tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13450118316058111592024-03-18T12:28:50.905-07:00My Aching KneesHelping painful knees and joints through NutritionUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger472125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-49154473551636062172017-06-20T11:33:00.001-07:002017-06-20T11:33:33.756-07:00Harvard Doctor Say's Supplements Are Dangerous <span style="color: blue;">The original article posted by Business Insider, was titled </span><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/supplements-more-dangerous-other-processed-160000289.html" target="_new"><span style="color: blue;">"Supplements are more dangerous than other processed foods, according to a Harvard doctor</span></a><span style="color: blue;">". And I'd say "Yep, you are right if you buy cheap, non-regulated supplements that give no guarantee of potency (meaning what is on the label is in the tablet); purity (lack of toxins or non-intended ingredients); and bio-availability (disintegrates in the gut).</span> <br />
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On the back of virtually any bottle of supplements are two words that strike fear into the heart of Pieter Cohen. The words are printed inside a small square on the back of the bottle beneath bold lettering which claims to list the supplement's ingredients: "Proprietary blend." Under the protective umbrella of these two words, a supplement maker does not have to list all of the details of what's in its product, according to Cohen, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. <br />
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This "allows companies to put in ingredients without telling us the amounts," says Cohen, who spoke on a recent panel put on by The Forum, an event series organized by the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. "And those tend to be the higher-risk product." The risks can be serious. Several supplements have been linked with an increase in certain cancers; others have been tied to an elevated risk of kidney stones. Although this research has been widely published, supplements continue to send roughly 20,000 people to the emergency room every year. <br />
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Cohen likes to compare the safety framework for supplements with that for food. "In food," says Cohen, "they have to meet what's known as the "generally recognized as safe," or GRAS, standard. That’s not the standard for ingredients introduced to supplements. The standard is not anywhere near that level of scrutiny." <br />
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There are some laws regulating dietary supplements, however. In 1994, Congress established the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) to address the labeling and safety of supplements, and several more recent regulations mandate that manufacturers observe what are known as "good manufacturing practices," or GMPs, including ingredient testing. <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: Taking supplements that are manufactuered under food grade GMP's don't guarantee you are getting what's on the label; nor if the product is fre of toxins. How many foods, including baby foods, have you see re-calls on? I'll tell you one thing - knowing what I know know, starting this journey of a healthy lifestyle relatively late in my life, I would not consume most of the products off the shelfs of stores,..and I would never, ever take fish oil supplements that were not manufactured by under pharamceutical grade processes.</span> <br />
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Under the DSHEA, ingredients listed under the "proprietary blend" category don't have to include information about individual amounts of ingredients in that category. Instead, they only have to list the total amount and list the ingredients within the "blend" in order by their weight.
This can be a huge problem when it comes to dosages, as certain amounts of the listed ingredients could have dangerous side effects or negative interactions with prescription drugs.
"From a regulatory perspective they’re all presumed to be safe but the reality is many people….are harmed by supplements," says Cohen.
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<span style="color: grey;"> For Information on the Products I recommend, <a href="http://myachingjointsandknees.blogspot.com/2010/02/contact-me-or-correspond-with-me.html" target="_new">click here</a>, to contact me.</span></center>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-70150426853748831062017-05-09T12:00:00.002-07:002017-05-09T12:00:40.633-07:0010 Cancers That Can Show No Signs or Symptoms<span style="color: blue;">My wife and several friends of mine are cancer patients. My sister recently died from cancer, so the early detection of cancer is important to me. In the past several years researchers in the Medical community have been driven to consider that many types of cancer are not genetic - that they may likely be caused or at least fueled by the environment and our lifestyles. I certainly believe that. I believe that eating poorly, lack of nutrients in our diets, and a daily exposure to toxins contribute significantly to cancers. Sugar, of course, feeds cancer - a moron could figure that out once they get a PET/CT scan where a sugar drink is introduced to the body and detected in the cancer cells during the scan. If you want to spend the last years of your life dying slowly while being pumped full of chemo - then continue your poor lifestyle.</span> <br />
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Article from the fitness Cheat Sheet, titled "Silent Killers! 10 Cancers That Can Show No Signs or Symptoms". <br />
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While you may think visiting the doctor yearly and getting your routine check-up should be enough to prevent cancers of all types, the truth is that many cancers can be tough to catch early no matter the preventative measures taken. Eating nutritious foods, knowing your family history, and getting plenty of physical activity is a great start for preventing cancer. But knowing exactly what signs and symptoms to look out for, even if you think your health and lifestyle is top-notch, can be life-saving. <br />
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Some cancers in particular can be difficult to detect — the American Cancer Society explains the signs and symptoms depend on the location of the cancer itself, how large the area is, and if the cancer has spread. Some cancers fail to show any symptoms until they have grown or spread, or the symptoms that are shown may easily be mistaken for symptoms of something else (fever, fatigue, and weight loss can be common in this case). The following 10 cancers can be particularly hard to detect because of their lack of symptoms early on, so continue to receive check-ups annually and know your family history in case you’re more susceptible to any that are listed. <br />
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<strong>1. Pancreatic cancer.</strong> <br />
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The pancreas itself is a small organ that rests within the abdomen, and in general, its uses vary from helping with the digestion of food to secreting hormones that help with maintaining proper blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult to diagnose because many people don’t experience symptoms during the early stages. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, there are also no reliable tests for people who may have this cancer if there are no symptoms present.<br />
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Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer include pain in the upper abdomen or upper back, the swelling of extremities due to a blood clot, bloated stomach, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, chills, fever, and weight loss. Because pancreatic cancer prevents the body from properly digesting fats, those with the disease may have abnormal stool. Many of these symptoms could easily be seen as a bad stomach virus setting in or even the flu, though, thus making the beginning stages of pancreatic cancer very difficult to detect.<br />
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When the cancer begins to spread, jaundice is a common sign, and it can be seen in both the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Fluid in the abdomen and early-onset diabetes are also more advanced signs of the disease.<br />
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<strong>2. Prostate cancer.</strong><br />
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Prostate cancer and other diseases related to the prostate are becoming more prevalent in American men; about one in eight men will develop prostate cancer, and 50% of these cases will occur in men over the age of 50. Prostate Advocates Aiding Choices in Treatments explains prostate cancer can be incredibly difficult to detect because of its general lack of symptoms, and by the time signs are noticeable, the cancer has most likely spread to the bone, where it then becomes much more difficult to treat.<br />
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The prostate itself is a gland located at the base of the bladder and around the urethra, and it produces the fluid for sperm. Because the symptoms for prostate cancer and benign prostate enlargement are so similar and become a more common occurrence with age, many men commonly ignore these slight indicators. Some signs to look out for include urinary tract infections and a weak urine stream, blood in the urine, erectile dysfunction, and back pain. If you’re aware that you have a family history of the disease, then watching for these symptoms is crucial, and working to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake as you age can also help to avoid prostate irritation.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees comment: I take a Saw Palmetto product. Lycopene's, good source would be tomato's, are also thought to be good for prostate health. My PSA used to 3.9 until I got a handle on things and now the last score was 0.7</span><br />
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<strong>3. Bladder cancer.</strong><br />
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While bladder cancer also does not come with a long list of noticeable symptoms, it’s also not a very well-known or heavily discussed disease, which makes it all the more dangerous. According to the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, about 70,000 cases of this disease are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. This cancer is also more likely to occur in older adults, and the exposure to tobacco, industrial solvents, paints, and paint thinners raises this risk.
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The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, but that’s about it. You may also notice a more frequent need to urinate <strong>or</strong> painful urination as well. Signs like pain in the midsection or the bones in the bladder area indicate it’s already spread. If bladder cancer is in your family history and you experience blood in your urine, it is important to check with an urologist to ensure that you are cancer-free.<br />
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<strong>4. Colon cancer.</strong><br />
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Most people are aware blood in the stool is a common symptom of colon cancer, but what makes this type of cancer a silent killer is the fact that this blood does not always appear as the bright red color you may expect. Colorectal cancer arises from a tumor forming in the inner wall of the large intestine says MedicineNet, and most cases form from polyps, which are growths on the inner lining of the colon. Because there are often no symptoms associated with the very early signs of colon cancer, removing any known polyps can greatly reduce your risk of cancer development.<br />
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As for symptoms of colon cancer, the most common is having blood in the stool that is dark, black, or tarry, according to Men’s Health. Having blood in your stool does not automatically mean cancer, however; it can also mean you have a bleeding ulcer or ulcerative colitis. Abdominal pain, weight loss, and a loss of appetite can also signify colon cancer.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees comment: The intake of dietary fiber is important for colon health. Ensure you are getting your daily amount,..plus some. I do the easy thing, I take a fiber mix in my morning protein shakes, that way I leave the house having already consumed about 80% of my daily needs.</span> <br />
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<strong>5. Testicular cancer.</strong><br />
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The scary thing about testicular cancer is it’s just as likely to affect men between the ages of 20 and 45 as it is older males, says the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Testicular cancer typically develops in the germ cells, which are sperm-producing cells. While these cancerous tumors typically grow within the testicles, they can also grow near the spine or between the lungs. While testicular cancer sounds daunting, the good news is that it is almost always curable if detected early, and it is typically still treatable even when it hits a later stage.<br />
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Some men do not experience many noticeable symptoms at all in the early stages of testicular cancer, but there are a few hallmark signs to look out for and notice if they are to arise. One of the first signs is usually a small lump on the testicle or enlargement of the testicle itself. Though this lump may be no larger than a pea, it’s important to get it checked by a doctor just in case, even if you do not experience any pain or tenderness. Testicular cancer may also cause unevenness in the size of the testicles as well, or an ache in the lower abdomen or groin area.<br />
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<strong>6. Kidney cancer.</strong><br />
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Kidney cancer may not be a type you hear about as frequently as others, but UCLA Health says it affects thousands of men and women each year. If diagnosed early, the chances of survival increase, but once the disease has advanced into later stages, it can be very difficult to treat. The tricky thing, though, is there often aren’t many symptoms early on.<br />
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It’s possible to experience pain between the upper abs and back on the side where the cancer is located, and it’s also possible to experience flu-like symptoms, fever, rapid weight loss, and fatigue. Unfortunately, most people do not experience any signs or symptoms until the cancer has reached a more serious stage. When the cancer progresses, blood can be found in the urine, but even that can be hard to spot with your own eyes. If you do detect blood in your urine, you should contact your doctor to get it checked out.<br />
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<strong>7. Stomach cancer.</strong> <br />
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We’re all familiar with stomach pain and nausea, but few of us ever consider frequent bouts of gastric pain may actually be related to stomach cancer. According to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, there are actually four different types of stomach cancer. Most cases start within the cells of the innermost stomach lining, and in the early stages, there are often no symptoms.<br />
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Some people do experience some stomach pain and nausea with this cancer, but because the symptoms match those of common bugs, many will not seek medical help. There is one peculiar symptom worth noting: a feeling of being extremely full, even after only eating a small meal. Others experience a lack of appetite and accompanying weight loss or heartburn. If you notice these symptoms and you’re over the age of 55, then it’s a good idea to ask your doctor about screening. <br />
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<strong>8. Ovarian cancer.</strong> <br />
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While men don’t have to worry about this type of cancer, women should be extra vigilant in knowing even the smallest symptoms indicating early ovarian cancer. When abnormal cells in the ovaries begin to multiply out of control, tumors can form and spread to other areas of the body, says Healthline. While there are some symptoms associated with ovarian cancer, they can come and go and are very similar to symptoms for less serious illnesses.<br />
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Early symptoms for this disease include abdominal pain and bloating, difficulty eating in general, and an increase in urination. Heartburn, constipation, back pain, menstrual irregularities, and painful intercourse are also associated with ovarian cancer, but again, these symptoms alone may lead you to believe something else is amiss. It’s important to remember these symptoms will persist if cancer is the cause.<br />
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While yearly visits to the doctor can often keep you healthy, ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect because there isn’t routine diagnostic screening. That being said, pelvic exams can help doctors find any irregularities. <br />
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<strong>9. Liver cancer.</strong> <br />
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The liver’s function is to filter the blood, so in the case of liver cancer, cancer cells from elsewhere in the body can actually lodge themselves in the liver and grow. The Canadian Liver Foundation says cancers can sometimes begin in the gut and then spread to the liver this way. Liver cancer can also start in the organ itself. Once the disease hits the later stages, it can then spread to other parts of the liver.<br />
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In the early stages of liver cancer, there are nearly no symptoms, and those that are present are ones you could attribute to other illnesses. Weight loss, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain may occur. There’s good news for those who have a healthy liver, though — it’s rare to develop the disease out of the blue. But for those who have chronic liver disease, it’s worth being really in tune to these symptoms. <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees comment: Having abused motrin for decades and having been on anti-fungal medicine about 25 years ago, I am concerned about my liver health and now take a daily product for the health of my liver. My liver function scores have increased. I get those tests every time I get a yearly blood test......you should too. </span> <br />
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<strong>10. Vaginal cancer.</strong><br />
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This type of cancer is rare, but because it has so few symptoms that can easily be ignored, it’s worth mentioning. According to Mayo Clinic, vaginal cancer can occur in multiple ways. The most common type of vaginal cancer starts in the thin, flat cells that line the vagina’s surface, but it can also start in the pigment-producing cells or the connective tissue cells.<br />
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Most women who develop vaginal cancer don’t have symptoms early on, but as the cancer progresses, there are certain signs to look out for. Unusual vaginal bleeding may occur, and this can happen after intercourse or menopause. You may also feel a lump in your vagina and have painful, frequent urination.
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<span style="color: grey;"> For Information on the Products I recommend, <a href="http://myachingjointsandknees.blogspot.com/2010/02/contact-me-or-correspond-with-me.html" target="_new">click here</a>, to contact me.</span></center>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-54843459026294008742017-04-09T08:14:00.003-07:002017-04-09T08:14:52.592-07:0010 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease<div abp="3622">
<span abp="3623" style="color: blue;">Article is from VeryWell. I found it after reaching loss of memory or memory changes</span><span abp="3626" style="color: blue;"> trying to find information for a friend of mine who is concerned at 65 years old that he is experiencing the beginnings of Alzheimer's Disease. He has complained to me about having a foggy memory for people and their names, misplacing things and other common daily occurrences that I believe are fairly normal. I have told him about the necessity of taking daily nutritional supplements to ensure he gets all the nutrients his body needs as well as the optimizers for brain cognitive function such as Vitamin D and Omega 3 essential fatty acids...but some people are just resistant to taking supplements. "They don't work"...."I've tried them before without benefit"..........."I don't like taking pills" - except of course for their prescription medications which sometimes cause huge side effects. I always respond - "I understand how you feel,..I felt the same way, until I discovered that there is a difference in quality and by taking quality supplements you can not only insure you are getting the nutrients your body needs on a daily basis, but it can enable your body to fight of degenerative diseases."</span> </div>
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<strong abp="3629">1. Memory Changes</strong> </div>
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Wondering if you should be concerned about Alzheimer's or another type of dementia? If you observe any of these 10 classic warning signs (as noted by the Alzheimer's Association), you should contact your physician. Why? Two reasons:
1) Those symptoms could be a sign of a condition that resembles dementia but could be potentially reversed if identified and treated.
2) There are many benefits to early detection of dementia.
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The first and most common warning sign is memory loss that interferes with daily life. This includes repeated requests for the same information, increased reliance on written notes or family members, and more difficulty with remembering recent events or information.
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What it's not: Occasionally forgetting where you placed the car keys.
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While memory loss is often what comes to mind when we think of Alzheimer's disease, there are nine other warning signs that are just as important.</div>
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<strong abp="3640">2. Withdrawal From Usual Activities</strong> </div>
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Apathy, lack of interest, and withdrawal from people and activities around you can be indicative of early dementia. Examples include no longer following a favorite sports team, being apathetic about spending time with treasured grandchildren, giving up knitting or woodworking, and skipping the monthly get-togethers with good friends.</div>
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What it's not: Needing a longer break between activities or occasionally feeling overloaded with obligations
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<strong abp="3647">3. Disorientation to Time or Place</strong></div>
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If you've ever awakened from a deep sleep and couldn't immediately determine the day, time or location, you've experienced disorientation. Magnify that many times over and you've got one of the warning signs of Alzheimer's. Disorientation includes an inability to determine what season or year it is, your location, or why you're in that location. As Alzheimer's progresses, it's not uncommon for the person to believe she's many years younger than she is due to an unawareness of time passing.</div>
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What it's not: Wondering what day it is and figuring it out by checking the calendar.</div>
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<strong abp="3654">4. Visual-Spatial Difficulties</strong></div>
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Visual-spatial changes are another warning sign of dementia. This includes difficulty with depth perception and distances, recognition of familiar faces or objects and interpretation of the images that we see. Activities including navigating stairs, climbing into a bathtub, finding your way home, or reading a book may become more difficult. </div>
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What it's not: Vision changes due to macular degeneration or cataracts.
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<strong abp="3661">5. Decrease in Written or Verbal Communication Ability</strong> </div>
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Do you often find yourself trying to come up with the right word and have to settle for saying "the thing you cook food on" because the word "stove" just won't come to you? Maybe you've always been a good writer and recently, you're noticing that you can't get your thoughts down on paper very well. A change in communication ability serves as a warning sign of dementia.</div>
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What it's not: Occasional inability to find the right word.
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<strong abp="3668">6. Challenges in Problem-Solving and Planning</strong></div>
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Maybe your memory seems fine to you, but balancing your checkbook and getting the bills paid on time has become much harder lately. Or you've always been a good cook, but the multiple steps in recipes don't seem to make sense anymore. Even making coffee in the morning takes longer to figure out. These activities involve executive functioning, an ability that typically declines in dementia. If you notice these changes in yourself or someone you love, contact your physician for an assessment.
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What it's not: One or two mistakes in your math calculations.</div>
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<strong abp="3675">7. Personality and Mood Changes</strong></div>
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Has your normally easy-going father become irritable and fearful lately? Maybe he accused you of helping him clean his house just so you could take his money or steal his favorite treasures. Or, he had a catastrophic reaction when you drove him to the store and they had moved the bread to a different aisle. If he's always been temperamental or ornery, it's unlikely that this is related to his cognitive functioning. However, a change over the last several months in his usual mood and behavior is a warning sign that his brain may be experiencing some changes, and he should be evaluated for dementia.
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What it's not: Becoming a little more "set in your ways" and disliking changes.</div>
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<strong abp="3682">8. Misplacing Items Frequently</strong></div>
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Know someone who struggles to keep track of things? In dementia, this is exponentially increased. Not only might things be misplaced, but the process of looking for the item by retracing her steps is much more difficult. The person with dementia may become frustrated because "someone" put her eye glasses in the freezer or "took" her purse. Not only can she not find her shoes, she has no recollection as to how they got in the oven.
