All about cholesterol

Does Cholesterol Really Matter?

2010-03-20T18:33:00.000+02:00

This is a very interesting article…

Monday, March 15, 2010 by: Dr. Julian Whitaker

(NaturalNews) I’d like to shine the spotlight on one of medicine’s sacred cows- the belief that lowering cholesterol with drugs protects against heart attacks and premature death. Our obsession with cholesterol began in the 1950s when studies linked high consumption of animal fat with high rates of heart disease. This opened the door for clinical trials that laid the foundation of a new paradigm: the cholesterol theory of cardiovascular disease.

This theory has had profound ramifications. It changed the way we eat (fats bad, carbohydrates good) and contributed to our problems with obesity and diabetes. It wormed its way into “clinical practice guidelines”- cholesterol management has become a “standard of care” that doctors are expected to follow. It spawned the invasive heart surgery industry, based on the presumption that cholesterol-laden blockages must be bypassed or propped open. And it led to the creation of the best-selling class of medications in history: cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, which generate more than $15 billion in worldwide sales every year.

But it’s all a house of cards. No matter what you’ve been led to believe, a high cholesterol level is not a reliable sign of an impending heart attack. In fact, growing numbers of experts question whether cholesterol matters at all. As for statin drugs, for most of the 40-plus million Americans recommended to take them for the rest of their lives, they’re an ineffective, expensive, side effect- riddled fraud.

Statin-Free Zone

When a patient taking Lipitor, Zocor, or another statin drug comes to Whitaker Wellness, we discontinue it at once. “But my cholesterol level is 240.” “My doctor told me I’ll have a heart attack if I don’t take this drug.”My father died of heart disease, so I have to take it.” I’ve heard all these justifications and more, and I still recommend that my patients get off statins. Here’s why.

First, they’re not very effective. These drugs do lower cholesterol, but so what? We’re not treating lab numbers. We’re treating patients, and the ultimate goal in cholesterol management is to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. Except for a very limited number of people, there is absolutely no evidence that statins protect against heart attack or premature death.

Are you over age 65? Not a single study suggests you’ll receive any benefits, even if your cholesterol goes down substantially. A woman of any age? Same story. A man younger than 65 who has never had a heart attack? Ditto, no help at all. For middle-aged men who have had a heart attack, statins may lower risk of a repeat heart attack, but that’s the extent of it.

I know this is hard to buy in light of the multiple drug advertisements and glowing endorsements from doctors. But keep in mind that pharmaceutical companies do a superb job of pulling the wool over the eyes of consumers and physicians alike by withholding unfavorable study results and making false, misleading, and often deceptive claims.

A Statistic We Can Understand

That’s why I want to step around confusing statistics and tell you about an easy-to-understand measure that you’ll never hear about in drug ads. It’s called “number needed to treat,” or NNT, and it describes the number of patients who would need to be treated with a medical therapy in order to prevent one bad outcome. Experts consider an NNT over 50 to be “worse than a lottery ticket.”

Lipitor ads claim that it reduces risk of heart attack by 36 percent. Sounds pretty good until you look at the fine print, do the math (which John Carey did in a great article in Business Week), and figure out that the drug’s NNT is 100. This means that 100 people must be treated with Lipitor in order for just one heart attack to be prevented. The other 99 people taking the drug receive no benefit.

To put this into perspective, the NNT of antibiotics for treating H. pylori, the underlying cause of stomach ulcers, is 1.1. These drugs knock out the bacteria in 10 out of 11 people who take it, making them a reliable, cost-effective therapy. At the other end of the spectrum are statins, which as a class have an NNT of 250, 500, or higher depending on the study you look at. What a deal for drugs that can cost more than a thousand bucks a year and are almost guaranteed to cause problems.

Goodbye Drugs, So Long Symptoms

Statins lower cholesterol by suppressing the activity of an enzyme in the liver involved in the production of cholesterol. But this enzyme has multiple functions, including the synthesis of coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 is a key player in the metabolic processes that energize our cells. No wonder statin users often suffer from fatigue, muscle pain and weakness, and even heart failure- the cells are simply running out of juice.

The second most frequent adverse effects of statins are problems with memory, mood, suicidal behavior, and neurological issues. Other common complaints include sexual dysfunction, and liver and digestive problems. Symptoms range from minor (achiness, forgetfulness) to serious (complete but temporary amnesia, permanent memory loss) to lethal (congestive heart failure, rhabdomyolysis or complete muscle breakdown). One statin drug, Baycol, was taken off the market a few years ago after it caused dozens of deaths from rhabdomyolysis. Several studies have also linked statin drugs with an increased risk of cancer.

Because physicians rarely warn of these side effects, few patients suspect their drugs may be the reason they begin feeling bad- and it’s often a revelation when they put two and two together. Simply discontinuing these medications can result in tremendous improvements in health and well-being. Texas cardiologist Peter Langsjoen, MD, published a study showing that when symptomatic patients got off their statins and started taking 240 mg of CoQ10 per day, they had significant decreases in fatigue, myalgias (muscle aches), dyspnea (shortness of breath), memory loss, and/or peripheral neuropathy.

Not a Drug But a Program

As you can see, we need to shift away from this myopic focus on statin drugs and lowering cholesterol, and take a more holistic view. Folks, you don’t need statins- you need a program that addresses all the known risk factors for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular disorders.

Inflammation, not high cholesterol, is the primary cause of heart disease. Harvard researchers have discovered that a high blood level of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, is more predictive of heart disease than cholesterol. To get a handle on inflammation, lose weight- especially if you carry excess fat in the abdominal area. Exercise. Stop smoking. Eat plenty of vegetables and several weekly servings of salmon, sardines, and other omega-3 fatty acids, and avoid sugars and starches.

The beauty of this program is that it targets not only inflammation but other conditions that contribute to cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, even cholesterol. Best of all, it’s a foundation for overall good health.

Necessary Nutrients

Your program should include a well-rounded nutritional supplement regimen, as well. My number-one suggestion for inflammation in all its guises is fish oil. This supplement also improves blood flow, discourages excess clotting, helps normalize heart rhythm, and saves lives by reducing risk of sudden cardiac death.

Folic acid and other B-complex vitamins are important because they lower levels of homocysteine, a toxic substance that damages the arteries. The mineral magnesium relaxes the arterial walls, which improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and helps prevent arrhythmias. And antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, provide protection against damaging free radicals- another contributor to cardiovascular disease.

Supplements that boost the heart’s energy are recommended as well. One is coenzyme Q10. In addition to serving as a potent antioxidant, CoQ10 also increases the heart muscle’s efficiency and protects against the adverse effects of statin drugs. Another is D-ribose, a natural sugar that is the structural backbone of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy that fuels cellular function.

Don’t Fret About Cholesterol

As far as cholesterol lowering is concerned, there are a number of natural therapies that work well, including flaxseed and other sources of fiber, niacin, plant sterols, and policosanol.

In short, do what you can to manage your cholesterol, but don’t worry about it if your level is particularly stubborn. The average cholesterol of people who have heart disease isn’t much higher than the level of those who don’t. If high cholesterol runs in your family, concentrate on what you can control, and remember, numbers aren’t everything.

Recommendations:

*

Here are suggested daily doses of the supplements discussed above: fish oil 2-8 g, folic acid 800-1,200 mcg, magnesium 500-1,000 mg, vitamins C 1,000-5,000 mg, and E 400-800 IU, CoQ10 100-400 mg, D-ribose 10-15 g, flaxseed 1/4 cup, niacin 500-2,000 mg, plant sterols 1,500-2,000 mg, and policosanol 20 mg.

* Discuss this information with your doctor. If you are interested in learning about the protocol we use at the Whitaker Wellness Institute to prevent and treat heart disease, visit whitakerwellness.com or call (800) 488-1500. To locate a physician in your area familiar with drug-free therapies, visit acamnet.org.

References

Carey J. Do cholesterol drugs do any good? Business Week. 2008 Jan 17. Available online at www.businessweek.com/magazine/conte….

Langsjoen PH, et al. Treatment of statin adverse effects with supplemental coenzyme Q10 and statin drug discontinuation. Biofactors. 2005;25(1-4):147-152.

Marchioli R, et al. Early protection against sudden death by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids after myocardial infarction. Circulation. 2002 Apr 23;105(16):1897-1903.

Ravnskov U. The Cholesterol Myths: Exposing the Fallacy that Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease. New Trends Publishing, Washington, DC, 2000.

[Via http://myutahchiropractor.wordpress.com]

HO FATTO... an amazing fruit and cereal creation!

2010-03-16T18:27:00.000+02:00

Alright, I know this is going to sound simple and silly, and some people my even wonder why I felt this was important enough to post. But that’s alright! Because this fruit and cereal combo I made is amazing Simple, yet amazing.

Chocolate Cheerios

First of all, since when do they have CHOCOLATE Cheerios? I bet the Big Man Upstairs chuckled to himself and said, “You know what would be a funny joke – cocoa and Cheerios. Those humans won’t know what to say.” Well, He was right. My mother bought a box of these for my brother to try. Those attempts were unsuccessful, so I have inherited the box of deliciousness and let me tell you – they are just little O’s of lightly cocoa-ed goodness! When I first ate them, I exclaimed to my mother how much they tasted like CoCo Puffs – which they do – however they are even better than CoCo Puffs because they don’t taste like they’re coated with sugar and other refined messes of crystals. They just taste like regular Cheerios infused with a bit of cocoa.

So I took this little-choco-warrior of a cereal and mixed it with its grand-daddy cereal, regular Cheerios, and threw in some slices of bananas and strawberries. I thought I would stop there, considering I was salivating profusely already (not exactly attractive, I know), but no! I decided to go one step further and add a touch of one of my favorite spices – cinnamon.

I love cinnamon.

cinnamon

Did I ever tell you that I love cinnamon?

I love cinnamon.

I could add cinnamon to almost any baked good recipe, and to a lot of other things as well. When I’m home from college, I add cinnamon to my cappuccino that I have in the morning with my parents. I love cinnamon so much that I’m bringing back a small container of it with me to college so I can sprinkle it on cereal and other treats to make them even tastier. I just think it’s such a wonder spice, it really livens-up any food you use it with, in an almost festive and holiday-like way. Also, to make cinnamon even better, in my health research, it has been found that just a small bit of cinnamon a day can reduce LDL cholesterol. Cinnamon is also a great source of magnesium, fiber, calcium and iron, and one study eve connected the smelling of cinnamon to a boost in cognitive function and memory!

Try this fruit and cereal combo, trust me, it makes for a great, light breakfast or lunch – and it’s so easy and quick to make too!

Coco-Cheerio Cinnamon Fruit Bowl

1/2 cup of regular Cheerios

1/2 cup of Chocolate Cheerios

1 medium banana, sliced

4 fresh strawberries, sliced

1 tsp cinnamon

1. Mix both regular and Chocolate Cheerios in a bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, slice banana and strawberries.

3. Combine cereal and fruit, mix with spoon.

4. Sprinkle cinnamon on top of mixture, mix one more time to coat all ingredients with cinnamon.

ENJOY!

