Thursday, May 12, 2016
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
White women are dying at a slightly younger age than they used to. That's according to a report released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics.
The life expectancy for non-Hispanic white women in the United States declined by one month — from 81.2 years to 81.1 years — from 2013 to 2014. Though just one month may not seem like much, demographers worry — it's the first time since the government began keeping records that white women saw their life expectancy decline, according to the report.
The numbers don't include cause of death, but demographer Elizabeth Arias, who wrote the analysis, decided to dig deeper. She looked at cause of death among white people in the U.S. over the last 15 years. And the changes she found troubled her.
"For the age group 25 to 54, suicide went up," she says. " 'Unintentional poisonings,' which is mainly alcohol and drug poisoning, and chronic liver disease — those went up by quite a bit."
Those underlying factors affected men and women, Arias says, but affected women more. The life expectancy of white men over the same time period did not change.
Many other causes of death declined, she says — including heart disease, cancer and stroke. But those health improvements were offset by the increases in drug overdose, suicide and chronic liver disease.
The report comes just a few months after a separate study by Princeton economistsAnne Case and Angus Deaton showed that middle-age mortality among white people is on the rise. The authors of that study also said the increase in deaths was likely due to suicides, drug overdoses and alcoholism.
Ellen Meara, a professor at Dartmouth's Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, said the numbers are surprising because mortality has been in decline for so long.
"There are people for whom life expectancy is falling — and that's happening at a time where everywhere else and for every other group we're seeing all these amazing gains in survival," Meara says.
The NCHS report does have some good news: The average life expectancy for non-Hispanic black men increased by about a half year — from 71.8 years to 72.2 in that same time period. Arias says that improvement seems linked to declines in cancer deaths, homicides and heart disease.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Internet is abuzz with all new "leptin diet for weight loss" and everyone fighting a losing battle with fat deposits is intrigued by this new wave. Fortunately, it's not a fad, requires no calorific manipulation and doesn't make a fat person graze veggies like ruminants.
Leptin is fondly called as "obesity hormone", also nicknamed as "satiety hormone" or the hormone that burns fat. Acting as an adipostat, an indicator for levels of fat deposits in one's body urging the brain to signal hunger or satiation, leptin levels determines effective fat metabolism leading to weight loss.
Biochemically speaking, leptin is a protein manufactured in fat cells (adipose tissue or stored fat) that circulates in the bloodstream and reaches the brain to deliver an important message. Leptin levels signals to the brain as to how much energy reserve (fats) is present in the body. It makes one eat less if leptin levels are high in the bloodstream. Enhance your leptin sensitivity and relish the success of weight loss.
Shedding those extra kilos never looked this easy but there's a catch.
It's often seen that while on a diet, one effortlessly accomplishes a pound or more of weight loss in the first week. But by the second week, they face major cravings and hunger pangs. Sadly, the reason is none other than leptin.
Leptin becomes an issue when your weight loss and fat reduction stalls after following a fixed diet and exercise regimen for a while. If you've been following a low carbohydrate diet and restricting your carb intake to 100-150gm or less per day, you may have lowered your leptin to a point that your body is not able to effectively burn fat. This is because cutting down on carbs intake lowers your overall calorie intake.
Let me explain. Eating less when on a diet makes fat cells lose some fat, which leads to a decrease in the amount of leptin produced. The minute levels of leptin drips in the bloodstream and the brain starts signalling the body to eat more; making you crave more and suffer from endless hunger pangs.
Now, you know why most of the diets failed to give you desired results.
But the solution is here:
1. Count your carbohydrate intake rationally
Personally, I totally discourage those obnoxious no carb diets. Carbs are a must to maintain health, as much as they are required for smooth thyroid functioning, for maintaining electrolyte balance, for production of growth hormone (cortisol) and for efficient burning of fat.
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However, excessive carbs/starches specially ones from white flour, potatoes and high fructose corn syrup block the leptin signal. The reduced leptin sensitivity keeps sending hunger signal and you keep indulging in food more. All because high carbs are readily available, provide immediate energy and psychologically, are often the first foods one reaches out to. To count your carbs, I recommend the "plate diet" where carbs and proteins are given equal importance on your plate. The perfect example is dal-roti that Indians have been eating forever. Junk like diet chips, sodas, flavoured fruit juices, chocolates, muffins, cakes, bagels, mathris, samosas should are an absolute no-no.
2. Include a rich protein source in breakfast everyday
Ditch those aaloo parantha, honey-laden waffles, and time-saving jam bread on the go; instead include an egg white omelette, cottage cheese (paneer) sandwich, and soy chop to keep you full for a long time.
