Fluoride is an acute toxin with a rating slightly higher than that of lead.According to "Clinical Toxicology of Commercial products," 5th Edition, 1984, lead is given a toxicity rating of 3 to 4, and Fluoride is rated at 4 (3 = moderately toxic, 4 = very toxic). On December 7, 1992, the new EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for lead was set at 0.015 ppm, with a goal of 0.0ppm. The MCL for fluoride is currently set for 4.0ppm - that's over 350 times the permissable level of lead.Fluoride is also considered toxic waste. It is one of the most bone seeking elements known to mankind. The US Public Health Service has stated that fluoride makes the bones more brittle and the dental enamel more porous.
Current intake we take in is estimated to be between 5 and 7 mg/day in "optimally fluoridated" areas. Current fluoride intake is equally divided between drinking water (in fluoridated areas), food, other beverages, and dental products, meaning that even if you don't live in a fluoridated area, fluoride is endangering your health. Average fluoride content in juices is 0.02 to 2.80 parts per million, in part because of variations in fluoride concentrations of water used in production. Children's ingestion of fluoride from juices and juice-flavored beverages can be quite substantial and a crucial factor in developing fluorosis. Grape juice has been found to contain up to 6.8 mg/L of fluoride, a can of chicken soup up to 4 mg of fluoride. Fluoride can be found in water, toothpaste, mouthwash, Dentist's treatment, fluoride pills, juice, soft drinks, canned food, commercial fruit and vegetables, Teflon and Tefal coated items (such as frying pans), etc. (Note: No "optimal" fluoride intake has ever been scientifically documented.)
How much is too much? As little as 0.04 mg/kg/day has been proven to cause adverse health effects. Retention of 2mg a day will produce crippling skeletal fluorosis in one's lifetime.
Approximately half of each day's fluoride intake will be retained in our bodies. This is what makes it so dangerous. "The dose makes the poison". All sides agree to the fact that healthy kidneys can eliminate only about 50% of daily fluoride intake. The rest gets absorbed in calcified tissues, like bones and teeth.The National Academy Of Sciences (NAS) stated in 1977 that, for the average individual, a retention of 2mg/day would result in crippling skeletal fluorosis after 40 years. Considering the above mentioned intake level, it is likely that skeletal fluorosis already affects a significant portion of the population.Children,the elderly and any person with impaired kidney function (which includes many AIDS patients), are in the high risk group for fluoride poisoning and must be warned to monitor their fluoride intake. Also at high risk are people with immunodeficiencies, diabetes and heart ailments, as well as anyone with calcium, magnesium and Vitamin C deficiencies.(At the level of 0.4 ppm renal (kidney) impairment has been shown.) (Junco, L.I. et al, "Renal Failure and Fluorosis", Fluorine & Dental Health, JAMA 222:783 - 785, 1972)
Studies show that adults can absorb up to 0.5 mg per "TV ribbon" brushing from toothpastes. Small children, even if pea-size amount is used, will still absorb the same, more if the child is younger and has less swallowing control skills. Half a tube of toothpaste can kill a child. Current content of sodium fluoride in toothpaste in Canada and the US is up to 0.4% = 4000 ppm (parts per million). Bubblegum-flavored dentifrice obviously is especially inviting for children. Since April 1997 all toothpaste in the US must carry a warning label, advising parents what to do if their child swallows more than the pea-size brushing amount. Wholesale containers carry the poison symbol of skull and crossbones.
What about the fluoride treatment at the dental office? Fluoride treatments can contain between 10,000 to 20,000 ppm. There is no regulated dose requirement. There are cases known of children dying in the dentist's chair.(New York Times, Jan. 20, 1979: "$750,000 Given in Child's Death in Fluoride Case" about a three year old child killed by fluoride treatment in the Dentist's office.)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
From No Stress To Fatal Stress
I got an email from a good friend of mine. It is worth reading:
"I would like to share with you an actual but very sad occurrence which I hope may get you guys to ponder over what constitutes anxieties, extremities and unnecessary over reactions. A long story... but worth reading for lessons learned.... you may want to pass on to others.
One of my friend's father who is a retiree in his mid-60s, is perfectly healthy looking and behaving normal, plays his round of golf each Sunday, does a fair bit of gardening, keeps himself busy the rest of his time helping his son's (my friend's) little retail business, and goes on tour/trips every now and then .....
He was persuaded by his daughters and other well wishers to go for His medical checkup which he had last done before retirement some 10 years ago. He didn't see the need to do it as he was feeling perfectly ok and healthy. Of course he didn't want to spend the money. After persistent persuasion from his family he finally gave in (his daughters agreed to foot the bill).
First his blood test revealed a total cholesterol count well above the 5.2 threshold (in fact close to 6). The doctor advised that he went for his stressed ECG test.
Again he had to be persistently persuaded to go thru that test, which he did. And it revealed some abnormality with his heart.
Now the doctor advised that he went thru angiogram. He resisted again and again after much pestering he subscribed to that invasive test.....which revealed three (3) blockages in his heart. And the doctor advised he went thru angioplasty.
This time he was adamant not to go any further. But it was like the end of the world for his family members who were all highly educated people with learned common sense. They went thru the highest mountains and deepest oceans to convince the old man to go thru angioplasty.
The surgery was successful. And he was given a clean bill of health. His heart is revitalized and cleared of all blockages. After returning Home from the hospital, his family (especially his daughters) put him on a "healthy" diet. Strictly no meat...only vegetables and fruits, with perhaps an occasional dish of steamed fish... no oil.
The result.... the poor old man became weaker, couldn't drive his golf ball the distance he used to, got tired easily when he did his gardening, lost a lot of weight (which everyone was happy because they see him getting healthier that way), went to bed unusually early ('cause he got tired sitting up late watching the sports channels).... in a nutshell he actually got weaker and probably suffering from mal-nutrition!
Hardly 2 months after the angioplasty he passed away, supposedly from Heart complications.. All of a sudden, a few family doctor friends were able to offer explanations. One of them had this to say...
Heart blockages do not happen over-night. They are built up of time. And the body has somehow gotten used to the blockages. As long as the effects of the blockages are not life threatening, it may be best leaving them alone. Maybe it is better not to know about this. For most men at that advanced age already have blockages, some may be even worse. Not knowing it has one clear advantage. There won't be any STRESS imposed on the person.
And STRESS is the killer.
Some may not respond well with angioplasty. With the heart cleared of its blockages, the blood flow will be unrestricted. And sometimes the body (even the heart may not be used to this new revitalized condition) may not know how to cope with it quick enough. Coupled with a "healthy" diet of just fruits and vegetables which are not the usual and normal intake of this person, may and can do further damage.
So it's a combination of all these that could have killed this poor old man who was, just 2 months ago, a healthy bubbly man living a perfectly normal STRESS FREE retired life.
Today my friend and his siblings all regretted what they had done to their father.
Moral of the story is not to be extreme and take everything in life in its stride and with moderation.
One more thing.... my family doctor, age late 40s, hardly takes meat, a good sportsman, has a total cholesterol count of 6.
Some times it's in the genes. Like my 99 year-old mother-in-law who lives by herself, does her own marketing, cooks her own food, never eats any meat that is not fat all her life, hates lean meat, cholesterol so bloody high ......and she is still kicking and so mentally alert. One thing....she's got NO STRESS.
She only gives STRESS to all others around her. That's probably why she's living alone by herself.
So my friends... Don't get paranoid and stressed up for nothing!!! "
"I would like to share with you an actual but very sad occurrence which I hope may get you guys to ponder over what constitutes anxieties, extremities and unnecessary over reactions. A long story... but worth reading for lessons learned.... you may want to pass on to others.
One of my friend's father who is a retiree in his mid-60s, is perfectly healthy looking and behaving normal, plays his round of golf each Sunday, does a fair bit of gardening, keeps himself busy the rest of his time helping his son's (my friend's) little retail business, and goes on tour/trips every now and then .....
He was persuaded by his daughters and other well wishers to go for His medical checkup which he had last done before retirement some 10 years ago. He didn't see the need to do it as he was feeling perfectly ok and healthy. Of course he didn't want to spend the money. After persistent persuasion from his family he finally gave in (his daughters agreed to foot the bill).
First his blood test revealed a total cholesterol count well above the 5.2 threshold (in fact close to 6). The doctor advised that he went for his stressed ECG test.
Again he had to be persistently persuaded to go thru that test, which he did. And it revealed some abnormality with his heart.
Now the doctor advised that he went thru angiogram. He resisted again and again after much pestering he subscribed to that invasive test.....which revealed three (3) blockages in his heart. And the doctor advised he went thru angioplasty.
This time he was adamant not to go any further. But it was like the end of the world for his family members who were all highly educated people with learned common sense. They went thru the highest mountains and deepest oceans to convince the old man to go thru angioplasty.
The surgery was successful. And he was given a clean bill of health. His heart is revitalized and cleared of all blockages. After returning Home from the hospital, his family (especially his daughters) put him on a "healthy" diet. Strictly no meat...only vegetables and fruits, with perhaps an occasional dish of steamed fish... no oil.
The result.... the poor old man became weaker, couldn't drive his golf ball the distance he used to, got tired easily when he did his gardening, lost a lot of weight (which everyone was happy because they see him getting healthier that way), went to bed unusually early ('cause he got tired sitting up late watching the sports channels).... in a nutshell he actually got weaker and probably suffering from mal-nutrition!
Hardly 2 months after the angioplasty he passed away, supposedly from Heart complications.. All of a sudden, a few family doctor friends were able to offer explanations. One of them had this to say...
Heart blockages do not happen over-night. They are built up of time. And the body has somehow gotten used to the blockages. As long as the effects of the blockages are not life threatening, it may be best leaving them alone. Maybe it is better not to know about this. For most men at that advanced age already have blockages, some may be even worse. Not knowing it has one clear advantage. There won't be any STRESS imposed on the person.