[Via http://mangiaconme.wordpress.com]

Write-up on wholesome living

2010-03-13T10:03:00.000+02:00

Visit cholesterol how to lower

For exercise, they learn karate, compared with the defense. I have used both and my personal training to the best of my knowledge for the exercise. Some people only learn karate for exercise. Lessons to the defense. almost all strictly for the defense, even though they attend the class reported self-defense to exercise good. karate classes, both on defense and very moving so good to exercise. but I must say modern karate lessons. more than self-defense classes for exercise. I have a karate school for several years and spent quite a bit in school defense. but some karate schools that participated included the protection of traditional lessons. especially not to. This is why karate classes to exercise classes better than self-defense: Standard pushups and learn karate at all levels. Pushup exercise are both associated with resistance and cardio exercises as taught karate focus volume. the. Pushup training to the test as many belts are often required minimum number of lessons not included pushups pushups.Self prevent compliance because lessons do not center around the chest defense driving a karate class punch.Karate associated with physical decline. exercise that attracts the hip and buttocks muscles legs: kicking (and higher), jump, balance, roll, not to mention reams of jumping jacks, squats and wall stretching exercise. hip joints are important classes. defense exercise.Quality about kicking exercises, but students learn to groin kicks and no kneecaps, which recruit the hip flexor muscles do not practice high-kicking. lack of self-defense classes are like children playing a challenging exercises. more. deficiency also have these jumping jacks and other cardio longer relevant lessons exercise.Karate core muscle exercise include torturous lying leg lift and ride long-ups. In fact, the belt may need to test the minimum number. sit – Lesson ups.Good defense should include good exercise, but not core classes emphasized.Karate very important in the "form". Or katas ",". The choreographed moves to opponents suppose. Form the body must move frequently in rapid succession and the forms can be re-taxing. Only one can be kicking, punching, blocking, jump, roll, balance, cartwheels, somersaults,. flexible and in no case very acrobatics.Forms in defense lessons and practice classes.Karate a form using high-intensity periods: periods of intense exertion cardio time to switch to interactive. Net result: a good sparring partner. leaves lessons about co exhausted.Self prevent normal migration to premeditated attack "predetermined". While some attacks are not known to the recipient and the recipient will be made any move to self-defense to learn. In both cases, no disturbance continued to move in such a practice exercise.'s Lessons often step. 1, 2 Step 3 Step movement. when done quickly to prevent true simulation is to move in a few seconds and then turned another student. some classes on defense, but to repeat a stunning heavy bags karate. karate classes about classes.Some unique drills, such as through the high jump up to run against the wind and medicine ball training schools often have karate equipment, weight lifting. The defense may have schools and child weight drugs. but rarely, except self-defense lessons are offered by the karate school. Although karate is a form of defense that learning self-defense is not standard as karate lessons. classrooms and not related to defense. exercise such as clearing high bar last race walk, stuttering gait Duck-drills, medicine ball while running through the eye, etc. In general classes.Remember karate, body fit body better protect yourself on the road. I vote. Learning how to learn karate to fight off the attack. just make sure schools do not stray collected trophies from karate tournaments.

Visit foods to lower cholesterol

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World Kidney Day 11th of March

2010-03-11T02:22:00.000+02:00

On the 11th of March this year World Kidney Day is celebrated, as a health awareness campaign aimed at improving the knowledge of kidneys and to cut the rate of kidney disease.

This year, the campaign will focus on Diabetes as the most important cause of Chronic Kidney Disease, and has the theme: “Protect your Kidneys, Control Diabetes”. The campaign is a combined initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF), with the aim of spreading the message that kidney diseases are common and should not be ignored as they then can cause immense harm to human lives. The bright side is that kidney diseases in most cases are treatable.

Below is a list of 10 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys in Top Health

Control your weight
Check your blood pressure and cholesterol frequently
Supervise your blood glucose
Don’t overuse over-the-counter painkillers
Do an annual physical exam
Exercise regularly
Do not smoke
Maintain a healthy diet
If diabetes or chronic kidney disease runs in your family you might be at risk, so be even more precaucious about the above

[Via http://novasans.wordpress.com]

Some Snack Foods that will Lower your Bad Cholesterol

2010-03-09T02:50:00.000+02:00

The good news — or the bad news, depending on what you’re snacking on — is that “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is sensitive to diet, though less sensitive than triglycerides and good high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Sunflower seeds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, pine nuts, flaxseeds, and almonds are particularly high in plant sterols, which can help reduce LDL.

Research shows that eating two apples a day can slow down the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and help prevent plaque buildup.

An important source of water-soluble fiber, oats have long been recognized as a potential cholesterol-lowering dietary component. The soluble fiber in oat bran binds with bile acids in the intestine to block the absorption of cholesterol by the body.

Studies show that the phytochemicals called liminoids in pink and red grapefruit make them powerful LDL busters. Also, all types of beans are great for lowering your LDL, but I don’t know to many people eat them for snacks.

Here is the acceptable levels of Good (HDL) and bad Cholesterol(LDL):

Total cholesterol levels:

less than 200 mg/dL (5.17 mmol/L) is considered desirable
200 mg/dL – 239 mg/dL (5.17 mmol/L – 6.18 mmol/L) – borderline-high
240 mg/dL and above (6.21 mmol/L and higher) is considered high.

LDL-”bad” cholesterol levels:

less than 100 mg/dL (less than 2.6 mmol/L) is considered optimal
100 mg/dL – 129 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L – 3.35 mmol/L) – near optimal or above optimal
130 mg/dL – 159 mg/dL (3.35 mmol/L – 4.10 mmol/L) – borderline high
160 mg/dL – 189 mg/dL (4.12 mmol/L – 4.88 mmol/L) – high
190 and above (4.90 mmol/L and greater) is considered very high.

HDL-”good” cholesterol levels:

60 mg/dL (1.56 mmol/L) or higher is considered desirable (it reduces the risk of heart disease, even if total or LDL cholesterol is high)
40 mg/dL – 60 mg/dL (1.04 mmol/L – 1.56 mmol/L) – acceptable
below 40 mg/dL (1.04 mmol/L) is considered low (it increases the risk for coronary artery disease in people who also have high total cholesterol levels).

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'Taters are in! Onions, spinach, and kale, too!

2010-03-06T10:47:00.000+02:00

Garden update!

That’s right…potatoes, onion, spinach, and kale are all in the ground and watered. I’m going to start everything else indoors tomorrow! I’m really excited! I believe I’m going to paint the garden….RED!!! I hope it doesn’t end up looking like a Christmas themed garden, though!!

And I’m munching on some more dates + walnuts! The Barhi dates are seriously TO DIE FOR! I am in LOVE! Thank you to those who suggested Brazil nuts, goat cheese, and bleu cheese as date stuffing! YUMMM!

And you may have noticed that I’ve seemed to catch up on EVERYONE’S blogs today! That’s a first in a long time! Amen for Friday’s off (at least most of Fridays!)

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Today’s NNM Topic: Gout

Gout is defined by the body’s inability to break down purine in the body. This results in a build up of urate crystals in the joints which results in painful inflammation. Purine is primarily found in foods of animal origin, with the exception of eggs and dairy products. Gout is treated with combination drug and diet therapy and typically affects more men than women.

Nutrition therapy for gout treatment includes:

Limiting protein intake to 10-15% of calories or 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight

50-55% calories from carbohydrate and 30% of calories from fat

Cholesterol intake should be limited to 300 mg or less each day

Obtaining or maintaining a healthy body weight

Alcohol, especially beer, should be avoided

Adequate fluid intake (2-3 L/day)

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Thank you so to Melinda who passed this award on to me

So, here is the deal. Now I am supposed to leave 7 creative tidbits about myself, but only 1 is true. This means 6 are lies…um…I mean false. I will let you try to figure out which is true and which are false and let me know what you think. Oh, and then I will graciously pass this award on to 6 other fantastic bloggers.

Here goes:

1. I’ve competed in an Olympic triathalon.

2. My friends think I should write a dating book because I give really good dating advice.

3. Mr. Prevention and I met on the Chicago subway.

4. I require 9 hours of sleep every night to function.

5. I prefer to run outside than on the treadmill.

6. I play defense on my ice-hockey teams.

7. My husband brings me donuts and coffee to bed on Sundays mornings.

Now, I get to pass this along. I love all of the great blogs that I read and I only get to pick 6, so I’ll spread the love to some of my newer blog reads…

1. Joanne of Eats Well with Others

2. Tracey of I’m Not Superhuman

3. Andrea of Can You Stay For Dinner?

4. Kerstin of Cake, Batter, and Bowl

5. Cara of Cara’s Cravings

6. Evan of Food Makes Fun Fuel

Question: Which of the above statements is my TRUTH???

Giveaway Alerts!

Lauren of Eater Not A Runner is having a giveaway for her 300th post! Check it out!

Kristen of Eating RD is giving away what readers vote to recieve! And if you’re as excited as me about the Back to Basics Blender Express Plus, you’ll vote for that! Go here to enter!

Happy Saturday, bloggies!! Hope it’s as beautiful near you as it is in Tulsa today!!!!

[Via http://preventionrd.com]

How To Raise Good Cholesterol And Lower Bad Cholesterol

2010-03-06T02:55:00.000+02:00

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Cholesterol is often described as a soft, sticky substance a bit like bees wax. It serves a number of roles in the body. A few examples are the strengthening of cell membranes and the creation of vitamin D when it reacts with sunlight.

Most of the cholesterol that the body needs is created by the liver. The rest is gained through eating foods that have cholesterol in them. These are mainly animal products because they have the same type of cholesterol as humans.

Thus there is a good chance that through our eating habits we can get too much cholesterol than the body actually needs. This is were the problems occur. When we have too much cholesterol in the system it will tend to build up on the walls of the arteries. This is known as thickening arteries or atherosclerosis. This can make it harder for blood to circulate and lead to increased blood pressure. This can lead to heart problems or blood clots if the plaque on the artery walls breaks off or seals an artery. Obviously this is a serious problem and you don’t want to ever get to this stage.

Good cholesterol is another name for high density lipoproteins (HDL). This is a transport in the blood for cholesterol. It transports cholesterol to the liver where it is excreted, thus lowering overall cholesterol. Bad cholesterol is another name for low density lipoproteins (LDL). It transports cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body. When there is too much cholesterol than the body needs this LDL cholesterol will stick to the walls of the arteries. As already stated, this is a problem.

Apart from modifying your diet and taking on more exercise there are supplements that can help in increasing good cholesterol and reducing bad cholesterol.

Policosanol

Policosanol is an extract of sugar cane wax that some clinical studies have shown to lower cholesterol. Not only that, it does not appear to have any side effects that is often cited as a reason why people avoid prescribed medication.

Green tea

Green tea and extracts of the tea that can be taken as a supplement are thought to have benefits for the heart. There are also claims that it can increase the production of HDL thus lowering overall cholesterol. Green tea has been used in China for thousands of years as a beverage but also for it’s purported medicinal qualities. This has been latched on by many companies that promote green tea but clinical tests are not conclusive. Green tea also has caffeine in it so moderate drinking is fine but too much caffeine may not be good for the body.