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What it's not: Losing your keys and them later remembering you set them down on the piano to answer your phone.</div>
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<strong abp="3689">9. Decline in Judgment</strong> </div>
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If you've noticed a pattern of poor judgment lately in your loved one, it's time to schedule an appointment with a physician. Perhaps it's repeatedly getting taken by phone scams and giving money away, or your normally neatly-groomed mother often looks disheveled and needs a shower. You might also notice that she is not appropriately dressed for the weather.</div>
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What it's not: The occasional questionable decision with which a loved one disagrees.</div>
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<strong abp="3696">10. Getting lost on your way home from the local grocery store, an inability to perform the job you've had for 20 years, or difficulty making your signature grilled cheese are warning signs of Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia.</strong>
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It's important to recognize that this isn't referring to attempting to learn something new, such as a new computer system, but rather is a change in ability to complete a task you've always been able to perform until now.</div>
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What it's not: Difficulty in figuring out and using the new television remote control.</div>
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For more information please visit the <a abp="3805" href="http://www.alz.org/" target="_blank">Alzheimer's Association</a></div>
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<span abp="3706" style="color: grey;">For Information on the Products I recommend, <a abp="3707" href="http://myachingjointsandknees.blogspot.com/2010/02/contact-me-or-correspond-with-me.html" target="_new">click here</a>, to contact me.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-11435311920587935662017-03-27T08:15:00.002-07:002017-03-27T08:16:58.575-07:0010 Conditions That Look Like ADHD, but Are Actually Something ElseArticle on <a href="http://www.cheatsheet.com/health-fitness/conditions-with-symptoms-that-mimic-adhd.html/" target="_new">ADHD from the Cheat Sheet</a>. Which goes on to say: Can’t seem to stay focused at work? You could have ADHD. Or, perhaps it’s something else. While ADHD is often associated with an inability to pay attention, it’s possible this behavior could signal a variety of conditions. If you need a quick refresher on what adult ADHD looks like, check out our list of symptoms here. And if it’s not this disorder, consider the alternatives. Here are 10 conditions that bear an uncanny resemblance. <br />
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<strong>1. Bipolar disorder</strong> <br />
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It’s no surprise bipolar disorder and ADHD are sometimes confused with one another, as there are many similarities between the two. According to Healthline, ADHD and bipolar disorder share a handful of symptoms, including mood instability, restlessness, and impatience.<br />
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An important distinction between the two, though, is the age at which symptoms begin. ADHD starts during childhood, whereas bipolar disorder typically develops after the age of 18. Additionally, mood swings can come and go within 20 to 30 minutes for a person with ADHD. People with bipolar disorder, however, can experience shifts in mood lasting for hours, even days.<br />
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<strong>2. Epilepsy</strong><br />
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It may seem like epilepsy would be easy to spot, as some people with the condition experience extreme seizures. Others, however, experience epilepsy in a different, less severe manner. For instance, absence seizures, short periods of blanking out due to abnormal brain activity, can sometimes go undetected. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, a person who experiences absence seizures often stares into space for less than a minute, which can appear as nothing more than daydreaming.<br />
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Because absence seizures don’t necessarily raise a huge red flag, a person can live with them for years without knowing. At times, they won’t realize someone is talking to them. This unawareness of what’s going on around them can be confused with a lack of focus or inability to pay attention, similar to what those with ADHD experience.<br />
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<strong>3. Anxiety</strong><br />
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Surprisingly, an anxiety disorder can easily present itself as ADHD. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Excessive worrying can also disrupt social activities and interfere with work or family matters, much like ADHD.
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<strong>4. Thyroid conditions</strong><br />
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Your thyroid has a big job to do, as it’s responsible for keeping your body working properly. And if you’re familiar with the common signs of an over- or underactive thyroid, it’s clear to see how easy it’d be to mistake a thyroid condition for ADHD. For instance, EndocrineWeb lists the following as symptoms of hyperthyroidism: anxiety, moodiness, and hyperactivity. Symptoms of hypothyroidism, on the other hand, include difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and depression. All of these are symptoms are also seen in those with ADHD.<br />
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<strong>5. Sensory processing disorder</strong><br />
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According to the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder, when a person has the condition, his or her sensory signals are not detected or don’t organize into appropriate responses. Neuroscientist and occupational therapist pioneer A. Jean Ayres gave the best description of sensory processing disorder, saying it can be described as a neurological “traffic jam.”<br />
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While more common in children, it’s possible adults can have the condition, as well. The STAR Institute says adults with SPD “may have difficulty performing routines and activities involved in work, close relationships, and recreation.” Additionally, they may report struggles with depression, underachievement, and social isolation. Sounds strikingly like ADHD, doesn’t it?<br />
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<strong>6. Sleep conditions</strong><br />
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A lack of proper sleep can really throw a wrench in your overall productivity for the day. Just think about the morning following a night of restless sleep: It’s likely you’re overly tired and unable to pay attention to the task at hand. According to Verywell, sleep disturbances, which can include sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, can result in hyperactivity, irritability, and impaired learning.<br />
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In the case of restless leg syndrome, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports people with the condition often have trouble with their job, personal relations, and other daily activities. Once again, it’s easy to see how this could be mistaken for ADHD.<br />
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<strong>7. Central auditory processing disorder</strong><br />
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While this condition may coincide with ADHD, ADDitude says some evidence suggests central auditory processing disorder can also occur separately from ADHD. A person with CADP misinterprets what and how another person says something. And no, this doesn’t give you an excuse to ignore your partner when he or she interrupts you during a big game.<br />
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Interestingly enough, one school of thought suggests whether or not someone receives either diagnosis could depend on the type of specialist they saw. An audiologist may be more likely to diagnose CAPD, while a psychologist may be more familiar with ADHD. Symptoms the two share, include trouble remembering information presented orally, difficulty following directions, and poor listening skills.<br />
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<strong>8. Asperger syndrome</strong><br />
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People with Asperger syndrome are often considered high functioning, and tend to have more difficulty socially than professionally. According to Autism Speaks, a person who has Asperger’s may struggle with social interactions or exhibit a restricted range of interest.<br />
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Although the two conditions may initially seem fairy different, it turns out they’re not always so far apart. True, people with Asperger’s may demonstrate awkward behavior in social situations, whereas those with ADHD may be overly active, but Autism Speaks says the symptoms are often confused. “Indeed, many persons affected by Asperger syndrome are initially diagnosed with ADHD until it becomes clear that their difficulties stem more from an inability to socialize than an inability to focus their attention,” the organization explains.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: Really? Aspergers? You had to go there? There are less than 200,000 cases per year in the United States.</span>
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<strong>9. Obsessive compulsive disorder</strong><br />
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Even though OCD and ADHD are different from one another, they can appear quite similar in some cases. The International OCD Foundation notes that, although they’re associated with different patterns of brain activity, the symptoms can overlap. In particular, cognitive effects for both include response inhibition, switching tasks, and working memory.<br />
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There are, however, important distinctions between the two. For starters, ADHD affects how a person outwardly relates to his or her environment. OCD, on the other hand, affects a person internally, as their response to anxiety is to turn inward. Hallmark signs of ADHD include inattention, lack of impulse control, and risky behaviors. Hallmark signs of OCD, in contrast, include obsessive thoughts, a more inhibited temperament, and avoidance of risky situations.<br />
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<strong>10. Depression</strong><br />
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By now, you’re familiar with common signs of ADHD. So, you won’t be too surprised to hear the condition is sometimes mistaken for depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression include feeling helpless, restless, and finding it difficult to concentrate. Sounds awfully familiar.
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As with any medical condition, it’s important to discuss all symptoms with your doctor, along with family history. A misdiagnosis could be more common than you think.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: I would think that if anybody has been diagnosed with ADHD, before you would accept being prescribed the common ADHD medications such as in the Methylphenidate, Dextroamphetamine, Atomoxetine or Guanfacine classes (they just sound bad right?) and the possible side effects of taking those, that a person would try to see if changing their lifestyle as it pertains to nutrition would help. Although I would recommend a quality daily nutritional supplement, Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids, and a Vitamin D booster, the other half of the equation has to be eliminating or greatly reducing the intake of high glycemic foods. Several Moms I know have had good results with this approach - 1 - not accepting the ADHD label on their kid; 2 - putting them on quality daily nutritional and Omega 3 supplements, and 3 - stop feeding them pop tarts, bagel with cream cheese and sweetened orange juice and instead giving them whole cereal or steel cut oats and an organic juice not from concentrate.</span>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-49396351392128941342017-03-10T08:09:00.004-08:002017-03-10T08:09:32.933-08:00Unhealthy Eating Is Linked to 400,000 US Deaths per YearThis is an <a href="http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Unhealthy-Eating-Is-Linked-to-400000-US-Deaths-per-Year-Study-20170309-0032.html" target="_new">article that was published by AFP-Reuters </a>and I was surprised to see it.
Numerous studies have found that a healthy diet was not only a matter of choice but also income and education. Unhealthy eating habits can be blamed for more than 400,000 U.S. deaths a year due to heart disease and related illnesses, researchers said Thursday.<br />
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The problem is twofold: U.S. people are eating too much salty, fatty and sugary fare, and not enough fruit, vegetables and whole grains, experts said at a meeting of the American Heart Association in Portland, Oregon. "Low intake of healthy foods such as nuts, vegetables, whole grains and fruits combined with higher intake of unhealthy dietary components, such as salt and trans fat, is a major contributor to deaths from cardiovascular disease in the United States," said lead study author Ashkan Afshin, assistant professor of global health at the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. <br />
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Trans fat has been largely phased out of the food supply, but can still be found in some margarines, biscuits, cookies, frosting and other processed foods.<br />
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The study was based on data from a variety of sources going back to the 1990s, including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. By examining data on U.S. cardiovascular deaths in 2015, researchers found that dietary habits played a role in the deaths of an estimated 222,100 men and 193,400 women.<br />
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If people were to alter their eating habits, many lives could be saved, Afshin said, yet overlooking numerous studies that have found that a healthy diet was not only a matter of choice but also income and education. "Our results show that nearly half of cardiovascular disease deaths in the United States can be prevented by improving diet."<br />
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Obesity reaches higher rates in correlation with poverty, which is associated with lower availability of healthy foods and fewer safe neighborhoods where people can walk and children can play for exercise. For instance, more than 75 percent of African Americans are overweight or obese, compared with 67.2 percent of whites.<br />
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That pattern affects children, too. In 2012, just over 8 percent of African-American children ages 2 to 19 were severely obese, with a BMI above 40, compared with 3.9 percent of white children. About 38 percent of African American children live below the poverty line, while 12 percent of white children do.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: Years ago when my daughter was around 8 or 10 years old, we were driving up a road when my daughter said "I know what you would tell that lady, Daddy." I looked to see who she was talking about and saw a very heavy woman walking up a sidewlk. I asked my daughter "What do you think I would tell her sweetpea?" and my daughter exclaimed "Lady,..two things,...diet and exercise!" I was chagrined and felt my daughter may be getting a perception that I was prejuidiced against heavy people so I had to explain: "I do not dislike heavy people,...to be sure I get mad at them when we I see a 20 something fat Mom with a obese 8 year old - it's the Mom's fault and she is putting major obstacles not to mention the very health of that child in jeopardy. But heavy people (and I'm talking about the obsese) have a greatly reduced quality of life and it's not rocket science to do better. I constantly stress to people the four legged chir of health: </span><br />
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<li><span style="color: blue;">Minimize the high glycemic foods, maximize the intake of whole, low gylcemic foods.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Take quality nutritional supplements because you just cannot get the nutrients you need by eating</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Live a Physical life,...walk, jog, play sports, stretch, do Yoga...do something! </span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Avoid Toxins - from household cleaners to consumable toxins like alcohol and tobacco.</span> </li>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-48223511697847390932017-02-23T13:07:00.000-08:002017-02-23T13:07:03.306-08:00Kidney Damage from Medications<span style="color: blue;">Published on <a href="http://www.news-medical.net/news/20170222/Prolonged-use-of-popular-heartburn-drugs-linked-to-silent-gradual-kidney-damage.aspx" target="_blank">News - Medical Life Sciences site under the title: Prolonged use of popular heartburn drugs linked to silent, gradual kidney damage.</a> And I, for one, am concerned about kidney, and liver disease as well, as I have know several close friends of mine die from either have kidney and/or liver cancer, or have had a kidney removed due to damage. I very seldom drink alcohol and have added a supplement to provide nutritional support to my liver which also helps detoxify and support my body's natural protective processes. Anyone who takes any prescription or OTC medication, or anything condition or symptom, should at a very minimum research the common side effects that can occur and the ramifications on their overall health.</span> <br />
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Taking popular heartburn drugs for prolonged periods has been linked to serious kidney problems, including kidney failure. The sudden onset of kidney problems often serves as a red flag for doctors to discontinue their patients' use of so-called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are sold under the brand names Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium and Protonix, among others. <br />
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But a new study evaluating the use of PPIs in 125,000 patients indicates that more than half of patients who develop chronic kidney damage while taking the drugs don't experience acute kidney problems beforehand, meaning patients may not be aware of a decline in kidney function, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System. Therefore, people who take PPIs, and their doctors, should be more vigilant in monitoring use of these medications.<br />
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<b>The study is published Feb. 22 in Kidney International.</b><br />
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"The onset of acute kidney problems is not a reliable warning sign for clinicians to detect a decline in kidney function among patients taking proton pump inhibitors," said Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, the study's senior author and an assistant professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine. "Our results indicate kidney problems can develop silently and gradually over time, eroding kidney function and leading to long-term kidney damage or even renal failure. Patients should be cautioned to tell their doctors if they're taking PPIs and only use the drugs when necessary."<br />
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More than 15 million Americans suffering from heartburn, ulcers and acid reflux have prescriptions for PPIs, which bring relief by reducing gastric acid. Many millions more purchase the drugs over-the-counter and take them without being under a doctor's care.<br />
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The researchers — including first author Yan Xie, a biostatistician at the St. Louis VA —analyzed data from the Department of Veterans Affairs databases on 125,596 new users of PPIs and 18,436 new users of other heartburn drugs referred to as H2 blockers. The latter are much less likely to cause kidney problems but often aren't as effective.<br />
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Over five years of follow up, the researchers found that more than 80 percent of PPI users did not develop acute kidney problems, which often are reversible and are characterized by too little urine leaving the body, fatigue and swelling in the legs and ankles.<br />
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However, more than half of the cases of chronic kidney damage and end-stage renal disease associated with PPI use occurred in people without acute kidney problems.<br />
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In contrast, among new users of H2 blockers, 7.67 percent developed chronic kidney disease in the absence of acute kidney problems, and 1.27 percent developed end-stage renal disease.<br />
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End-stage renal disease occurs when the kidneys can no longer effectively remove waste from the body. In such cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed to keep patients alive.<br />
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"Doctors must pay careful attention to kidney function in their patients who use PPIs, even when there are no signs of problems," cautioned Al-Aly, who also is the VA's associate chief of staff for research and education and co-director of the VA's Clinical Epidemiology Center. "In general, we always advise clinicians to evaluate whether PPI use is medically necessary in the first place because the drugs carry significant risks, including a deterioration of kidney function."<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-36583019407026235382017-01-28T08:10:00.001-08:002017-01-28T08:10:42.823-08:00Live Long, Die Short<div abp="3590">
<span abp="3591" style="color: blue;">An article from MSN Lifestyle caught my attention, it was titled : The one delicious food this 101-year-old eats every day for longevity", and concerned an Indiana centenarian has a sweet formula for longevity, her daily dose of chocolate. This is the latest article in a long string of articles you read from time to time on some elderly person's secret to long life.</span> </div>
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Eunice Modlin turned 101 on Monday, celebrating the big milestone with a party with her family. The great-great-grandmother, who lives in Boonville, Indiana, with her son, wasn't available for an interview, but her granddaughter shared some of her longevity secrets. "She eats two pieces of dark chocolate every day," Tammy Modlin Gentry told TODAY. "She's always limited herself to two pieces so she didn't [gain weight]." </div>
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Modlin also believes eating vegetables from the garden and never drinking alcohol or smoking has allowed her to live a long, healthy life, Gentry said. The centenarian is losing her eyesight and her balance is off, but she still goes to church and prayer meetings. Modlin's bloodwork shows her health is very good, she added.</div>
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<span abp="3598" style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: "Ah Ha! So it wasn't just the chocolate. Key factors were also likely staying from the worst toxins of alcohol and tobacco as well as eating fresh vegetables that I'm sure were not GMO! Another factor was likely the first half of her life where processed foods were not readily available.</span> </div>
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Gentry said her grandmother's life motto is: You don't always get what you want, but you get what you need. Longevity seems to run in the family: When Modlin turned 100 last year, her relatives flew in her 99-year-old brother from Texas to attend the party.</div>
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<span abp="3603" style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: "It looks to me that this lady is living the motto of <b abp="3604">"Live Long and Die Short".</b> That means to me living a healthy, functional life up to the day you just kneel over - likely from your heart just wearing out, or what most people would call a heart attack.</span> <span abp="3605" style="color: blue;"> When I talk to people who have conditions or health problem which are undoubtedly greatly influenced by their unhealthy lifestyle, bad eating habits, disbelief in nutritional supplements, and exposure to daily avoidable toxins, I always ask "if it is their plan just to keep on living an increasingly miserable life until the good Lord takes them?"</span>
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When she was younger, Modlin was known for her archery skills, a sport she took up in her 20s. Her husband made the bows for the family and they traveled all over the country to compete. At one time, Modlin was in The Guinness Book of World Records for the farthest arrow shot, Gentry said.</div>
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<span abp="3610" style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: Well my goodness, another factor: Live a physical life.</span>
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She lived through the Great Depression and other tough times, but remained optimistic. "My grandfather, her one true love, passed away in 1991 and she's still going," she added. "I get choked up because it's my grandma, whom I love to the moon and back."</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-65970876201042523732017-01-13T12:50:00.003-08:002017-01-13T12:50:39.700-08:00Sore, Achy Knees - What to Do and Not DoThis <a href="http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/ss/slideshow-knee-pain?ecd=wnl_spr_011017&ctr=wnl-spr-011017_nsl-ld-stry_1&mb=xqAd4kecR5OtCe8SvOOFchXFE73IOX1cbeNVIuajEyk%3d" target="_blank">article from Web MD</a>, titled "Knee Pains Do and Don'ts" and my commentary.
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<strong>Do: Rest a Sore Knee</strong> <br />
Take a break so your knee has time to heal. You’ll only need 1 or 2 days of rest to ease minor knee pain, but severe injuries may keep you off your feet longer. Talk to your doctor if it doesn’t get better after a few days.
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<strong>Don’t: Stay on the Couch Too Long</strong><br />
Exercise builds strong muscles around your joints, and that helps prevent injuries. Once your knee has had enough rest, get back out there. Low-impact water workouts or tai chi are good options. But don’t overdo it or you’ll risk more pain.
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<strong>Do: Use RICE</strong><br />
Try the RICE formula to treat a knee injury:
Rest for a day or two to heal.
