA tells TIME.

Unfortunately, if the FDA sergeants get their way, they'll win the war with help from Congress and the proposed Food Safety Modernization Act.

Meanwhile, a federal court has struck down Ohio's law banning labels on dairy products that say they're made with milk that's free of hormones.

As reported on NPR.org, that means companies that want to say their products are "rbGH free" and "rbST free" and "artificial hormone free" are now free to do so.

"But the bigger deal might be that the ruling challenges the FDA's 17-year-old finding that there's "no significant difference" between the milk of cows given growth hormone and those that aren't," NPR said.
"Just that sort of distinction, or lack of it actually, is part of the ongoing debate about how to label genetically engineered salmon."

The Court of Appeals also listed the reasons why there is a difference between milk from cows given growth hormones and those that don't get hormones – and one was that there is more pus in the hormone-treated cows' milk than in hormone-free.

Other states have already given permission for special labels on milk, but NPR.org speculated that if the FDA approves genetically modified salmon (GM), consumer groups may use the court's ruling to label non-genetically engineered salmon.

Sources:

  Time Magazine September 20, 2010

  NPR.org October 1, 2010

5 Ways To Naturally Lift Your Libido

Here are some ways to boost your desire without the nasty side effects of drugs:

1. Exercise: Aerobic workouts improve blood flow to sex organs, and they can also boost your mood, pumping up "feel good" brain chemicals called endorphins. The increase in testosterone levels that arrives about one hour after working out can also leave you feeling sexier.

2. Relax: Too much stress increases the stress hormone cortisol, which causes testosterone to plummet.

3. Add a Little Novelty: Recent research shows that partaking in new and challenging experiences with your partner can boost the brain chemical dopamine, which helps fuel sex drive. This doesn't even need to be in the bedroom -- anything new is a good idea.

4. Consider Some Non-Drug Remedies: Ginkgo biloba has been used to treat sexual dysfunction. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) could be useful, since it's critical for the manufacture of sex hormones in the adrenal glands. Choline may help to enhance levels of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that sends sexual impulses from your brain to your sex organs.

5. Inhale: Certain scents are known to be attractive, including the sweat of your partner.

Sources:

  U.S. News & World Report November 6, 2008

Do You Know The Signs Of Menopause?

If you're a woman you're going to go through menopause at some point in your life.  Learning to recognize the signs of menopause can help you become more aware of what may be going on with your mind and body.  If, after reading the following list you feel you could be going through the change of life, you might want to make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss natural and alternative treatments for perimenopause and menopause.

1. Hot flashes, flushes, night sweats and/or cold flashes
2. Irregular heart beat
3. Irritability, mood swings, depression
4. Waking up frequently at night
5. Irregular periods
6. Low sex drive
7. Vaginal dryness
8. Chronic fatigue
9. Anxiety
10. Mental fogginess, difficulty concentrating
11. Forgetfulness
12. Bladder leakage, especially when sneezing or laughing
13. Joint and muscle aches
14. Breast tenderness
15. Headaches
16. Indigestion, gas
17. Weight gain, especially on the stomach
18. Hair loss or thinning, head, pubic, or whole body
19. Increase in facial hair
20. Dizziness, feeling light-headed or off balance
21. Tingling in hands and/or feet

As you can see, there are many signs of menopause, and many more that weren't listed.  Arm yourself with knowledge and visit HealthLine.com to learn more about menopause and what you can do about it.  You can find information on combating weight gain, hormone therapy information, managing your symptoms and more.

What Your Teeth Say About Your Overall Health

KSBW reports:

"Some messages coming out of your mouth bypass the vocal chords. Turns out that your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues also have plenty to say -- about your overall health."

Here are some of the signs to look for:

1. Flat, worn teeth and headache -- Sign of: Stress
   
   Many people are surprised to find out they're tooth-grinders. You might be doing it in your sleep.
   
2. Cracking, crumbling teeth -- Sign of: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
   
   Tooth erosion isn't a consequence of aging. Disintegrating teeth are usually caused by acid that's coming up from the stomach and dissolving them
   
3. Sores that won't go away -- Sign of: Oral cancer
   
   When an open sore in the mouth doesn't go away within a week or two, it always warrants showing to a dentist or doctor.
   