And STRESS is the killer.
Some may not respond well with angioplasty. With the heart cleared of its blockages, the blood flow will be unrestricted. And sometimes the body (even the heart may not be used to this new revitalized condition) may not know how to cope with it quick enough. Coupled with a "healthy" diet of just fruits and vegetables which are not the usual and normal intake of this person, may and can do further damage.
So it's a combination of all these that could have killed this poor old man who was, just 2 months ago, a healthy bubbly man living a perfectly normal STRESS FREE retired life.
Today my friend and his siblings all regretted what they had done to their father.
Moral of the story is not to be extreme and take everything in life in its stride and with moderation.
One more thing.... my family doctor, age late 40s, hardly takes meat, a good sportsman, has a total cholesterol count of 6.
Some times it's in the genes. Like my 99 year-old mother-in-law who lives by herself, does her own marketing, cooks her own food, never eats any meat that is not fat all her life, hates lean meat, cholesterol so bloody high ......and she is still kicking and so mentally alert. One thing....she's got NO STRESS.
She only gives STRESS to all others around her. That's probably why she's living alone by herself.
So my friends... Don't get paranoid and stressed up for nothing!!! "
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Fake WASABI
Fake Wasabi-90% composed of chemicals which may endanger your health.
Reporting from Research Center/Taipei, Taiwan
The wasabi we find these days are found to contain many unknown ingredients. Due to the low supply and high cost of the real wasabi, even wasabi found in 5-star hotels are found to be questionable.
The fake wasabi contains high levels of metals. Though they are within safe levels of consumption, doctors have advised against consuming too much of them.
As we were passing through a fish market, we came upon a very strong scent. We found a lady preparing the wasabi mixture for the raw fish. She told us that she uses "special wasabi powder" which costs only $50/bag and they can make up to several hundred bags of wasabi paste. We even found many restaurants using this special wasabi powder to make the wasabi paste. Why is the scent so strong and what does it really contain? We continued our investigations. The conclusion we came to was the fact that there were special ingredients placed in these "special wasabi powder" even though the label simply indicates "wasabi and permitted flavoring and coloring." Experts indicate that the type of wasabi found in Taiwancannot be freeze-dried and made into powder, so it's very likely that these "special wasabi powder" have been made artificially.
A chinese chemist Wu Jia Cheng says "the label only says what its basic ingredients are but will not say what it artificially contains." Our investigative reporters took the "special wasabi powder" to the lab for testings. Lab results show the powder contains copper, lead and chromium. So how are we going to differentiate the real from the fake wasabi? A little iodine tincture will do the trick.
We found a biochemist who says that "After mixing the wasabi powder to make the paste, simply place a drop of iodine tincture onto the paste and wait 1-2 mins. If you see the brown iodine tincture changing its color into a dark blue color, it indicates the presence of starch within the paste. And within this mixture is the addition of the ingredient "propenyl mustard oil" to make the fake wasabi."
Fake wasabi gives a bright green appearance and a very strong pungent smell that will dissipate within 1/2 hr. Real wasabi is of a much lighter green. A toxicologist warned that long term consumption of this fake wasabi can lead to liver and kidney damages. We should avoid at all cost to protect our health.
(A friend of mine emailed me this message, I thought it might be useful to us)
Reporting from Research Center/Taipei, Taiwan
The wasabi we find these days are found to contain many unknown ingredients. Due to the low supply and high cost of the real wasabi, even wasabi found in 5-star hotels are found to be questionable.
The fake wasabi contains high levels of metals. Though they are within safe levels of consumption, doctors have advised against consuming too much of them.
As we were passing through a fish market, we came upon a very strong scent. We found a lady preparing the wasabi mixture for the raw fish. She told us that she uses "special wasabi powder" which costs only $50/bag and they can make up to several hundred bags of wasabi paste. We even found many restaurants using this special wasabi powder to make the wasabi paste. Why is the scent so strong and what does it really contain? We continued our investigations. The conclusion we came to was the fact that there were special ingredients placed in these "special wasabi powder" even though the label simply indicates "wasabi and permitted flavoring and coloring." Experts indicate that the type of wasabi found in Taiwancannot be freeze-dried and made into powder, so it's very likely that these "special wasabi powder" have been made artificially.
A chinese chemist Wu Jia Cheng says "the label only says what its basic ingredients are but will not say what it artificially contains." Our investigative reporters took the "special wasabi powder" to the lab for testings. Lab results show the powder contains copper, lead and chromium. So how are we going to differentiate the real from the fake wasabi? A little iodine tincture will do the trick.
We found a biochemist who says that "After mixing the wasabi powder to make the paste, simply place a drop of iodine tincture onto the paste and wait 1-2 mins. If you see the brown iodine tincture changing its color into a dark blue color, it indicates the presence of starch within the paste. And within this mixture is the addition of the ingredient "propenyl mustard oil" to make the fake wasabi."
Fake wasabi gives a bright green appearance and a very strong pungent smell that will dissipate within 1/2 hr. Real wasabi is of a much lighter green. A toxicologist warned that long term consumption of this fake wasabi can lead to liver and kidney damages. We should avoid at all cost to protect our health.
(A friend of mine emailed me this message, I thought it might be useful to us)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Can You Overdose on Vitamins?
Can You Overdose on Vitamins?
Too much of a good thing can have unexpected consequences. Overdosing on some other vitamins and minerals can have serious side effects.
These vitamins & minerals in particular do pose a risk when overdosed:
Vitamin A
Gorging on this vitamin compound in doses of more than 25,000 IUs (five times the RDA) can lead to liver damage, hair loss, blurred vision and headaches.
Vitamin B-6
Ingesting more than 400 mg a day (200 times the RDA) can cause numbness in the mouth and hands and difficulty in walking.
Vitamin C
It was once believed to cause kidney stones, but experts now say there is no solid evidence of dangerous side effects from vitamin C. High doses can produce stomachaches and diarrhea.
Vitamin D
In daily doses of 50,000 IUs (125 times the U.S. RDA), the sunshine vitamin can cause the buildup of calcium deposits that can interfere with the functioning of muscles, including heart tissue. While sunbathing will never create an overdose, taking too many supplements can.
Niacin
Doctors prescribe doses of 2,000 mg (100 times the RDA) to help lower cholesterol. But patients who take that much should be monitored for possible symptoms of jaundice and liver damage.
Iron
Those who want to bolster their red blood cell count, especially elderly people and menstruating women, have been taking iron supplements for years. Daily doses higher than 100 mg (six times the RDA) could interfere with absorption of zinc, a mineral that speeds wound healing and helps regulate the immune system.
Note:
Some of these overdosing are extremely high (eg. 100 times the recommended daily allowance), so taking as recommended by the supplement manufacturers or your physician (such as take twice daily) will not be a problem.
Too much of a good thing can have unexpected consequences. Overdosing on some other vitamins and minerals can have serious side effects.
These vitamins & minerals in particular do pose a risk when overdosed:
Vitamin A
Gorging on this vitamin compound in doses of more than 25,000 IUs (five times the RDA) can lead to liver damage, hair loss, blurred vision and headaches.
Vitamin B-6
Ingesting more than 400 mg a day (200 times the RDA) can cause numbness in the mouth and hands and difficulty in walking.
Vitamin C
It was once believed to cause kidney stones, but experts now say there is no solid evidence of dangerous side effects from vitamin C. High doses can produce stomachaches and diarrhea.
Vitamin D
In daily doses of 50,000 IUs (125 times the U.S. RDA), the sunshine vitamin can cause the buildup of calcium deposits that can interfere with the functioning of muscles, including heart tissue. While sunbathing will never create an overdose, taking too many supplements can.
Niacin
Doctors prescribe doses of 2,000 mg (100 times the RDA) to help lower cholesterol. But patients who take that much should be monitored for possible symptoms of jaundice and liver damage.
Iron
Those who want to bolster their red blood cell count, especially elderly people and menstruating women, have been taking iron supplements for years. Daily doses higher than 100 mg (six times the RDA) could interfere with absorption of zinc, a mineral that speeds wound healing and helps regulate the immune system.
Note:
Some of these overdosing are extremely high (eg. 100 times the recommended daily allowance), so taking as recommended by the supplement manufacturers or your physician (such as take twice daily) will not be a problem.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Healthy Food
MUSHROOM - EAR
Slice a mushroom in half and it resembles the shape of the human ear.And guess what? Adding it to your cooking could actually improve your hearing.That's because mushrooms are one of the few foods in our diet that contain
vitamin D. This particular vitamin is important for healthy bones, even the tiny ones in the ear that transmit sound to the brain.
BANANA (SMILE) - DEPRESSION
Cheer yourself up and put a smile on your face by eating a banana. The popular fruit contains a protein called tryptophan.Once it has been digested, tryptophan then gets converted in a chemical neurotransmitter called serotonin. This is one of the most important mood-regulating chemicals in the brain and most anti-depressant drugs work by adjusting levels of serotonin
production. Higher levels are associated with better moods.
BROCCOLI - CANCER
Close-up, the tiny green tips on a broccoli head look like hundreds of cancer cells. Now scientists know this disease-busting veg can play a crucial role in preventing the disease. Last year, a team of researchers at the US National Cancer Institute found
just a weekly serving of broccoli was enough to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 45 per cent. In Britain , prostate cancer kills one man every hour.
GINGER - STOMACH
Root ginger, commonly sold in supermarkets, often looks just like the stomach. So it's interesting that one of its biggest benefits is aiding digestion. The Chinese have been using it for over 2,000 years to calm the stomach and cure nausea, while it is also a popular remedy for motion sickness. But the benefits could go much further. Tests on mice at the University of Minnesota found injecting the chemical that gives ginger its flavour slowed down the growth rate of bowel
tumours.