Niacin

Niacin, sometimes called Nicotinic acid – is a B vitamin. It is thought to lower the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the body and also raise the HDL cholesterol levels. It has to be taken in a large quantity to have this affect however. It can be bought like any vitamin supplement without a doctors prescription but it is not advisable to take large doses of it without notifying your doctor.

Supplements are an extra measure in your battle to lower cholesterol but they aren’t a substitute for a change in your eating habits and taking regular exercise. Ultimately these will have better and longer lasting affects on your health.

[Via http://vitamindbenefit.wordpress.com]

Red Yeast Rice for lowering cholesterol

2010-03-04T18:22:00.000+02:00

Red Yeast Rice to lower cholesterol?

Chinese Red Yeast Rice is becoming a popular option to lower cholesterol for those who cannot tolerate taking statin-type medication.

The results of a recent study published in the American Journal of Cardiology, suggest that Red Yeast Rice may be an effective alternative to statin medication for those with high cholesterol.

The study authors concluded:

In conclusion, red yeast rice modestly decreased total and LDL cholesterol, was well-tolerated, and was an acceptable alternative in patients intolerant of other lipid-lowering medications.

In this study, total cholesterol decreased 15% and LDL cholesterol decreased by 21% in patients who consumed chinese red yeast rice.

People with liver problems should not use red yeast rice and statin type side effects can occur with use. Red yeast rice can also theoretically increase your risk of bleed and should be used with caution in those with bleeding disorders.

Reference:

Venero CV, Venero JV, Wortham DC, Thompson PD. Lipid-Lowering Efficacy of Red Yeast Rice in a Population Intolerant to Statins.Am J Cardiol. 2010 Mar 1;105(5):664-666.

[Via http://jarretmorrow.wordpress.com]

Fish oils could be the "Elixir of Life"

2010-02-25T18:03:00.000+02:00

During my search to find what’s best to eat while trying to lower my cholesterol, I find that apart from porridge oats, the omega-3 in fish oils can be another “super cholesterol reducer”

Not only that, it appears from recent research that an added bonus could be their anti-ageing properties too. The report makes interesting reading and I shall certainly be increasing the amount of oily fish in my diet.

Read the report in the today’s “ Mail Online” http://bit.ly/cm6Sg7

[Via http://40again.wordpress.com]

Health is Wealth

2010-02-25T02:42:00.000+02:00

Today, I had a health evaluation as part of a wellness initiative at work. I was pleased to learn that my weight, BMI, percent body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol were all within healthy ranges. I’m certain these results are in no small part due to eating a plant-based diet along with the rigorous training schedule I have been following, religiously.

Next year's Halloween costume?

Unfortch, I do not have pre-vegs results to compare, but I am happy, nonetheless. The health benefits of eating a plant-based diet are extensive and rarely disputed. Despite that, there are still some general misconceptions about nutrients a vegan diet might be lacking.

The first question I am often asked about my diet is,”how do you get protein?”. Like many people, I believed that meals should include a protein, and that a lean piece of chicken, beef, or perhaps some egg whites, were among the best ways to get it. But upon further inspection, it started to seem unnatural to me. I guess I began to question the idea that our bodies had evolved to eat animal protein with every single meal.

I have since learned, through extensive research, that a diet of vegetables, beans, and whole grains generally provides plenty of protein. Actually, omnivores tend to get as much as double the daily amount of recommended protein due to the current protein craze. In addition, many people believe that vegans do not get enough calcium, due to the absence of dairy products, when, in fact, there are many plant-based sources of calcium – some of which have substantially more calcium than milk or cheese.

I think the biggest misconception about a vegan diet is that it is somehow difficult or challenging. Eating this way is actually the easiest thing I have ever done. I never feel deprived or sad about the items I have eliminated, and I have a blast trying new dishes and previously undiscovered restaurants. All of the flavors I crave are still available to me – but amplified, because they are no longer being diluted or overpowered. I have begun to appreciate flavors on a whole ‘nother level while getting myself as healthy as ever. And that, my friends, is magical.

[Via http://vegannovice.wordpress.com]

Pass the Butter Please

2010-02-23T18:11:00.000+02:00

Today I received this email. I had to share with you. I know it is a little different from the usual posts! See what you think… Subject: FW: Pass the Butter Please

This is interesting . .. .

Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back. It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. How do you like it? They have come out with some clever new flavorings..

DO YOU KNOW.. The difference between margarine and butter?

Read on to the end…gets very interesting!

Both have the same amount of calories.

Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams; compared to 5 grams for margarine.

Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.&n bsp;

Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.

Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few and

only because they are added!

Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other foods.

Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years .

And now, for Margarine..

Very High in Trans fatty acids.

Triples risk of coronary heart disease .

Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol)

Increases the risk of cancers up to five times..

Lowers quality of breast milk.

Decreases immune response.

Decreases insulin response.

And here’s the most disturbing fact…. HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY INTERESTING!

Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC… and shares 27 ingredients with PAINT

These facts alone were enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular structure of the substance).

You can try this yourself:

Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it open in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will notice a couple of things:

* no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell you something)

* it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value ; nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will not a find a home to grow. Why? Because it is nearly plastic .

Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that on your toast?

Share This With Your Friends…..(If you want to butter them up’)!

Chinese Proverb: When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others.

Pass the BUTTER PLEASE ! -

[Via http://xeniagreekmuslimah.wordpress.com]

Migraine Daily News

2010-02-23T10:33:00.000+02:00

Sociodemographic and comorbidity profiles of chronic migraine and episodic migraine sufferers. www.mdlinx.com Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 02/22/10. Buse DC et al. – Of 24 000 headache sufferers surveyed in 2005, 655 respondents had chronic migraine (CM), and 11 249 respondents had episodic migraine (EM).

Anti-seizure drug promotion faces legal fire. www.cbc.ca Last Updated: Monday, February 22, 2010 | 10:17 PM ET. A lawsuit over the anti-seizure drug Neurontin began in the United States on Monday, with patients, insurance companies and unions accusing the drug manufacturer of aggressively marketing it as pain medication, an unapproved use. Neurontin, also known by its generic name gabapentin, is approved for use in Canada and the United States to help control epileptic seizures.

[Via http://porillion.wordpress.com]

What is Real Food?

2010-02-20T02:49:00.000+02:00

In the Beginning… there was FOOD…

This is an incredibly important question, and one that our forefathers did not have to face. Since the beginning of time, all mankind has eaten Real Food, until the development of fake food in the late 19th century. Our ancestors knew what was healthy, and from generation to generation taught their families what was good and wholesome.

Artificial, or processed food soon realized that they could gain market share from the Real Food purveyors (Farmers) by attacking Real Food through fraudulent clinical studies saying Real Food was dangerous, to using corporate power to control the media information about the safety of fake food and the dangers of Real Food, to controlling government officials, to the point that in many states, it is LEGAL to buy marijuana, whisky, cigarettes, etc, but NOT LEGAL to buy whole fresh MILK!

Processed food corporations realized that Real Food did not have the financial wherewithal to rebuke the obscene statements and accusations made against them by the very profitable fake food industry! Real Food has for all intents and purposes become a whipping boy for the companies that want to plunder their customers to their end! The incredibly successful job of brainwashing a nation into believing Real Food is evil is just now becoming realized as chronic disease and obesity crush our once healthy nation.

Because of this fact, we need to re-program our nation that Real Food is not only safe and healthy, it is truly the only safe and healthy thing to eat! Eating anything other is taking our life in our hands! Getting solid information about Real food such as this Liberation Wellness product is a good start, but also avoiding getting your health information from the media is critical!

Real Food is designed by our creator for our health and vitality! In simple terms, the food God made is healthy, and once man gets involved, it becomes corrupt! Unfortunately, it is not as simple as that, as all things natural are not necessarily safe to eat! For example, carrots are natural, but so also is poison ivy and arsenic. Most vegetables and grains actually need to be processed in order to be safe to eat, but the traditional methods that make food truly healthy and digestible are too costly for food manufactures who clearly do not care about the health of their customers when it conflicts with their bottom line. Fresh milk for instance is an extremely safe food and needs no processing and if refrigerated can stay fresh for 2 weeks or longer! Grains on the other hand need soaking or sprouting and delicate care to make the end product safe.

When we go to the supermarket, we find industrial versions of Real Food (imposters) pasteurized milk (processed) that is not healthy for humans, as well as bread processed improperly which can have a devastating effect on human health! These products almost always say they are “Healthy” or “Organic”, but are neither!These products are just genetically-modified microwavable TV dinners!

My first advice is to find a farmer who is doing dairy correctly, there you can start with the great basics of Real Food, milk, butter, eggs, etc, and often he will have cheese and meat and some fermented foods made in the traditional way. If you start with this foundation of Real Food, you will begin to depend less and less on the industrial foods, and will start feeling the great health benefit of eating Real Food. Sometimes you might get fooled along the way, but so have all of us for many years, so now we are empowering you with incredible information that can change your health and life!

There is a journey to begin eating like a human being, and your journey often begins at the farm!

[Via http://liberationwellnessblog.com]

Deconstructed Pesto with Whole Wheat Penne

2010-02-18T02:26:00.000+02:00

Some days I can’t imagine not sacrificing healthfulness on the altar of deliciousness. Unfortunately, my cholesterol test results just came in and–September’s triathlon now the most distant of bodily memories–the results were not pretty. I can cry genetics all I want, but 245 is 245.

Stern, earnest voice message from my doctor about the importance of a low-fat diet aside, I have a hard time believing that eating fat makes you fat. I’m not an Atkin’s or low-carb person–extremes in eating portrayed as “the way” strike me as implausible and, really, I can’t swallow that heaps of meat and butter should be eaten to the exclusion of daily whole grains, even scrolling back intuition to the most diaphanous of lenses. That said, I do think that there’s something utterly absurd about the theory that eating fat necessarily makes one fat. The idea strikes me as primitive, if somewhat seductively so in its unapologetic simplicity, along the lines of the Mayans seeking to absorb the power of their enemies by eating their hearts. What bold, direct correlations to propose!

Which is all to say that tonight’s self-thrown down dinner gauntlet was to cook something rich and satisfying without wholesale robbing the nutritional bank. The heavy-lifting flavor-wise, then, fell to so-called “good” fats, eschewing my well-worn cheddar crutch for a deconstructed pesto sauce focusing on the heart-healthy almond and olive oil, tossed with whole wheat pasta.

It tasted better than it looked.

Deconstructed Pesto

Serves 2 hungry people

1 large bunch basil

1/2 lb. whole wheat box (or, 1/2 box)

3/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

1/2 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Salt to taste

1. Put on water to boil, later adding pasta.

2. Toast slivered almonds on the stove on low heat for about 5 minutes. Pour them into a medium bowl and crush them with a fork until, well, smaller and crumblier.

3. Finely chop garlic and saute on medium-low heat for 3 minutes.

4. Chop the basil leaves.

5. Drain pasta, tossing with the garlic oil, then stirring in basil, almonds, and Parmesan. Voila.

This dish has slightly less vegetable in it than I would like, my goal being to maintain that ideal 1-1-1 starch-veggie-fat ratio that, truly, is the one and only golden one, ancient Greek mathematicians Renaissance artists be damned. I’d probably add roughly chopped arugula for more color, flavor, and dark leafy green vegetable goodness next time around.