4. Gums growing over teeth -- Sign of: Medication problems
   
   This can be caused by medication for heart disease or seizures, or drugs that suppress your immune system.
   
5. Dry mouth -- Sign of: Sjogren's Syndrome and/or Diabetes
   
   Many things can cause dry mouth, but a lack of sufficient saliva can also be an early warning sign of two autoimmune diseases --  Sjogren's syndrome and diabetes.
   
6. White webbing inside cheeks -- Sign of: Lichen planus
   
   This mild skin disorder tends to strike both men and women between the ages 30 and 70.
   
7. Crusting dentures -- Sign of: Potential aspiration pneumonia
   
   Aspiration pneumonia, often caused by inhaling debris around the teeth and dentures, is a leading cause of death in older people.
   

Sources:

  KSBW November 11, 2010

Increase You Lifespan By Cutting Out Carbs

You may be able to extend your life and stay fit throughout your old age with a simple change of diet that switches on your "youth" gene.

Professor Cynthia Kenyon, whom many experts believe should win the Nobel Prize for her research into aging, has discovered that carbohydrates directly affect the genes that govern youthfulness and longevity.

By tweaking the genes of roundworms, she has been able to help them live up to six times longer than normal.
The genes that controlled aging in worms also do the same thing in rats and mice, probably monkeys, and there are signs they are active in humans, too. She found that turning down the gene that controls insulin in turn switches on another gene which acts like an elixir of life.

The Daily Mail reports:

"Discovering the ... [first] gene has prompted the professor to ­dramatically alter her own diet, cutting right back on carbohydrates. That's because carbs make your body produce more insulin (to mop up the extra blood sugar carbs ­produce) ... so the vital second gene, the 'elixir' one, won't get turned on."

Sources:

  Daily Mail October 26, 2010

Fructose Wrecks Your Health and Kills You Prematurely

Aside from grains, fructose, typically in the form of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), is perhaps the absolute worst dietary culprit as it:

• Destroys your insulin sensitivity
• Metabolizes into fat far more readily than other sugars
• Causes glycation and inflammation, which speeds up the aging process

We now know that fructose is a primary contributor to:

• Insulin resistance and obesity
• Elevated blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL (bad cholesterol)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Liver disease
• Cancer
• Arthritis
• Gout

Are Organic Eggs Safer Than Regular Eggs?

Federal officials have matched the Salmonella responsible for current egg recalls to bacteria found in barns and chicken feed at two major Iowa egg producing facilities.

This has relaunched the debate over whether eggs from smaller, organic farms are safer.

Organic farmers argue that the conditions under which large agribusiness raises and houses chickens create an environment where bacteria can spread more easily. The birds are often kept in cages that are stacked closely next to and on top of each other

According to Live Science:

“‘The smaller the farm is, the lower the likeliness of Salmonella,’ said infectious disease specialist William Schaffner ... ‘The general thinking is that larger chicken farms are much more difficult to keep clean, and this makes it easier to transmit Salmonella.’”

Sources:

  Live Science August 27, 2010

Eat An Apple For Better Lung Health

Eating an apple a day is supposed to keep the doctor away, and now researchers have found one reason the old adage might be true. Men who eat five or more apples a week appear to have better lung function than men who do not eat the fruit. This finding is consistent with results from other large epidemiological studies which have reported positive associations between lung function and the consumption of fresh fruit. The study could not determine if the apples themselves are responsible for better lung function, or if apple-eaters had healthier lifestyles in general. 

However, apple consumption did not appear to protect against a decline in lung function during the study. Changes in lung function over the 5-year follow-up period were not associated with changes in diet of any kind, according to the report. The researchers determined that vitamin C was not related to lung function after they took into account other factors that affect the lungs. Instead, another antioxidant might be involved, according to the researchers. Apples contain a flavonoid called quercetin, which is also found in onions, tea, and red wine. This antioxidant may help to protect the lungs from the cellular damage caused by smoking and air pollution.