Ice your knee to calm inflammation.
Compress (wrap) your joint for support and to stop fluid buildup.
Elevate it on a pillow or stool to curb swelling.
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<strong>Don’t: Risk Slips, Trips, or Falls</strong><br />
Wear shoes with good tread on them to cut your risk of a slip. Choose low-heeled ones with soft, rubber soles. Keep your home’s hallways and stairwells well lit, and clear floors of things you could trip over.
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<strong>Do: Use a Cane If You Need One</strong><br />
Feel unsteady? Use something to steady you as you move around. Choose a sturdy, strong, light cane with a rubber tip and a handle that’s easy to grasp. Hold it at a 45-degree angle to be sure it’s the right height. Find one in a color or style you like so you’ll be more likely to use it.
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<strong>Do: Watch Your Weight</strong><br />
Extra pounds add strain to your knees and raise your risk of painful arthritis and injuries. But even moderate weight loss can make it better. If you need to drop a few pounds, set a goal to lose just 5% of your current weight over the next few months.
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<strong>Do: Consider Acupuncture</strong><br />
Tiny needles are put into the skin around your sore joint. Research shows it can ease knee arthritis pain, though it’s still unclear how. Look for someone who's trained and experienced. Many states license acupuncturists.
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<strong>Don’t: Forget to Stretch</strong><br />
The muscles around your knees can get tight, and that can lead to painful injuries. Daily stretches can prevent that and muscle pain. Ask your doctor or physical therapist for easy moves to help you limber up before you walk or do any other activity.
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<strong>Do: Use Heat and Cold</strong><br />
If your knee pain flares, try hot or cold treatments. Moist heat is better for pain relief than dry. Soak in a warm bath, or zap a damp washcloth in the microwave. To ease a swollen knee, press a bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a towel against the joint.
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<strong>Don’t: Sleep in the Wrong Position</strong><br />
This can make your knee pain worse. Try out different positions, and put a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side. Don’t prop up a bent knee on a pillow, though -- that can make it harder to unbend your leg the next day.
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<strong>Do: Try Braces or Sleeves</strong><br />
Support a sore, weak knee with a brace, sleeve, or tape. Ask a physical therapist to fit you with one or to tape your knee. A simple sleeve that fits over your knee can offer short-term pain relief, too. You can find them at the drugstore.
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<strong>Don’t: Wear Out Your Knees</strong><br />
You may get knee pain because you overload your joints. Movements you do over and over again, like go up and down stairs every day, can jar and wear down your knees. But don’t sit for long periods, either. That puts extra pressure between your knee and leg bone that can cause pain.
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<strong>Do: Support Your Arches</strong><br />
Choose shoes that support your arches, or get slip-in inserts at your local drugstore. If those don’t work, you can ask your doctor about custom supports. But those can be expensive and don’t always work better than the ones available over the counter.
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<strong>Don’t: Keep Wearing the Same Old Shoes</strong><br />
Shoes can stretch and wear out after a while. Don’t keep wearing your favorite pair after their support and tread have worn out You may find that new shoes that support your feet and ankles well ease your knee pain.
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<strong>Do: Talk to Your Doctor</strong><br />
You don’t have to deal with knee pain alone. Your doctor might prescribe medication or give you a steroid shot to help. She also might talk with you about surgery to replace worn joints or ligaments.
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<span style="color: blue;">These are the things I would add: </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Do: Take quality joint supplements.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Since having terrible knee pain upon climbing stairs in my mid 40's, for the past 12 years I have taken a quality joint supplement that include Glucosamine, Vitamin C, magnesium and Turmeric extract. I have no pain today going into my late 50's. My conversations with researchers have convinced me that Chondroitin and Hyaluronic Acid are not likely to be ingredients that do joint pain any good. I use to take supplements with those ingredients all without any relief. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Do: Ensure you get Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids in your diet.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Not because Omega's 3 provide nutrients for your knees and joints, but because they are an anti-imflammatory and help reduce the unequal ratio of Omega 3's to Omega 6's, which if not corrected can manifest itself through joint pain. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Do: Try some home remedies such as Apple Cider Vinegar.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">People, including my wife, have tolds me has helped some with their knee pain. Apparently quality Apple Cider Vinegar has calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus which are vital to joint and bone health. </span><br />
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Apple Cider Vinegar contains the calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus your body needs to dull that pain. The magnesium in apple cider vinegar helps bones absorb calcium, which is essential to bone strength. Apple cider vinegar also contains antioxidants, beta-carotene, and acetic acid. The basic receipt is 1 to 3 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar into juice and drink twice a day. And some people even have added the Apple Cider Vinegar into a smaller amount of oil such as coconut or olive oil and massage directly into the affected joint. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Additionally, Muscle rubs, while not particular thought of as effective for the joints, can help blood flow into the joint and help nutrient flow and elasticity of connective tissue. I use the Deep Blue rub on my neck - I would not hesitate to use it on my knees, if I needed it. </span>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-51368711091704833012016-12-27T12:42:00.004-08:002016-12-27T12:46:49.664-08:00Depression Greatly Affects Your Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue;">I spent the Christmas Eve morning talking to a friend of mine who was heavily depressed. About my age, late 50's, and recently lost his job, he was despondent about being less able to provide for his family (wife and one teenager in last year of High School), about being cast aside from his 18+ year job, and his declining health. Our conversation, at least of majority of it after I determined he was not suicidal, was the fact that a turn around on his health was, in part, dependent upon him coming to terms with his depression. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I think we all instinctively know that depression is bad for our physical health. All manner of symptoms can crop up. And the first step in combating that depression is to understand it. See a professional if you can. There are good medications out there, as much as I hate to admit it, that in moderate doses can help. The bests help however is self-help. Get better healthwise in your body and your mind will follow. This is key - get better physical health wise, be good to yourself, be exceptional to those in your life and you will get better - I guarantee it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">You need to grasp this concept, best articulated in the Serenity Prayer....."God grant me the serenity...To accept the things I cannot change;.... Courage to change the things I can; .......And wisdom to know the difference." Simply, take the crap in your life, put it in a imagery garbage bag and throw it the hell out of your life....simple, but nobody said it was easy, but you have no choice, just do it.</span> <br />
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The following article is from <a href="http://www.cheatsheet.com/health-fitness/types-depression-should-know.html/?ref=YF&yptr=yahoo" target="_new">Health and Fitness Cheat Sheet</a>, titled: 5 Types of Depression You Should Know About
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As crummy as it feels to go through a day or two of feeling low, those fleeting moments of sadness don’t even come close to depression. This disorder can lead to extreme fatigue and an overwhelming sadness that prevents someone from enjoying things they once loved. And it’s pretty common, affecting over 26% of American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But that’s really oversimplifying things, because there’s more than just one type of depression. Since mental illness is so prevalent, it’s important to know about these five types of depression in case you or someone you know may be suffering. <br />
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<b>1. Major Depression.</b> Major, or clinical, depression is a very serious mood disorder that WebMD says affects 20% to 25% of adults at some point. It can interfere with daily tasks, including work, school, eating, and sleeping. If left untreated, major depression can last for weeks, months, or even years. Symptoms include energy loss, insomnia, restlessness, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. It can also cause loss of interest in spending time with friends and loved ones and even changes in weight. <br />
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Interestingly, clinical depression can be generational. It may also be triggered by significant life events. This includes relationship conflicts, social isolation, abuse, or loss of a loved one. It’s important to see a doctor for treatment recommendations if any of this sounds like you.
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<b>2. Dysthymia.</b><br />
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Also known as persistent depressive disorder, dysthymia shares some common symptoms with major depression. This includes lack of energy and concentration, no desire to take part in fun activities, and weight loss or gain. Harvard Health Publications mentions those with dysthymia constantly feel as if they’re going in and out of depression. It may be less severe than clinical depression, but it usually lasts longer. People with persistent depressive disorder can be very irritable and are more likely to develop major depression as well. Though there’s no way to prevent it, the combined use of medication and psychotherapy is usually a good option for treatment.<br />
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<b>3. Postpartum depression.</b><br />
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y attention to how they feel after delivery. The National Institute of Mental Health says PPD often causes extreme sadness, exhaustion, or anxiety. Women may also cry for no reason, oversleep, and may have difficulty developing an emotional attachment to their children. If left untreated, it can last for months or even years. Treatment may include antidepressant medication or counseling. If you feel these extreme symptoms after childbirth, be sure to see a health care provider to help decide what’s best for you. <br />
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<b>4. Seasonal Depression.</b> Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), typically occurs during the winter months. WebMD says those with SAD often feel moody, sad, and anxious during the colder months. Seasonal depression can also boost cravings for high-carb foods like bread and pasta. While it can affect anyone, it’s most common among women and those between the ages of 15 and 55.<br />
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The cause isn’t totally understood, but it may have to do with the lack of sunlight. Light therapy, antidepressants, and counseling may be used to help treat seasonal depression. Speak with your doctor if you notice the change in seasons taking an unusual toll on your mood.<br />
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<b>5. High-functioning depression</b><br />
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Depression isn’t always easy to spot. In fact, some people who have it can appear completely happy and successful on the outside. But behind closed doors, they can be suffering. This is known as high-functioning depression. It’s a form of mental illness where people can complete tasks and carry out normal, everyday activities even though they feel depressed. One doctor told Well + Good she typically sees it among women who strive for perfection. It’s not easy to recognize, but some things to look out for include irritability, jokes that appear out of character, or constantly seeming detached. Meditation, speaking to a therapist, and prescribed medications can be useful. If you think you may have high-functioning depression, don’t be afraid to seek help.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">You also must have humor in your life. I have learned to laugh,....at myself, but primarily at others, Ha! Consider this prayer. Ain't it the truth!</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-51335143537544506832016-12-12T11:33:00.002-08:002016-12-12T11:33:39.384-08:00Benefits of Honey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue;">Recently I had a cancerous tumor removed from one of my dog's ears. It was on surface of the ear and it left a nasty wound. I was suprised when the Vet had me change the dressing every day with a non-stick pad coated with all natural honey. My Vet said it would heal the wound as good or better than anything they could give me. So I was interested when I saw this </span><a href="http://healthymixer.com/35-amazing-benefits-of-all-natural-honey-24-is-sobering/?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=35+honey+yahoo&utm_tracking=14" target="_new"><span style="color: blue;">article from HealthMixer </span></a><span style="color: blue;">on the "35 Amazing Benefits of All-Natural Honey". I hope you will too. Oh, by the way, my Dog's wound healed quickly and nicely! See the picture at right taken about 3 days after surgery.</span> <br />
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Honey offers a wide range of trace minerals that are necessary for the body’s proper functioning. It is an anti-bacterial that can help with constipation and calcium absorption. When one endeavors to study the benefits of honey, it is completely believable that a list surpassing 75 elements can be achieved. We chose to narrow that list down to include the 35 benefits we found most amazing.<br />
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Honey is nature’s best kept medicine. Your ancestors probably found more value in it than you have ever even considered. But that’s ok, because we’re here to bring all that back! Check out these amazing benefits:<br />
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<strong>#1 Cough and Sore Throat.</strong> Honey is a phenomenal cough suppressant. In fact, according to Penn State College of Medicine (2012), it was deemed a better option for children’s coughs than any available over-the-counter option! Honey soothes on contact and stimulates saliva, which may be the reason it is so effective in coughs and sore throats.
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<strong>#2 Wounds and Burns.</strong> In a 2015 issue of Contemporary Nurse, honey was labeled a better burn treatment than the ordinarily prescribed silver. This is because honey has more antibacterial properties. And, it has no toxic effects on skin.
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<strong>#3 Arthritis.</strong> Manuka honey appears to be useful due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The inflammation experienced in bouts of arthritis is relieved, as is the pain. To experience this benefit, try mixing 2 tablespoons of Manuka honey with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a cup of warm green tea.
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<strong>#4 Insomnia and Fatigue.</strong> Honey has been labeled a super-food. Sleep induction occurs with increased levels of tryptophan and serotonin. Honey includes tryptophan. Honey raises the blood sugar, slightly. That rise in insulin, causes tryptophan to enter the brain where it is converted into serotonin. When dark, serotonin converts to melatonin which aids in sleep. Take two tablespoons of honey each night to aid in alleviating your symptoms of insomnia and fatigue.
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<strong>#5 Acid Reflux and Heartburn.</strong> A mix of apple cider vinegar and honey can help reduce your acid reflux and heartburn troubles. We know it seems counterintuitive, but it is theorized that the cider vinegar and honey mix helps to balance out the pH in the gut. Plus, they are both anti-bacterial agents that can help fight off any bacterial issues that are causing the problems. Try 2 teaspoons each of honey and apple cider vinegar in water or warm tea.
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<strong>#6 Seasonal Allergies and Asthma.</strong> Eating local honey can act like a localized vaccination against those things in the environment that are triggering your allergies. Try to get honey that has been collected near your home so that the same flowers and weeds will have been utilized in its production.
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<strong>#7 Warts and Acne.</strong> Apply honey to warts and cover with a Band-Aid. Repeat the process until the warts disappear. The same is true about acne, although Band-Aids are not necessary. Allow the honey to remain on the problem areas for fifteen minutes and then rinse off. Please make sure that you are using all-natural, raw, unprocessed, preferably organic honey.
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<strong>#8 Yeast Infections.</strong> A piece in Future Microbiology (2014) declared that honey was an effective treatment for yeast infections. If you want to try this out, mix one tablespoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt, with two tablespoons of raw honey. Apply this mixture to the infected area externally and internally. Allow it to remain in place for ten minutes. Wash after application. Consider it a honey douche and look for improvement within a few days, if you use it twice a day as recommended.
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<strong>#9 Weight Loss and Poor Metabolism.</strong> Honey contains 22 amino acids that can aid in boosting metabolism. And, increased metabolism means decreased fat! Consider drinking lemon juice with a little honey each morning to get your metabolism started on the right foot. Honey can potentially fuel the liver and ease stress hormones to aid in weight loss as well.
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<strong>#10 Helps Prevent Cancer and Heart Disease.</strong> Honey includes anti-tumor and carcinogen preventing properties. Honey’s natural anti-oxidant capabilities can help eliminate cancer causing free-radicals and improve the functioning of the immune system.
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<strong>#11 Energy Booster.</strong> Honey naturally provides carbohydrates that provide energy. As such, honey is considered an effective way to improve energy and prevent fatigue. Don’t forget that the glucose in honey is a rapid energy creator and the fructose allows that energy to last. Before you workout, consider taking a spoonful of honey, and if you are feeling drained, spread some on toast or use it in your tea instead of sugar.
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<strong>#12 Immune System Builder.</strong> Recall that honey has anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. These help improve your digestive tract and can aid in the prevention of diseases. If you really want to help your body ward off infectious issues, try drinking a glass of water with lemon and honey each morning. Warm water is recommended here.
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<strong>#13 Memory Booster.</strong> Restful sleep and the reduction of metabolic stress contribute to cognitive and memory functions. Honey offers both. At the University Of Babylon’s College of Medicine, a five year study was conducted that concluded honey had the ability to prevent dementia and cognitive decline.
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<strong>#14 Face Mask</strong>. Honey is terrific for the skin. And, lots of people have been experimenting with its ability to provide a great rejuvenating face mask. Based on your skin type, you’ll have to add either: apple, avocado & egg, or egg, almond oil, and yogurt.
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<strong>#15 Reduces Ulcers and Other Gastrointestinal Disorders</strong>. An ulcer is a lesion in the lining of the stomach. Imbalances in the digestive fluids are generally to blame. Although many are actually caused by h. pylori, a bacteria found in the gut. One tablespoon of raw honey (preferably Manuka) combined with a ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, has been shown to offer considerable relief when taken daily.
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<strong>#16 Lowers Cholesterol.</strong> Cholesterol comes in both good and bad forms. Honey is cholesterol free and is believed to be able to help keep cholesterol levels under control. Taking a honey and cinnamon mix regularly could lower the cholesterol in your blood thanks to its anti-oxidant properties.
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<strong>#17 Low-libido</strong>. Honey is an aphrodisiac. It promotes testosterone in men and aids in estrogen usage in women. In fact, a study showed that three ounces of honey could increase levels of the arousal chemical, nitric oxide. Hippocrates prescribed honey for the purposes of sexual vigor and the induction of ecstasy, all the way back in 500 BC! He recommended that it be used as a sexual stimulant by combining it with pepper and ginger. Definitely something to think about before agreeing to take the little blue pill.
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<strong>#18 Anxiety.</strong> A 2011 study, published in the Journal of Neurophysiology showed that animals that took larger doses of honey demonstrated significant reduction in anxious behaviors and were in better control of their own bodies. The consumption was a one-time deal. This showed that honey can relieve anxiety as quickly as one dose! That’s great news
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<strong>#19 Athlete’s Foot.</strong> Tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, is a skin disorder and is caused by a parasitic fungus. You can use propolis (a natural bee product) or honey for treatment of this irritating issue. Rub the foot with honey at night and then cover with an old sock. Wash the dried honey off in the morning. Repeat until the problem has been resolved.
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<strong>#20 Detoxifying Needs.</strong> Lemon and honey water are great detoxification providers. Try drinking a glass of honey and lemon in the morning on an empty stomach. You could also go on a honey water fast if you are really devoted to completing a truly detoxifying procedure.
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<strong>#21 Eczema and Rosacea.</strong> A persistent inflammation of the top layer of skin contributes to the symptomology known as eczema. Basically, the immune system is overreacting. There are three potential methods to deal with the issue:
•Apple honey and ground cinnamon applied to effected area
•Warm water mixed with half a lime and a teaspoon of honey ingested every morning for several weeks
•A glass of water combined with a teaspoon of honey and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar taken three times a day, with meals
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<strong>#22 Gum Disease.</strong> Honey is a great anti-microbial that can effectively treat gum disease even if it sounds counterintuitive to apply sweet stuff to your teeth. Honey can deter the growth of the bacteria that causes dental plague and can ultimately reduce its presence, according to a 2015 study. Manuka honey is the best resource as it has the highest levels of anti-microbials.
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<strong>#23 Treats Dandruff and Other Scalp Problems.</strong> Crude honey is very powerful. The honey needs to be diluted in water and then rubbed into the scalp, specifically focusing on problem areas. Leave it in for three hours and then rinse it out with warm water. Do this every other day for 2 weeks. A study performing the same procedures revealed complete healing and even a decrease in hair loss.
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<strong>#24 Hangovers.</strong> The fructose in honey has been shown to speed up the livers ability to oxidize alcohol. This makes honey a confirmed sobering agent with better results than coffee! Mix 15ml of honey with 70ml of all-natural yogurt and 80ml of orange juice for the best hangover relief you’ve ever tasted.
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<strong>#25 Stress.</strong> Prescription medications are not your only answer for relieving stress. Honey’s nutrients can elicit a calming effect. If you add a decent amount of honey to your breakfast regimen, you might discover that the day’s stress has less of an impact on your emotional well-being.