[Via http://itineranteater.wordpress.com]

Red yeast rice is similar to pravastatin for statin-intolerant patients

2010-02-16T10:03:00.000+02:00

Muscle pain or muscle breakdown is common among statin users. Currently there is no effective method to prevent or to treat patients who experience muscle pain during statin use.

A study published in the January 15, 2010 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology indicated that red-yeast-rice extract is as efficacious and well tolerated as pravastatin in patients who previously have developed statin-associated muscle pain and withdrew from therapy.

In this study, 43 adults with high cholesterol and had discontinued statins were randomized to receive either red yeast rice or pravastatin 40mg for 12 weeks.

After 12 weeks of treatment, patients who received red yeast rice experienced cholesterol reduction (30% reduction in LDL, 23% reduction in total cholesterol and 8% reduction in triglyceride) that is comparable to that of pravastatin.

Extracts of red yeast rice have been widely used in China for circulatory and digestive disorders for centuries. Preparations of red yeast rice are also used in the US as a dietary supplement to lower cholesterol levels, but reports have indicated inconsistent ingredients between different manufacturers.

Question: Have your experienced any muscle pain while you were on pravastatin? What did your doctor do?

[Via http://healthreason.com]

Lower High Cholesterol In Less Than 33 Days!

2010-02-16T02:48:00.000+02:00

Despite the billions of dollars spent each year on drugs to lower the high cholesterol levels, heart disease remains the number one killer in the western world.

In this Blog we will be providing proven remedies on how to avoid having a heart attack; if you’ve had a heart attack we give you strategies to follow in order that you don’t have another one, and lastly we will show you methods you can use to lower your cholesterol naturally.

There is new research out for people with Cholesterol… thousands of people like you have systematically and effectively reversed their condition. This reversal occurred as a result of a change in their dietary habits. Did you know that one of the major influences on your Cholesterol condition is your diet?

No doubt if you have been diagnosed as having a high cholesterol level you will be taking traditional medicine to bring it down. But high cholesterol can never be cured through traditional methods.

Traditional medicine “fights” Cholesterol through drugs that treat the symptoms of the disease, but never deals with the root cause of the problem.

The modern way of living and the foods we consume, such as sugar, sweets, biscuits, chocolate, crisps, coffee, cola, fats & oils, cigarettes, alcohol, vinegar, pharmaceutical drugs, chemicals, pesticides, and preservatives, all contribute to an imbalance within your body, and cholesterol is simply the initial way it is manifesting itself.

You must realise that cholesterol is not a Disease, but an outward “signal” – of a damaged inner terrain that simply is too polluted, toxic, and acidic!

So how do we remedy and heal the inner body? By getting the body back into its natural state of vibrant health… by “cleansing” it from the inside, allowing the body to rest and heal itself by stopping once and for all the incessant attacks of refined, procesed foods on your inner terrain.

There are a few changes that you can start right now in your battle to lower your cholesterol.

First and foremost you must cut down daily your intake of the foods I have listed a bove until you are not consuming them at all! I know it’s not going to be easy but if you want to avoid a stroke or heart attack you have to make it a priority.

There are alternatives, which are more appetising and satisfying. For example:

Use olive oil blended with herbs and lemon juice on your salads

Copy the Italians and use an olive oil spread to moisten your bread, and make sure that any margerine you use does not contain trans fats. I recommend Benecol or Olivio spreads.

Try and cut back on high carb foods. Eating a low carb diet will lead to weight loss, reduction in serum triglyceride level, and increase the HDL (good) cholesterol.

Take fish oils, up to 4 grams daily. I will raise good HDL.

Drink pomegranate juice.

Nibble walnuts and almonds four or five times a week.

Bake and steam your food instead of frying.

Consume the berries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

Avoid red meats and eat fish 3 times a week. Include wild salmon, tuna, sardines and bluefish to your diet

If you must have alcohol, only drink moderate amounts, 12oz beer, 4oz wine, or a shot of spirits 1 1/2oz. This can be drunk 3 to 4 days a week.

Reversing Cholesterol is quite straightforward using basic biochemical cause and effect. The only reason people don’t beat their Cholesterol is because:

1) they don’t know about this information, and

2) organized medicine doesn’t teach anybody this information. Drug companies would much prefer to keep you dependent on drugs. The moment you beat Cholesterol, they lose a customer!

It’s time to stop poisoning yourself! It’s time to escape the “Cholesterol Trap”!

Further reading: In Reversing Cholesterol you can read about the breakthrough information that gives you the lifesaving data you need to take charge of your health and reverse Cholesterol WITHOUT harmful prescription drugs. This information is strongly supported by thousands of researches and world-class doctors around the world.

Lower Your Cholesterol Today

Subscribe to “Lower Cholestrol Levels” and receive instant notification when a new post is made. Some of the topics to be covered include:

The Dark side of Statins

Which supplements every patient must take to stop the symptoms and boost your body’s ability to beat Cholesterol.

How to naturally reduce your cravings for toxic foods

7 Day Low-carb diet

Heart Help

[Via http://care4urdiabetes.wordpress.com]

Vitamin C -lecithin interactions in the prevention of atherosclerosis, cancer and gallstones

2010-02-14T18:10:00.000+02:00

neil.burman@gmail.com

IS THERE ANYTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN?

Fish oil use for medicinal as well as dietary purposes dates back at least to Viking times; but the 1922 scientific study of fish oil by Jack Drummond & Sylvester Zilva is the first paper on it on Pubmed, as a source of vitamin A.

But it took till the 1930s for it’s (ie codliver oil) wide medicinal benefits to be recognized.

Since then fish oil has proven to be the most pluripotential ‘micro’nutrient – at a dose as little as perhaps 100mg/day- in prevention and treatment (via either it’s omega3 EPA+DHA content, or its vitamins A and D content) of all common major diseases from learning , behaviour and memory disorders from birth to dotage, to infections, inflammation, arthritis, vision, pregnancy, growth and osteoporosis, mood, parkinson’s, hypertensive, vascular, thrombotic, lipid, cancer and diabetic disorders.

The recognition of citrus juice- vitamin C – as a medicinal dates back apparently only 250 years to Dr James Lind’s recognition of it’s reversal of lethal scurvy. But it was first identified and isolated only about 80 years ago . Since then it has proven to be as pluripotential a preventative as fish oil and now vitamin D3, and balanced sex hormone replacement.

In 1971 Borgman & Haselden described the effects of cod liver oil on dissolution of gallstones.

In 1974 Krumdieck & Butterworth’s landmark paper on cholesterol-lecithin interactions: factors of potential importance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. summarized the evidence for combining supplements of vitamin C and soy lecethin (ie polyunsaturated fatty acid at position 2) in the prevention of atherosclerosis- since once this disease is present, it can take months to reverse.

in 1976 Navarro & Guevara described the importance of vitamin C in prevention of gallstones.

and by 1989 Wechsler ea described how omega-3-fatty acids – fish oil- just 1.5gm a day decreases biliary cholesterol and lithogenicity.

from 1973 Cameron Pauling & Campbell published their landmark work on vitamin C to tolerance (not antiscurvy doses or below many grams a day) in the prevention and treatment of many human cancers.

by 1997 Mizuguchi ea described prevention by fish oil of cholesterol gallstone formation in hamsters.

and in 1999 Takenaga ea described how Lecithinized ascorbic acid (PC-AS) effectively inhibits murine pulmonary metastasis.

Lecitithin is derived from food – meat, liver, legumes, cereals, fish and eggs – but not from fish oil. It – phosphatidylcholine- is a principal component of fat metabolism, cell membranes, brain, semen, and against gallstones, atherosclerosis (and thus heart – vascular-hypertensive -brain-), breast, cirrhosis and other liver diseases.

The crucial DHA and EPA omega3 fatty acids are, practically, derived exclusively from marine algae and thence krill and fish oil .

Hence the paramount importance (in preventing all common diseases) of promoting fish oil (by the teaspoon or capsule) together with lecithbioinized Vitamin C to tolerance eg vitamin C 50% enhanced with perhaps 15% calcium carbonate, 5% mag oxide, 10% bioflavinoid and 20% lecithin. Up to a heaped tsp 2 – 3 times a day of such an Enhanced Vitamin C mix – ie to bowel tolerance- will provide 5 – 7.5g vitamin C, 500-750mg calcium, 300 -450mg magnesium, 1-1.5g bioflavinoid and 2- 3g lecithin, with little diarrhoea..

Obviously to this should be added a blend of all the other few-score safe proven potential preventative supplements to combat all the other chronic diseases of premature aging including even multiple sclerosis (especially highdose vitamin D3).

So while oil and water dont mix in a glass, , ie vitamin C and bioflavinoids are not soluble in oil, combining them by taking them together with lecithin and fish oil a few times a day makes huge sense.

[Via http://healthspanlife.wordpress.com]

I'm So Funny My Eyes Are Fat

2010-02-11T02:54:00.000+02:00

Recently I went to visit my retinologist. That’s an eye doctor who specializes in, you guessed it, the retina. Each time I go in it seems to be a bit of the theater of the absurd. The care is excellent, the staff is friendly, and I would recommend Dr. Myers-Powell to anyone without hesitation.

It’s hard for me not to laugh at how things go, even if nurses can’t see the humor in what they are doing. It usually starts with me breaking the ice with a couple of wry observations intended to get them loosened up. I know, it should be the other way around but they haven’t caught on to that yet.

I found myself being seated in a dimly lit room by a rather attractive young nurse. She takes my blood pressure and notes that it’s up a little. I refrain from suggesting that if she worked on making her appearance more dowdy, my diastolic number might dip.

She starts off by asking me to cover one eye and reading the lowest line possible. I repeated each letter:

“m-a-d-e-i-n-t-h-e-u-s-a”

She looked puzzled while I waited for her to get the joke. She didn’t. I pointed out how funny it was that the lowest line of small print showing a commitment our nation’s laborers and economy; Made in the USA. Instead of the logical response that you or anyone else would offer, laughter, she moved on to some simple questions.

“Do you ever see straight lines as being wavy?” she inquired.

“How would I know? I mean, if they look wavy, what would tell me they are supposed to be straight?”

She waited quietly.

“I’m sorry,” I apologized. “That was supposed to be funny. No, I don’t ever see straight lines as being wavy.”

She wrote that down and posed her next question. “Do you ever see bright flashes of light?”

“Not since my wild and abandoned youth,” I said slyly. And for good measure, I added, “But sometimes I confuse aircraft landing lights for UFO’s or government satellites monitoring my activities.”

She remained quiet and continued to write. So quiet I half expected to hear crickets chirp.

Next it was her turn to be funny. She flashed a bright light in my eyes. I winced.

“Oh, are you sensitive to light?” she asked

I took the bait. “Only when people shine strobe lights in my eyes.”

I waited for her to chuckle and tell me how clever I am. She didn’t. Turns out she wasn’t kidding.