Avoid These Top 4 Causes Of Aging

1. Free radicals. Free radicals are chemically unstable molecules that attack your cells and damage your DNA. You can limit your exposure to them by avoiding cigarettes, trans fats, charred meats, and other sources.
   
   Organic fruits and vegetables will also limit your exposure to pesticides and herbicides, which contain the harmful molecules.
   
   
2. Inflammation. Inflammation is a major player in many diseases of aging, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. One way to avoid it is to follow a Mediterranean-style diet.
   
   Other great anti-inflammatory foods include turmeric, dark chocolate, and the anti-aging chemical resveratrol. Exercise is another great way to lower inflammation.
   
   
3. Glycation. Glycation is what happens when sugar mixes with proteins and fats to form molecules that promote aging. Advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, are thought to accelerate your aging process by churning out free radicals and promoting inflammation. One way to avoid ingesting AGEs is to turn down the heat when you cook. The browning effect of high-heat cooking causes these molecules to form. Limiting your intake of sugar-filled foods in general will also help. 
4. Stress. Stress initiates the release of a variety of hormones that make your pulse race and cause your blood pressure to rise. The hormone cortisol, released to lessen these effects, also creates problems when it remains chronically elevated. Try practicing relaxation techniques to help manage stress, and get enough sleep every night.

Sources:

  U.S. News & World Report July 29, 2010

  The Guardian August 1, 2010

Green Tea and Vitamin D for Bone Health

Green tea polyphenols combined with a form of vitamin D called alfacalcidol could boost bone structure and strength, according to a new study in mice.

The mixture may reverse damage to bones caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced chronic inflammation, which could in turn reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Chronic inflammation causes bone loss through oxidative stress and excessive production of pro-inflammatory molecules.

According to NutraIngredients:

"The researchers reported that both extracted green tea polyphenols and alfacalcidol supplementations reversed LPS-induced changes in bone structure, whilst a combination of both was shown to sustain bone micro-architecture and strength."

Sources:

  NutraIngredients November 2, 2010

  Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry October 29, 2010

PAP's Used In Fast Food And Popcorn Are Dangerous To Your Health

Perfluoroalkyls, which are chemicals used to keep grease from leaking through fast food wrappers, are being ingested by people through their food and showing up as contaminants in blood.

Perfluoroalkyls are stable, synthetic chemicals that repel oil, grease, and water. They are used in surface protection treatments and coatings for packages.

The specific chemicals studied were polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs), which are the breakdown products of the perfluorinated carboxylic acids used in coating the food wrappers.
Common Dreams reports:

"The researchers used the PAP concentrations previously observed in human blood together with the PAP and PFCA concentrations observed in the rats to calculate human exposure to the chemical perflurooctanoic acid, PFOA."

Sources:

  Common Dreams November 9, 2010

  Environmental Health Perspectives October 29, 2010 [Epub ahead of print]

How To Live Longer - Complementary Alternative Medicine

A new study recently compared patient-physician relationships and relief of symptoms between complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional primary care (COM). The study was part of a Swiss evaluation of complementary and alternative medicine.
Researchers looked at more than 6,000 patients. The study included patients of 77 non-certified CAM physicians and of 71 conventional physicians.

The patients completed a questionnaire which asked questions about symptom relief, patient satisfaction, and quality of patient-physician interaction.

According to Biomed Central:

"CAM physicians treated significantly more patients with chronic conditions than COM physicians.

CAM Patients had significant higher healing expectations than COM patients.

General patient satisfaction was significantly higher in CAM patients, although patient-reported symptom relief was significantly poorer, The quality of patient-physician communication was rated significantly better in CAM patients."

The study concluded that more effective communication patterns by complementary and alternative medicine could play an important role in allowing patients to maintain more positive outcome expectations.

Sources:

  Biomed Central November 4, 2010

Six Healthy-Sounding Foods That Really Aren't

Many foods have been heavily promoted as being healthy. But not all of them are. Here are some foods which are far less “good for you” than most people believe.

Energy bars
Energy bars usually contain protein and fiber, but they may also be loaded with calories. That’s fine if you occasionally make one a meal, but most people eat them as snacks.