CHEESE - BONES
A nice 'holey' cheese, like Emmenthal, is not just good for your bones, it even resembles their internal structure.
And like most cheeses, it is a rich source of calcium, a vital ingredient for strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Together with another mineral called phosphate, it provides the main strength in bones but also helps to 'power' muscles. Getting enough calcium in the diet during childhood is crucial for strong
bones. A study at Columbia University in New York showed teens who increased calcium intake from 800mg a day to 1200mg - equal to an extra two slices of cheddar - boosted their bone density by six per cent.
BEANSPROUTS - SPERM
The stir-fry favourite bears an uncanny resemblance to the images we see of 'swimming' sperm trying to fertilise an egg. And research from the US suggests they could play an important part in boosting male fertility. A study at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio showed that to make healthy sperm in large quantities, the body needs a good supply of vitamin C, a
powerful antioxidant that protects cells against damage by harmful molecules called free radicals.
Just half a cup of bean sprouts provides 16 per cent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C for a man.
It's not just dad but baby too who could benefit. Bean sprouts are packed with folate, a vitamin that prevents neural tube
defects, where the baby is born with a damaged brain or spine.
GRAPES - LUNGS
OUR lungs are made up of branches of ever-smaller airways that finish up with tiny bunches of tissue called alveoli.
These structures, which resemble bunches of grapes, allow oxygen to pass from the lungs to the blood stream. One reason that very premature babies struggle to survive is that thesealveoli do not begin to form until week 23 or 24 of pregnancy.
A diet high in fresh fruit, such as grapes, has been shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Grape seeds also contain a chemical called proanthocyanidin, which appearsto reduce the severity of asthma triggered by allergy.
TOMATO - HEART
A TOMATO is red and usually has four chambers, just like our heart. Tomatoes are also a great source of lycopene, a plant chemical that reduces the risk of heart disease and several cancers. The Women's Health Study - an American research programme which tracks the health of 40,000 women - found women with the highest blood levels of lycopene had 30 per cent less heart disease than women who had very little lycopene. Lab experiments have also shown that lycopene helps counter the effect of unhealthy LDL cholesterol. One Canadian study, published in the journal Experimental Biology and
Medicine, said there was "convincing evidence' that lycopene prevented coronary heart disease.
WALNUT - BRAIN
THE gnarled folds of a walnut mimic the appearance of a human brain - and provide a clue to the benefits.
Walnuts are the only nuts which contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. They may also help head off dementia. An American study found that walnut extract broke down the protein-based plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at Tufts University in Boston found walnuts reversed some signs of brain ageing in rats.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Special Considerations for Pregnant Women Regarding H1N1
It is known that that pregnant women are more likely to get sick than others and have more serious problems with seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu because of their lowered immune systems with the pregnancy. Because of this the CDC is recommending that pregnant women be the first group immunized against the H1N1 virus.
The CDC is recommending that pregnant women who will likely be in direct contact with patients with confirmed, probable, or suspected influenza A (H1N1) (e.g., a nurse, physician, or respiratory therapist caring for hospitalized patients), should consider reassignment to lower-risk activities, such as telephone triage.
If reassignment is not possible, pregnant women should avoid participating in procedures that may generate increased small-particle aerosols of respiratory secretions in patients with known or suspected influenza.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/pregnant.htm
The CDC is recommending that pregnant women who will likely be in direct contact with patients with confirmed, probable, or suspected influenza A (H1N1) (e.g., a nurse, physician, or respiratory therapist caring for hospitalized patients), should consider reassignment to lower-risk activities, such as telephone triage.
If reassignment is not possible, pregnant women should avoid participating in procedures that may generate increased small-particle aerosols of respiratory secretions in patients with known or suspected influenza.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/pregnant.htm
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Avoid seafood high in mercury
Seafood can be a great source of protein and iron, and the omega-3 fatty acids in many fish can help promote your baby's brain development. In fact, research suggests that skimping on seafood during pregnancy may contribute to poor verbal skills, behavioral problems and other developmental issues during childhood. However, some fish and shellfish contain potentially dangerous levels of mercury. Too much mercury may damage your baby's developing nervous system.
The bigger and older the fish, the more mercury it may contain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourage pregnant women to avoid:
* Swordfish
* Shark
* King mackerel
* Tilefish
So what's safe? Some types of seafood contain little mercury. Although concerns have been raised about the level of mercury in any type of canned tuna, the FDA and EPA say pregnant women can safely eat up to 12 ounces (340 grams) a week or two average-sized portions of:
* Shrimp
* Canned light tuna (limit albacore tuna and tuna steak to no more than 6 ounces or 170 grams a week)
* Salmon
* Pollock
* Catfish
* Cod
Avoid raw, undercooked or contaminated seafood
To avoid ingesting harmful bacteria or viruses:
* Avoid raw fish and shellfish. It's especially important to avoid oysters and clams.
* Avoid refrigerated smoked seafood, such as lox. It's OK to eat smoked seafood if it's an ingredient in a casserole or other cooked dish. Canned and shelf-stable versions also are safe.
* Understand local fish advisories. If you eat fish from local waters, pay attention to local fish advisories — especially if water pollution is a concern. Larger game fish contaminated with chemical pollutants may potentially harm a developing baby. If advice isn't available, limit the amount of fish from local waters you eat to 6 ounces (170 grams) a week and don't eat other fish that week.
* Cook seafood properly. Cook most fish to an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). The fish is done when it separates into flakes and appears opaque throughout. Cook shrimp, lobster and scallops until they're milky white. Cook clams, mussels and oysters until their shells open. Discard any that don't open.
Avoid undercooked meat, poultry and eggs
During pregnancy, changes in your metabolism and circulation may increase the risk of bacterial food poisoning. Your reaction may be more severe than if you weren't pregnant. Rarely, your baby may get sick, too.
To prevent food-borne illness:
* Fully cook all meats and poultry before eating. Look for the juices to run clear, but use a meat thermometer to make sure.
* Cook hot dogs and warm processed deli meats, such as bologna, until they're steaming hot — or avoid them completely. They can be sources of a rare but potentially serious food-borne illness known as listeriosis.
* Avoid refrigerated pates and meat spreads. Canned and shelf-stable versions, however, are OK.
* Don't buy raw poultry that's been pre-stuffed. Raw juice that mixes with the stuffing can cause bacterial growth. Frozen poultry that's been pre-stuffed is safe when cooked from its frozen state.
* Cook eggs until the egg yolks and whites are firm. Raw eggs can be contaminated with the harmful bacteria salmonella. Avoid foods made with raw or partially cooked eggs, such as eggnog and hollandaise sauce.
Avoid unpasteurized foods
Many low-fat dairy products — such as skim milk, mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese — can be a healthy part of your diet. But anything containing unpasteurized milk is a no-no. These products may lead to food-borne illness.
Unless these soft cheeses are clearly labeled as being made with pasteurized milk, don't eat:
* Brie
* Feta
* Camembert
* Blue cheese
* Mexican-style cheeses, such as queso blanco, queso fresco and panela
Also, avoid drinking unpasteurized juice.
Avoid unwashed fruits and vegetables
To eliminate any harmful bacteria, thoroughly wash all raw fruits and vegetables and cut away damaged portions. Avoid raw sprouts of any kind — including alfalfa, clover, radish and mung bean — which also may contain disease-causing bacteria.
Avoid large quantities of liver
Liver is OK during pregnancy, but don't overdo it. Liver is high in vitamin A, and too much vitamin A may cause birth defects.
Avoid excess caffeine
Caffeine can cross the placenta and affect your baby's heart rate. Some studies suggest that drinking too much caffeine may be associated with a small decrease in birth weight or an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. In fact, a large 2008 study suggests that 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day — about a 12-ounce cup (354 milliliters) of brewed coffee — during pregnancy may slow fetal growth.
Because of the potential effects on your developing baby, your health care provider may recommend limiting the amount of caffeine in your diet to less than 200 mg a day during pregnancy.
Avoid herbal tea
Although herbal tea may be soothing, avoid it unless your health care provider says it's OK — even the types of herbal tea marketed specifically to pregnant women. There's little data on the effects of specific herbs on developing babies. And large amounts of some herbal teas, such as red raspberry leaf, may cause contractions.
Avoid alcohol
One drink isn't likely to hurt your baby, but no level of alcohol has been proved safe during pregnancy. The safest bet is to avoid alcohol entirely.
Consider the risks. Mothers who drink alcohol have a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Too much alcohol during pregnancy may result in fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause facial deformities, heart problems, low birth weight and mental retardation. Even moderate drinking can impact your baby's brain development.
If you're concerned because you drank alcohol before you knew you were pregnant or you think you need help to stop drinking, talk with your health care provider.
Seafood can be a great source of protein and iron, and the omega-3 fatty acids in many fish can help promote your baby's brain development. In fact, research suggests that skimping on seafood during pregnancy may contribute to poor verbal skills, behavioral problems and other developmental issues during childhood. However, some fish and shellfish contain potentially dangerous levels of mercury. Too much mercury may damage your baby's developing nervous system.
The bigger and older the fish, the more mercury it may contain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourage pregnant women to avoid:
* Swordfish
* Shark
* King mackerel
* Tilefish
So what's safe? Some types of seafood contain little mercury. Although concerns have been raised about the level of mercury in any type of canned tuna, the FDA and EPA say pregnant women can safely eat up to 12 ounces (340 grams) a week or two average-sized portions of:
* Shrimp
* Canned light tuna (limit albacore tuna and tuna steak to no more than 6 ounces or 170 grams a week)
* Salmon
* Pollock
* Catfish
* Cod
Avoid raw, undercooked or contaminated seafood
To avoid ingesting harmful bacteria or viruses:
* Avoid raw fish and shellfish. It's especially important to avoid oysters and clams.
* Avoid refrigerated smoked seafood, such as lox. It's OK to eat smoked seafood if it's an ingredient in a casserole or other cooked dish. Canned and shelf-stable versions also are safe.