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This practise will increase your metabolic rate by 30 per cent. Always keep in mind that a healthy breakfast should ensure your ability to curb all cravings till lunch and doesn't make you feel low on energy to carry on with your days work.
In short, a good quality protein keeps you feeling full for at least five-six hours. Low GI (glycemic index carb like whole cereals) and fibre-rich fruits - vegetables should accompany the recommended protein source. It is important to eat all components of food for wholesome health.
3. Eat small three meals a day, avoid in between snacking
Obese people should restrain from indulging in the in-between snacks; they should rather eat three main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). This practise keeps the circulatory system clear of any extra fat, allowing the leptin signal system to work effectively.
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The urge to snack is efficiently taken care of by the liver itself which is the site for breaking down fat metabolism. It metabolises fat deposits and provide the required energy to the body.
Simultaneously, leaving a gap of five-six hours in between meals helps clear triglycerides from the bloodstream and this naturally kick-starts the weight loss process. Portion control is a must like in case of any other weight loss diet.
4. Do not eat large meals
As much as it is important to include all food groups in daily diet, it is equally important to indulge in smaller portion sizes. Chew properly and eat slowly. Psychologically, it is more rewarding to eat slowly because it saves you from indulging in self-pity over food deprivation and gives you more time to enjoy the same amount of food.
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Focus more on protein source and finish eating when slightly less than full. Within 15-20min of finishing your meal, leptin signal starts working and body metabolises fat deposits better. If, however, you keep eating meals frequently, you develop leptin resistance leaving you trapped into a vicious circle of wrong leptin signalling, indicating pseudo starvation. The leptin resistance keeps sending out hunger signals making you eat endlessly, thus, leading to weight gain instead of weight loss.
5. Eat early dinner and not a morsel after that
It is advised to eat dinner three-four hours before you hit the bed. Leptin levels peak in the evenings. This means that compared to any other time of the day, leptin helps burn maximum fat during late evenings. This phenomenon also explains those insatiable cravings make you hog on cookies, chips, chocolates, et al. Once done with dinner, cravings tend to subside and let leptin work in your favour. Eating frequently can sabotage your weight loss efforts.
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Swept away by this new wave, shelves in pharmacies are full of leptin supplements. But let me burst the bubble. Leptin cannot be ingested orally; it has to be manufactured in fat cells. Nevertheless, to jumpstart leptin sensitivity add a rich protein source in breakfast and focus on leafy greens, fibre-rich foods that provide longer satiety. Including fish in daily diet also works wonders to enhance leptin production.
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So, to sum it up, eat clean, indulge in whole foods, eliminate refined foods, consume proper ratios of carbs, fats and proteins and exercise on a regular basis. This will fix take care of your major hormonal problems and enable you to lose weight effectively. This lifestyle keeps the hormone leptin in check for your metabolism to work and keep your appetite in check.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
(NaturalHealth365) About half of the 29 million-plus Americans with diabetes suffer diabetic neuropathy, with 15 percent significantly bothered by the pain. While conventional anti-inflammatory drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating the condition, which most often affects the feet, many patients have deemed these drugs ineffective. That’s why there is a growing interest in the use of cannabis.
Great news: A study out of California finds that diabetics suffering from the pain of diabetic neuropathy could get much-needed relief naturally with cannabis, often described asmedical marijuana. Researchers there found that inhaling cannabis provides relief for hours to patients suffering from this serious complication of the disease.
Nerve damage can bring serious, even fatal, complications
Over 9 percent of the U.S. population lives with the effects of diabetes, and it ranks as the 7th leading cause of death in the country. Chronic high blood sugar can damage nerve fibers throughout your body, although diabetic neuropathy is most often noticed in the lower extremities.
Some patient may suffer only mild symptoms, while others endure more serious pain. In its most severe of cases, diabetic neuropathy can be disabling and even fatal.
Patients experience relief without the toxic effects of conventional treatments
But a recent randomized study from the University of California at San Diego brings new hope for the control of pain – at least for those living in areas that allow the use of medical marijuana. Researchers there found that allowing patients to inhale cannabis was effective in reducing diabetic neuropathy pain for up to several hours. According to Mark Steven Wallace, M.D., chair of the University’s Division of Pain Management and lead author of the study, the more concentrated the dose, the more relief people experienced.
Results of the study were published in the July issue of the Journal of Pain. Sixteen patients reporting pain in their feet due to diabetes-related nerve damage took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to inhale one of three dosage levels of cannabis via vaporization, which is achieved by heating the leaf to a certain point that allows the release of active ingredients without sending the leaf up in smoke.
Cannabis study reveals the healing power of herbal medicine
Some of the 16 participants instead received a placebo. After a two week-break, they crossed over to a different dosage and repeated the test. Vaporization was of interest because it allows the effects of cannabis to peak sooner while preventing hazardous carbon monoxide associated with burning the leaves.