Granola
Granola sounds healthy. But it’s often high in fat, sugar and calories. Don’t be fooled by a seemingly low calorie count; the portion sizes on the label are usually tiny.

Salad Toppings
The pecans and Gorgonzola cheese on Panera Bread’s Fuji Apple Chicken Salad propel it into double-cheeseburger territory. Before ordering a salad, check its nutrition information.

Smoothies
Added sugars can make some smoothies the equivalent of drinking fruit pie filling. The smallest serving of Jamba Juice’s Orange Dream Machine has 340 calories and an astonishing 69 grams of sugars.

Sushi Rolls
Sushi rolls vary, and the fried bits and mayonnaise in some can really jack up the calories.

Yogurts
The “fruit” in yogurt is really jam (that is to say, mostly sugar).

Sources:

  Shine from Yahoo May 22, 2008

5 Common Types Of Anxiety

Most people have experienced the clammy hands and the waves of nerves in their stomachs just before public speaking or the restless anxious feelings just before taking an exam.


These anxieties that emerge throughout our days are considered normal, however anxiety disorders lead to feelings of uneasiness, distress and irrational fears. When these anxieties aren’t properly addressed they could result in lost productivity and could also negatively affect a person’s quality of life.

Facts on Anxiety

• Over 19 million Americans are afflicted with some type of anxiety disorder.
  
• In 1990, the costs to cover anxiety disorders in America reached $46.6 billion.
  
• The costs for anxiety disorders makes up about one-third of the nation’s total mental health bill, which currently stands at $148 billion.
  

There is widely held misconception among the public that people with anxiety disorders have the capability to gain control of their symptoms through sheer willpower. The causes of anxiety disorders range from biological to environmental factors such as post-traumatic stress.

Five Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Constant, intense worry about daily tasks and schedules
  
• Over 4 million Americans have been diagnosed with this disorder
  
• Most people with this disorder have the tendency to look at situations from a worst-case scenario perspective, which eventually disrupts their sleep patterns and ability to concentrate
  
• Physical symptoms include fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headache and nausea
  
  

Panic Disorder

• Common traits of this disorder include panic attacks, instant feelings of terror that occur often and unexpectedly, chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal pain, loss of touch with reality, tingling extremities and a fear of dying
  
• Attacks usually last a couple of minutes, however in some cases can last up to one hour
  
• More women than men suffer from this type of anxiety
  
• Commonly surfaces in early adulthood before the age of 24
  

Social Phobia

• Overwhelming fear of social events and situations
  
• Causes people to avoid social events and places limitations on people’s lives
  
• Causes people to feel that others are constantly judging and evaluating their actions and behaviors
  

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• The repetition of rituals and thoughts that people feel unable to control
  
• Some of the symptoms include constant hand washing and counting things
  
  

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Ongoing symptoms that are a result from traumatic experiences such as war, rape, child abuse and natural disasters
  
• Other typical emotional symptoms include depression, anger and irritability
  
  

Research has shown that the two most successful treatments of anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and behavioral therapy.

Behavioral therapy is defined as targeting the issue through breathing exercises and small increments of exposure to what is causing the person anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy on the other hand, is designed to help the person deal more effectively with situations that fill them with anxiety.

Silver City Daily Press June 10, 2004

Why Do One In Ten Kids In The US Have ADHD?

A U.S. government survey claims that 1 in 10 U.S. children now has ADHD. This is a sizable increase from a few years earlier. ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) makes it hard for children to pay attention and control impulsive behavior.

About two-thirds of the children diagnosed with ADHD are on some form of prescription medication.
According to AP medical writer Mike Stobbe:

"In the latest survey, 9.5 percent said a doctor or health care provider had told them their child had ADHD ... ADHD diagnosis is in many ways a matter of opinion.

There's no blood test or brain-imaging exam for the condition. Sometimes reading disabilities or other problems in the classroom cause a teacher or others to mistakenly think a child has ADHD."