* Understand local fish advisories. If you eat fish from local waters, pay attention to local fish advisories — especially if water pollution is a concern. Larger game fish contaminated with chemical pollutants may potentially harm a developing baby. If advice isn't available, limit the amount of fish from local waters you eat to 6 ounces (170 grams) a week and don't eat other fish that week.
* Cook seafood properly. Cook most fish to an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). The fish is done when it separates into flakes and appears opaque throughout. Cook shrimp, lobster and scallops until they're milky white. Cook clams, mussels and oysters until their shells open. Discard any that don't open.
Avoid undercooked meat, poultry and eggs
During pregnancy, changes in your metabolism and circulation may increase the risk of bacterial food poisoning. Your reaction may be more severe than if you weren't pregnant. Rarely, your baby may get sick, too.
To prevent food-borne illness:
* Fully cook all meats and poultry before eating. Look for the juices to run clear, but use a meat thermometer to make sure.
* Cook hot dogs and warm processed deli meats, such as bologna, until they're steaming hot — or avoid them completely. They can be sources of a rare but potentially serious food-borne illness known as listeriosis.
* Avoid refrigerated pates and meat spreads. Canned and shelf-stable versions, however, are OK.
* Don't buy raw poultry that's been pre-stuffed. Raw juice that mixes with the stuffing can cause bacterial growth. Frozen poultry that's been pre-stuffed is safe when cooked from its frozen state.
* Cook eggs until the egg yolks and whites are firm. Raw eggs can be contaminated with the harmful bacteria salmonella. Avoid foods made with raw or partially cooked eggs, such as eggnog and hollandaise sauce.
Avoid unpasteurized foods
Many low-fat dairy products — such as skim milk, mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese — can be a healthy part of your diet. But anything containing unpasteurized milk is a no-no. These products may lead to food-borne illness.
Unless these soft cheeses are clearly labeled as being made with pasteurized milk, don't eat:
* Brie
* Feta
* Camembert
* Blue cheese
* Mexican-style cheeses, such as queso blanco, queso fresco and panela
Also, avoid drinking unpasteurized juice.
Avoid unwashed fruits and vegetables
To eliminate any harmful bacteria, thoroughly wash all raw fruits and vegetables and cut away damaged portions. Avoid raw sprouts of any kind — including alfalfa, clover, radish and mung bean — which also may contain disease-causing bacteria.
Avoid large quantities of liver
Liver is OK during pregnancy, but don't overdo it. Liver is high in vitamin A, and too much vitamin A may cause birth defects.
Avoid excess caffeine
Caffeine can cross the placenta and affect your baby's heart rate. Some studies suggest that drinking too much caffeine may be associated with a small decrease in birth weight or an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. In fact, a large 2008 study suggests that 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day — about a 12-ounce cup (354 milliliters) of brewed coffee — during pregnancy may slow fetal growth.
Because of the potential effects on your developing baby, your health care provider may recommend limiting the amount of caffeine in your diet to less than 200 mg a day during pregnancy.
Avoid herbal tea
Although herbal tea may be soothing, avoid it unless your health care provider says it's OK — even the types of herbal tea marketed specifically to pregnant women. There's little data on the effects of specific herbs on developing babies. And large amounts of some herbal teas, such as red raspberry leaf, may cause contractions.
Avoid alcohol
One drink isn't likely to hurt your baby, but no level of alcohol has been proved safe during pregnancy. The safest bet is to avoid alcohol entirely.
Consider the risks. Mothers who drink alcohol have a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Too much alcohol during pregnancy may result in fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause facial deformities, heart problems, low birth weight and mental retardation. Even moderate drinking can impact your baby's brain development.
If you're concerned because you drank alcohol before you knew you were pregnant or you think you need help to stop drinking, talk with your health care provider.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Folic Acid & Pregnancy
Having a healthy baby means making sure the mother is healthy too.
One of the most important things you can do to help prevent serious birth defects in your baby is to get enough folic acid every day — especially before conception and during early pregnancy.
What Is Folic Acid?
Folic acid, sometimes called folate, is a B vitamin (B9) found mostly in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, orange juice, and enriched grains. Repeated studies have shown that women who get 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) daily prior to conception and during early pregnancy reduce the risk that their baby will be born with a serious neural tube defect (a birth defect involving incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord) by up to 70%.
The most common neural tube defects are spina bifida (an incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column), anencephaly (severe underdevelopment of the brain), and encephalocele (when brain tissue protrudes out to the skin from an abnormal opening in the skull). All of these defects occur during the first 28 days of pregnancy — usually before a woman even knows she's pregnant.
That's why it's so important for all women of childbearing age to get enough folic acid — not just those who are planning to become pregnant. Only 50% of pregnancies are planned, so any woman who could become pregnant should make sure she's getting enough folic acid.
Doctors and scientists still aren't completely sure why folic acid has such a profound effect on the prevention of neural tube defects, but they do know that this vitamin is crucial in the development of DNA. As a result, folic acid plays a large role in cell growth and development, as well as tissue formation.
Getting Enough Folic Acid
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all women of childbearing age — and especially those who are planning a pregnancy — consume about 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid every day. Adequate folic acid intake is very important before conception and at least 3 months afterward to potentially reduce the risk of having a fetus with a neural tube defect.
So, how can you make sure you're getting enough folic acid? In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandated that folic acid be added to enriched grain products — so you can boost your intake by looking for breakfast cereals, breads, pastas, and rice containing 100% of the recommended daily folic acid allowance. But for most women, eating fortified foods isn't enough. To reach the recommended daily level, you'll probably need a vitamin supplement.
During pregnancy, you require more of all of the essential nutrients than you did before you became pregnant. Although prenatal vitamins shouldn't replace a well-balanced diet, taking them can give your body — and, therefore, your baby — an added boost of vitamins and minerals. Some health care providers even recommend taking a folic acid supplement in addition to your regular prenatal vitamin. Talk to your doctor about your daily folic acid intake and ask whether he or she recommends a prescription supplement, an over-the-counter brand, or both.
Also talk to your doctor if you've already had a pregnancy that was affected by a neural tube defect. He or she may recommend that you increase your daily intake of folic acid (even before getting pregnant) to lower your risk of having another occurrence.
One of the most important things you can do to help prevent serious birth defects in your baby is to get enough folic acid every day — especially before conception and during early pregnancy.
What Is Folic Acid?
Folic acid, sometimes called folate, is a B vitamin (B9) found mostly in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, orange juice, and enriched grains. Repeated studies have shown that women who get 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) daily prior to conception and during early pregnancy reduce the risk that their baby will be born with a serious neural tube defect (a birth defect involving incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord) by up to 70%.
The most common neural tube defects are spina bifida (an incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column), anencephaly (severe underdevelopment of the brain), and encephalocele (when brain tissue protrudes out to the skin from an abnormal opening in the skull). All of these defects occur during the first 28 days of pregnancy — usually before a woman even knows she's pregnant.
That's why it's so important for all women of childbearing age to get enough folic acid — not just those who are planning to become pregnant. Only 50% of pregnancies are planned, so any woman who could become pregnant should make sure she's getting enough folic acid.
Doctors and scientists still aren't completely sure why folic acid has such a profound effect on the prevention of neural tube defects, but they do know that this vitamin is crucial in the development of DNA. As a result, folic acid plays a large role in cell growth and development, as well as tissue formation.
Getting Enough Folic Acid
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all women of childbearing age — and especially those who are planning a pregnancy — consume about 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid every day. Adequate folic acid intake is very important before conception and at least 3 months afterward to potentially reduce the risk of having a fetus with a neural tube defect.
So, how can you make sure you're getting enough folic acid? In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandated that folic acid be added to enriched grain products — so you can boost your intake by looking for breakfast cereals, breads, pastas, and rice containing 100% of the recommended daily folic acid allowance. But for most women, eating fortified foods isn't enough. To reach the recommended daily level, you'll probably need a vitamin supplement.
During pregnancy, you require more of all of the essential nutrients than you did before you became pregnant. Although prenatal vitamins shouldn't replace a well-balanced diet, taking them can give your body — and, therefore, your baby — an added boost of vitamins and minerals. Some health care providers even recommend taking a folic acid supplement in addition to your regular prenatal vitamin. Talk to your doctor about your daily folic acid intake and ask whether he or she recommends a prescription supplement, an over-the-counter brand, or both.
Also talk to your doctor if you've already had a pregnancy that was affected by a neural tube defect. He or she may recommend that you increase your daily intake of folic acid (even before getting pregnant) to lower your risk of having another occurrence.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
BIOTIN
Biotin aids in the utilization of protein and other nutrients. It aids in cell growth and fatty acid production. It promotes the health of sweat glands, nerve tissue, bone marrow, male sex glands, blood cells, skin and hair. It helps with some forms of baldness, and has been used in preventative treatments for baldness. It prevents the hair from turning prematurely gray. It alleviates eczema and dermatitis. It alleviates muscle pain. Biotin may help reduce blood sugar levels in people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May lead to extreme exhaustion, drowsiness, muscle pain, loss of appetite, depression, grayish skin color.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May lead to extreme exhaustion, drowsiness, muscle pain, loss of appetite, depression, grayish skin color.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Lecithin
Why lecithin is good for you
Lecithin is a fatty substance which is found in high concentrations in the cell membrane (phospholipid). Every living cell of the body requires lecithin because of its requirement in creating cell membranes. Lecithin is both water and oil soluble and regulates the movement of fats and nutrients entering and leaving the cell.
Lecithin is required for a whole range of body functions, including infant and foetal development and as an aid in reproduction, is essential in keeping the liver and gall bladder healthy and for heart health.
The body uses lecithin both for the proper formation of bile (the body's main emulsifying compound), and as an emulsifying agent itself. Lecithin helps the body use and absorb fat-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K.