“It says here on your chart that you are ‘very sensitive to light.’”

I asked the nurse if they defined everyone who recoils at 50,000 lumens lashing into their ocular system as being “sensitive to light.” I wasn’t trying to be funny at this point but I was really taken aback that she couldn’t see the irony in this.

I was incredulous. I remembered very well the first visit I made to the office. They ran some tests that hammered me with so many different lasers and spot lights of varying color and intensity that I thought we were doing a remake of “A Clockwork Orange.” How could they define me as being sensitive to light under those conditions?

But that wasn’t the only hitch that came up in my first visit to the office. When the doctor came in to go over the results. I was a bit anxious.

“You’re really fat,” I heard her say. I couldn’t believe she would talk to me like that. I mean, wasn’t that obvious?

Okay, truthfully she didn’t say, “You’re fat,” in so many words. What she actually said was that her tests revealed that there was cholesterol in the veins in my eyes.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I said marveling at this prognosis. “Are you saying that I’m such a big boy that even my eyes are fat?” I’d never heard of cholesterol deposits in your eyes.

She didn’t laugh at my brilliant use of sarcastic hyperbole. I think it’s some sort of rule that doctors can’t laugh at the diminished health of their patients, even if the patient delivers a brilliant one-liner.

Back to last week’s visit. The doctor delivered good news.

“You’re actually doing better today than your last visit.”

I was incredulous. Did this mean I wasn’t fat anymore? Or at least that my eyes weren’t fat. Maybe all of those eye-rolls when my daughter keeps asking to take driver’s ed were paying off. I mean, rolling your eyes is like the ocular exercise equivalent to going to the gym for the the rest of my body right? (Just for good measure I’d incorporated some extended twitches into my REM sleep cycle.)

I couldn’t believe these good results. After all, I’d really fallen off the healthy living band wagon the last few months and I told her so.

“That doesn’t make sense,” I mused. “So I guess what you’re saying is that all of my bad nutritiion choices are actually paying off in terms my visual health.”

“No, what I’m saying is that you’re still reaping the benefits of the good choices you were making last year.” Then she threatened me. “Your recent run of bad choices is going to result in a noticeable change in vision. You’d better get your act together.”

She went a step further. “And don’t even think about telling your family doctor that I validated your bad behavior in any way.” She didn’t say what she’d do to me if I did but a few ugly ideas flashed through my big, fat, cholesterol-lade eyes.

[Via http://bentalbert.wordpress.com]

Bye bye basin

2010-02-09T18:39:00.000+02:00

I boiled the last in the suet pudding series last night, and savoured every bite. Served as suggested with double cream, it was a) sublime and b) a step towards morbid obesity that I would prefer not to have taken. Tonight it’s roast veg (and more lemon pud out of the fridge), tomorrow a rye loaf, and then I get a couple of days off to eat spinach leaves and contemplate my retreating navel.

It’s so boring going on about stodge and calories all the time – I’m yawning as I type – but it’d be a pointless experiment if I didn’t honestly share my concerns. And I think most people would be vaguely concerned about their health on their fourth consecutive day of suet eating. I am sorry though. I’d love to be able to transcend such drossful subject matter and, once I’m back in my trainers next week (when the broken foot is officially allowed to get some proper exercise again), I hope to set aside my Supersize Me cholesterol fears and chill the hell out.

There’s no photo of the lemon pudding but it is etched forever into the window frames of my mind, for it was truly one of the best desserts I’ve ever made.

Moving on, here’s a photo of me hunched in a loo.

Life's a peach

You can guess this one

Conclusions:

American football player in drag
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson three weeks after being fished out of a canal
Office girl on opium
All of the above

Also, you probably didn’t even (care to) notice but instead of wearing a small, white watch I don’t have, I wrapped my headphones around my wrist instead, creating an attractive yet functional accessory for the modern woman. And also, I quite like the way my terrible magazine photography makes the model look like a Victorian ancestor (although certainly not one of mine).

Now, enough with the parentheses: I’m off to Sainsbury’s.

[Via http://guardiangirl.wordpress.com]

Lowering blood pressure

2010-02-06T13:11:00.000+02:00

In the modern age of caffeine and other stimulants, that we often use to improve our abilities in order to be more effective. Today, people often start with drinking coffee or other stimulants already at a relatively young age (high school or even earlier). Often, coffee does help in the beginning, but gradually most people notice that the same amount of coffee (or other stimulants) that they used to drink, doesn’t work quite as it did before. Because of that, the amount of caffeine is gradually increased with time, and sooner or later, many people reach relatively problematic levels, that can influence blood pressure. High blood pressure is by itself a high risk condition, and can also lead to various other diseases or even worse conditions. In more severe cases, even coronary failures can occur, which is one of the most common death causes in the world.

The risks of high blood pressure, that most stimulants present, can be lowered by using some of the very simple and natural herbal based cures that have been known for centuries, and can be prepared with no problem. One of the most common and most well known remedy for high blood pressure is garlic. Only 2-3 garlic cloves daily, can significantly reduce blood pressure when it is too high. There are many ways in which garlic can be prepared, but it is most advisable to eat it fresh, chopped into small pieces and added to other food. This will reduce the well known drawback of garlic – its intensive smell. If one still finds the smell too intensive, there are alternative ways of ingesting garlic, like buying capsules that are filled with garlic extract, which still has the medicinal properties that we want, but doesn’t have some of the compounds that are responsible for its smell. However, that way, one will probably have to spend more money, than by just using herbal remedies, in this case, garlic.

It is also important to mention that this is not the only benefit one can have by using garlic. It is also known to reduce cholesterol levels, and to boost up testosterone levels. Also, it has been reported that it has antiviral and antibacterial properties. So, by solving problematic high pressure, you may also end up improving your overall health concerning some other conditions as well.

[Via http://hotsexygirlspics.com]

Eggs

2010-02-04T18:03:00.000+02:00

Eggs

Eggs make a valuable contribution to a healthy, balanced diet. They are nutritious, tasty, versatile and convenient. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and are far less expensive than most other animal-protein foods. Eggs also provide significant amounts of several vitamins and minerals. Although eggs contain a significant amount of cholesterol, they need not be excluded from the diet. Most people need not be concerned about eating eggs in moderation. However, all eggs contain Lecithin which emulsifies cholesterol to a large extent so really there is nothing to worry about. A person without a blood cholesterol problem can safely eat 1-2 eggs per day without problems. It is best to buy Free Range eggs or Organic Eggs. These eggs don’t have hormones added and the chickens are treated with respect and allowed to walk around. They are not kept in tiny cages.

Good Nutrition, Affordable Price.

With all the media attention on cholesterol, consumers often lose sight of the fact that eggs are a nutrient rich, affordable contributor to a healthy diet. Not only do eggs contain the highest quality source of protein available but they also contain almost every essential vitamin and mineral needed by humans [Sorry, no vitamin C in eggs. Chickens, unlike humans, can produce their own vitamin C and don't need to get it from the diet.]. In fact, egg protein is of such high quality that it is used as the standard by which other proteins are compared. Eggs have a biological value (efficacy with which protein is used for growth) of 93.7%. Comparable values are 84.5% for milk, 76% for fish, and 74.3% for beef. Eggs really are the best protein money can buy, and it has all those other valuable vitamins and minerals too.

Nutrient Content of a Large Egg

Nutrient (unit)Whole Egg, Egg White Egg Yolk

Calories (kcal)75.175

Protein (g)6.253

Total lipid (g)5.01

Total carbohydrate (g)0.60

Fatty acids (g)4.33

Saturated fat (g)1.55

Monounsaturated fat (g)1.91

Polyunsaturated fat (g)0.68

Cholesterol (mg)21.3

Thiamin (mg)0.0310

Riboflavin (mg)0.2540

Niacin (mg)0.0360

Vitamin B6 (mg)0.0700

Folate (mcg)23.51

Vitamin B12 (mcg)0.500

Vitamin A (IU)317.50

Vitamin E (mg)0.7000

Vitamin D (IU)24.50

Choline (mg)215.10

Biotin (mcg)9.982

Calcium, Ca (mg)252.23

Iron, Fe (mg)0.720

Magnesium, Mg (mg)541

Copper, Cu (mg)0.0070

Iodine, I (mg)0.0240

Zinc, Zn (mg)0.5500

Sodium, Na (mg)635.57

Manganese, Mn (mg)0.0120

Do you include eggs in your diet?

Recipe for Simple Stove Top Scrambled Eggs:

1 serving

eggs 2

milk 30 mL

Salt and pepper, to taste Cooking spray

Method: Whisk together eggs, milk and seasonings. Heat skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough to sizzle a drop of water. Lightly coat with cooking spray. Pour in egg mixture and immediately reduce heat to medium-low. As mixture begins to set, gently move spatula across bottom and sides of skillet to form large, soft curds. Cook until eggs are thickened and no visible liquid egg remains, but they are still moist.

[Via http://nutritionkey.wordpress.com]

Cholesterol, a controllable risk factor

2010-02-04T02:02:00.000+02:00

Cardiovascular disease is the number-one killer of women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Each year, more women die from cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attack and stroke, than all forms of cancer combined. And over the past twenty-five years, it’s claimed the lives of more women than men.

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with high cholesterol – a major risk factor contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease. Like most women, I didn’t think having high cholesterol was serious at first. My weight was average, and I’d been living a healthy lifestyle and eating the right foods. I felt fine; how could anything be wrong?

A certain amount of cholesterol is necessary for good health. The liver produces about 75% of the body’s cholesterol needs and the rest is supplied from food. But because cholesterol is waxy, it doesn’t dissolve and must be transported through the bloodstream by lipoproteins. When there’s not enough high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is believed to transport cholesterol out of the body, and too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol sticks to the artery walls. Eventually, plaque forms and begins to build, restricting the flow of blood to the heart and brain. This can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Luckily, of all the risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol is one of the most controllable. Many times, diet and exercise are all that’s needed. There are also medicines that your doctor can prescribe. My doctor has determined that diet and exercise, along with certain supplements, may be all that’s necessary for me.

[Via http://foodwellness.wordpress.com]

Tuesday Toptank

2010-02-02T18:00:00.000+02:00

Elephant Man

What is good and what is crap? How the hell should I know? I’m just some ancient bro with slightly elevated cholesterol and a smokin hot wife. I do know a few things, though. Oh yes I do. Like 4 or 5 or so.

Is anyone going to watch TV’s Lost tonight? I feel like Lost is something I could almost give a shit about. Kinda like dubstep. Am I really supposed to go out and get a box of Peach White Owls just cuz some dillhole slowed down all his jungle records?

Remember jungle?

I do, along with 2002 coke heads, coke dealers, and UK bros. Jungle was sick.

What about dancehall? Call me a sillypants, but I get a buncha less bored with a brah like Elephant Man in the mix, than just a nekkid wigglybass beat.

It’s aight though. dubstep is sweet as fuck. Just not that sweet. And it always feels like hipster trends ignore logical trendlines and jump balls deep into some Justice shit w/out a miligram of a shoutout to some Fatboy Slims and Orbital bros of yesteryear.