While the patients did experience a high, which varied in intensity based on the dosage received, they also reported effective pain relief. They not only indicated that theirspontaneous pain was reduced, but they were less bothered by stimuli applied to the more painful areas of their feet.
Study subjects reported that the pain relief lasted approximately four hours. Those receiving a placebo instead experienced pain intensity higher than any of the treatment groups throughout the study. Among the test subjects, those receiving the highest dose reported the most effective management of their pain.
About half of all states, plus Washington D.C., currently allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes, although laws vary considerably from state to state. There are significant legal differences between the legalities of medical cannabis at the state level versus the federal level, where it remains classified as a federally controlled substance due to implementation of the Controlled Substances Act.
However, federal resources are no longer targeting patients with serious illnesses nor their caregivers, as long s they comply with state laws. Advocacy groups for medical marijuana continue to push for FDA approval of cannabis as a recognized medicine.
References:
http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2015-11/cannabis-ameliorates-diabetic-neuropathy-pain
http://americanpainsociety.org/about-us/press-room/inhaled-cannabis-shown-effective-for-diabetic-neuropathy-pain
http://www.naturalhealth365.com/cannabis-diabetic-neuropathy-1811.html
Thursday, April 14, 2016
(NaturalHealth365) There has already beencontroversy over chemicals used in the packaging of many foods. The health dangers of bisphenol A, or BPA, have caused consumers to look for “BPA-free” products just to be safe. Bisphenol A is a known endocrine disruptor that can cause the growth of fat cells.
The top source of human exposure to bisphenol A has been through eating and drinking food and beverages that come into contact with these plastics or coatings.
Look at what’s leaking into our meals
Bisphenol A has been used in polycarbonate plastics since the 1960s. This has included many packages for foods and drinks. It is also used in epoxy resins in the inner coatings of metal products like food cans and water supply pipes.
Unfortunately, a new chemical now used in these products – bisphenol S – is showing similar health hazards. One of the most alarming dangers is its association with triggering the formation of fat cells in the human body.
This strongly suggests that it is an endocrine disruptor, just like bisphenol A, meaning it could interfere with naturally occurring hormones in the body and cause a range of adverse effects.
Triggering fat cells, high blood pressure and infertility
A 2014 study in Medical News Today showed BPA exposure from the insides of bottles and cans is linked with increased blood pressure. Bisphenol A has also been associated withinfertility in women. Some manufacturers started using bisphenol S as a BPA replacement so that they could label their products BPA-free.
Unfortunately, the substitute chemical bisphenol S is showing signs that it could be harmful as well. One recent study indicates that it seems to disrupt the reproductive system by speeding up embryonic development. This means in effect that one endocrine disruptor has been replaced by another.
Any amount of BPA can lead to fat accumulation and growth
This most recent study confirming the dangers of bisphenol S studied its effects on human cells. Researchers looked at preadipocytes taken from female volunteers; these undifferentiated cells can become fat cells in certain conditions.
The cells were exposed to BPS and another fat cell triggering chemical called dexamethasone for 14 days. The results showed that BPS exposure triggered the formation of fat cells at all levels, with higher concentrations doing the worst damage. However, even a small amount of BPA exposure was found to become an endocrine disruptor.
Fresh and organic food always beats processed and packaged junk
The body requires balance, and even moderate changes can disrupt hormone levels and lead to harmful effects to the heart rate, metabolism and respiration. Bisphenol chemicals have now been linked with the growth of fat cells and the potential for weight gain.
These findings about the chemicals in plastic packaging serve as even more of a motivation to favor fresh, organic foods versus packaged or canned. Food companies who use these packaging processes should be boycotted until they make healthy changes.
References:
http://press.endocrine.org/doi/10.1210/en.2015-1872
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brian_Thomas6/publication/11300069_Three-generation_reproductive_toxicity_study_of_dietary_bisphenol_A_in_CD_Sprague-Dawley_rats/links/0c9605203da9d646a2000000.pdf
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308223.php
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160322133814.htm
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-03/tes-bsc031716.php
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
about by nutritional deficiencies along with too many harmful substances trapped in the body – causing liver toxicity, digestive problems plus many other dangerous health conditions.
Note: A toxic body gets exhausted and simply cannot absorb much-needed nutrients effectively. But, Dr. Ellen Jensen wants you to know that you can overcome these health problems – without the need for drugs – by starting a natural protocol to detoxify the liver that strengthen the immune system without the dangerous side effects of typical medications.