Lecithin is an important precursor to the main neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which plays an important role in memory and muscles control. Myelin sheaths that protect the brain, spine and thousands of nerves in the body are almost two-thirds lecithin.
Soy lecithin, a constituent included in most processed and packaged foods is included as a natural emulsifier or stabiliser, is extracted during the processing of soybean oil. It promotes solidity in margarines and gives a consistent texture to salad dressing and other creamy products.
The body produces its own lecithin in the liver.
Important lecithin facts
* The brain consists of 30% lecithin
* Lecithin is an excellent source of the vitamin B cofactor, choline (choline is part of the lecithin molecule)
* Around 20% of the lecithin found in plants and natural foods consists of phosphatidylcholine
* Choline is so vital in infant development that all baby formula must contain this nutrient
* Lecithin is a phospholipid, which is part of cell membranes
* Lecithin granules contain higher concentrations of phosphatidylcholine
* Lecithin is a good source of linolenic acid
CAUTIONS
* People with bipolar disorder and depression - should not use lecithin as it can worse then depressive stage of the illness
* People with any psychiatric condition - should get medical advice before taking lecithin
Lecithin is a fatty substance which is found in high concentrations in the cell membrane (phospholipid). Every living cell of the body requires lecithin because of its requirement in creating cell membranes. Lecithin is both water and oil soluble and regulates the movement of fats and nutrients entering and leaving the cell.
Lecithin is required for a whole range of body functions, including infant and foetal development and as an aid in reproduction, is essential in keeping the liver and gall bladder healthy and for heart health.
The body uses lecithin both for the proper formation of bile (the body's main emulsifying compound), and as an emulsifying agent itself. Lecithin helps the body use and absorb fat-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K.
Lecithin is an important precursor to the main neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which plays an important role in memory and muscles control. Myelin sheaths that protect the brain, spine and thousands of nerves in the body are almost two-thirds lecithin.
Soy lecithin, a constituent included in most processed and packaged foods is included as a natural emulsifier or stabiliser, is extracted during the processing of soybean oil. It promotes solidity in margarines and gives a consistent texture to salad dressing and other creamy products.
The body produces its own lecithin in the liver.
Important lecithin facts
* The brain consists of 30% lecithin
* Lecithin is an excellent source of the vitamin B cofactor, choline (choline is part of the lecithin molecule)
* Around 20% of the lecithin found in plants and natural foods consists of phosphatidylcholine
* Choline is so vital in infant development that all baby formula must contain this nutrient
* Lecithin is a phospholipid, which is part of cell membranes
* Lecithin granules contain higher concentrations of phosphatidylcholine
* Lecithin is a good source of linolenic acid
CAUTIONS
* People with bipolar disorder and depression - should not use lecithin as it can worse then depressive stage of the illness
* People with any psychiatric condition - should get medical advice before taking lecithin
Friday, April 17, 2009
What affects calcium absorption and excretion?
Calcium absorption refers to the amount of calcium that is absorbed from the digestive tract into our body's circulation. Calcium absorption can be affected by the calcium status of the body, vitamin D status, age, pregnancy and plant substances in the diet. The amount of calcium consumed at one time such as in a meal can also affect absorption. For example, the efficiency of calcium absorption decreases as the amount of calcium consumed at a meal increases.
Age:
Net calcium absorption can be as high as 60% in infants and young children, when the body needs calcium to build strong bones. Absorption slowly decreases to 15-20% in adulthood and even more as one ages . Because calcium absorption declines with age, recommendations for dietary intake of calcium are higher for adults ages 51 and over.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D helps improve calcium absorption. Your body can obtain vitamin D from food and it can also make vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Thus, adequate vitamin D intake from food and sun exposure is essential to bone health.
Pregnancy:
Current calcium recommendations for nonpregnant women are also sufficient for pregnant women because intestinal calcium absorption increases during pregnancy. For this reason, the calcium recommendations established for pregnant women are not different than the recommendations for women who are not pregnant.
Plant substances:
Phytic acid and oxalic acid, which are found naturally in some plants, may bind to calcium and prevent it from being absorbed optimally. These substances affect the absorption of calcium from the plant itself not the calcium found in other calcium-containing foods eaten at the same time . Examples of foods high in oxalic acid are spinach, collard greens, sweet potatoes, rhubarb, and beans. Foods high in phytic acid include whole grain bread, beans, seeds, nuts, grains, and soy isolates. Although soybeans are high in phytic acid, the calcium present in soybeans is still partially absorbed. Fiber, particularly from wheat bran, could also prevent calcium absorption because of its content of phytate. However, the effect of fiber on calcium absorption is more of a concern for individuals with low calcium intakes. The average American tends to consume much less fiber per day than the level that would be needed to affect calcium absorption.
Calcium excretion refers to the amount of calcium eliminated from the body in urine, feces and sweat. Calcium excretion can be affected by many factors including dietary sodium, protein, caffeine and potassium.
Sodium and protein:
Typically, dietary sodium and protein increase calcium excretion as the amount of their intake is increased. However, if a high protein, high sodium food also contains calcium, this may help counteract the loss of calcium.
Potassium:
Increasing dietary potassium intake (such as from 7-8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day) in the presence of a high sodium diet (>5100 mg/day, which is more than twice the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 2300 mg for sodium per day) may help decrease calcium excretion particularly in postmenopausal women.
Caffeine:
Caffeine has a small effect on calcium absorption. It can temporarily increase calcium excretion and may modestly decrease calcium absorption, an effect easily offset by increasing calcium consumption in the diet. One cup of regular brewed coffee causes a loss of only 2-3 mg of calcium easily offset by adding a tablespoon of milk. Moderate caffeine consumption, (1 cup of coffee or 2 cups of tea per day), in young women who have adequate calcium intakes has little to no negative effects on their bones.
Other factors:
Phosphorus: The effect of dietary phosphorus on calcium is minimal. Some researchers speculate that the detrimental effects of consuming foods high in phosphate such as carbonated soft drinks is due to the replacement of milk with soda rather than the phosphate level itself.
Alcohol: Alcohol can affect calcium status by reducing the intestinal absorption of calcium. It can also inhibit enzymes in the liver that help convert vitamin D to its active form which in turn reduces calcium absorption. However, the amount of alcohol required to affect calcium absorption is unknown. Evidence is currently conflicting whether moderate alcohol consumption is helpful or harmful to bone.
In summary, a variety of factors that may cause a decrease in calcium absorption and/or increase in calcium excretion may negatively affect bone health.
Age:
Net calcium absorption can be as high as 60% in infants and young children, when the body needs calcium to build strong bones. Absorption slowly decreases to 15-20% in adulthood and even more as one ages . Because calcium absorption declines with age, recommendations for dietary intake of calcium are higher for adults ages 51 and over.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D helps improve calcium absorption. Your body can obtain vitamin D from food and it can also make vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Thus, adequate vitamin D intake from food and sun exposure is essential to bone health.
Pregnancy:
Current calcium recommendations for nonpregnant women are also sufficient for pregnant women because intestinal calcium absorption increases during pregnancy. For this reason, the calcium recommendations established for pregnant women are not different than the recommendations for women who are not pregnant.
Plant substances:
Phytic acid and oxalic acid, which are found naturally in some plants, may bind to calcium and prevent it from being absorbed optimally. These substances affect the absorption of calcium from the plant itself not the calcium found in other calcium-containing foods eaten at the same time . Examples of foods high in oxalic acid are spinach, collard greens, sweet potatoes, rhubarb, and beans. Foods high in phytic acid include whole grain bread, beans, seeds, nuts, grains, and soy isolates. Although soybeans are high in phytic acid, the calcium present in soybeans is still partially absorbed. Fiber, particularly from wheat bran, could also prevent calcium absorption because of its content of phytate. However, the effect of fiber on calcium absorption is more of a concern for individuals with low calcium intakes. The average American tends to consume much less fiber per day than the level that would be needed to affect calcium absorption.
Calcium excretion refers to the amount of calcium eliminated from the body in urine, feces and sweat. Calcium excretion can be affected by many factors including dietary sodium, protein, caffeine and potassium.
Sodium and protein:
Typically, dietary sodium and protein increase calcium excretion as the amount of their intake is increased. However, if a high protein, high sodium food also contains calcium, this may help counteract the loss of calcium.
Potassium:
Increasing dietary potassium intake (such as from 7-8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day) in the presence of a high sodium diet (>5100 mg/day, which is more than twice the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 2300 mg for sodium per day) may help decrease calcium excretion particularly in postmenopausal women.
Caffeine:
Caffeine has a small effect on calcium absorption. It can temporarily increase calcium excretion and may modestly decrease calcium absorption, an effect easily offset by increasing calcium consumption in the diet. One cup of regular brewed coffee causes a loss of only 2-3 mg of calcium easily offset by adding a tablespoon of milk. Moderate caffeine consumption, (1 cup of coffee or 2 cups of tea per day), in young women who have adequate calcium intakes has little to no negative effects on their bones.
Other factors:
Phosphorus: The effect of dietary phosphorus on calcium is minimal. Some researchers speculate that the detrimental effects of consuming foods high in phosphate such as carbonated soft drinks is due to the replacement of milk with soda rather than the phosphate level itself.
Alcohol: Alcohol can affect calcium status by reducing the intestinal absorption of calcium. It can also inhibit enzymes in the liver that help convert vitamin D to its active form which in turn reduces calcium absorption. However, the amount of alcohol required to affect calcium absorption is unknown. Evidence is currently conflicting whether moderate alcohol consumption is helpful or harmful to bone.
In summary, a variety of factors that may cause a decrease in calcium absorption and/or increase in calcium excretion may negatively affect bone health.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Low cholesterol
Nowadays, cholesterol is becoming a real threat to many people. The main reason behind this is that people tend to consume more products that are rich in saturated fats, such as whole milk dairy products, poultry, and egg yolks.