In other news: Will bike bros be forced to find new funtivities now that the rec center got closed down, in spite of a spate of feverish cleanup montages? As I previously prophecized, I forsee dolphin suits making a rise this Summer.

Jk, these bros’ll hold it down. If they need a place to hold some bikes, I know they can drop some @ Brazeon Droppout’s subterrannean lair.

What’s good on Netflix? I’m watchin Mad Men Season 2, interspersed with classics like Dirty Work, mostly to tee off my bangin ass wife. Do women really like being jerked around by men like men think they do? I think they do. I’m gonna be pullin hair on the playground until the day I die.

Mad Men’s pretty good. It almost makes me nostalgic for my professional copy writing days. But then I remember that I worked in a matrix-like pod with tubes of black stuff soldered to my spine and not a single martini did I drink. Except for at home. I did drink a lot after work.

If drinking after work is cool, then consider me Miles Davis.

RUMOR BONER

Have you heard the one about Bold City Brewery being sold to Budweiser? This is totally false. Bold City is a family operation. When I asked Brian about it he almost flipped his wig.

I guess people have been seeing Bold City kegs rollin off distributor trucks that say Budweiser on the side and thinking that Bold City was Bud now. Not the case.

“Look around here! Don’t you think this would be a prettier brewery if Budweiser owned it?” Brian informed me.

So roll on down to the corner of Roselle Street and King Street and grab a pint, growler or keg of the River City’s finest beverage. You’ll be glad you did. Tell em Spezz Meckman sent you.

In other topics:

Valentine’s Day rapidly approaches aiming to bore the laederhossen offa most folks and maybe get some dudes in trouble. Dudes, if your special lady tells you that she doesn’t really care about V-day cuz it’s a lame corporate invented holiday and blah blah blah, don’t listen. It’s a trap!

Oh, Ha fraggin haw.

Foods I Like to Eat that Are High in Cholesterol

• Shrimp

• Eggs

• Cheese

• Bacon

w.t.f.

Seeing them all laid out in bulleted list form like that makes me fantasize recipes to combine them all. Maybe I could load them all into my magic bullet and in just 1 – 2 – 3 seconds enjoy a slimy cholesterol salsa just for me. Fellas, rub a lil dab behind your ears and you’ll beating the trim off with a stick this Valentine’s Day.

So’s anybody watching the Uberbowl this weekend live from MI-yayo? I’m sure we’re all in for a supertreat with commercials and Timmy Tebowe and whatever.

Q. How many Timmy Tebowes does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A. It takes 14. One to yell at college student passersby from the dedicated “free speech area” of the UNF Green, Twelve to act out the stations of the cross in the background of a live television interview, and one to screw it on in.

Have yall ever seen Rollerball starring Jimmy Caan? I wish the Duperbowl would be more like Rollerball.

Who cares about the Grammies, unless you’re trying to EGOT?

Which I am.

Suc It,

Spezz

Spezz Meckman

[Via http://whacksonville.com]

Miracle Occurs! - WebMD Reports Truth About Diet - Low-Carb is Healthier!

2010-01-26T02:39:00.000+02:00

Low-Carb Diet Lowers Blood Pressure Low-Carbohydrate Diet Better Than Weight Loss Drug Orlistat at Lowering Blood Pressure With Weight Loss By Jennifer Warner

WebMD Health News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Jan. 25, 2010 — A low-carbohydrate diet may have health benefits that go beyond weight loss.

A new study shows that a low-carbohydrate diet was equally good as the weight loss drug orlistat (the active ingredient in Alli and Xenical) at helping overweight and obese people lose weight, but people who followed the low-carb diet also experienced a healthy drop in their blood pressure levels.

“I expected the weight loss to be considerable with both therapies but we were surprised to see blood pressure improve so much more with the low-carbohydrate diet than with orlistat,” researcher William S. Yancy, Jr., MD, an associate professor of medicine at Duke University Medical Center, says in a news release. “If people have high blood pressure and a weight problem, a low-carbohydrate diet might be a better option than a weight loss medication.”

Researchers say studies have already shown that the two weight loss methods are effective at promoting weight loss, but it’s the first time the health effects of each have been compared head to head.

“It’s important to know you can try a diet instead of medication and get the same weight loss results with fewer costs and potentially fewer side effects,” Yancy says.

Low-Carb Lowers Blood Pressure

In the study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 146 obese or overweight adults were randomly divided into two groups. Many of the participants also had chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

The first group was advised to follow a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet consisting of less than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day, and the second group received the weight loss drug orlistat three times a day, plus counseling in following a low-fat diet (less than 30% of daily calories from fat) at group meetings over 48 weeks.

The results showed weight loss was similar in the two groups. The low-carb diet group lost an average of 9.5% of their body weight and the orlistat group lost an average of 8.5%. Both weight loss methods were also not significantly different at improving cholesterol and glucose levels.

But when researchers looked at changes in blood pressure, they found nearly half of those who followed the low-carbohydrate group had their blood pressure medication decreased or discontinued during the study, compared to only 21% of those in the orlistat group.

Overall, systolic (the top number in a blood pressure reading) dropped an average of 5.9 points among the low-carb diet group, compared with an increase of 1.5 points in the orlistat group.

Researchers say weight loss itself typically produces a healthy reduction in blood pressure, but it appears that a low-carbohydrate diet has an additional blood pressure-lowering effect that merits further study.

Comment- Excuse my sarcasm, but If only information like this was promoted 40 years ago, millions of lives might have been saved. Imagine the incredibly obvious truth, consuming less sugar (carbs) in your diet is healthy and will promote weight loss! Wow, what a revelation, WebMD really went out on a limb, I’m surprised it even made the website!

Kevin Brown

[Via http://liberationwellnessblog.com]

CardioSentials - Reliv Product Review

2010-01-24T02:50:00.000+02:00

CardioSentials®

Purpose: Promotes total heart health

Servings: 28

Directions: Mix one scoop daily with 6-8 oz. of water or other favorite beverage.

It has… (Features) Which means… (Benefits)

(Feature #1) A clinical study supporting product

effectiveness and safety…

(Benefit #1)…it’s proven effective! The study showed

significant reduction in cholesterol, LDL

(bad) cholesterol and glucose, while

raising HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering

triglycerides. It significantly decreased

overall risk factors for heart disease.

(Feature #2) 1.5 grams of phytosterols, on track

with the American Heart Association’s

recommendation of 1 to 2 grams daily

to reduce heart disease risk…

(Benefit #2) …you’ll be helping to block the absorption

of cholesterol in the digestive tract to

reduce total cholesterol levels.

(Feature #3) Policosanol…

(Benefit #3) …you can reduce LDL cholesterol while

raising HDL cholesterol, and improve

coronary blood flow.

(Feature #4) OptiBerry®, a patented blend of

berry extracts with powerful

antioxidant capabilities…

(Benefit #4) …you’ll be helping to relax your arterial

walls and keep blood flowing.

(Feature #5) CoQ10, an important heart-protective

antioxidant produced naturally in

the body…

(Benefit #5) …it energizes heart function, reduces LDL

cholesterol oxidation and supplements

amounts that are diminished by age and

the body’s reaction to statin medication.

(Feature #6) Gugulipid, a powerful herbal antioxidant…

(Benefit #6) …you can help maintain healthy levels of

cholesterol and triglycerides and protect

against hardening of the arteries.

Cheers!

Katrina van Oudheusden

Independent Reliv Distributor

More information

Clinical Study

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not

intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

[Via http://healthylivingtip.wordpress.com]

Green Tea

2010-01-21T18:04:00.000+02:00

For centuries, doctors, healers and tea drinkers have known that green tea possesses remarkable healing properties. Today, after decades of research, it’s become apparent that green tea truly is a “steaming cup of medicine.” The results of hundreds of studies performed by top scientists at leading universities and research centers demonstrate that green tea, even in moderate amounts, may help ward off or combat a variety of ailments by:

Boosting the immune system
Regulating cholesterol levels
Fighting the build-up of sticky plaque in the arteries
Interfering with the cancer process
Assisting in weight loss
Fighting harmful bacteria and viruses
Protecting the body against free radical damage

You can buy green tea in capsules,tablets,liquid,powder or as tea (leaves).

You can benefit from Green Tea by either taking green tea capsules or tablets or by drinking several cups of the brew each day.

Green Tea is very safe, both as a supplement and as a beverage. Remember that Green Tea has caffeine so be careful if you are sensitive to caffeine.

Green Tea leaves contain hefty amounts of vitamin K but a cup of tea or a supplement have virtually none.

According to legend, around 2700 B.C. a Chinese emperor sat under a tea

shrub and a few leaves fell into his cup of hot water. Presto! Green tea was born.

According to research green tea’s main antioxidant (EGCG)is 100 times more powerful than vitamin C and 25 times more potent that vitamin E in protectiong DNA from the kind of damage thought to increase cancer risk.

(Note: if you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements)

Do you drink Green Tea? Is so why?

[Via http://nutritionkey.wordpress.com]

Industry Reversal: "CRP is Unlikely to be Causal for CVD."

2010-01-17T02:54:00.000+02:00

Given the extremely difficult economic times that many of us are facing, let me help you maximize your health with “science – not opinion.”

Let me share with you one of several “reversals of common nutritional recommendations” that took place at the end of last year, beginning of this year. Personally, I get sick of seeing these reversals year-after-year. Does anyone get it right the first time before they publish misinformation and harm everyone who trusts the sources and follows it? Rarely.

This “reversal” has to do with the JUPITER (google this for more background information) study and their claim that it NOW isn’t LDL-cholesterol that is the cause of heart disease; because statins lower it and the heart attacks still occur just as frequently. They are attempting to claim that C-Reactive Protein (CRP) – a supposed measure of inflammation is the real culprit and that statins somehow improve it. If you read my Report about the Failure of Statins (www.brianpeskin.com), you’d understand their grave fallacy. Furthermore, here’s what was published in the medical journal December 22, 2009:

“Largest-Ever-Meta-Analysis Finds CRP is Unlikely to be Causal for CVD.”

“In the largest and most comprehensive meta-analysis to date looking at C-reactive-protein (CRP) levels and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, British researchers conclude that CRP is unlikely to be a causal factor for cardiovascular disease” [Lancet: December 21, 2009].

So the drug companies tell us that their statins are STILL GOOD at reducing heart disease (in order to keep selling their harmful bullets) while science disproves it! Hmmm….

Once gain, the FAILURE of statins to stop or reverse heart disease is proven regardless of the $15 billion dollars Americans spend on the worthless drugs! That’s the truth that the pharmaceutical companies do not want you or your physician to know. The correct way to stop or reverse heart disease is by consuming unprocessed, unadulterated parent omega-6 oils.

Learn more science-not-opinion at www.brianpeskin.com.

[Via http://brianpeskinonline.wordpress.com]

Fish oil can reduce your cholesterol

2010-01-12T18:42:00.000+02:00

Learn about foods to lower cholesterol here. In case you are having high cholesterol and wonder what can you do with it. Usually, food can be used to control the level of your cholesterol, either by eating more of some that helps or avoid those that doesn't help. Fish oil will be the focus of this writing, it is commonly to improve cholesterol problem.