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<strong>#26 Workout Fuel.</strong> Honey is believed to have the ability to increase athletic performance. In fact, some people use it as an all-natural energy drink. Because there are only 17 grams of carbs in a tablespoon of honey, its fructose and glucose can act as a short-term source of energy.
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<strong>#27 Regulates Blood Sugar.</strong> Although it seems highly unlikely that honey, a sugar, can regulate sugar, it is the balance of fructose and glucose that enables this anomaly to occur. The fructose in the honey sends the glucose straight to the liver where it becomes glycogen. This allows the major organs to function at optimal capacity and keeps the glucose out of the blood, which ultimately lowers blood sugar. Honey produces more liver glycogene than any other food based on per gram studies.
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<strong>#28 Probiotic.</strong> Honey’s therapeutic properties are sometimes viewed as “mysterious.” But, it is the 4 species of Bifidobacterium and 6 species of lactobacilli found in different varieties of honey that contributes to its probiotic capabilities.
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<strong>#29 Provides Nutrients</strong>. Honey includes an array of vitamins and nutrients in small doses. These vitamins and nutrients include: zinc, phosphorous, potassium, manganese, iron, copper, magnesium, riboflavin, calcium, niacin, and pantothenic acid. If you switch your sugars to honey, you will be getting nutrients with your calories!
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<strong>#30 Potentially Prevents Low White Blood Cell Count.</strong> During chemotherapy sessions, 40 percent of patients who took therapeutic honey, at two teaspoons daily, relieved their bouts with low blood cell counts (neutropenia). This study was performed by the Mayo Clinic.
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<strong>#31 Kills Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria.</strong> Some research performed in doctors’ offices and hospitals has revealed that Honey can kill antibiotic resistant bacteria. Specifically, they found it worked on: Salmonella, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.
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<strong>#32 Honey for Herpes.</strong> Because Honey has been proven to provide great remedies for wounds, it is no wonder that it can assist in healing the sores associated with Herpes. It takes fluid from the wound and the sugar suppresses the growth of microorganisms. And, low levels of hydrogen peroxide are included in honey. Studies have shown that the topical use of honey is actually more effective than the prescription cream.
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<strong>#33 Increases Calcium Absorption.</strong> When using a calcium supplement, research has shown that ingesting honey can aid in the absorption of the supplemental calcium. In fact, there is a 25% improvement rate when these are taken together. The raffinose, fructose, and glucose found in honey are given the credit for increasing the ability to absorb calcium.
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<strong>#34 Increase Hemoglobin Count and Treat Anemia.</strong> Thanks to the iron, copper, and manganese found in raw dark honey, hemoglobin synthesis can be aided. Keep in mind that the darker the honey is, the better it is for you. Honey will also add that boost you need when dealing with anemia.
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<strong>#35 Hair Conditioner.</strong> If you’ll create a mix of honey and olive oil, you will discover honey’s amazing ability to smooth and condition your hair. Plus, this is an all-natural method!
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-88486207357039650522016-11-22T10:55:00.001-08:002016-11-22T10:55:34.708-08:00Household Toxins<span style="color: blue;">Article from the </span><a href="http://www.cheatsheet.com/health-fitness/cancer-from-chemicals-household-products-that-are-known-carcinogens.html/?ref=YF&yptr=yahoo" target="_new"><span style="color: blue;">Health and Fitness Cheat </span></a><span style="color: blue;">Sheet originally titled: "Cancer From Chemicals? 3 Household Products That Are Known Carcinogens". I have written about the chair of health which one of the legs is 'minimizing exposure to toxins' - many of them being common everyday used household products. We are simply over exposing our immune system to poisons and I believe the average person is slowly losing the fight against toxin caused cancers and other degenerative disease further aggravated by not getting the nutrients our immune system needs to effectively fight against the ravages of these daily toxins - hence the other legs of the chair of health: live a physical lifestyle; minimize high glycemic foods and maximize low glycemic, whole foods (cancers like sugar!); and take quality supplements to ensure you are getting all the necessary nutrients in the right dosages.
And I particulary like this article's explanation of the development of cancers - how they are caused.</span>
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It’s very well known that certain lifestyle behaviors like smoking, excessive alcohol use, and tanning bed exposure can put you at higher risk for developing cancer. However, you would hardly think that some of the products that you use everyday or that are lying around your house could place you at the same risk, but some happen to contain well-known or unnoticeable ingredients that are in fact human carcinogens. <br><br>
Cancer is caused by changes in cell DNA. Some changes may be passed down from our parents in the form of genetic defects, while others could be caused by environmental factors. The substances, situations, and exposures that can lead to cancer are called carcinogens, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). While some carcinogens don’t affect your DNA directly, they can lead to cancer in other ways. For instance, they can cause cells to divide at a rate faster than normal, which could in turn increase the chances of changes in your DNA. <br><br>
That being said, the ACS says exposure to substances that are labeled as carcinogens have “different levels of cancer-causing potential,” but not in every case, as some may cause cancer only after prolonged exposure to the substance at very high levels. Generally speaking, your risk of developing cancer depends upon several factors: your genetic makeup, how long you were exposed to the substance, and the length and intensity of the exposure. <br><br>
Your home is a place where you should feel safe from the dangers of the world, it shouldn’t be a place where you could think you’re being exposed to any kind of lethal substances or ingredients in products you use everyday. Here are three household items that contain known carcinogens, so get rid of them now.
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<strong>1. Air fresheners.</strong> <br />
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When your house or apartment has a rancid odor or it just needs a little pick-me-up to get rid of musty air, more than likely you grab the air freshener. While they’re a staple in many American households, conventional air fresheners are a hotbed of poisonous substances that can leave you or a loved one in your house very ill, and can also cause reproductive problems or even birth defects. Tests conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that most air fresheners contain phthalates, which can interfere with male hormone production of testosterone. NRDC tested 14 common air fresheners that did not list phthalates as an ingredient, finding that these chemicals were present in 86% of the products tested, including those labeled as “all natural” or “unscented.”
Most air fresheners are also loaded with other cancer-causing volatile organic compounds as well, which interfere with reproduction, respiration, and cellular regeneration. A 2008 study published in the journal Environmental Impact Assessment Review, conducted by Anne Steinemann at the University of Washington found nearly all the air fresheners tested emitted chemicals known to be carcinogenic.
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<strong>2. Cleaning products.</strong><br />
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Products that are keeping your house clean can also contain not only carcinogens, but also other poisons and asthma instigators. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization focused on the environment and public health, compiled a Cleaners Hall of Shame list with the worst household cleaning offenders. They most recently updated their guide in April 2016 and it now includes more than 2,500 products. Nearly three-quarters of the samples tested contained ingredients that can be detrimental to respiratory health and more than one-quarter included ingredients that may lead to cancer. Perhaps most concerning, though, is that about half of all products scored low in regards to ingredient disclosure.
The organization warns consumers to keep an eye out for products labeled as “green” or any other eco-friendly products as they can be very misleading and in fact contain harmful ingredients. It’s not all bad news, though. EWG also maintains a list of products they recommend.
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<strong>3. Dryer sheets</strong>
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There are few scents as comforting or as addictive as warm laundry being pulled from the dryer, thanks to the olfactory magic of fabric-softener sheets. They’re simple enough products, made of what seems like nothing more than thin polyester sheets coated with chemicals to soften fabric fibers, that give your clothes that irresistible scent. However, the fragrance found in such brands as Downy and Bounce might pose health risks, as toxins can permeate those sheets and transfer to your clothes and skin. It is also released into the air from dryer vent emissions, which are not regulated.
A study published in the August 2011 issue of the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health indicates scented laundry items can contain numerous carcinogens, including acetaldehyde and benzene. That said, it’s best to skip the dryer sheets altogether. If you’re itching for a healthier, less toxic alternative, Seventh Generation makes dryer sheets out of chlorine-free recyclable paper, instead of polyester. Additionally, the company discloses all of the ingredients of their sheets, which includes a plant-derived softening agent, also containing no fragrances or masking agents.
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-13010831960565214882016-11-11T08:44:00.000-08:002016-11-11T08:44:02.578-08:00Are you Vitamin D Deficient<div abp="3044">
<span style="color: blue;">From an </span><a abp="3045" href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/29f5cbdf-c487-344c-86ff-23b2fa5839a5/ss_8-ways-to-tell-if-you-are.html" target="_new"><span style="color: blue;">Yahoo article </span></a><span style="color: blue;">titled "8 Ways to Tell if You Are Vitamin D Deficient". Vitamin D is one of the easiest nutrients to supplement with and one of the most important, although everyone needs robust levels of all nutrients in order to work synergistically within the body to support the immune system. </span></div>
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Vitamin D is an extremely important vitamin that has powerful effects on several systems throughout the body. Unlike most vitamins, vitamin D actually functions like a hormone and every single cell in your body has a receptor for it. </div>
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Your body makes it from cholesterol when your skin is exposed to sunlight. It's also found in certain foods such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products, although it's very difficult to get enough from diet alone.</div>
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The recommended daily intake is usually around 400-800 IU, but many experts say you should get even more than that.
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<span style="color: blue;">My Aching Knees comment: Most nutritionists and researchers today are recommending daily intake of 4,000 to 6,000 IU. My base line daily supplement gives me 2,500 IU and I routinely take 2,000 to 4,000 more IU of Vitamin D each day.</span> </div>
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Vitamin D deficiency is very common. It's estimated that about 1 billion people worldwide have low levels of the vitamin in their blood. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div abp="3056">
According to a 2011 study, 41.6 percent of adults in the U.S. are deficient. This number goes up to 69.2 percent in Hispanics and 82.1 percent in African-Americans.
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These are common risk factors for vitamin D deficiency:</div>
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<br /></div>
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• Having dark skin.</div>
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• Being elderly.</div>
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• Being overweight or obese.</div>
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• Not eating much fish or milk.</div>
<div abp="3064">
• Living far from the equator where there is little sun year-round.</div>
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• Always using sunscreen when going out.</div>
<div abp="3066">
• Staying indoors.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div abp="3069">
People who live near the equator and get frequent sun exposure are less likely to be deficient, because their skin produces enough vitamin D to satisfy the body's needs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div abp="3071">
Most people don't realize that they are deficient, because the symptoms are generally subtle. You may not notice them easily, even if they are having a significant negative effect on your quality of life.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div abp="3073">
Here are eight signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div abp="3075">
<strong>1. Getting Sick or Infected Often</strong></div>
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One of vitamin D's most important roles is keeping your immune system strong so you're able to fight off the viruses and bacteria that cause illness.</div>
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It directly interacts with the cells that are responsible for fighting infection. If you become sick often, especially with colds or the flu, low vitamin D levels may be a contributing factor.</div>
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<div abp="3080">
Several large observational studies have shown a link between a deficiency and respiratory tract infections like colds, bronchitis and pneumonia. </div>
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A number of studies have found that taking vitamin D supplements at dosages of up to 4,000 IU daily may reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections. </div>
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<div abp="3084">
In one study of people with the chronic lung disorder COPD, only those who were severely deficient in vitamin D experienced a significant benefit after taking a high-dose supplement for one year. </div>
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Bottom Line: Vitamin D plays important roles in immune function. One of the most common symptoms of deficiency is an increased risk of illness or infections.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div abp="3087">
<strong>2. Fatigue and Tiredness</strong></div>
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Feeling tired can have many causes and vitamin D deficiency may be one of them. Unfortunately, it's often overlooked as a potential cause. </div>
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Case studies have shown that very low blood levels can cause fatigue that has a severe negative effect on quality of life. </div>
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In one case, a woman who complained of chronic daytime fatigue and headaches was found to have a blood level of only 5.9 ng/ml. This is extremely low, as anything under 20 ng/ml is considered to be deficient. When the woman took a vitamin D supplement, her level increased to 39 ng/ml and her symptoms resolved. </div>
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However, even blood levels that aren't extremely low may have a negative impact on energy levels. A large observational study looked at the relationship between vitamin D and fatigue in young women.</div>
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The study found that women with blood levels under 20 ng/ml or 21–29 ng/ml were more likely to complain of fatigue than those with blood levels over 30 ng/ml.</div>
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Another observational study of female nurses found a strong connection between low vitamin D levels and self-reported fatigue. What's more, the researchers found that 89 percent of the nurses were deficient. </div>
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Bottom Line: Excessive fatigue and tiredness may be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. Taking supplements may help improve energy levels.</div>
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<strong>3. Bone and Back Pain</strong></div>
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Vitamin D is involved in maintaining bone health through a number of mechanisms. For one, it improves your body's absorption of calcium. Bone pain and lower back pain may be signs of inadequate vitamin D levels in the blood.</div>
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Large observational studies have found a relationship between a deficiency and chronic lower back pain. One study examined the association between vitamin D levels and back pain in more than 9,000 older women.</div>
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The researchers found that those with a deficiency were more likely to have back pain, including severe back pain that limited their daily activities. In one controlled study, people with vitamin D deficiency were nearly twice as likely to experience bone pain in their legs, ribs or joints compared to those with blood levels in the normal range. </div>
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Bottom Line: Low blood levels of the vitamin may be a cause or contributing factor to bone pain and lower back pain.</div>
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<strong>4. Depression</strong></div>
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A depressed mood may also be a sign of deficiency. In review studies, researchers have linked vitamin D deficiency to depression, particularly in older adults. </div>
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<br /></div>
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In one analysis, 65 percent of the observational studies found a relationship between low blood levels and depression. On the other hand, most of the controlled trials, which carry more scientific weight than observational studies, didn't show a link between the two.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div abp="3114">
However, the researchers who analyzed the studies noted that the dosages of vitamin D in controlled studies were often very low. In addition, they noted that some of the studies may not have lasted long enough to see the effect of taking supplements on mood.</div>
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Some controlled studies have shown that giving vitamin D to people who are deficient helps improve depression, including seasonal depression that occurs during the colder months.</div>
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Bottom Line: Depression is associated with low vitamin D levels and some studies have found that supplementing improves mood.</div>
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<strong>5. Impaired Wound Healing</strong></div>
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Slow healing of wounds after surgery or injury may be a sign that vitamin D levels are too low.</div>
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Results from a test-tube study suggest that the vitamin increases production of compounds that are crucial for forming new skin as part of the wound-healing process.</div>
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One study on patients who had dental surgery found that certain aspects of healing were compromised by vitamin D deficiency.</div>
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It's also been suggested that vitamin D's role in controlling inflammation and fighting infection is important for proper healing.</div>
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One analysis looked at patients with diabetic foot infections. It found that those with severe vitamin D deficiency were more likely to have higher levels of inflammatory markers that can jeopardize healing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Unfortunately, at this point there is very little research about the effects of vitamin D supplements on wound healing in people with deficiency. However, one study found that when vitamin D deficient patients with leg ulcers were treated with the vitamin, ulcer size reduced by 28 percent, on average.</div>
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Bottom Line: Inadequate vitamin D levels may lead to poor wound healing following surgery, injury or infection.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<strong>6. Bone Loss</strong></div>
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Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Many older women who are diagnosed with bone loss believe they need to take more calcium. However, they may be deficient in vitamin D as well.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Low bone mineral density is an indication that calcium and other minerals have been lost from bone. This places older people, especially women, at an increased risk of fractures. In a large observational study of more than 1,100 middle-aged women in menopause or postmenopause, researchers found a strong link between low vitamin D levels and low bone mineral density.</div>
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However, a controlled study found that women who were vitamin D deficient experienced no improvement in bone mineral density when they took high-dose supplements, even if their blood levels improved. </div>
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Regardless of these findings, adequate vitamin D intake and maintaining blood levels within the optimal range may be a good strategy for protecting bone mass and reducing fracture risk.</div>
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Bottom Line: A diagnosis of low bone mineral density may be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. Getting enough of this vitamin is important for preserving bone mass as you get older.</div>
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<strong>7. Hair Loss</strong></div>
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Hair loss is often attributed to stress, which is certainly a common cause. However, when hair loss is severe, it may be the result of a disease or nutrient deficiency. Hair loss in women has been linked to low vitamin D levels, although there is very little research on this so far.</div>
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Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease characterized by severe hair loss from the head and other parts of the body. It's associated with rickets, which is a disease that causes soft bones in children due to vitamin D deficiency.</div>
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Low vitamin D levels are linked to alopecia areata and may be a risk factor for developing the disease. </div>
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One study in people with alopecia areata showed that lower blood levels tended to be associated with a more severe hair loss.</div>
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In a case study, topical application of a synthetic form of the vitamin was found to successfully treat hair loss in a young boy with a defect in the vitamin D receptor. </div>