Additionally, most people also rely on food chains for their daily diet or perhaps on processed foods, especially if their schedule is too hectic to accommodate home cooking. So if you are one of these people who love to eat these kinds of foods, it’s time to reassess your diet and start eating a low-cholesterol diet.
The low-cholesterol diet is a diet low in saturated fat, which helps lower your cholesterol level and protect you from various heart diseases. The foods that should be included in this diet are fat-free dairy products, lean meats, fish and shellfish, skinless poultry, and whole-grain foods. Fresh fruits and green vegetables, especially when combined with large quantities of olive oil and monostaturates, should also be included because these are rich in vitamins and minerals that are good for your body and reduce your risk for high cholesterol. In addition to these, certain foods that contain plant stanols or plant sterols such as cholesterol-lowering margarines and salad dressings can also be added to your diet to boost your body’s LDL-lowering power.
Meanwhile, foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats should only be eaten in moderation. If possible, these should not be included in your diet. Avoid liver and other organ meats, egg yolks, full-fat dairy products, high-fat processed meats, and fried foods. Limiting the intake of these foods can greatly reduce your cholesterol levels and decrease your chances of developing heart disease, as well as protect you from future heart attacks.
A simple low-cholesterol diet is a big help to you, but only if you observe and follow these guidelines regularly. Remember that your health is in your hands.
Additionally, most people also rely on food chains for their daily diet or perhaps on processed foods, especially if their schedule is too hectic to accommodate home cooking. So if you are one of these people who love to eat these kinds of foods, it’s time to reassess your diet and start eating a low-cholesterol diet.
The low-cholesterol diet is a diet low in saturated fat, which helps lower your cholesterol level and protect you from various heart diseases. The foods that should be included in this diet are fat-free dairy products, lean meats, fish and shellfish, skinless poultry, and whole-grain foods. Fresh fruits and green vegetables, especially when combined with large quantities of olive oil and monostaturates, should also be included because these are rich in vitamins and minerals that are good for your body and reduce your risk for high cholesterol. In addition to these, certain foods that contain plant stanols or plant sterols such as cholesterol-lowering margarines and salad dressings can also be added to your diet to boost your body’s LDL-lowering power.
Meanwhile, foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats should only be eaten in moderation. If possible, these should not be included in your diet. Avoid liver and other organ meats, egg yolks, full-fat dairy products, high-fat processed meats, and fried foods. Limiting the intake of these foods can greatly reduce your cholesterol levels and decrease your chances of developing heart disease, as well as protect you from future heart attacks.
A simple low-cholesterol diet is a big help to you, but only if you observe and follow these guidelines regularly. Remember that your health is in your hands.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Good Protein
What is Protein?
Proteins are the basic units of the body which are required for nutrition, growth and repair, and affect a huge number of metabolic, enzyme and chemical processes that occur inside the body.
Protein Composed of Amino Acids
Protein actually consists of smaller units called amino acids, which link together in a variety of differing combinations to perform differing functions. Some amino acid chains are created by the body, but some - essential amino acids - must come from outside the body from food. Although all animal and plant cells contain some protein, the amount and the quality of the protein varies considerably.
Best Protein Food Choices Are Proteins Low in Saturates
Protein may come in many forms, but the better type of protein is low in saturated fat. Good protein choices include: fish, lean beef, lean ham, egg whites, whole eggs, chicken breast, turkey breast, pulses, beans, nuts, seeds, soy products and vegetarian protein foods such as quorn and seitan.
How Much Protein Do We Need in Our Diet?
Assuming you choose nutritious protein, low in saturated fat, you can eat anything between 10 and 20 percent of your calories in the form of protein, although according to government guidelines you should not eat less than 45g of protein (adult females) or 55.5g (adult males).
In practice, eating a variety of foods every day is all you need to do in order to ensure an adequate protein intake.
Proteins are the basic units of the body which are required for nutrition, growth and repair, and affect a huge number of metabolic, enzyme and chemical processes that occur inside the body.
Protein Composed of Amino Acids
Protein actually consists of smaller units called amino acids, which link together in a variety of differing combinations to perform differing functions. Some amino acid chains are created by the body, but some - essential amino acids - must come from outside the body from food. Although all animal and plant cells contain some protein, the amount and the quality of the protein varies considerably.
Best Protein Food Choices Are Proteins Low in Saturates
Protein may come in many forms, but the better type of protein is low in saturated fat. Good protein choices include: fish, lean beef, lean ham, egg whites, whole eggs, chicken breast, turkey breast, pulses, beans, nuts, seeds, soy products and vegetarian protein foods such as quorn and seitan.
How Much Protein Do We Need in Our Diet?
Assuming you choose nutritious protein, low in saturated fat, you can eat anything between 10 and 20 percent of your calories in the form of protein, although according to government guidelines you should not eat less than 45g of protein (adult females) or 55.5g (adult males).
In practice, eating a variety of foods every day is all you need to do in order to ensure an adequate protein intake.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine
The Origin of Chinese Medicine
It began in China over four thousand years ago. But its methods have no geographic bounds. Today, it is practiced the world over. Chinese herbs do not only come from China, they come from everywhere.
The oldest known book about Chinese Medicine is The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic. It was compiled before 200 BC. It's a summary of medical ideas and techniques that were in use long before the second century BC.
Today, Chinese Medicine has expanded far beyond the Inner Classic. Countless variations and innovations have appeared. But some principles are unchanging. These root principles, such as yin and yang, describe natural laws, the laws your body must ultimately obey. These root principles endow Chinese Medicine with a unique knowledge making it, in some ways, far more evolved than modern technological medicine.
Qi and Blood - It's all about Flow
Chinese medicine is about qi. We study where it comes from, where it goes, and how it flows. Your body is nourished by, cleansed by, and dependent on flows. Think of your qi as all your body's energies, electrical, chemical, magnetic, and radiant.
Matter and energy, (flesh and qi), are governed by natural law. Natural forces such as gravity, time, inertia, friction, yin, and yang, all affect us, inside and out.
Qi must flow. Movement shows that qi exists. Warmth shows that qi is present.
There are many kinds of qi. There's qi of the channels and qi of the collateral channels, protective qi, digestive qi, central qi, and original qi. There's normal qi and perverse qi, kidney qi and lung qi and liver qi (every organ has its own qi).
Qi and blood nourish the body. Qi moves the blood, and blood is mother of the qi.
Normal flows of qi and blood are the basics of good health. When they are abundant and flowing, we are well. When blood or qi is weak or stuck, we become ill.
Theory of Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang describe change.
Yin and Yang refer to the sides of a mountain.
In the morning, one side is in shade, the other in sunlight.
Later in the day, the sides have reversed.
Dark becomes light and light becomes dark.
Nature is like this, forever changing, undulating. In time, Yang turns to Yin. Yin predictably becomes Yang.
Change is certain, a basic law of nature you can count on, like gravity.
Yang and Yin support one another as they oppose each other. There is always yin within yang and yang within yin. You simply can' t have one without the other.
We see the body and its disharmonies in changing shades of Yin and Yang. This helps to understand where events come from and where they are going to.
This helps to understand the disease and the patient.
Theory of the Organs (Zhang and Fu)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the internal organs have the same familiar names as those we know - heart, liver, kidney etc. However in TCM these 'organs' include more than the flesh and blood of the viscera. Some of the organs also perform tasks which are not perceived by current instrumentation or understood in the West.
As Chinese medicine is largely about energy (qi), many of the organs involve the production, circulation, and storage of energy. To the Chinese doctor, the normal biological function of an organs is often secondary to how the organ is functioning in the creation or circulation of Qi. When the qi is normal, the organ will behave normally.
Chinese medical theory groups the organs into Yin/ Yang pairs. The Yin organs - the heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and liver are called the Zang are considered most important, structurally solid, and primarily responsible for the creation and storage of Qi and Blood.
The Yang organs, large intestine, small intestine, stomach, gall bladder, and urinary bladder are called the Fu and are considered less important. They are the hollow organs, responsible mainly for digestion transportation, and elimination.
There is another pair of organs which have energetic functions, yet have no physical reality. These are referred to as the Pericardium and Triple-Heater.
The Five Elements - Relationships of the Organs
A Storm in the Mountains and the Valley is Flooded
Parts of the body are interdependent. The heart depends on the lungs for oxygen. If the kidneys don't work, all the organs suffer. The Five Elements help us understand these relationships. According to this principle, there exist five elemental types. They are known as Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood.
Each type corresponds to a major organ system. Fire corresponds to the Heart, Earth the Spleen, Metal the Lungs, Water the Kidneys, and Wood to the Liver. Each type also has a characteristic taste, color, body odor, or emotion. Some of these correspondences are:
1 - Fire/Red/Heart/Joy/Bitter/Scorched (acrid)
2 - Earth/Yellow/Stomach/Spleen/Worry/Sweet/Fragrant
3 - Metal/White/Lungs/Grief/Hot/Fleshy
4 - Water/Black/Kidneys/Fear/Salty/Putrid
5 - Wood/Green/Liver/Anger/Sour/Rancid
Each element relates to the other according to two cycles of influence- the generating cycle (clockwise) and the checking cycle. Disharmony in one element will create disharmony in others according to these cycles.
The 8 Principles: Pathogenic Yin/Yang Pairs (Disease Factors)
Another way to see disharmony is according to the Eight Principles. These are four Yin / Yang conditions that assess the nature and location of the disharmony. Then, the treatment plan is usually simple - strengthen what is weak, cool the hot, moisten the dry, and so forth. These pairs are:
EXCESS/ DEFICIENT (shi/xu) Simply put, too much or too little. These terms describe both the disease and the patient. Sudden illness is excess. Chronic illness suggests deficiency. Symptoms of excess are stronger or more pronounced than those caused by deficiency. A severe sore throat suggests wind-heat excess (viral), while a persistent scratchy throat implies heat cause by a deficiency of coolness (yin).