– the one that causes most of the heart and related problem is the bad cholesterol, good cholesterol is the one that clean up the bad cholesterol. Research done on fish oil has suggested that taking fish oil as a supplement can help you improve the level of “good” cholesterol in your body and may even help you to lower the amount of bad cholesterol. The other benefit of fish oil is that it also reduces the level of triglyceride in the bloodstream, a common problem for people who have high cholesterol. Having high triglycerides is another sign that you are developing heart disease. There is an ongling research on the effectiveness of fish oil in lowering high cholesterol, it continues to show sign to hold the theory of its ability to help prevent heart diseases and protect our health.

Scientists are focusing on how omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, and how they relate to cholesterol levels to try to understand why heart disease risks are lower in people who make it a habit of eating fatty fish. To understand the relationship, it is helpful to understand the difference between “good” and “bad” cholesterol. “Bad” cholesterol is known as LDL cholesterol, and is termed “bad” because of its habit of building up on the walls of the arteries. When this happened, the arteries narrows thereby reducing the blood flow, this restriction in its full scale, stop the blood from flowing thereby resulting in stroke and heart attack.

The good cholesterol does the job of bring the cholesterol back from the body to the liver for processing before excreting out of the body, the higher level of good cholesterol, the more efficient is the removal of cholesterol from the body. The good cholesterol is also known as HDL cholesterol. The reason why fish oil is good for the body is because result has shown that it increases the good cholesterol in the body.This prevent heart diseases and stroke because there are less cholesterol in the body to clog the arteries.

In most study, triglycerides will also be look into.Triglycerides are a type of fat, and people that have high levels of LDL cholesterol generally will also have a high level of triglycerides. Interestingly, high level of triglycerides is also found with people with heart diseases. Triglycerides seems to reduce with the proportional intake of fish oil. It is interesting to know that though the medical community accept fish oils as being beneficial to the body, science and research is yet to pinpoint how fish oils works to lower cholesterol.

Fish oils is full of omega 3, and FAD had announced that omega 3 is good for heart health.And since fish oil does not have any known side effects, you can go ahead and take the supplements while you are waiting for science to figure out why.

[Via http://howtolowercolesterol.wordpress.com]

The Health Business

2010-01-12T02:32:00.000+02:00

political cartoons

[Digg]

Seed NewsvineSubscribe in a reader

[Via http://udontsay.wordpress.com]

Soy for your Heart

2010-01-10T01:54:00.000+02:00

High intakes of animal protein are associated with high rates of coronary heart disease. However, high intakes of soy protein are associated with low rates of the disease. Research shows that soy foods offer more protection for your heart than any other food that can be consumed.

Soy foods reduce the risk for heart attack and stroke by lowering the bad LDL-cholesterol by 15 to 30 points and lowering triglycerides while raising the good HDL-cholesterol.
They also lower blood pressure, thus reducing risk for heart attack and stroke.
Soy foods contain isoflavones with potent antioxidant properties that act to protect the arteries from oxidized fats by preventing the oxidation of lipid particles.
Soy foods act to reverse hardening of the arteries in a similar manner to the statin drugs. Evidence indicates that the combined use of soy protein, soluble fiber, and plant sterols have the potential to decrease serum LDL-cholesterol values by 25-30% which is equivalent to the effects of the statin drugs.
They improve blood vessel health by helping the blood dilate to increase blood flow to the heart or brain.

After reviewing clinical studies of soy foods, the FDA approved the health claim that daily soy intake is heart-healthy. There is an overwhelming amount of research supporting the claim that soy can help prevent heart disease.

For a happy heart, enjoy two servings of soy protein per day, as I do. Increasing your soy food intake can provide you with long-term heart protection; the sooner you start enjoying soy the better for your health.

[Via http://nutdoc.wordpress.com]

Dietary Fat - The Devil is in the Details

2010-01-07T17:55:00.000+02:00

My good friend Dane Miller over at Garagestrength just posted about the dietary fat/health debate. Dane has done a lot of research on diet, and met with Gary Taubes to discuss his book “Good Calories, Bad Calories.”

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll have read my review of Gary Taubes’ book. In short, I thought it was fantastic, but far too long, and not very well-organized. Some readers commented that the length of the book was necessary to dispel the myths about the diet/heart or fat/health debate, and said that Taubes is planning on releasing a scaled-down version of his book in the near future.

To sum up the book – there is no definitive proof that dietary fat causes health problems (heart disease, diabetes, etc.), and, in fact, high carbohydrate consumption might actually be the villain, not fat.

Dane’s complaint about Taubes is that Taubes doesn’t discern between the types of sources of the calories he discusses. I agree with Dane, but for a slightly different reason.

The rest of this post is a modification of my response to Dane’s post, so if you’ve already read that, you might want to skim from here on. Otherwise, here we go.

What I see happening with the diet/health debate is the same thing that usually happens in discussions that, at base, refer to foundational assumptions of the culture in which they occur.

What?

Basically, what is at stake in the diet/health debate? I mean, why is there an argument at all? And why are different “professionals” in the field (doctors, researchers, lay-people with a lot of experience) arguing about this topic, and presenting wildly different (i.e., opposite) viewpoints?

Is it professional pride? Is it real concern for the human race? Is it the need to be an “expert?” A combination of all of these?

While the answer to that question might provide some help when discussing the issue with any one of those people (I think each person has a different set of “reasons” for holding or supporting their specific viewpoint), it doesn’t really have any effect.

Again, as with the Kyoto Protocol, or with “green” energy, until you examine the fundamental assumptions of the culture, any talk is just lip-service.

The diet/health debate is meaningless. What it does is skip over the fundamental issue, and goes straight to the superficial details.

It asks – What types of fat are best/worst? What amount of calories/macronutrients is ideal?

Which is meaningless. The answers to any of those questions will vary from person to person, and from place to place. For instance, the type and amount of different macronutrients that will be best for an Inuit will not be best for an Amazonian indian. And neither of those diets will be best for an Australian aborigine.

What will not vary is this:

If you eat processed foods, or foods that are out of season and not grown in your immediate vicinity, you are going to have health issues.

It amazes me that there is any debate about this subject at all, because it’s so overwhelmingly simple.

Any animal is (typically) limited to eating foods it can get immediately (or has stored in the earth temporarily). That is, those foods are local. They are “natural” (non-modified). They are whole (non-processed).

Until the advent of agriculture, the human race didn’t eat processed foods. When agriculture took hold, processing became an option. The main processed food we ate at that point was probably bread.

This was only 10-15,000 years ago. In the evolutionary history of hominids (15 million years), that is the blink of an eye. It’s relatively very small amount of time even in the 5 million year history of the hominins (the evolutionary branch that branches off from the main hominid branch, the one that humans are on).

Am I being clear here? The debate is specious. It’s “superficially pleasing, but meaningless.”

[Via http://leegertrained.wordpress.com]

Why follow Julia Tatum Hunter, M.D., Skin Fitness Plus blogs?

2010-01-05T01:45:00.000+02:00

Why follow Julia Tatum Hunter, M.D., Skin Fitness Plus blogs?

This is the beginning of teaching you EVERYTHING you need to know in order to best and correctly treat the largest organ of your body-your skin-both male and female, of every age-to achieve beauty, anti-aging, prevention, restoration, rejuvenation, cure acne and scarring, rashes, hair loss, weight problems- AND spend your precious time and money on technology, products, treatments, supplements and medications that work, best, fastest, economically, with the least downtime. Know what to do, why this vs. that, all you can do, why to do it, what are realistic expectations. And learn why the side effect of doing these things is health-internally and externally.

As a medical student-once I started working with patients and physician teachers, the burning question to me was-aren’t we supposed to be curing people NOT just treating symptoms? Why I asked did I seem to be just writing prescriptions to treat the SYMPTOMS of high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease and most other diseases or cutting out with surgery the symptom of disease and dysfunction and NOT asking and focusing on WHY you have disease and trying to CURE it-especially before you need surgery.

It was also obvious to me then that there is a step BEFORE screening, such as for cancers-mammography, colonoscopies, prostate tests and exams, skin cancer checks- and most diseases-and that step is true PREVENTION (http://tinyurl.com/yem8ttj). I tell my patients now that unless you have genetic issues we are just not afflicted by God or whatever you believe in with disease-there is usually a WHY you have it answer or solid clues. And with clinical experience I saw that even with most genetic challenges you can mitigate and moderate them.

Certainly most diseases that we are all fearful of, that we have seen friends and family suffer so from, that we are WRONG to think are a NORMAL part of aging, CAN BE PREVENTED to a very significant extent!! No there are no guarantees and bad things do happen to good people but there are “insurance policies” against most every disease-including acne and aging that are very doable and work for most everyone You just have to know how-which is what I am going to tell you from my unique medical background and perspective and being I am told one of the very few WHOLISTIC dermatologists. You have to do your part and not pretend it cannot or will not happen to you. We all know that nothing is as easy as we would like it to be but trust me-you WANT to avoid “lying on the stretcher” as MUCH as you want to slow down the ticking of the clock, not have acne, not struggle with your weight, lose your hair, your brain, your energy, your ability to enjoy life. Ask an ER nurse or Anesthesiologist. I started as an Anesthesiologist before Dermatology and daily saw that we NEEDED and WANTED to dedicate ourselves to prevention. Even as I worked in plastic surgery, I clearly saw that we were doing nothing to prevent the symptoms patients were paying so much to try to reverse- so those same patients returned QUICKLY with the same symptoms-aging, brown spots, rosacea, gravity winning everywhere, etc and they also did not know there were alternatives to surgery and downtime and treatment methods that did not make them look “constructed”.

So knowledge is power. From the info I will give you in these 2010 blogs the ball is now in your court and YOU are in control of your appearance and health. You can have the same info that my patients in Beverly Hills have. I am giving you my roadmap, the knowledge, the tools that work best and are best use of your money, then you can make decisions that are best for YOU from a position of an overview of knowledge rather than marketing-science vs commerce. The side effect of what I will teach you is HEALTH-internal and external. The most you can look is 10-20 years younger than your age and the earlier you start doing the right thing, the younger and more healthy you will remain.

Life is a self-discipline issue and none of us like self-discipline nor have enough of it but when you look and feel MUCH younger than those you compare yourself to, it is powerful motivation. AND you CAN eat, drink and make merry and NOT suffer the consequences IF you know HOW to do it CORRECTLY. Life is about the balance and is meant to be lived and I am NOT into deprivation, nor doing an unreasonable amount to achieve the goal.

So in 2010 I am going to give you-doable solutions at every budget, no matter where you are in the world. I have patients all over the world so I am knowledgeable about your challenges and what is available to you.

Why you ask am I doing this, why should you listen to me and what does dermatology have to do with health, hormones, weight, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, hypothyroid, hair loss and a myriad of other internal diseases?