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Bottom Line: Hair loss may be a sign of vitamin D deficiency in female-pattern hair loss or the autoimmune condition alopecia areata.</div>
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<strong>8. Muscle Pain</strong></div>
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The causes of muscle pain are often difficult to pinpoint. There is some evidence that vitamin D deficiency may be a potential cause of muscle pain in children and adults.</div>
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In one study, 71 percent of people with chronic pain were found to be deficient. The vitamin D receptor is present in nerve cells called nociceptors, which sense pain.</div>
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One study in rats showed that a deficiency led to pain and sensitivity due to stimulation of nociceptors in muscles. </div>
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A few studies have found that taking high-dose vitamin D supplements may reduce various types of pain in people who are deficient.</div>
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One study in 120 children with vitamin D deficiency who had growing pains found that a single dose of the vitamin reduced pain scores by an average of 57 percent. </div>
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Bottom Line: There is a link between chronic pain and low blood levels of the vitamin, which may be due to the interaction between the vitamin and pain-sensing nerve cells. </div>
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Correcting a Vitamin D Deficiency is Simple and again it is incredibly common and most people are unaware of it.</div>
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That's because the symptoms are often subtle and non-specific, meaning that it's hard to know if they're caused by low vitamin D levels or something else. If you think you may have a deficiency, then it's important that you speak to your doctor and get your blood levels measured.</div>
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Fortunately, a vitamin D deficiency is usually easy to fix. You can either increase your sun exposure, eat more vitamin D rich foods or simply take a supplement......and it will have have big benefits for your health.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: You really can't obtain adequate Vitamin D from Sun exposure. You can get the Vitamin D you need by eating foods rich in Vitamin D, but it is hard, very hard, in today's world to get wholesome foods. The best way to get the Vitamin D you need is through supplementation - just make sure you get it from quality supplements.</span>
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<span abp="3181" style="color: grey;"> For Information on the Products I recommend, <a abp="3182" href="http://myachingjointsandknees.blogspot.com/2010/02/contact-me-or-correspond-with-me.html" target="_new">click here</a>, to contact me.</span></center>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-61773634120550909442016-10-18T16:55:00.002-07:002016-10-18T16:55:38.491-07:00Signs of Cancer - Do Not IgnoreAn article from <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cancer/ss/slideshow-cancer-symptoms-signs?ecd=wnl_spr_042516&ctr=wnl-spr-042516_nsl-ld-stry_title&mb=xqAd4kecR5OtCe8SvOOFchXFE73IOX1cbeNVIuajEyk%3d" target="_new">Web MD </a>that was in my hold file for a few months. This article was originally titled, 15 Cancer Symptoms to Know. <br />
<br />
<strong>Changes in Your Skin</strong><br />
A new spot on your skin or one that changes size, shape, or color could be a sign of skin cancer. Another is a spot that doesn't look the same as all the others on your body. If you have any unusual marks, have your doctor check your skin. She will do an exam and may remove a small piece (called a biopsy) to take a closer look for cancer cells.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: Not all skin cancer is the same, but according to my Dermatologist it all starts at the location where you received s severe sun burn. I have had numerous spots of Basil cell cancer cut out of my torso. I was never a sun bather, just received severe burns from working in the Sun without a shirt a few times as a youngster. Just get all of your suspicious spots checked.</span> <br />
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<strong>Nagging Cough</strong><br />
If you don't smoke, there's very little chance a nagging cough is a sign of cancer. Usually, it's caused by postnasal drip, asthma, acid reflux, or an infection. But if yours doesn't go away or you cough up blood -- especially if you are a smoker -- see your doctor. She may test mucus from your lungs or do a chest X-ray to check for lung cancer.<br />
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<strong>Breast Changes</strong><br />
Most breast changes are not cancer. It's still important, though, to tell your doctor about them and have her check them out. Let her know about any lumps, nipple changes or discharge, redness or thickening, or pain in your breasts. She'll do an exam and may suggest a mammogram, MRI, or maybe a biopsy.<br />
<br />
<strong>Bloating</strong><br />
You may have a full, bloated feeling because of your diet or even stress. But if it doesn't get better or you also have fatigue, weight loss, or back pain, have it checked out. Constant bloating in women may be a sign of ovarian cancer. Your doctor can do a pelvic exam to look for the cause.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: A dear friend of mine had bloating for over a year, He thought he was gaining weight and couldn't understand why his diet and additional exercise did not make the bloating go away. It turned out if was pancreatic cancer. He is no longer here.</span> <br />
<br />
<strong>Problems When You Pee</strong><br />
Many men have urinary issues as they get older, like the need to go more often, leaks, or a weak stream. Usually, these are signs of an enlarged prostate, but they could also mean prostate cancer. See your doctor for an exam and maybe a special blood test called a PSA test.<br />
<br />
<strong>Swollen Lymph Nodes</strong><br />
You have these small, bean-shaped glands in your neck, armpits, and other places in your body. When they're swollen, it often means you're fighting an infection like a cold or strep throat. Some cancers like lymphoma and leukemia can also cause this kind of swelling. Talk to your doctor to pinpoint the cause.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: A female relative of mine had a swollen lymph node. Within 60 days of detecting it, it was biopsied and subsequent surgery ended up removing over 40 nodes in her neck. Cancer travels fast once it hits the lymphatic system - don't wait on this symptom.</span> <br />
<br />
<strong>Blood When You Use the Bathroom</strong><br />
If you see blood in the toilet after you go, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. Bloody stool is likely to come from swollen, inflamed veins called hemorrhoids, but there's a chance it could be colon cancer. Blood in your pee could be a problem like a urinary tract infection, but it may be kidney or bladder cancer.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: I know an elderly lady who had blood in her stools for several months before she was forced to go to the hospital after severe pain made life unbearable. Guess what? Yep, a cancerous tumor in her lower intestines - rare for women, but nonetheless it was there - and inoperable. She is now in hospice care.</span> <br />
<br />
<strong>Testicle Changes</strong><br />
If you notice a lump or swelling in your testicles, you need to see your doctor right away. A painless lump is the most common sign of testicular cancer. Sometimes though, a man may just have a heavy feeling in his lower belly or scrotum or think his testicles feel larger. Your doctor will do a physical exam of the area and may use an ultrasound scan to see if there is a tumor or another problem.<br />
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<strong>Trouble Swallowing</strong><br />
The common cold, acid reflux, or even some medicine can make it hard to swallow once in a while. If it doesn’t get better with time or with antacids, see your doctor. Trouble swallowing can also be a sign of cancer in your throat or the pipe between your mouth and stomach, called the esophagus. Your doctor will do an exam and some tests like a barium X-ray, in which you swallow a chalky fluid to show your throat more clearly on the image.<br />
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<strong>Unusual Vaginal Bleeding</strong><br />
Bleeding that's not part of your usual period can have many causes, like fibroids or even some types of birth control. But tell your doctor if you're bleeding between periods, after sex, or have bloody discharge. She'll want to rule out cancer of the uterus, cervix, or vagina. Be sure to let her know if you are bleeding after menopause. That's not normal and should be checked out right away.<br />
<br />
<strong>Mouth Issues</strong><br />
From bad breath to canker sores, most changes in your mouth aren't serious. But if you have white or red patches or sores in your mouth that don't heal after a couple of weeks -- especially if you smoke -- see your doctor. It may be a sign of oral cancer. Other things to look for: a lump in your cheek, trouble moving your jaw, or mouth pain.<br />
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<strong>Weight Loss</strong><br />
Of course you can slim down when you change the way you eat or exercise. It can also happen if you have other issues, like stress or a thyroid problem. But it’s not normal to lose 10 pounds or more without trying. There's a chance it could be a first sign of cancer of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.<br />
<br />
<strong>Fever</strong><br />
A fever isn't usually a bad thing. Sometimes it's just a sign that your body is fighting an infection. It can also be a side effect of some medicines. But one that won't go away and doesn't have an obvious cause could be a sign of a blood cancer like leukemia or lymphoma.<br />
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<strong>Heartburn or Indigestion</strong><br />
Almost everyone has this burning feeling sometimes, often because of their diet or stress. If lifestyle changes don't work and your indigestion doesn't stop, your doctor may want to do some tests to look for a cause. It could be a sign of stomach cancer.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: Not just stomach cancer but esophageal or throat cancer. If you have acid reflux, the stomach acid being brought up destroy the lining of your throat and those cells can become malignant. Not fun. I have three friends who have had throat cancer. One if no longer alive- and dying at 55 years old shouldn't happen in today's world of diagnostic tools and treatments.</span> <br />
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<strong>Fatigue</strong><br />
A lot of things can make you very tired, and most of them aren’t serious. But fatigue is one early sign of some cancers, like leukemia. Some colon and stomach cancers can cause blood loss that you can't see, which can make you feel very tired. If you're wiped out all the time and rest doesn't help, talk to your doctor.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: My cancer counter -measures certainly include keeping tabs on the early detectable symptoms but also minimizing the processed, high glycemic foods that cancer feeds on and maximizing good, whole non-GMPO foods when I can. It includes taking the best supplements so my body gets all the nutrients in the right doses to work in a synergistic manner so my immune system functions the way it is intended. I also live a physical lifestyle - haven't laid on the couch and ate potato chips for two decades now. And lastly I avoid toxins as I can - and these include but are not limited to household cleaners, bug sprays, weed killers, and spray paints. Use protective items when you use these common items.</span>
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<span style="color: grey;"> For Information on the Products I recommend, <a href="http://myachingjointsandknees.blogspot.com/2010/02/contact-me-or-correspond-with-me.html" target="_new">click here</a>, to contact me.</span></center>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-48487612631460490582016-10-02T07:00:00.001-07:002016-10-02T07:00:50.895-07:00Foods that Cardiologists Refuse To Eat<div abp="805">
<span abp="806" style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: This article supports what I call the Chair of Health. Any chair has four legs and the four legs that support your health are: Minimizing Bad and high glycemic foods while maximizing good, low glycemic foods; Taking quality nutritional supplements and optimizers as you just cannot receive the nutrients your body needs through foods; Live a physical life - do something!; and, avoid toxins as much as possible- and the biggest toxin is tobacco but can also include household cleaners, pollution, pesticides, etc. Anyway, good guidelines in the article below: </span></div>
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<span abp="809" style="font-size: large;"><strong abp="810">Y</strong></span>ou can eat healthy foods only, but if you smoke a lot and are not physically active, you’re not less likely to have congestive heart failure, Dr. Clyde W. Yancy, Chief of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine at Northwestern University, says. Better diet should be a part of a comprehensive healthy routine that includes more exercise and, most importantly, portion control, Dr. Yancy says. “It’s not just about what we eat but also about the way we consume calories,” he adds. “Moderation has successfully proven to be key to success.”</div>
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<b abp="813">Any processed or frozen foods.</b> “These typically contain chemicals, additives and preservatives that are not healthy,” Dr. Kevin Campbell, world-renowned cardiologist, says. “Fresh foods provide much better nutrients and have fewer calories. “These processed foods often contain flavor enhancers that are artificially produced. In addition, these foods always contain a very high sodium load,” he adds. <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: There are some frozen foods that are not processed - get good at reading the labels. </span><br />
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<b abp="816">Sodas or soft drinks.</b> “These are empty calorie foods,” Dr. Campbell says. “They have no nutritional value and are very calorie dense. They contribute to obesity,” he adds. Diet soda is in some ways even worse than the regular version. They are slowly killing you in several ways.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: If you don't know abut the dangers of Aspartame, a common sweetener in soft drinks, then you have probably been living on a remote island. Say hello to Wilson for us. </span></div>
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<b abp="819">Chips. </b> “These are foods that are loaded with calories, often fried and have little or no nutritional value,” Dr. Campbell says. Potato chips also fall in the category of foods that are aging you because they are often made with olestra, a fat substitute that adds no fat, calories or cholesterol. But it sticks to vitamins A, E, D and K and carotenoids, which are antioxidant nutrients, and flushes them out of the body, according to a study.</div>
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<b abp="822">Fried foods. </b> “There is no reason to ever eat anything fried,” Dr. Yancy says. “It has absolutely no cardiovascular benefits.” The second you start to fry foods, the oil becomes carcinogenic. When oil and fat are exposed to very high temperatures, free radicals are formed. The trans fats in these foods cause inflammation in the body. They raise your bad cholesterol and clog and stiffen the arteries. Bad fats disrupt the thyroid's ability to produce enough hormone.</div>
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<b abp="825">Too much alcohol.</b> “Small amount of wine – a glass per night at most – can be beneficial,” Dr. Yancy says. “But not more.” Then you’re consuming too many empty calories and sugar. Alcohol can trigger symptoms of atrial fibrillation (arrythmia), which increases the risk of stroke by five times. Excess consumption of alcohol stops the liver from making the materials that help the blood to clot.</div>
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<b abp="828">Bacon.</b> There is too much fat in bacon, Dr. David Fischman, co-director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Thomas Jefferson University, says. Nitrates help these foods keep their color for longer but they are not doing your body any favors. They can convert to nitrite, causing the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic chemicals, according to the CDC. </div>
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<b abp="831">Cold cuts.</b> These processed meats are very high in sodium and fat, too, Dr. Fischman says. “Turkey is less fatty but it has a lot of salt.” Consuming too much of it can lead to hypertension and damaged blood vessels, among other serious health problems. And this includes Hot dogs. “Hot dogs should not be staple food for anyone,” Dr. Fischman says. They are too processed and have too much salt.</div>
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<b abp="834">Cheese. </b> Too much cheese it not good for you because it is very high in calories, Dr. Fischman says. “It’s OK to have pizza once in a while but not every night for dinner.” Cheese has about 100 calories per ounce, on average, and a lot of fat – 6 to 9 grams per ounce, most of which is saturated, according to the University of California at Berkley.</div>
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<b abp="837">Canned foods.</b> “Anything that is in a can is very high in sodium because this is what they use to preserve the food,” Dr. Fischman says. “It’s always better to have fresh food. “I don’t care if you eat organic or non-organic fruits and vegetables,” he adds, “just eat more of them.” </div>
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<b abp="840">Sweets.</b> Refined sugar is toxic to the body, especially if consumed in large amounts. It causes insulin spikes, which lead to weight gain,” Dr. Fischman says. Your bad cholesterol levels also go up. The body does not like to have a lot of sugar but the muscles, which use it for energy, don’t have enough room for it. The extra gets stored in your fat cells, which is like the body’s dumping ground. </div>
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<span abp="920" style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: Amen to that! Sugar feeds cancers. That's why you drink a sugar drink 30 minutes before a PET/CT scan as the sugar goes to the cancer spots which light up on the scan. </span></div>
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<b abp="845">Baked goods.</b> “They are high in calories, fat and sugar,” Dr. Fischman says. Make them at home because then you’re more likely to use less sugar and butter instead of hydrogenated oil, he adds. This is a kind of trans fat that is really bad for you. Companies don’t have to list trans fats on the ingredient label unless there are more than 0.5g.</div>
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MyAchingKnees Comment: "Baked goods above, obviously pertains to cakes, pies, cookies, donuts, etc. Not your healthy casseroles and dishes like this. </div>
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<b abp="850">Microwave dinners.</b> These fit into the “anything in a box” category, Dr. Fischman says. In general, “they are preserved with too much sodium and are very high in calorie content.”</div>
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<b abp="853">Ice cream.</b> “Every time I see an overweight patient, my first question is ‘If I open your fridge, will I find ice cream?’ The answer usually is ‘yes,’” Dr. Fischman says. “Get rid of it.” It is very high in calories and fat, and it contributes to high cholesterol levels.</div>
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<b abp="856">Energy drinks.</b> “Absolutely not,” Dr. Fischman says. “Especially not mixed with alcohol.” Both are high in wasted calories and sugar. Energy drinks have too much caffeine, one of the most dangerous legal drugs, which leads to high blood pressure and racing heart, he adds.</div>
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<span abp="921" style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees Comment: Energy drinks, aka Death in a Can, helping to destroy our youth since the last decade began.</span></div>
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Originally from the <a abp="923" href="http://www.theactivetimes.com/" target="_blank">Active Times</a>
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<span abp="863" style="color: grey;"> For Information on the Products I recommend, <a abp="864" href="http://myachingjointsandknees.blogspot.com/2010/02/contact-me-or-correspond-with-me.html" target="_new">click here</a>, to contact me.</span></center>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-37647057684487230182016-09-27T12:52:00.000-07:002016-09-27T12:52:02.816-07:00Tips to Keep Your Joints Healthy<b>Stay in Motion</b><br />
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It's the golden rule of joint health: The more you move, the less stiffness you'll have. Whether you're reading, working, or watching TV, change positions often. Take breaks from your desk or your chair and get active.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>MyAchingKnees comment:</strong> Live a physical life - that's one of the four legs of the chair of health. I bet I don't sit down and stay still for more than 15 minutes, unless I'm taking a nap! :) </span><br />
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Safety First</b><br />
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Padding is your pal. So suit up when you do things like in-line skating or play contact sports. If your joints already ache, it might help to wear braces when you do activities like tennis or golf.<br />
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<b>Lean In to Your Weight</b><br />
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Your size affects some of the strain on your hips, knees, and back. Even a little weight loss can help. Every pound you lose takes 4 pounds of pressure off the knees. Ask your doctor what's the best way for you to get started.<br />
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<b>Don't Stretch Before Exercise</b><br />
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Flexibility helps you move better. Try to stretch daily or at least three times a week. But don't do it when your muscles are cold. Do a light warm-up first, like walking for 10 minutes, to loosen up the joints, ligaments, and tendons around them.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>MyAchingKnees comment:</strong> I stretch first thing in them morning. At 57 years old I take it slow and don't try to increase flexibility, just work through a full range of motion.</span> <br />
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<b>Go Low-Impact</b><br />
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What exercise is good? The best choices are activities that don't pound your joints, like walking, bicycling, swimming, and strength training.<br />
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<b>Flex Some Muscle</b><br />
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Get stronger to give your joints better support. Even a little more strength makes a difference. A physical therapist or certified trainer can show you what moves to do and how to do them. If you have joint problems, avoid quick, repetitive movements.<br />
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Work on Your Range</b><br />
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Are your joints too stiff and inflexible? You'll want to get back as much as you can of your "range of motion." That's the normal amount joints can move in certain directions. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises to improve this.<br />
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<b>Power Up Your Core</b><br />
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Stronger abs and back muscles help your balance, so you're less likely to fall or get injured. Add core (abdominal, back, and hip) strengthening exercises to your routine. Pilates and yoga are great workouts to try.