INSIDE/ OUTSIDE (interior/exterior) Does the disharmony originate inside the body, or is it invading from the exterior? Diseases caused by deficiency, emotion, or stagnation are Interior. Airborne viruses, bacterial infections, or other pestilential diseases are Exterior. Exterior diseases can penetrate the body and become Interior disease.
HOT/ COLD People can be hot and cold. And just as it can be hot in Miami and cold in Siberia, the Liver can be hot while the Kidney is cold. Disease can also be called hot or cold according to the way it affects the body.
DAMP/ DRY Because life loves water, excessive dampness inside the body helps microscopic life such as bacteria, virus, fungus, etc to breed. Because your body is a whole world, you can have damp-heat in the south (a bladder infection) and dry conditions in the north (dandruff) Swollen tissue, excess phlegm or other fluids are also examples dampness. Dryness indicates a scarcity of fluids. Causes of dryness are Blood or Yin deficiency. Excessive heat scorches the yin fluids and leads to dryness. Prolonged exposure to dry weather will cause dryness inside the body as well.
The Five Emotions
Emotions mingle in the mind/body with countless other currents. They affect the flow and rhythm of our organism by influencing the qi. The qi directly affects the organs.
When emotions are intense, they change our body in profound ways. The emotions correspond to the organs and the five elements. For example,
Joy (or a lack of it) is associated with the Heart (fire),
sadness (over contemplation) the Spleen/Stomach (earth),
grief the Lungs (metal),
fear the Kidneys (water),
anger the Liver (wood).
Strong emotions pervert the qi to create disease. Fear or anger lead to constraint of qi, which results in depression, stagnation, and a multitude of physical ailments.
It began in China over four thousand years ago. But its methods have no geographic bounds. Today, it is practiced the world over. Chinese herbs do not only come from China, they come from everywhere.
The oldest known book about Chinese Medicine is The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic. It was compiled before 200 BC. It's a summary of medical ideas and techniques that were in use long before the second century BC.
Today, Chinese Medicine has expanded far beyond the Inner Classic. Countless variations and innovations have appeared. But some principles are unchanging. These root principles, such as yin and yang, describe natural laws, the laws your body must ultimately obey. These root principles endow Chinese Medicine with a unique knowledge making it, in some ways, far more evolved than modern technological medicine.
Qi and Blood - It's all about Flow
Chinese medicine is about qi. We study where it comes from, where it goes, and how it flows. Your body is nourished by, cleansed by, and dependent on flows. Think of your qi as all your body's energies, electrical, chemical, magnetic, and radiant.
Matter and energy, (flesh and qi), are governed by natural law. Natural forces such as gravity, time, inertia, friction, yin, and yang, all affect us, inside and out.
Qi must flow. Movement shows that qi exists. Warmth shows that qi is present.
There are many kinds of qi. There's qi of the channels and qi of the collateral channels, protective qi, digestive qi, central qi, and original qi. There's normal qi and perverse qi, kidney qi and lung qi and liver qi (every organ has its own qi).
Qi and blood nourish the body. Qi moves the blood, and blood is mother of the qi.
Normal flows of qi and blood are the basics of good health. When they are abundant and flowing, we are well. When blood or qi is weak or stuck, we become ill.
Theory of Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang describe change.
Yin and Yang refer to the sides of a mountain.
In the morning, one side is in shade, the other in sunlight.
Later in the day, the sides have reversed.
Dark becomes light and light becomes dark.
Nature is like this, forever changing, undulating. In time, Yang turns to Yin. Yin predictably becomes Yang.
Change is certain, a basic law of nature you can count on, like gravity.
Yang and Yin support one another as they oppose each other. There is always yin within yang and yang within yin. You simply can' t have one without the other.
We see the body and its disharmonies in changing shades of Yin and Yang. This helps to understand where events come from and where they are going to.
This helps to understand the disease and the patient.
Theory of the Organs (Zhang and Fu)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the internal organs have the same familiar names as those we know - heart, liver, kidney etc. However in TCM these 'organs' include more than the flesh and blood of the viscera. Some of the organs also perform tasks which are not perceived by current instrumentation or understood in the West.
As Chinese medicine is largely about energy (qi), many of the organs involve the production, circulation, and storage of energy. To the Chinese doctor, the normal biological function of an organs is often secondary to how the organ is functioning in the creation or circulation of Qi. When the qi is normal, the organ will behave normally.
Chinese medical theory groups the organs into Yin/ Yang pairs. The Yin organs - the heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and liver are called the Zang are considered most important, structurally solid, and primarily responsible for the creation and storage of Qi and Blood.
The Yang organs, large intestine, small intestine, stomach, gall bladder, and urinary bladder are called the Fu and are considered less important. They are the hollow organs, responsible mainly for digestion transportation, and elimination.
There is another pair of organs which have energetic functions, yet have no physical reality. These are referred to as the Pericardium and Triple-Heater.
The Five Elements - Relationships of the Organs
A Storm in the Mountains and the Valley is Flooded
Parts of the body are interdependent. The heart depends on the lungs for oxygen. If the kidneys don't work, all the organs suffer. The Five Elements help us understand these relationships. According to this principle, there exist five elemental types. They are known as Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood.
Each type corresponds to a major organ system. Fire corresponds to the Heart, Earth the Spleen, Metal the Lungs, Water the Kidneys, and Wood to the Liver. Each type also has a characteristic taste, color, body odor, or emotion. Some of these correspondences are:
1 - Fire/Red/Heart/Joy/Bitter/Scorched (acrid)
2 - Earth/Yellow/Stomach/Spleen/Worry/Sweet/Fragrant
3 - Metal/White/Lungs/Grief/Hot/Fleshy
4 - Water/Black/Kidneys/Fear/Salty/Putrid
5 - Wood/Green/Liver/Anger/Sour/Rancid
Each element relates to the other according to two cycles of influence- the generating cycle (clockwise) and the checking cycle. Disharmony in one element will create disharmony in others according to these cycles.
The 8 Principles: Pathogenic Yin/Yang Pairs (Disease Factors)
Another way to see disharmony is according to the Eight Principles. These are four Yin / Yang conditions that assess the nature and location of the disharmony. Then, the treatment plan is usually simple - strengthen what is weak, cool the hot, moisten the dry, and so forth. These pairs are:
EXCESS/ DEFICIENT (shi/xu) Simply put, too much or too little. These terms describe both the disease and the patient. Sudden illness is excess. Chronic illness suggests deficiency. Symptoms of excess are stronger or more pronounced than those caused by deficiency. A severe sore throat suggests wind-heat excess (viral), while a persistent scratchy throat implies heat cause by a deficiency of coolness (yin).
INSIDE/ OUTSIDE (interior/exterior) Does the disharmony originate inside the body, or is it invading from the exterior? Diseases caused by deficiency, emotion, or stagnation are Interior. Airborne viruses, bacterial infections, or other pestilential diseases are Exterior. Exterior diseases can penetrate the body and become Interior disease.
HOT/ COLD People can be hot and cold. And just as it can be hot in Miami and cold in Siberia, the Liver can be hot while the Kidney is cold. Disease can also be called hot or cold according to the way it affects the body.
DAMP/ DRY Because life loves water, excessive dampness inside the body helps microscopic life such as bacteria, virus, fungus, etc to breed. Because your body is a whole world, you can have damp-heat in the south (a bladder infection) and dry conditions in the north (dandruff) Swollen tissue, excess phlegm or other fluids are also examples dampness. Dryness indicates a scarcity of fluids. Causes of dryness are Blood or Yin deficiency. Excessive heat scorches the yin fluids and leads to dryness. Prolonged exposure to dry weather will cause dryness inside the body as well.
The Five Emotions
Emotions mingle in the mind/body with countless other currents. They affect the flow and rhythm of our organism by influencing the qi. The qi directly affects the organs.
When emotions are intense, they change our body in profound ways. The emotions correspond to the organs and the five elements. For example,
Joy (or a lack of it) is associated with the Heart (fire),
sadness (over contemplation) the Spleen/Stomach (earth),
grief the Lungs (metal),
fear the Kidneys (water),
anger the Liver (wood).
Strong emotions pervert the qi to create disease. Fear or anger lead to constraint of qi, which results in depression, stagnation, and a multitude of physical ailments.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
'Miracle fruit' turns sour things sweet.
(CNN) -- The small fruit has the color of a cranberry, the shape of an almond and tastes like a flavorless gummy.
The "miracle fruit" makes acidic foods, such as lemons and grapefruits, sweet and candy-like.
The "miracle fruit" makes acidic foods, such as lemons and grapefruits, sweet and candy-like.
But after chewing the fruit and rubbing the pulp against the tongue, the berry, known by a promising name -- "miracle fruit" or Synsepalum dulcificum -- releases a sweetening potency that alters the taste buds.
For about 15 to 30 minutes, everything sour is sweet.
Read more here
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/25/miracle.berries.weightloss/index.html
The "miracle fruit" makes acidic foods, such as lemons and grapefruits, sweet and candy-like.
The "miracle fruit" makes acidic foods, such as lemons and grapefruits, sweet and candy-like.
But after chewing the fruit and rubbing the pulp against the tongue, the berry, known by a promising name -- "miracle fruit" or Synsepalum dulcificum -- releases a sweetening potency that alters the taste buds.
For about 15 to 30 minutes, everything sour is sweet.
Read more here
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/25/miracle.berries.weightloss/index.html
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Most Commonly Known Antioxidants
Most Commonly Known Antioxidants:
- Vitamin A and Carotenoids
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Selenium
Can be found in:
Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots, citrus fruits like oranges and lime etc, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes, nuts & seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and liver oil, fish & shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic
What's Vitamin A for?