Researchers suggested growing awareness and better screening may be responsible for the rising numbers, but there are a number of food additives that experts think may worsen ADHD as well. They include:

• Blue #1 and #2 food coloring
• Green #3
• Orange B
• Red #3 and #40
• Yellow #5 and #6
• Sodium benzoate, a preservative

According to Health.com:

"Will eliminating dye-containing foods from a child's diet help ADHD? Experts say there's not enough evidence ... Most studies of a possible link analyzed blends of additives, not single ingredients, making it difficult to find a culprit."

Sources:

  Yahoo Finance November 10, 2010

  Health.com November 2010

  Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) November 12, 2010 / 59(44);1439-1443

20 Anti-Aging Herbs and Spices to Add to Your Diet

The typical American diet that is high in simple carbohydrates--white flour, white salt, and processed food--is aging us. We are getting all the bulk without the nutrients, plus adding to our propensity for developing real food cravings. So whether you are a vegetarian or an omnivore, you can start to reverse aging by simply choosing to eat the right foods to keep you full of vim, vigor, and vitality, especially over the holidays. The easiest way to make sure you are getting more nutrients into every meal.

Every time you flavor your meals with herbs or spices you are literally "upgrading" your food without adding a single calorie. You are taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary by adding color, flavor, vitamins, and often medicinal properties.

Here's why:
* Spices and herbs maximize nutrient density. Herbs and spices contain antioxidants, minerals and multivitamins. At the cocktail party, choose the Thai chicken satay stick over the tried and true fried chicken strip.

* Spices and herbs create a more thermogenic diet. Because spices are nutrient dense, they are thermogenic, which means they naturally increase your metabolism.

* Some spices and herbs increase your overall feeling of fullness and satiety, so you'll eat less. One study conducted at Maanstricht University in the Netherlands showed that when one consumes an appetizer with half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes before each meal, it decreased their calorie intake by 10-16 percent.

* Spices and herbs have real medicinal properties. Study after study shows the benefits of distinct herbs and spices. For example, one 2003 trial of 60 people with type 2 diabetes reported that consuming as little as two teaspoons of cinnamon daily for six weeks reduced blood-glucose levels significantly. It also improved blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, perhaps because insulin plays a key role in regulating fats in your body.

Choose flavor over blandness every time, and try to incorporate these specific herbs and spices into your diet if you have the following health concerns:

• rosemary and basil for their anti-inflammatory power
• cumin and sage for their dementia-fighting power
• cayenne and cinnamon for their obesity-fighting power
• coriander and cinnamon for their sugar regulating powers
• lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron for their calming effects on your mood
• turmeric for its cancer fighting power
• oregano for its fungus-beating power
• garlic, mustard seed and chicory for their heart-pumping power
• basil and thyme for their skin-saving power
• turmeric, basil, cinnamon, thyme, saffron, and ginger for their immune-boosting power
• coriander, rosemary, cayenne, allspice and black pepper for their depression-busting power

Sources:

  The Huffington Post December 20, 2008

What TSA Doesn't Want You To Know About Their Full Body Scans

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), a leading privacy group, has asked a federal appeals court to suspend the U.S. government's program of introducing full-body imaging machines at airports.

According to the group, the imaging machines constitute a suspicionless search of all airport travelers in an extremely invasive way -- so invasive that it violates the reasonable standard contained in the Fourth Amendment.
Wired reports:

"The constitutional challenge aside, EPIC also charges that the Department of Homeland Security, in rolling out the devices, violated a host of bureaucratic policies requiring public review, including the Administrative Procedures Act. What's more, the group claims the machines, among other things, violate the federal Video Voyeurism Prevent Act, which protects against capturing improper images that violate one's privacy."

Further, scientists at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) sent a letter to the White House Office of Science and Technology in April warning of potential health risks -- including skin cancer -- from the scanners, which distribute a dose of radiation to the skin and underlying tissue.

Sources:

  Wired November 12, 2010

  CNN November 11, 2010

  CNN November 12, 2010

  Alternet.org November 14, 2010

  RawStory.com November 16, 2010

  CNN Opinion November 18, 2010

  NetworkWorld.com November 17, 2010

  CNN Travel November 21, 2010

  The Daily Squib August 4, 2010

  Raw Justice November 22, 2010

  Care2.com November 20, 2010

  MSNBC.com November 22, 2010

  AAPS November 24, 2010