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<b>Know Your Limits</b><br />
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It's normal to have some aching muscles after you exercise. But if you hurt for more than 48 hours, you may have overstressed your joints. Don't push so hard next time. Working through the pain may lead to an injury or damage.<br />
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<b>Eat Fish to Reduce Inflammation</b><br />
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If you have joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis, eat more fish. Fatty cold-water types like salmon and mackerel are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s may help keep joints healthy, as well as lower inflammation, a cause of joint pain and tenderness in people with RA. Don't like fish? Try fish oil capsules instead.<br />
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<b>Keep Your Bones Strong</b><br />
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Calcium and vitamin D can help you do that. Dairy products are the best sources of calcium, but other options are green, leafy vegetables like broccoli and kale. If you don't get enough calcium from food, ask your doctor about supplements.<br />
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<b>Target Your Posture</b><br />
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Stand and sit up straight to protect joints all the way from the neck down to your knees. To improve your posture, take a walk. The faster you do it, the harder your muscles work to keep you upright. Swimming can also help.<br />
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<b>Ease Your Load</b><br />
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Consider your joints when lifting and carrying. Carry bags on your arms instead of with your hands to let your bigger muscles and joints support the weight.<br />
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<b>Chill Out Pain</b><br />
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Ice is a natural -- and free -- pain reliever. It numbs the hurt and eases swelling. If you have a sore joint, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel. Leave it on for up to 20 minutes at a time. You can also try a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Never apply ice directly to your skin.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>MyAchingKnees comment:</strong> My practice has been Ice for Injuries, but heat for chronic pain or discomfort. Some heating rub on muscles and joints a few minutes before stretching, exercise or work can make a huge difference. </span><br />
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<b>Supplements? Ask First</b><br />
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Stores are filled with ones that promise to relieve joint pain. Glucosamine and SAMe have the best research behind them. Talk to your doctor if you want to give supplements a try, so you know about what's safe and what might affect your medicines or health conditions.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>MyAchingKnees comment:</strong> I take supplements but they are pharmaceutical grade and made in an FDA registered lab. Among those supplements are a Glucosamine, Vitamin C based product for my knees and has helped my back as well. I won't ever go without it. Let the buyer beware, but I attribute these supplements to my healthy, productive and enjoyable lifestyle. Find something that works for you!</span><br />
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Treat Joint Injuries</b><br />
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They can add to the breakdown of cartilage in your joints. If you get hurt, see your doctor right away for treatment. Then take steps to avoid more damage. You may need to avoid activities that put too much stress on your joint or use a brace to stabilize it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/ss/slideshow-keep-joints-healthy?ecd=wnl_spr_082916&ctr=wnl-spr-082916_nsl-ld-stry_1&mb=xqAd4kecR5OtCe8SvOOFchXFE73IOX1cbeNVIuajEyk%3d" target="_new">Article from Web MD
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<span style="color: grey;"> For Information on the Products I recommend, <a href="http://myachingjointsandknees.blogspot.com/2010/02/contact-me-or-correspond-with-me.html" target="_new">click here</a>, to contact me.</span></center>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-18350834923495181552016-08-22T11:57:00.000-07:002016-08-22T11:57:07.005-07:007 Habits of Super-Healthy People<div abp="2432">
<span abp="2433" style="color: blue;">If you have a daily checklist, on paper or mentally, the below seven habits published on the Web MD website on Super Healthy People are worth looking at to see if you want to add them to your routine. Using the categories of the Web MD article, I added some comments as you'll see.</span> </div>
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<strong abp="2436">Have Breakfast</strong> </div>
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It's important for a bunch of reasons. It jump-starts your metabolism and stops you from overeating later. Plus, studies show that adults who have a healthy breakfast do better at work, and kids who eat the morning meal score higher on tests. If a big meal first thing isn't for you, keep it light with a granola bar or a piece of fruit. Just don't skip it.</div>
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<span abp="2440" style="color: blue;">MyAchingKness comment: The key word here is a HEALTHY breakfast. Here's a hint - Pop Tarts are NOT healthy. I have a low glycemic breakfast drink in the morning - basically 28 ounces of water with nutritional powder and fiber mixed in. Then I follow that with my supplements. So I not only recommend a low glycemic breakfast but a low glycemic diet throughout the day.</span> </div>
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<strong abp="2443">Plan Your Meals</strong></div>
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It'll help you save time and money in the long run. Block out some time, then sit down and consider your goals and needs. Do you want to lose weight? Cut back on sugar, fat, or carbs? Add protein or vitamins? Meal prep keeps you in control. You know what you're eating and when. A bonus: It'll be that much easier to skip those donuts in the breakroom at work.</div>
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<strong abp="2447">Drink Plenty of Water</strong></div>
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It can do so many good things for you. Staying hydrated is at the top of the list, but it may also help you lose weight. Another reason to go for H2O? Sugary drinks are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. If you aren't a fan of plain water, add flavor with slices of orange, lemon, lime, watermelon, or cucumber.</div>
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<span abp="2451" style="color: blue;">MyAchingKness comment: Drinking water, likely bottled water to reduce the chances of toxins, at a level of approximately one ounce for every two pounds of body weight, is a great start. Drinking adequate water is an often over looked health necessity.</span> </div>
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<strong abp="2454">Take an Exercise Break</strong></div>
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Don't just grab another cup of coffee -- get up and move. Do some deep lunges or stretches. It's great for your body and mind. Just 35 minutes of walking five times a week may help keep the blues at bay. And if you can't get all those minutes in at once, short bursts help, too.</div>
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<span abp="2458" style="color: blue;">MyAchingKness comment: I have stated many, many times that living a physical lifestyle is necessary to good health and one of the four legs in the chair of health. Doesn't mean you have to go to the gym and work our butts off. Simply walking, climbing stairs, stretching, getting outdoors are all things that everyone should do.</span> </div>
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<strong abp="2461">Go Offline</strong></div>
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Checking your email and social media a lot? Sure, your friends' and family's latest updates are just a click away, but do you really need to see pictures of your cousin's latest meal? Let it wait until morning. Set a time to log off and put the phone down. When you cut back on screen time, it frees you up to do other things. Take a walk, read a book, or go help your cousin chop veggies for her next great dinner.
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<span abp="2465" style="color: blue;">MyAchingKness comment: There are recent articles which state that neck stress is much more common in society today because of people looking down at their mobile devices for hours each day - don't be one of these people. By the time you are my age you will look like a hunch back.</span> </div>
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<strong abp="2468">Learn Something New</strong></div>
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New skills help keep your brain healthy. Sign up for a dance class or a creative writing workshop. Better yet, master a new language. The mental work it takes can slow the signs of aging and may even delay the effects of Alzheimer's disease.</div>
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<strong abp="2472">Don’t Smoke</strong></div>
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If you light up, quit. It's a big move toward better health. Your body repairs itself quickly. As soon as 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure drop. Why wait? Kick the habit, today. Your doctor will be happy to help you get started.</div>
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<span abp="2476" style="color: blue;">MyAchingKness comment: The single biggest thing that people do to sabotage their health is smoke, followed closely by excessive alcohol drinking, eating high glycemic foods, not getting daily levels of quality nutrients, and being a non-physical slug-coach potato type.</span> </div>
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Article from <a abp="2480" href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/ss/seven-habits-super-healthy-people?ecd=wnl_day_073116&ctr=wnl-day-073116_nsl-ld-stry&mb=xqAd4kecR5OtCe8SvOOFchXFE73IOX1cbeNVIuajEyk%3d" target="_blank">Web MD Page</a>
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<span abp="2486" style="color: grey;"> For Information on the Products I recommend, <a abp="2487" href="http://myachingjointsandknees.blogspot.com/2010/02/contact-me-or-correspond-with-me.html" target="_new">click here</a>, to contact me.</span></center>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-11082875178434175722016-08-11T09:32:00.003-07:002016-08-11T09:32:40.039-07:00Things that Happen When You Detox from Sugar<span style="color: blue;">Article by Stephanie Eckelkamp posted on </span><a href="http://www.eatclean.com/trends/what-a-sugar-detox-feels-like?cid=SYND-_-Foxnews-_-SugarDetoxWithMyBoyfriend-_-Article-_-July272016" target="_new"><span style="color: blue;">Eat Clean</span></a><span style="color: blue;">. The author uses the word "Reset" in the article which is appropriate as a low glycemic rests your system to where it needs to be. Providing you get the proper nutrients including fiber. I occasionally so a Reset for five days where I only take in low glycemic, gluten free, non GMO meal replacement drinks and foods. Although it is not a weight loss type of diet, the side effects is that I usually drop 8-10 pounds in those 5 days, and have additional energy because I am not "weighed" down by excessive sugars. </span><br />
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Yeah, I eat pretty darn healthy. But I'm only human. Every once in a while there's a birthday at work, and I eat a cookie. Sometimes two if I'm stressed. Then that cookie reminds me, wow, refined sugar is delicious! And also, that I love apple fritters. Then the next morning, I might buy an apple fritter. And so on, down the rabbit hole. <br />
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Earlier this month, in particular, I was feeling a little meh about my eating habits—my fritter count was higher than usual, and I’d done this experiment where I ate like my boyfriend for a week. He doesn't always have the most stellar dietary habits, guys. So I was in need of a little nudge in the opposite direction. <br />
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But I wasn't about to go it alone. So I enlisted my BF to be my partner in a 2-week sugar detox. Now, rest assured, this wasn't a detox in the annoying sense of the term—no juice cleansing, no fasting, no weird lemon-cayenne water shit. After consulting several seemingly sane diet books, we ended up taking this approach: No grains; no packaged food products with added sweeteners; no table sugar, natural sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners; no alcohol; no beans. We could also only eat one piece of low-sugar fruit per day (e.g. a green apple), and were somewhat limited in our choice of uber starchy veggies (e.g. no white potatoes). But we could eat loads of most veggies, along with eggs, fish, meat, nuts, nut butters, seeds, plain yogurt, and cheese. <br />
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The goal was to reset our palates and be able to come out of this thing with the ability to be satisfied with healthy whole foods, and to truly only eat treats in moderation—and without jumping on the first fast train to fritter town. Here's how we fared. <br />
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1. We felt like death and missed booze.<br />
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After a surprisingly easy first day, we were both surprised how bad we felt for the next five. Coffee was still allowed, so we weren't totally dead to the world. But because I no longer could have my 3 PM hit of chocolate, or fruit-packed smoothie, or one of my go-to RxBars, which contain dates, I definitely noticed significant fatigue due to this lower-carb, low-sugar approach to eating. My body wanted a source of fuel it could burn through quickly, but I was feeding it baby carrots and almond butter. Things would recalibrate and our bodies would adjust, we were told, but there would be an adjustment period. Be warned: The adjustment period sucks. <br />
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Evan's biggest complaints: Minor headaches, fatigue, and no beer. He works hard, so normally, he'll have one or two a night for "dessert." So he started drinking plain or naturally flavored seltzer like a madman. Which wasn't the same, but hit the fizzy spot. He was, however, very excited about the prospect of losing his beer gut. <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees comment: Feeling bad for one to several days is a necesary side effect while your body de-toxes. You can greatly minimize this by ensuring you are getting all the nutrients your body needs by taking quality supplements.</span> <br />
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2. Silently judging others became our favorite pastime.<br />
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Oh, you want to eat a doughnut in my presence? Hope you enjoy your future sugar cravings! That (or usually something a tad more sinister) is basically what went on in my head when I saw someone eating something I couldn't have. Evan and I also frequently found ourselves muttering about how everyone was going to get diabetes, and alternated between feeling all high and mighty about our choices and wanting to cry while watching our friends eat ice cream. <br />
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3. We became obsessed with sweet potatoes, and spiralizers, and…<br />
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Once we discovered the wonder and the glory that is the sweet potato, things started to get better. I mean, I've always loved sweet potatoes, but we hadn't been using them to their full potential. Their subtly sweet flavor and higher-carb count (compared to everything else we were eating) made them a daily must-eat. Did you know you can spiralize sweet potatoes, then toss them in oil and bake them into sweet potato fries? Did you know you can make sweet potato baked eggs?! Our love for this root veggie bordered on obsession. <br />
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Other things that made life suck less: Spiralizers (we made zucchini pasta basically every other day), using lettuce as sandwich "wraps," seltzer water, almond butter, easy-to-munch-on sliced veggies, eggs, and nuts. In fact, roasted and salted cashews became another obsession. <br />
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4. I ate all the cashews. We almost broke up.<br />
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Guys, the mood swings were real. Not exaggerating when I tell you we experienced a new level of cranky. During the first few days, it was pretty much like we were withdrawing from drugs—which sort of makes sense, since sugar has been found to activate the same areas of the brain as hard drugs like cocaine and heroin. So, when I ate pretty much all of one of our favorite snacks (the delicious cashews), Evan let me know how disappointed he was. To which I replied, "I bought the damn cashews!" To which he replied, "Well, I bought the damn dog food this month!" To which I replied, "I thought you loved Milo!" It was immature and ugly, and also a little hilarious. So, a word of advice: Pre-portion the freakin' cashews, and try to remember that maintaining a healthy relationship with your significant other is more important than gorging on your favorite snack—even though I can promise you it won't feel that way in the moment. <br />
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Oh, and a good general rule to avoid biting someone's head off: Always have healthy snacks at the ready. When your blood sugar drops and none of your allowable foods are close by, "hanger" is inevitable….and everyone seems really annoying.<br />
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5. Eventually, we felt pretty damn great.
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So, you probably think this whole experience was pretty miserable, but rest assured, we needed it. The truth is, after a full week of fatigue and mood swings, we both started to feel pretty fantastic. I was way less bloated, more alert, and found that my urge for packaged junk foods and sweets was cut in half. I also felt a whole lot less anxious and stressed. Evan felt pretty great, too, and actually ended up losing like 7 pounds (damn men and their speedy metabolisms). <br />
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My fixation on what I could and couldn't eat also started to fade. The truth is, this way of eating doesn't have to be limiting—it forces you to be far more creative with your meals (cauliflower crust pizza, anyone?), and reveals the nearly endless flavor potential of healthy whole foods. In fact, I started eating so many more veggies that I was probably eating a wider variety of foods than when we started. Evan, too—this guy hadn't even heard of a frittata before this experience, and now he's the master of them. <br />
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Of course, we're definitely excited to incorporate some things back into our routine, namely more fruit and the occasional beer and cocktail. And maybe even the occasional fritter. The difference is that, now, we can acknowledge that we like these foods, but we don't feel like we need them. <br />
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<span style="color: grey;"> For Information on the Products I recommend, <a href="http://myachingjointsandknees.blogspot.com/2010/02/contact-me-or-correspond-with-me.html" target="_new">click here</a>, to contact me.</span></center>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-41096934295861502892016-07-30T15:15:00.001-07:002016-07-30T15:15:22.147-07:00Warning on Dietary Supplements<div abp="168">
<span abp="410" style="color: blue;">From Consumer Reports this article was titled "</span><a abp="170" href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dietary-supplements-health-risks-consumer-reports-15-ingredients-to-avoid/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">New study sounds the alarm on dietary supplements</span></a><span abp="411" style="color: blue;">" and posted on CBS News. But I want to make it clear that this report is about non-pharmaceutical grade supplements. I have also been warning people about taking food grade supplements for years now and these reports give credence to the issues and sometimes dangers of taking non-quality supplements - and here's the kicker, most of the supplements you find do not guaranteed their quality, let alone have accurate label claims or are free of toxins, so let the buyer beware. </span></div>
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<span abp="413" style="color: blue;">I take only supplements manufactured using pharmaceutical grade standards in a lab monitored by the FDA, so this way I know what is on the label is in the bottle. I am not on the bandwagon, yet anyway, for FDA regulation of food grade nutritional supplements - I think the consumers should be the regulatory effect through purchasing or not purchasing, and not have the government regulate this further.</span> </div>
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A new investigation may have you rethinking some of your vitamins. Consumer Reports finds certain ingredients in dietary supplements sold around the country can carry major health risks, including heart palpitations, allergic reactions and pain, reports CBS Sports' Dana Jacobson.</div>
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Eighteen-year-old Logan Stiner died after overdosing on a caffeine powder supplement he bought online. A new study by Consumer Reports outlined health risks associated with dietary supplements -- including vitamins, probiotics and weight-loss aids. Unlike drug products that must be proven safe and effective, dietary supplements do not have to go through FDA approval.
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"If it could kill someone like Logan, it has no borders - it will kill again," said his mother, Katie Stiner. "It's what you don't know - I think that's the thing that we're most concerned about," said Lisa Gill, deputy content editor at Consumer Reports. "Just because it's not prescription, you say, 'oh, it's safe,' but that's not necessarily true."</div>
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"What is the biggest misconception about supplements?" Jacobson asked. "Oh, that they're safe. A manufacturer doesn't have to prove to the FDA before it gets put on the shelves -- that what's in those tablets, is what they say is there," Gill said.</div>
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A new study by Consumer Reports outlined health risks associated with dietary supplements -- including vitamins, probiotics and weight-loss aids. Unlike drug products that must be proven safe and effective, dietary supplements do not have to go through FDA approval.
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Gill said this leaves the consumer at risk. "It could be adulterated, it could be counterfeit, it could be hiding prescription drugs," Gill said.</div>
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Consumer Reports worked with independent doctors and dietary experts to identify 15 ingredients they say consumers should always avoid. They include caffeine powder found in some weight-loss supplements - like Kava, which claims to reduce anxiety and red yeast rice in supplements, which claims to reduce cholesterol.</div>
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Gill urges consumers to always avoid 15 specific ingredients. "They are known to have very specific harms. In some cases they can cause seizures or they can cause liver or kidney damage, there have been deaths associated with each of these," Gill said. But they found all 15 ingredients are available in supplements online or in major retailers. The Council for Responsible Nutrition -- which represents the supplement industry -- responded in a statement:
"More than 150 million Americans take dietary supplements each year... Overwhelmingly, dietary supplements are safe and play a valuable role in helping Americans live healthy lifestyles."</div>
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But Dr. Pieter Cohen, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, disagrees. "Consumers need to know that they cannot trust that anything sold as a supplement is what's actually listed on the label," Cohen said. "Nor that it works. Or that it's safe."</div>
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The FDA acknowledged its limited role in regulating the industry, saying "it's important to remind consumers, that just because you can buy supplements in stores doesn't mean the FDA has reviewed them for safety or efficacy."</div>
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Gill recommends consumers look for the United States Pharmacopoeia or USP label and consult a medical expert. "Tell your doctor and your pharmacist what you're taking. Treat it like a medication. It's that important -- it's really about your health," Gill said.</div>
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MyAchingKnees comment: Look in the Physicians Desk Reference for supplements manufactured under pharmacuetical grade processes.
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And yet another, older article titled "Unsafe, recalled dietary supplements still being sold" from October 2014 posted on CBS News. </div>
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Dietary supplements containing potentially dangerous prescription drug ingredients may still be for sale even years after safety recalls, a study found. In supplements bought online, researchers detected hidden steroids, similar ingredients to Viagra and Prozac and a weight loss drug linked with heart attacks.</div>
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They tested 27 products promising big muscles, sexual prowess, weight loss and more. Of those, 18 contained ingredients not approved for over-the-counter use; 17 still had the same drug that prompted the recalls.</div>
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Manufacturers are putting profit ahead of consumer health, but lax oversight by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is contributing to the problem, said lead author Dr. Pieter Cohen, an internist and researcher at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Boston-area health care system.</div>
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The tested supplements were recalled by manufacturers after FDA raised concerns about drugs in their products. This type of recall is usually voluntary, involving products that could potentially cause serious health problems and even death. The FDA's role includes assessing whether recalls successfully remove potentially unsafe products from the market.</div>
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"There should be significant legal and financial consequences for manufacturers who the FDA finds to be continuing to sell these spiked supplements," Cohen said. Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements don't need FDA approval before they are marketed. Still, their labels must list all ingredients and manufacturers are not allowed to sell products that are "adulterated or misbranded," the agency's website states. </div>
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The study was published in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association. The authors say laws that increase FDA's enforcement powers may be needed to fix the problem.</div>
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In response to the study, the FDA said it has issued hundreds of consumer alerts warning about tainted products, sent warning letters to supplement makers "and pursued civil and criminal enforcement" against those illegally marketed products. Deterring manufacturers is sometimes challenging because they are often difficult to locate and some are overseas, the agency said.</div>
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The researchers bought 27 of the 274 supplements recalled from 2009 to 2012. The products were purchased in summer 2013 from manufacturers' websites or other online retailers. An Oregon research laboratory tested them. Whether any consumers were harmed by using the tainted supplements was beyond the study's scope.</div>
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Among the 27 products:</div>
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-Six weight loss supplements contained sibutramine or a substance similar to the diet drug removed from the U.S. market in 2010 after it was linked with heart attacks and strokes. Two also contained the active ingredient in Prozac.</div>
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-Ten body-building supplements contained anabolic steroids or related compounds, which have been linked with side effects including prostate cancer, aggression and infertility.</div>
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-One sexual enhancement product contained sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, which is not recommended for those taking some heart medicines.</div>
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The Consumer Healthcare Products Association, a supplements trade group, said it encourages federal regulators to crack down on "rogue" companies.</div>
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"Unapproved or adulterated drugs' masquerading as lawful supplements is a threat to public health and to consumer confidence in the supplement industry," Scott Melville, the association's president and CEO, said in an emailed statement.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-68015784845131279702016-07-18T07:32:00.002-07:002016-07-18T07:32:54.292-07:009 Common Symptoms of Liver Disease<span style="color: blue;">I abused Motrin and other prescriptions drugs for years. Wasn't ever worried then about my liver but that changed 10 years ago when I approached my late 40's. And having several friends die of liver cancer,....well today, I am just careful as I can be. I take aspirin sometimes, but never other prescription drugs - how can you when you hear of all the potential deadly and dreadful side effects? I prefer to build my health by living a healthy lifestyle. Avoid toxins, eating as healthy as I can, living a physical life and taking quality supplements. Among the supplements I take is a pharmaceutical grade liver cleansing product. You simply can't live without your liver.</span> <br />
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Liver disease most often occurs due to an inherited predisposition. Other times, liver damage resulting from alcohol abuse, obesity, and viral infections is the cause. Chronic liver problems can result in cirrhosis, a serious condition that often leads to liver failure and death. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms is critical.<br />
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<strong>Here are some of the classic signs of liver disease…</strong><br />
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<strong>Discolored Bowels</strong> (they mean stools).