* Vital for vision, particularly night vision
* Repairs tissue and bone
* Involved in reproduction and fetal development
* Helps the immune system to fight off infections from bacteria and viruses
What's Vitamin C for?
* Protects against the harmful effects of free radicals (an antioxidant)
* Assists in the formation of collagen, which is important for the health of blood vessels and gums, development of bones and teeth, and wound healing
* Helps resist infection, preventing and treating the common cold
* Has been found to decrease risk of cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and other diseases
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. It existed in various forms; alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of Vitamin E in our bodies. Alpha-tocopherol is a powerful antioxidant, protecting us from free radical damage. Free radical damage is often thought to contribute to the development of cancer and heart disease.
Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables.
Selenium
Because it boosts the body's antioxidant capacity, selenium is thought to have some ability to control cell damage that may lead to cancer. Selenium may even act in other ways to stop early cancer cells in their development. A recent study also suggested that selenium may enhance immune function, at least in those healthy adults with relatively low blood selenium. So far based on the evidence of animal and epidemiological studies, the role of selenium and cancer is probably the most significant for prostate cancer.
- Vitamin A and Carotenoids
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Selenium
Can be found in:
Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots, citrus fruits like oranges and lime etc, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes, nuts & seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and liver oil, fish & shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic
What's Vitamin A for?
* Vital for vision, particularly night vision
* Repairs tissue and bone
* Involved in reproduction and fetal development
* Helps the immune system to fight off infections from bacteria and viruses
What's Vitamin C for?
* Protects against the harmful effects of free radicals (an antioxidant)
* Assists in the formation of collagen, which is important for the health of blood vessels and gums, development of bones and teeth, and wound healing
* Helps resist infection, preventing and treating the common cold
* Has been found to decrease risk of cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and other diseases
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. It existed in various forms; alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of Vitamin E in our bodies. Alpha-tocopherol is a powerful antioxidant, protecting us from free radical damage. Free radical damage is often thought to contribute to the development of cancer and heart disease.
Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables.
Selenium
Because it boosts the body's antioxidant capacity, selenium is thought to have some ability to control cell damage that may lead to cancer. Selenium may even act in other ways to stop early cancer cells in their development. A recent study also suggested that selenium may enhance immune function, at least in those healthy adults with relatively low blood selenium. So far based on the evidence of animal and epidemiological studies, the role of selenium and cancer is probably the most significant for prostate cancer.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Fish may be brain food for teenage boys
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Teenage boys who regularly eat fish may be doing their brains some good, a new study suggests.
Swedish researchers found that among nearly 5,000 15-year-old boys they surveyed, those who ate fish more than once per week tended to score higher on intelligence tests three years later.
The findings, published in the journal Acta Pediatrica, add to evidence that fish may indeed be brain food.
Researchers believe that the omega-3 fats found in fish -- particularly oily fish like salmon, mackerel and, to a lesser extent, albacore tuna -- are important to early brain development and to maintaining healthy brain function throughout life.
Past studies have found, for instance, that children whose mothers who ate fish regularly during pregnancy tend to have higher intelligence scores than their peers, and older fish-eaters have been shown to have a lower risk of cognitive impairment.
The new study appears to be the first large-scale one to look at the effects of fish on teenagers' intelligence, lead researcher Dr. Maria Aberg, of Goteborg University, told Reuters Health.
This is important, she explained, because the late-teens are a critical period for the brain "plasticity" that underlies intelligence and emotional and social behavior. Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize the connections among cells in response to normal experience, like learning a new skill, or to injury.
The findings are based on data from 4,792 male adolescents who completed detailed questionnaires on diet and lifestyle when they were 15 years old, then underwent standard intelligence tests when they were 18.
On average, Aberg's team found, those who ate fish more than once per week scored higher than those who ate fish less than weekly. This remained true when the researchers accounted for several other factors that influence both children's diets and their intelligence scores -- like parents' education levels and the family's socioeconomic status.
"These findings are significant," Aberg said, "because the study was carried out between the ages of 15 and 18, when educational achievements can help to shape the rest of a young man's life."
It's too soon to make specific diet recommendations for teenagers, according to the researcher. "But for the time being," she said, "it appears that including fish in a diet can make a valuable contribution to cognitive performance in male teenagers."
SOURCE: Acta Pediatrica, March 2009.
http://health.yahoo.com/news/reuters/us_fish_boys.html;_ylt=AtTACqiox4yg3uJBDyJ6R0yz5xcB
Swedish researchers found that among nearly 5,000 15-year-old boys they surveyed, those who ate fish more than once per week tended to score higher on intelligence tests three years later.
The findings, published in the journal Acta Pediatrica, add to evidence that fish may indeed be brain food.
Researchers believe that the omega-3 fats found in fish -- particularly oily fish like salmon, mackerel and, to a lesser extent, albacore tuna -- are important to early brain development and to maintaining healthy brain function throughout life.
Past studies have found, for instance, that children whose mothers who ate fish regularly during pregnancy tend to have higher intelligence scores than their peers, and older fish-eaters have been shown to have a lower risk of cognitive impairment.
The new study appears to be the first large-scale one to look at the effects of fish on teenagers' intelligence, lead researcher Dr. Maria Aberg, of Goteborg University, told Reuters Health.
This is important, she explained, because the late-teens are a critical period for the brain "plasticity" that underlies intelligence and emotional and social behavior. Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize the connections among cells in response to normal experience, like learning a new skill, or to injury.
The findings are based on data from 4,792 male adolescents who completed detailed questionnaires on diet and lifestyle when they were 15 years old, then underwent standard intelligence tests when they were 18.
On average, Aberg's team found, those who ate fish more than once per week scored higher than those who ate fish less than weekly. This remained true when the researchers accounted for several other factors that influence both children's diets and their intelligence scores -- like parents' education levels and the family's socioeconomic status.
"These findings are significant," Aberg said, "because the study was carried out between the ages of 15 and 18, when educational achievements can help to shape the rest of a young man's life."
It's too soon to make specific diet recommendations for teenagers, according to the researcher. "But for the time being," she said, "it appears that including fish in a diet can make a valuable contribution to cognitive performance in male teenagers."
SOURCE: Acta Pediatrica, March 2009.
http://health.yahoo.com/news/reuters/us_fish_boys.html;_ylt=AtTACqiox4yg3uJBDyJ6R0yz5xcB
Sunday, March 22, 2009
What does the research say about coffee and health? Is coffee good or bad for me?
Coffee has a long history of being blamed for many ills — from the humorous "It will stunt your growth" to the not-so-humorous claim that it causes heart disease and cancer. But some recent research indicates that coffee may not be so bad after all. So which is it — good or bad for your health? The best answer may be: It doesn't seem to hurt, and it may help.
To get an idea of where the confusion comes from, consider two recent studies. A study of 128,000 men and women showed no increase in the risk of heart disease from drinking filtered coffee. The findings of the study — which published in May 2006 in the journal Circulation — indicated that it didn't matter how much coffee participants drank.
Another study of 4,000 coffee drinkers published in March 2006 in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that two or more cups of coffee a day can increase the risk of heart disease in people with a specific — and fairly common — genetic mutation that slows the breakdown of caffeine in the body.
The design of a study can have some effect on the interpretation of results, which may be another reason for the different conclusions. Overall, given the research reviewed it would be reasonable to conclude that coffee poses little or no threat to healthy adults.
But this doesn't mean you should disregard the old maxim, "Everything in moderation." Although coffee may not be harmful, other beverages such as milk and juice contain important nutrients that coffee does not. Also, keep in mind that there's a difference between plain, black coffee and specialty coffees, such as lattes, and coffee with large amounts of cream, sugar and other accompaniments that add calories and fat. And don't forget about the caffeine. For most people, the caffeine in two to three cups of brewed coffee (roughly 200 to 300 milligrams) isn't harmful. However, heavy daily caffeine use — such as in four to seven cups of coffee — can cause problems such as restlessness, anxiety, irritability, sleeplessness, headaches and other health problems.
Regarding other health effects of coffee, some evidence suggests that drinking coffee may protect against type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. But there is much more evidence of a protective effect from fruits, vegetables and whole grains than from coffee.
To get an idea of where the confusion comes from, consider two recent studies. A study of 128,000 men and women showed no increase in the risk of heart disease from drinking filtered coffee. The findings of the study — which published in May 2006 in the journal Circulation — indicated that it didn't matter how much coffee participants drank.
Another study of 4,000 coffee drinkers published in March 2006 in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that two or more cups of coffee a day can increase the risk of heart disease in people with a specific — and fairly common — genetic mutation that slows the breakdown of caffeine in the body.
The design of a study can have some effect on the interpretation of results, which may be another reason for the different conclusions. Overall, given the research reviewed it would be reasonable to conclude that coffee poses little or no threat to healthy adults.
But this doesn't mean you should disregard the old maxim, "Everything in moderation." Although coffee may not be harmful, other beverages such as milk and juice contain important nutrients that coffee does not. Also, keep in mind that there's a difference between plain, black coffee and specialty coffees, such as lattes, and coffee with large amounts of cream, sugar and other accompaniments that add calories and fat. And don't forget about the caffeine. For most people, the caffeine in two to three cups of brewed coffee (roughly 200 to 300 milligrams) isn't harmful. However, heavy daily caffeine use — such as in four to seven cups of coffee — can cause problems such as restlessness, anxiety, irritability, sleeplessness, headaches and other health problems.
Regarding other health effects of coffee, some evidence suggests that drinking coffee may protect against type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. But there is much more evidence of a protective effect from fruits, vegetables and whole grains than from coffee.
Drink Water On Empty Stomach
It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven a its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth , drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water .....interesting
2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5.. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days
2. Gastric - 10 days
3. Diabetes - 30 days
4. Constipation - 10 days
5. Cancer - 180 days
6. TB - 90 days
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards - daily.
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.
Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .. the Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.
Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
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