Discover natural ways to detoxify the liver. On the next NaturalHealth365 Talk Hour, Jonathan Landsman and Dr. Ellen Jensen will discuss the symptoms of liver toxicity plus, reveal the many ways to naturally removed unwanted toxins from the body. Join us for a show filled with surprising facts about your health and come away with practical, life-altering techniques to reduce the risk of disease.
What should you do about liver toxicity?
The early warning signs of a toxic liver are varied and broad. They can include muscle and joint pain; a pessimistic or angry mood; excessive sweating; hormonal imbalances; migraine headaches; chronic fatigue and any number of other life-threatening conditions, including ‘unexplainable’ weight gain.
Fortunately, there are highly-effective, natural ways to cleanse and repair the liver, as well as the gall bladder. But, keep in mind, it is equally important to change lifestyle habits (as soon as possible) to help remove the source of any toxins that may be damaging the body.
Avoid processed foods, stop buying chemically-laced personal care products and join us for the next NaturalHealth365 Talk Hour with Jonathan Landsman and Dr. Ellen Jensen, natural health expert, author and nutritional consultant. Discover the signs of liver toxicity and learn about some effective, natural ways to detoxify the liver without drugs.
5 toxins that put your liver under too much stress
There are a number of toxins that can put a strain on your liver and may, over time, lead to permanent damage. Some toxins may never cause serious health problems – depending on your level of exposure, genetic factors and personal health history. But, other toxins can be so damaging to your liver and other organs – they should be avoided at all costs – especially if sensitive to these substances.
1. Alcohol. When alcohol reaches the liver, it produces a toxic enzyme which can damage liver cells, often causing permanent scarring. This enzyme can also cause harm to your brain and stomach lining. Drinking more than your liver can handle can also result in fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis – to name a few unwanted side effects.
2. Prescription medications. Because the liver plays a crucial role in processing pharmaceuticals, it is also exposed to the huge number of toxins that these medications carry. Best advice is to do everything you can to eliminate the need for toxic drugs by eating organic food, reducing stress in your life and taking high-quality nutritional supplements as needed.
3. Over-the-counter drugs. It isn’t just prescription drugs that can take a toll on your liver. Commonly used non-prescription medications, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can be very toxic, particularly if they are taken in large amounts. Look for safer remedies to eliminate unwanted health issues like headaches or muscle aches.
4. Environmental pollutants. In reality, we are exposed to a number of harmful chemicals – throughout the day. Outdoor air pollutants include automotive exhaust, lawn chemicals and other often-unavoidable impurities from the ever-growing threat of chemtrails. But, even indoor air can be quite toxic thanks to household cleaners, air fresheners and an excessive amount of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from wireless devices and routers.
5. Industrial chemicals. Your occupation could also be impacting your liver health. Chemicals, such as the dry cleaning solvent carbon tetrachloride, a substance used to make plastics called vinyl chloride, the herbicide paraquat and a whole host of industrial chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls. If your job is making you sick, consider making a change as soon as possible.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Fragrant and aromatic essences make delicious dishes and give a special look, but can improve the general condition of the body. See which AROMATIC SPICES you should use in your diet.
– CINNAMON, INCENSE and other aromatic products are more than spices with nice taste
Namely, they contain ingredients that make dishes tastier, but they also relieve pain and STRENGTHEN THEIMMUNE SYSTEM and not only in winter. Etheric oils contained in these products help the fast healing.
– NUTMEG SOOTHES AND RELAXES THE EXCITED STOMACH
You can put the nutmeg directly in meals, or melt it in small amount of warm water and drink it. This spice affects your mood. But, you need to be careful, because only 4 grams can cause poisoning in adults. Ceylon cinnamon contains compounds that are killing even germs. Tea of two cinnamon sticks, which are poured with water and stay for ten minutes is miraculous for relieve of sore throat in the initial phase. In addition, the bark of this tropical tree improves circulation and positively influences digestion. Allspice (newspice, Pimenta dioica), which is used in more spicy dishes, also improves digestion.
– CARDAMOM, which is inevitable in honey cakes, is also good for the stomach, and besides that, it positively affects the bloodstream. If chewed seed or two, they remove the unpleasant breath.
– GINGER IS REAL COLD KILLER
Cut three or four thin circles from one ginger tuber, pour them with boiling water and drink the tea after ten minutes. Ginger tea kills bacteria and strengthens the immune system. According to the latest research, ginger reduces pain. PAIN OF TEETH AND INFECTION OF THE MOUTH can be best treated with cloves which should be carefully chewed.
– CORIANDER works best at bloating. Moreover, the dodecenal it contains acts as a natural anibiotic.
– VANILLA spreads magic fragrance, which improves the mood and works as an aphrodisiac.
– VANILLA OIL relieves inflammation. Mix one drop of the oil with 25 ml skin care oil and apply it on the damaged skin from the outside.
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