Healthy stools range in hues of brown. Light-colored or pale stools can be due to blocked bile ducts or liver disease. If your bowels are clay-colored, you may have issues with drainage of your biliary system, which includes the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees comment: Nobody likes to talk abut poop, but the color and whether it floats or not, is another tool that the individual can use to assess if issues are likely.
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<strong>Coated Tongue.</strong>
A coated tongue is a sign that your body isn’t digesting food properly, allowing bowel bacteria and yeast to overgrow. The liver helps us digest fat by making bile. When there are problems, we aren’t able to produce enough bile for proper digestion.<br />
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<strong>Body Odor.</strong>
Bad body odor can be caused by liver problems. Liver disease can change the consistency of sweat, resulting in a foul smell. See your doctor if you begin to sweat at night, sweat more than you usually do, get cold sweats, or smell different (fruity).<br />
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<strong>Dark Circles Under the Eyes</strong>.
Dark circles under the eyes are an external manifestation of chronic liver disease. In a significant amount of people with liver problems, dark circles in the facial area are visible. Individuals with liver inflammation have especially dark under eye circles.<br />
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<strong>Bad Breath.</strong>
People with liver disease tend to have bad breath, known in medical circles as fetor hepaticus. It is characterized by a musty, foul-smelling odor coming from the mouth and usually manifests prior to more obvious symptoms of the condition.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees comment: Bad breath is also linked to fluoride tooth pastes. Try a natural tooth paste,.....I do...... and my mouth has never ben healthier.</span>
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<strong>Itchy/Swollen Palms and Soles.</strong>
Stubborn itchiness in the hands and feet can be a symptom of liver failure. Inflammation and liver scarring are linked to fatty liver disease and can cause the body to itch. It typically starts at the soles and palms, which can also become swollen.<br />
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<strong>Jaundice.</strong>
Jaundice refers to when the skin becomes yellow, along with the nails and the whites of the eyes. This occurs when the liver isn’t breaking down bilirubin as it should. Those suffering from jaundice may also have dark urine and light-colored stool.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees comment:</span> <span style="color: blue;">For some people during the first 2-5 days following the starting on quality supplements, they will feel a little down and may have jaundice but this is temporary and is likely due to toxins leaving the body. ....refer to the color of poop above.</span>
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<strong>Nausea.</strong>
The initial symptoms of liver failure are usually nausea, lack of appetite, diarrhea, and exhaustion. But these can be caused by a variety of things. Be sure to have liver disease ruled out if recurring nausea occurs, especially if there are other symptoms.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Hormonal Imbalance.</span>
Liver disease can lead to the body’s failure to manage the production and processing of hormones. In men, this can result in enlarged breasts (gynecomastia), as well as withered testicles. Females may have their menstrual cycles disrupted.<br />
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Article from <a href="http://www.reinventingaging.org/general-health/13-common-symptoms-of-liver-disease/?utm_source=Yahoo%20Native%20-%20DT%20-%20Common%20Symptoms%20of%20Liver%20DT_Reinventing%20Aging-Invoice%202" target="_blank">Reinventing Aging.org</a>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-77822062632988351242016-07-05T10:34:00.000-07:002016-07-05T10:34:17.148-07:00Predictors of AlzheimersFrom an article on <a target="_new" href="http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/10-surprising-alzheimer%e2%80%99s-predictors/ss-AA2gayj?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=DELLDHP#image=1">msn.com lifestyle titled "10 surprising Alzheimer’s predictors" </a> <br><br>
About 5.2 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and the aging population will drive that number to an estimated 7.1 million by 2025, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Researchers have identified several types of brain abnormalities in people with the disease, notably plaques made of clumps of beta-amyloid protein and tangles of a protein called tau. Both correlate with the death of brain cells, leading to progressive memory loss, dwindling social skills and, eventually, death. As Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, director of the Banner Sun Health Research Institute and co-author of "The Alzheimer’s Prevention Cookbook," puts it, Alzheimer’s memory loss goes beyond the usual “I forgot where I put my keys” to “I forgot what my keys are for.” Age, family history, having the Apolipoprotein E genotype and being female are the leading predictors of the disease. But researchers are finding other predictive correlations, especially in lifestyle. <br><br>
Several biomarkers seem to correlate with Alzheimer’s, including certain proteins in spinal fluid or blood and mutations detectable by brain imaging. Michael Weiner, principal investigator for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and director of San Francisco’s Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disease, works with PET scans of study participants’ brains. While definitive Alzheimer’s diagnoses have formerly been made postmortem, Weiner said he was surprised to discover he could detect the Alzheimer’s-correlated amyloid protein in living people. Brain changes can begin 25 years before the onset of the disease. A 2012 study led by Dr. Michelle Mielke of the Mayo Clinic found that women with the highest level of a fatty compound called serum ceramide in their blood were 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than women with lower levels of the compound. However, patients often avoid these types of tests for fear of losing medical insurance. <br><br>
Heart history. Trouble with the vascular system is linked to Alzheimer’s. High blood pressure, especially in midlife, increases your risk. So can your heart history. People who have previously had a heart attack are more than twice as likely to develop dementia, whether it's Alzheimer’s or another type. Weiner emphasizes the importance of controlling your blood pressure. Decreasing stress also helps lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. <br><br>
Diabetes and obesity. Insulin-resistant diabetes could double or even quadruple your chances of getting Alzheimer’s. An enzyme in your brain is responsible for decreasing both insulin and amyloid, so too much insulin may interfere with the enzyme’s ability to remove the amyloid. Obesity also increases your odds, especially for women, who may be three times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as their thinner peers, according to the Fortanasce-Barton Neurology Center. Obese men increase their risk by about 30 percent. Exercise benefits both the obese and the diabetic. Dr. Joe Verghese, director of the Resnick Gerontology Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, prescribes physical activity and clean living. He admits that both he and his patients might rather take a pill than exercise and eat right. “I hate exercise,” he says. “But I do it because it’s good for me. A lot of this is common sense.” <br><br>
Low education. Lower levels of formal education and a general lack of mental stimulation correlate with increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Verghese led a study that identified dancing as the most helpful physical activity for avoiding Alzheimer’s, partly due to the social aspect. “You don’t usually dance alone,” he says. “Social interaction has been said to reduce stress levels, which are bad for the brain.” Sabbagh agrees, noting, “People who do volunteering, traveling, crossword puzzles — you name it, those people tend to be better off intellectually.” But the science is fuzzy, he says, because socially engaged people tend to take better care of themselves in general. He’s also uncertain about the dose and intensity. “If I do three hours of volunteering or sudoku versus one hour, am I more protected?” he asks. And does he have to do the New York Times crossword, or is the one in his local Arizona paper sufficient? <br><br>
Lack of fruits, vegetables and spices in diet. Diets low in vegetables may speed cognitive decline. One reason for this involves homocysteine, an amino acid in blood plasma. Higher levels seem to increase your risk of Alzheimer’s, among other deadly diseases. You need folate and other B vitamins to properly break down homocysteine. While all types of vegetables will help, Sabbagh recommends kale, squash, eggplant, collard greens and blueberries as cognitive superstars. Certain spices, notably cinnamon and turmeric, may also have a dramatic effect. “There’s clear evidence that people in India, at least from epidemiological data, have less Alzheimer’s,” says Sabbagh. “One of the environmental things people attribute it to is the presence of turmeric.” He also recommends following the Mediterranean diet. <br><br>
Head traumas. Boxers’ cerebral spinal fluid contains elevated markers for Alzheimer’s disease, according to a 2006 study led by Henrik Zetterberg of the Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University in Sweden as well as a larger 2012 study led by Sanna Neselius at the same institution. In Alzheimer’s earliest stages, the disease can change levels of beta-amyloid and tau — proteins associated with clumps and tangles — in spinal fluid. Boxers who have the Apolipoprotein E genotype are at even greater risk. Alzheimer’s patients who suffered significant head injuries before age 65 showed symptoms at an earlier age than those who hadn’t had head injuries. Sabbagh recommends avoiding contact sports involving your head and using protective headgear. <br><br>
Gait changes. A deteriorating gait and the inability to simultaneously walk and talk may indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s. “Walking while talking is a divided attention task,” says Verghese, who has long studied gait changes in patients with non-Alzheimer’s dementia. “Now, if you are in the early stages of dementia or actually have dementia, then this becomes more challenging because you have limited attention resources.” Five different studies presented at the 2012 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference tied gait change to the disease. Alzheimer’s correlated with slower and/or erratic walking and difficulty in performing such tasks as walking while counting backward. <br><br>
Poor navigation. Since Alzheimer’s starts in the hippocampus, often called the brain’s seat of memory, disorientation is a hallmark of the disease. This accounts for why people with Alzheimer’s are notorious for wandering off and getting lost. “Navigational problems might arise very early in the course of cognitive decline,” says Verghese. He’s now working on a National Institutes of Health-funded study that looks at people’s ability to navigate and whether those who are navigationally challenged will face faster cognitive decline. <br><br>
Depression and social withdrawal. People who suffer from depression earlier in life are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s as they age. A study by the Multi-Institutional Research in Alzheimer’s Genetic Epidemiology group, led by Robert Green of Harvard Medical School and published in Archives of Neurology in 2003, found a significant link between Alzheimer’s diagnoses and people who had shown symptoms of depression within the past year. So while doctors have long noted that people with Alzheimer’s tend to become depressed and withdraw socially, recent studies show that the depression predates dementia. <br><br>
Sleep problems. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea have been linked to cognitive deficits. Previous studies found Alzheimer’s plaque developing in mice’s brains when their sleeping schedules were significantly disrupted. A study released in 2012 correlated sleep disruption and Alzheimer’s in humans. The Washington University study, led by David Holtzman of the college's Department of Neurology, studied 145 cognitively normal people. Those with biomarkers for Alzheimer’s, as measured in their spinal fluid, were the worst sleepers. They spent more of their time in bed awake and napped more frequently during the day than those without the Alzheimer’s biomarkers. Sleep apnea is also linked to nighttime cardiac events and high blood pressure, both of which also correlate with Alzheimer’s. <br><br>
A few lifestyle tips to end on hopeful note. Despite what he describes as nihilism about the disease within much of the medical community, Sabbagh emphasizes that there’s hope. Medications to treat the disease have improved in the past 16 years, he says. “The field itself is moving forward very rapidly. Granted, there are lots of frustrations and failures, but that doesn’t mean the science has stood still.” Sabbagh recommends making lifestyle changes as a preventative strategy right away. Eat your greens. Exercise. Value your social connections, and use your brain power. “You should not wait,” Sabbagh says, “because by the time you become symptomatic, the pathology in your brain is significant.” <br><br>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-86766930866585942782016-06-20T12:08:00.000-07:002016-06-20T12:08:01.528-07:00Why French Kids Don't Have ADHD"French children don't need medications to control their behavior", by Marilyn Wedge, Ph.D., posted on <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/suffer-the-children/201203/why-french-kids-dont-have-adhd" target="_new">Psychology Today</a>. Dr. Wedge makes a good point with France's broader look at ADHD including social influences. I tend to think most ADHD children as being helped some or very much by the nutritional approach - limiting high glycemic foods and ensuring the child get's proper nutrients in the right amounts through supplementation included optimizers such as Omega 3 essential fatty acids, but certainly a total approach is usually the best to include a stabilized social order.
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In the United States, at least 9 percent of school-aged children have been diagnosed with ADHD, and are taking pharmaceutical medications. In France, the percentage of kids diagnosed and medicated for ADHD is less than .5 percent. How has the epidemic of ADHD—firmly established in the U.S.—almost completely passed over children in France?<br />
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Is ADHD a biological-neurological disorder? Surprisingly, the answer to this question depends on whether you live in France or in the U.S. In the United States, child psychiatrists consider ADHD to be a biological disorder with biological causes. The preferred treatment is also biological—psycho stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall.<br />
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French child psychiatrists, on the other hand, view ADHD as a medical condition that has psycho-social and situational causes. Instead of treating children's focusing and behavioral problems with drugs, French doctors prefer to look for the underlying issue that is causing the child distress—not in the child's brain but in the child's social context. They then choose to treat the underlying social context problem with psychotherapy or family counseling. This is a very different way of seeing things from the American tendency to attribute all symptoms to a biological dysfunction such as a chemical imbalance in the child's brain.<br />
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French child psychiatrists don't use the same system of classification of childhood emotional problems as American psychiatrists. They do not use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM. According to Sociologist Manuel Vallee, the French Federation of Psychiatry developed an alternative classification system as a resistance to the influence of the DSM-3. This alternative was the CFTMEA (Classification Française des Troubles Mentaux de L'Enfant et de L'Adolescent), first released in 1983, and updated in 1988 and 2000. The focus of CFTMEA is on identifying and addressing the underlying psychosocial causes of children's symptoms, not on finding the best pharmacological bandaids with which to mask symptoms.<br />
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To the extent that French clinicians are successful at finding and repairing what has gone awry in the child's social context, fewer children qualify for the ADHD diagnosis. Moreover, the definition of ADHD is not as broad as in the American system, which, in my view, tends to "pathologize" much of what is normal childhood behavior. The DSM specifically does not consider underlying causes. It thus leads clinicians to give the ADHD diagnosis to a much larger number of symptomatic children, while also encouraging them to treat those children with pharmaceuticals.<br />
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The French holistic, psychosocial approach also allows for considering nutritional causes for ADHD-type symptoms—specifically the fact that the behavior of some children is worsened after eating foods with artificial colors, certain preservatives, and/or allergens. Clinicians who work with troubled children in this country—not to mention parents of many ADHD kids—are well aware that dietary interventions can sometimes help a child's problem. <b>In the U.S., the strict focus on pharmaceutical treatment of ADHD, however, encourages clinicians to ignore the influence of dietary factors on children's behavior.</b><br />
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And then, of course, there are the vastly different philosophies of child-rearing in the U.S. and France. These divergent philosophies could account for why French children are generally better-behaved than their American counterparts. Pamela Druckerman highlights the divergent parenting styles in her recent book, Bringing up Bébé. I believe her insights are relevant to a discussion of why French children are not diagnosed with ADHD in anything like the numbers we are seeing in the U.S.<br />
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From the time their children are born, French parents provide them with a firm cadre—the word means "frame" or "structure." Children are not allowed, for example, to snack whenever they want. Mealtimes are at four specific times of the day. French children learn to wait patiently for meals, rather than eating snack foods whenever they feel like it. French babies, too, are expected to conform to limits set by parents and not by their crying selves. French parents let their babies "cry it out" (for no more than a few minutes of course) if they are not sleeping through the night at the age of four months.<br />
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French parents, Druckerman observes, love their children just as much as American parents. They give them piano lessons, take them to sports practice, and encourage them to make the most of their talents. But French parents have a different philosophy of discipline. Consistently enforced limits, in the French view, make children feel safe and secure. Clear limits, they believe, actually make a child feel happier and safer—something that is congruent with my own experience as both a therapist and a parent. Finally, French parents believe that hearing the word "no" rescues children from the "tyranny of their own desires." And spanking, when used judiciously, is not considered child abuse in France. (Dr Wedge's note: I am not personally in favor of spanking children).<br />
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As a therapist who works with children, it makes perfect sense to me that French children don't need medications to control their behavior because they learn self-control early in their lives. The children grow up in families in which the rules are well-understood, and a clear family hierarchy is firmly in place. In French families, as Druckerman describes them, parents are firmly in charge of their kids—instead of the American family style, in which the situation is all too often vice versa.<br />
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Read more about why French kids don't have ADHD and American kids do in Marilyn Wedge's new book based on this article: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Disease-Called-Childhood-American-Epidemic/dp/1583335633/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1415663776&sr=8-1" target="_new">A Disease Called Childhood: Why ADHD Became an American Epidemic</a>.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-17737786258458454712016-06-08T08:34:00.002-07:002016-06-08T08:34:13.526-07:00Vitamins and Minerals From A to Z<span style="color: blue;">This is an article from </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ss/slideshow-vitamins-minerals-overview?ecd=wnl_day_060616&ctr=wnl-day-060616_nsl-ld-stry&mb=xqAd4kecR5OtCe8SvOOFchXFE73IOX1cbeNVIuajEyk%3d" target="_new"><span style="color: blue;">Web MD </span></a><span style="color: blue;">which is a good source of information but with all information you read has to be viewed through a critical eye. The problem I have with this particular Web MD article is that it list 12 Vitamins and Minerals as if this is a total list. Where are the essential Vitamins B1, B2, Niacin and B6? Biotin? Pantothenic Acid? No where to be found on this list. Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, ...and the list goes on of missing key nutrients. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"> I also think articles like this enable people to pick and choose what they take as opposed to taking a complete list of nutrients in advanced doses to work synergistically with your immune system to provide optimum health. But hey, that's just me. If what you are doing seems to work, then like my friend say's "drive on with your bad self." And I mean that with all the love in the world.</span> <br />
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Vitamin A</strong><br />
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There are two main types of it. One comes from animal sources of food. You need it to help you see at night, make red blood cells, and fight off infections. The other is in plant foods and can help prevent an eye problem called age-related macular degeneration and to cells all over your body. Eat orange veggies and fruits (like sweet potato and cantaloupe), spinach and other greens, dairy products, and seafood such as shrimp and salmon. Too much vitamin A can hurt your liver, though.
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<strong>Vitamin B12</strong><br />
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Rev up before hitting the gym with a snack like a hard-boiled egg or cereal with vitamins added. B12 helps your body break down food for energy. Some athletes and trainers take supplements before workouts, but these don’t really boost your success if you're getting enough in your meals.
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<strong>Vitamin C</strong><br />
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Despite claims made by some over-the-counter remedies, it doesn’t prevent colds. But once you have symptoms, drink orange or grapefruit juice to help yourself stay hydrated and feel better sooner. Your body must have vitamin C to help your bones, skin, and muscles grow. You'll get enough from bell peppers, papaya, strawberries, broccoli, cantaloupe, leafy greens, and other fruits and veggies.
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<strong>Calcium</strong><br />
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This mineral, when mixed with sand, helps harden concrete harden. Its strength makes it the building block for your bones and teeth. It's also key to make muscles, including your heart, move. Get calcium from milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy foods, and from green vegetables like kale and broccoli. How much you need depends on your age and sex. Check with your doctor about whether you should take a supplement.
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<strong>Vitamin D</strong><br />
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Like calcium, it keeps your bones strong and helps your nerves carry messages. It also plays a role in fighting germs. Careful time in the sun -- 10 to 15 minutes on a clear day, without sunscreen -- is the best source. Or you could eat fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. There's a little in egg yolks, too. You can also get milk and sometimes orange juice with added vitamin D.
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<strong>Vitamin E</strong><br />
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It's also called an antioxidant. They protect your cells from damage caused by cigarette smoke, pollution, sunlight, and more. Vitamin E also helps your cells talk to each other and keeps blood moving. Sunflower seeds and nuts including almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts are good sources. If you're allergic to those, vegetable oils (like safflower and sunflower), spinach, and broccoli have vitamin E, too.
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<strong>Folic Acid</strong><br />
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For moms-to-be, it's a must. It helps make DNA and prevent spina bifida and other brain birth defects. Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, dark leafy greens, oranges and orange juice, and legumes (beans, peas, and lentils) are rich in folic acid. Your doctor may want you to take a supplement, too.
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<strong>Vitamin K</strong><br />
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You need it for blood clotting and healthy bones. People who take warfarin, a blood-thinner, have to be careful about what they eat, because vitamin K reacts badly with the drug. A serving of leafy greens -- like spinach, kale, or broccoli -- will give you more than enough K for the day. A Japanese dish called natto, made from fermented soybeans, has even more.
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<strong>Iron</strong><br />
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When your levels are low, your body doesn’t make enough healthy red blood cells. And without them, you can’t get oxygen to your tissues. Women who are pregnant or have heavy menstrual cycles are most likely to have anemia, the medical name for when you don’t have enough iron in your blood. Keep up your levels with beans and lentils, liver, oysters, and spinach. Many breakfast cereals have a day’s worth added in. Even dark chocolate with at least 45% cacao has some!
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<strong>Magnesium</strong><br />
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This mineral plays a role in making your muscles squeeze and keeping your heart beating. It helps control blood sugar and blood pressure, make proteins and DNA, and turn food into energy. You'll get magnesium from almonds, cashews, spinach, soybeans, avocado, and whole grains.
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<strong>Potassium</strong><br />
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You may think of bananas, but green leafy veggies are a better source of this mineral. It helps keep your blood pressure in a normal range, and it helps your kidneys work. Levels that are too low or too high could make your heart and nervous system shut down. You should also watch your salt, because your body needs the right balance of sodium and potassium. Snack on raw cantaloupe, carrots, and tomatoes, too.
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<strong>Zinc</strong><br />
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Without it, you couldn't taste and smell. Your immune system needs it, and it helps cuts, scrapes, and sores heal. It may help you keep your sight as you get older. While you can get zinc from plant sources like sesame and pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, lentils, and cashews, it's easier for your body to absorb it from animal foods, such as oysters, beef, crab, lobster, and pork.
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-3780660646539789612016-06-01T18:49:00.000-07:002016-06-01T18:49:50.686-07:0014 Warning Signs You Might Have Liver Damage<div abp="2964">
I have had two close friends pass away, in their early 50's, from liver cancer, so anything dealing with liver and pancreatic health always spark my interest.<br />
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This article is from <a abp="2965" href="http://www.lifed.com/14-warning-signs-you-might-have-liver-damage/source/yahoo#utm_medium=referral&utm_source=yahoo&utm_campaign=YLiverSigns4-Ad8" target="_new">Life'd.com </a>
The liver is one of the largest and hardest working organs in the body. It converts the nutrients in the food we eat into substances the body can use and stores them, and releases them when the cells require. It also detoxifies the blood, and plays a role in producing proteins even enabling blood to clot after an injury. <br />
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The liver does a whole lot, so it’s important to keep this workhorse of an organ healthy and working properly. However, there are things we do that can damage our livers.
Read these 14 early warning signs of liver damage. If caught early enough, a plan of action can be implemented to prevent further damage.<br />
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<b abp="2966">1. Jaundice.
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A failing liver cannot process enough of the pigment, bilirubin, the waste product after old red blood cells break down. The result is jaundice, the yellowing of the skin, nails and eyes. The unprocessed bilirubin, or a clogged bile duct due to liver disease, causes the bilirubin to accumulate in the bloodstream. It winds up in the skin and eyes, causing the yellow discoloration. If you see yellow, call your doctor. </div>
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees comment: I would never discount concern for a jaundiced appearance however when someone detoxs from high glycemic and processed foods, often a yellow tinged skin tone will be present for a day or two.</span> </div>
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<b abp="2971">2. Itching.
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Itching could be a symptom of cirrhosis, the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the liver. Cirrhosis can develop unnoticed until there is liver failure. Or there can be symptoms. Itching, also called pruritis, is one symptom. The itch can be debilitating with the entire skin suffering intensely for no apparent reason. Scratching might just exacerbate the itch which is caused by accumulation of bile acids in the bloodstream. If you experience an itch that covers your body or a localized itch that lasts for days, call your doctor.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees comment: Itching could also be a result of anxiety or even falling into a patch of poisonous ivy. .....or even going to Church for some people. </span><br />
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<strong>3. Bruising Easily
Bruising,</strong> or bleeding easily, especially nosebleeds, is another symptom of cirrhosis — a liver that has scar tissue that affects the way the liver works. What’s happening is the damaged liver cannot produce enough of the proteins needed to clot the blood after an injury. Bruising easily and bleeding come as a result.</div>
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<strong>4. Hormone Imbalance</strong>.
Men, if you start to develop breasts, this might not be a cause for embarrassment but instead a cause for alarm. A liver that is damaged might not be able to regulate the production and breakdown of hormones. For women, this may affect your menstrual cycle. For men, shrunken testicles and enlarged breasts should alert you to possible liver damage. Call your doctor.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees comment: Men, if you get man boobs, then now is time to eat right and do pushups,...many, many pushups!</span> <br />
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<strong>5. Spider Angiomas</strong>.
Another symptom of cirrhosis are swollen blood vessels. Called spider angiomas, these affected blood vessels get their name from their spiderweb-like appearance just below the skin. When the liver fails to adequately metabolize hormones, the level of estrogen can increase causing capillaries to take on this unsightly form in 33% of cirrhosis sufferers.
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<strong>6. Encephalopathy.</strong> The liver is constantly detoxifying the blood. But if the liver is not working properly, toxins remain in the bloodstream coursing all through the body. When these toxins reach the brain, they could cause hepatic encephalopathy—deterioration in brain function. This could result in confusion, loss of short-term memory and even loss of consciousness.
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<strong>7. Portal Hypertension</strong>.
When the liver is scarred, blood is prevented from flowing through the organ easily. This causes pressure to build up in the vein that supplies the liver with blood, the portal vein. Portal hypertension leads the blood to circumvent this vein like a car circumventing a blocked road by taking a smaller side street. The blood chooses fragile veins in the esophagus and stomach which can ultimately lead to their rupture. This shows up as internal bleeding, vomiting blood, or blood-soaked, black stools. Call your doctor immediately.</div>
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<strong>8. Chronic Fatigue.</strong>
Fatigue is the most prevalent symptom in patients with liver disease, probably noticeable because of its impact on quality of life. Fatigue is the product of a damaged liver that cannot keep up with its awesome workload. Tasked with detoxifying the bloodstream (among other jobs), a diseased or damaged liver will leave large amounts of toxins in the blood stream. Headaches are a symptom of this. Fatigue is another.</div>
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<strong>9. Loss Of Appetite.</strong>
Loss of appetite is most likely due to cytokines, proteins produced by cells that serve as messengers between cells. Cytokines interact with cells of the immune system to regulate and mediate normal cell processes in the body, and in the case of liver disease, they cause a lack of appetite. This is usually a symptom of advanced liver disease.</div>
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<strong>10. Swollen Legs And Ankles</strong>.
If you notice that your legs or ankles begin to swell, and you’re not overweight, and there does not seem to be another cause, it could be due to a build-up of fluid in the body. The excess fluid is pulled by gravity so it sinks to your lower hemisphere, settling in the legs or ankles. There are several causes for this, and none are particularly inspiring. Liver damage is one. If you experience this “edema,” you should speak with your doctor to determine the cause.</div>
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<strong>11. Dark Urine.</strong>
If your urine is orange, brown, cola color or amber (like the beer above) it could be a liver warning sign. There are other causes of dark urine, for instance dehydration, medication, urinary tract infections, kidney problems or eating certain vegetables that color the urine. If you can rule these out, a problem with your liver or bile ducts could be the culprit, and you should speak with your doctor.</div>
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<strong>12. Nausea</strong>.
There are many causes of nausea, ranging from the obvious like overeating or drinking too much alcohol to the not-so-obvious including organ trouble, fear or early stages of pregnancy. Nausea, itself, is not cause for alarm unless it persists or is coupled with other symptoms. If you experience nausea with other symptoms, you should consult with your doctor.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">MyAchingKnees comment: Another cause of nausea is eating my Aunt Gilda's Chicken Casserole. </span><br />
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<strong>13. Stool Problems.</strong>
Another sign of liver damage is the color of what you left behind in the toilet bowl. Although poop can change colors with a varied diet, normally it should be a shade of brown. If successive bowel movements are not in this hue, it’s a signal that something could be wrong. Black, tarry stools are the result of internal bleeding which can be a symptom of liver disease or some other serious problem. Call your doctor.</div>
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<strong>14. Pain In The Right Upper Abdomen.</strong>
Pain in the upper abdomen could be the result of inflammation of the liver. In the early stages of the disease, the liver may swell and become tender. The inflammation could be the result of an accumulation of fat, or from your body fighting an infection. If the inflammation is left untreated, your liver can suffer permanent damage. If you feel pain in the right upper abdomen, call your doctor. Catch and treat the disease early enough and the inflammation may subside.</div>
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<span abp="3001" style="color: grey;"> For Information on the Products I recommend, <a abp="3002" href="http://myachingjointsandknees.blogspot.com/2010/02/contact-me-or-correspond-with-me.html" target="_new">click here</a>, to contact me.</span></center>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-24139829477862658602016-05-19T11:14:00.000-07:002016-05-19T11:14:02.409-07:00Ten Common Items in Your Pantry That Are Toxic
This article is from <a target="_new" href="https://www.yahoo.com/style/10-toxic-items-lurking-pantry-144320841.html">Country Living</a> and supplements my healthy living concept of eliminating high glycemic and bad foods - maximizing low glycemic foods; living a physically active life; taking quality nutritional supplements; and, avoiding toxins. Riding your pantry of these bad foods is a simple process. Just a little bit of care, here and there, can help make a difference. Stop giving your hard earned cash to companies who make foods that are not only NOT good for us, they are BAD for us. <br><br>
<b>Rice</b><br><br>
Organic rice baby cereal, other rice-based breakfast cereals, brown rice, and white rice have all been found to contain arsenic, a "potent human carcinogen [that] also can set up children for other health problems in later life, " says Consumer Reports. The problem occurs because rice is grown in flooded paddies and takes up the arsenic that occurs naturally in water and soil. Repeated flushing with fresh hot water can reduce some of the arsenic. <br><br>
<b>Food Coloring and Dyes</b><br><br>
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) calls them a "Rainbow of Risks." A CSPI report finds that many of the food dyes approved for use raise serious health concerns. For example, Red Dye #3 was recognized in 1990 by the FDA as a thyroid carcinogen in animals and is banned in cosmetics and externally applied drugs. Red 40 (also seen on labels as Red Dye #40), the most-widely used dye, may accelerate the appearance of immune-system tumors in mice. The dye causes hypersensitivity in a small number of consumers and might trigger hyperactivity in children, says CSPI. Yellow 5 may also cause hyperactivity and other behavioral effects in children. The European Union requires a warning notice on most dye-containing foods, but here in the U.S., manufacturers need only say that the dye is in the product. <br><br>
<b>Grain and Corn Products That Contain GMOs</b><br><br>
Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, have been incorporated into the seed used to grow a variety of grains. The original idea was to produce crops that would be more resistant to diseases and pests. But ironically, GMOs seem to have spawned an increase in pesticide use, while some animal studies show a link to potentially pre-cancerous cells, smaller brains, livers, and testicles, false pregnancies, and higher death rates. Products that contain grains or corn products are those most likely to contain GMOs, which means cereal, flour, pancake mix, cake mixes, corn meal, anything sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, and even beer. Though many European countries have banned GMO food products, that's not the case in the U. S., though some states have started to require companies to label GMO-tainted food ingredients. <br><br>
<b>Canned Tuna</b><br><br>
Canned tuna is the most common source of mercury in our diet, with white albacore tuna usually containing far more mercury than light tuna, reports Consumer Reports. Mercury is a problem because exposure in pregnant women and young children can impair hearing, hand-eye coordination and learning ability. Evidence suggests that frequent consumption of high-mercury fish might also affect adults' neurologic, cardiovascular, and immune systems. <br><br>
<b>Canned Foods</b><br><br>
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical compound that mimics the reproductive hormone estrogen. It is associated with a wide variety of health problems, including cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and ADHD. The chemical is often infused into the internal lining of cans, where it may leach into the food inside. In fact, a study by a coalition of health advocacy and environmental groups found that 100% of bean and tomato food cans tested at "dollar" discount stores contained the chemical. <br><br>
<b>Noodle Cups and Instant Soups</b><br><br>
If your pantry houses food in foam-like containers, beware. The containers may be made from a compound called polystyrene, a petroleum-based compound that contains the toxic substances styrene and benzene, suspected carcinogens and neurotoxins that are hazardous to human health. Styrene leaches into food when it comes into contact with heat or acid, so adding boiling water to cook ramen or instant soup should be avoided, as should making or serving hot coffee, tea, or chocolate in a styrene cup. <br><br>
<b>Plastic Food Packaging</b><br><br>
Plastic food packaging (as well as shower curtains) may be made from vinyl chloride, one of the first chemicals designated a known human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Vinyl chloride may also contain phthalates, BPA, and chlorine, which makes it particularly dangerous to manufacture. <br><br>
<b>Microwave Popcorn</b><br><br>
PFOA is the slippery stuff that makes Teflon-type pans non-stick. It's also what lines bags of microwave popcorn so that the kernels can pop without sticking to the bag and burning. At high heat, like what is found in a microwave, PFOAs can spread onto the popcorn. You might also end up inhaling them when you open the bag of popped corn and the steam escapes. PFOA has been linked to cancer, liver disease, developmental problems, and thyroid disease, reports Duke University. <br><br>
<b>Pesticide Residue on Foods</b><br><br>
Fruits and vegetables that are grown the "old fashioned" way–by being treated with pesticides and herbicides to control bugs and weeds—generally retain some toxic residue. Environmental Working Group ranked 48 different fruits and vegetables them according to how much reside could be detected on each one. Apples, peaches, nectarines strawberries and grapes contained the most residue; pineapples, sweet corn and avocados the least. Though EWG's study considered fresh produce, it's likely dried produce is also contaminated. For example, the USDA Pesticide Data Program found 26 different pesticide residues on raisins. <br><br>
<b>Brominated Vegetable Oil, or BVO </b><br><br>
BVO is a synthetic chemical that helps ingredients like orange juice mix better in soft drinks. The compound also makes the natural colors in food brighter. You might find it in soda pop, sports drinks, and citrus-flavored waters. The chemical could increase cholesterol; it may also damage the liver, testicles, thryroid, heart and kidneys. WebMD reports that "in very high amounts, drunk over a long period of time, BVO can build up in the body and cause toxic effects." <br><br>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345011831605811159.post-22402758039153343682016-05-05T10:40:00.000-07:002016-05-05T10:40:20.275-07:00More Prescription Drug Risks: Common Meds Linked to Dementia<span style="color: blue;">This article came out on </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20160420/dementia-anticholinergic-medication" target="_new"><span style="color: blue;">WebMD</span></a><span style="color: blue;">, written by Peter Russell and reviewed by Hansa D. Bhargava, MD, and underscores yet another side effect or risk with prescription drugs. Some prescription drugs are unavoidable, but the user needs to understand the risks and to take steps to mitigate these risks, the primary step being to maintain as healthy immune system as possible. I also take supplements thought to help maintain a healthy liver and your liver is affected by many of the common prescription drugs being used heavily today. </span><br />
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Older people who take certain medicines to treat conditions like urinary incontinence, depression, asthma, allergies, and sleeping problems should be warned that their use may bring a higher risk of dementia, scientists say. <br />
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A small Indiana University study found that people using "anticholinergic medications" did worse on thinking-related tests and had smaller brain sizes than those who didn't take them.<br />
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The researchers say that although a link has been found before, this might be the first time that their effect at blocking a brain chemical called acetylcholine has been implicated.<br />
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But the study showed an association, and it can't prove these drugs cause dementia.<br />
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Go here to <a href="http://www.agingbraincare.org/uploads/products/ACB_scale_-_legal_size.pdf" target="_blank">see a list of drugs</a> (Generic Name, Brand Name and the assigned Anticholinergic Cognitive Brain Score) associated with each prescription drug that the researchers studied.
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<strong>Thinking Impairment</strong><br />
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"These findings provide us with a much better understanding of how this class of drugs may act upon the brain in ways that might raise the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia," says Shannon Risacher, PhD, assistant professor of radiology and imaging sciences, in a statement.<br />
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The latest research project, published in JAMA Neurology, involved 451 people with an average age of 73.3 years, 60 of who were taking at least one medication from this class of drugs.<br />
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Tests on their brain function revealed that those taking the anticholinergic medications did worse than those not taking the drugs. These included results on short-term memory, verbal reasoning, planning, and problem solving.<br />
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The researchers also found that anticholinergic medications led to users' brains processing blood sugar (glucose) -- a sign of brain activity -- differently in both the overall brain and in the hippocampus, a region that's tied to memory and which shows early effects of Alzheimer's disease.<br />
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<strong>Smaller Brain Volume</strong><br />
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Another discovery was that volunteers using anticholinergic drugs had less brain volume and larger ventricles, the cavities inside the brain.<br />
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"Given all the research evidence, physicians might want to consider alternatives to anticholinergic medications if available when working with their older patients," Risacher says.<br />
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Commenting on the study in an emailed statement, Dr. Rosa Sancho, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, says: "This small study adds to evidence for an association between anticholinergic medicines, memory difficulties, and changes in brain biology, but from this research we can’t conclude that this particular type of drug causes dementia.<br />
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"There are many different lifestyle factors that could explain the apparent link between this particular class of medicine and the changes seen in this study, and larger and longer studies are necessary to understand the true long-term impact of these drugs on the brain.<br />
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"Anticholinergics can have many beneficial effects, and these need to be balanced against potential side effects, but anybody concerned about their current medication should speak to a doctor before stopping a course of treatment."<br />
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