First-my passion as a physician and a person is for you to live a LONG and QUALITY, fun and happy, self-satisfied, well-lived, disease free life, be YOUNG and look and FEEL as fabulous as humanly, scientifically and economically possible at ANY and EVERY age and NOT WASTE your precious time and money on what is NOT the best solution, tool for the job, method of prevention or is commerce, NOT science. I have seen a lot of patients-male, female, young, old, all types of skin of color- who come to see me, who have spent a lot of money, not have the outcome they expected or desired, irreversibly no longer look like themselves or what they want to look like, lose objectivity about the way they look, having been cared for by a lot of experts, tried a lot and still suffer the symptoms of diseases, acne, recurrent rashes, eczema, psoriasis, hormone dysfunction and on an on. That really bothers me. I am told repetitively that I am one of the few WHOLISTIC dermatologists and from a VERY unique perspective of medical background, who looks at the body as a whole-that asks WHY do you have that rash, acne, symptom, cellulite, aging, hair loss, weariness, etc and what do I need to do to CURE that problem as much as possible rather than just treating the symptom in perpetuity, a mind that has always been open and hears and questions and ponders and digests information from as many different sources as possible- always asking the WHY question-“why this technology, test, product, supplement, medication, use of time, vs. that, what works and why, what is the least we can do to get the most, what do we have to do to prevent and reverse, look and feel as fantastic as possible, die old in our sleep after dancing until dawn at a great party somewhere lovely- NEVER having gone to the hospital and looking enviably young but NATURAL.

YEARS of experience in medicine and working with an overview of all sorts of worldwide, varied practitioners of medical and spiritual points of view have taught me that I as both a physician and person have a UNIQUE and pragmatic, commonsensical approach and consciousness. I am a person and physician who cares, who always tries first to do the “right” thing, tries to cure the problem and in a doable, affordable, practical way, sees the forest not just the tree so considers all the pieces of the body’s puzzle, which is why I am a WHOLISTIC dermatologist, have always been committed to proving to MYSELF what works and why-questioning always not accepting or being sold.. I am a show me don’t tell me person and as I say to my patients-the “proof is in the pudding” meaning if YOU the patient don’t see and/or feel the results then the therapy is probably not working, So I am sharing what I have learned and proved to myself and my patients, with you, because I want everyone, not just in Los Angeles, to have equal opportunity to be healthy, look as young and fabulous as humanly, scientifically, technologically and economically possible. I have learned from my medical practice how much need there is worldwide for what I continue to learn and prove and I want to give you information that I hope will help you immensely, evolve and shape medicine and health in a positive way, open minds, spark discussion and bring down the absurdly and VERY avoidable high cost of disease by giving you the tools and information to prevent and cure and love how you look and feel GOOD. It is not a good choice to wait until you have symptoms and then treat you. Prevention is BETTER and cheaper and then YOU as much as possible are in charge of your destiny and the captain of your happiness ship.

So stay tuned-men, women, teens, skin of all colors as I teach you what I mean when I say that “from health comes beauty” (http://tinyurl.com/ya8g53f), why the largest organ of the body is a window to what is going on inside (http://tinyurl.com/yd2peu5), what skin products (http://tinyurl.com/yebks88), foods (and how to prepare) (http://tinyurl.com/yc9nluq), exercise, diets, hormones (http://tinyurl.com/y9vblpo), lasers (http://tinyurl.com/yaduuhl), technology , treatments (http://tinyurl.com/yeymoza) – work, are best tools for the job, best use of funds-and WHY and how to best use the tools in the toolbox! Start doing your homework!

[Via http://skinfitnessplus.wordpress.com]

Guggul - Herbal Remedies to Lower Cholesterol

2010-01-02T17:58:00.000+02:00

Author: Dr Maria

Source: articlesfactory.com

It has a thin bark with thorny branches and trifoliate leaves. It has red or pink flowers with four petals each.

The gum of the guggul tree is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. This gum is a, incense resin

, yellowing resinous substance that is obtained from the stem of, incense resin

, the guggul plant. The guggul plant is very well established in Ayurveda. Even in Sushruta Samhita, one of the most detailed works on Ayurvedic medicine,, incense resin

, the virtues of the guggul in the treatment of obesity and rheumatism are recorded. Guggul is commercially available for the treatment of cholesterol and triglyceride deposits in the body. Western research has proven that guggulsterone, a chemical available in the guggul gum, incense resin

, is the main beneficial factor in lowering cholesterol. Guggulipid, an extract of the guggul gum is also effective in lowering blood cholesterol.

The guggul is famous in the west with the name mukul myrrh tree. Biologically, it is named Commiphora wightii or Commiphora mukul. In Ayurveda, guggul is rarely taken in its pure form. Whenever it is prescribed for direct oral medication, the guggul needs to be purified. This, incense resin

, method of purifying the guggul herb is known as the, incense resin

, shodhana. Shodhana is done by boiling the herb in either cow’s milk or its urine. This makes the drug more acceptable to the human, incense resin

, body, but it reduces its volatile oil content and hence makes the drug a little less effective in therapeutic terms.

Properties

Guggul, incense resin

, is known to have the following, incense resin

, properties:-

(i) Guggul disintegrates the cholesterol accumulated, incense resin

, in the body. Hence it is used in the treatment of various cardiovascular problems.

(ii) Guggul flushes out the, incense resin

, toxins from the body and promotes easy digestion of foods. It has a mild laxative effect.

(iii) Guggul is known, incense resin

, to be a liver stimulator.

(iv) Guggul purifies the blood.

(v) Guggul has a treating effect on the nervous system.

Uses

(i) Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a special type of arthritis which affects the cervical vertebrae, i.e. the vertebrae of the neck region. For the treatment of this disease, guggul is by far the best remedy. It is used in the form of its preparation Simhanada Guggul. The dosage prescribed for the patients is two to four tablets twice a day, followed by a glass of hot water, incense resin

, or milk. Due to its laxative effect, it also removes the ama, i.e. the toxic buildup of waste materials in the body. If the bowels move in a regular fashion, the pains of spondylosis are very much reduced. In fact it is only after treating constipation first that any medication for the spondylosis would work.

(ii) Constipation

Guggul is a laxative. It facilitates the movement of the bowels and keeps the digestive system clean.

(iii) Obesity

Guggul, incense resin

, is used primarily in the treatment of obesity. It is used in a very unconventional way. The gum, incense resin

, resin of the guggul is used to make incense sticks. These are lighted and the fumes are inhaled. Guggul can also be given internally for obese people. Both Navaka Guggul and Triphala Guggul are effective in the treatment, incense resin

, of obesity.

(iv) Rheumatism

Yogaraj Guggul is extensively used in the treatment of rheumatism. Two to four tablets twice a day need to be taken. The, incense resin

, dose must be followed by a glass of hot water or milk.

(v) Sciatica

Guggul is very effective in treating problems related to the nervous system. It is given to the patient of sciatica in the form of Yogaraja Guggul, of which guggul is the main ingredient. The dosage is two tablets four times a day along with warm milk or water.

Special Ayurvedic Preparations

(i), incense resin

, Guggul Tiktaka ghrita

Guggul Tiktata ghrita is elaborately prepared by boiling guggul in a special kind of butter.

(ii) Navaka Guggul

Navaka Guggul is a combination of guggul with other important herbs. It is generally used in weight, incense resin

, loss.

(iii) Simhanada Guggul

Simhanada, incense resin

, Guggul is a preparation with guggul with the main ingredient, incense resin

, which is used as treatment for cervical spondylosis.

(iv) Triphala Guggul

Triphala Guggul is a compound extract, incense resin

, (of triphala) to which guggul is added.

(v) Yogaraja Guggul

Yogaraja Guggul is a very special preparation with guggul as the main ingredient. It is a mixture of about twenty powder extracts, among which guggul is the chief ingredient. It is used as a carminative, for lowering cholesterol and as an, incense resin

, antipyretic.

Apart from these, there are many other guggul preparations being widely used such as Gokshuradi Guggul, Salai Guggul, Amrutadi Guggul, Kaishora Guggul, Kanchanara, incense resin

, Guggul, Trayodashanga Guggul and Maha Yogaraja Guggul.

Precautions

The use of guggul must always be done under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician. Excess of guggul almost always causes a rash on the body. But there are other more serious problems associated with an over-intake of guggul. For one, guggul interferes with the liver functions. Hence people with liver conditions must not use guggul. Guggul is used in the treatment of digestive problems. But an excess of guggul can worsen the conditions. People having constant problems such as diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disorder must avoid taking guggul.

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Buying a house - the buyer or seller in the market?

2009-12-29T18:26:00.000+02:00

Sale is now on the market home buyer or favors

Seller?

When the market for buying a new home, there are two main factors

Impact on the value of the property you are interested in purchasing. The first is

the market value of the house. The second is whether the area

House there is a seller or a buyer's market.

Calculate the market value of a house yet

important and necessary than ever.However, it is important to note that the

The results are only estimates, based on the home page of the turnover of at least six months before. A

changed much in six months, changes in the market from

Benefit to the buyer, a seller and vice versa.

BUYERS 'MARKET

A market is soft for homebuyers to promote. This type of market can be

because of the different variables. For example, many homes

for saleSpace, then the economy is bad, etc.. A soft market can lead to

a house on the market over a longer period. Therefore, the buyer

the upper hand, so that the purchase at a price too

significantly less than that, ask what the seller. It 'also very likely that

have the opportunity for the entire sales process at their own pace

Time of closing, when it is convenient for them.

Seller Markets

SuchMarket is the result of many people move from one room

That does not have a high level of homes for sale. As a result, homes to go

rather quickly, as the prices charged for, or sold at a price very close to

Price. Therefore, there will be plenty of room for negotiation in the search

to buy a house that is in a seller's market. In addition, you will

rapid decision making. Absolutely not want a house that is lost

concernedIn games on price.

In a seller's market, it is very common to several offers

in a house made therein. Often, the highest price will be accepted

No negotiations take place. However, it is typical for a seller to seek, receive and

most money for their house by negotiating with all potential buyers

the same time. This will be a battle itself. If this is the case, you can use

the tactics below. First, you'll never leaveYour feelings get the better of you for

To bid higher than you want to spend.

Second, be sure to

have already been approved for mortgage financing. Seller shall take

Learn more seriously, the loan for the purchase ready. Finally, never ask any

Extras in an attempt to close the deal. For example, do not require any equipment

and / or furniture will be included in the sale. Another smart thing to do is

information on that supplier isextremely flexible in terms of when they want

to close.

Finally ….

It 'important to determine the type of market is an area that once

Find who were interested in a house. If you wait, and it's a seller's market

Market, there's a good chance that the house you want someone to be sold

else quickly. However, if you neglect to notice that a particular area is

are in a buyer's market, which probably will end up paying moreFor Your Home

than you should.

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An Overview of Cholesterol Reducing Herbs

2009-12-27T10:02:00.000+02:00

After high cholesterol, as always, on the fast track to serious problems. May, in fact, cholesterol in clogging of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. Doctors are concerned about their patients with high cholesterol and take something to prescribe as a rule, along with proper diet and exercise to lower cholesterol. However, many people with high cholesterol do not want to get a prescription mayseveral different dangerous side effects. For those people, herbs may help reduce cholesterol and promote good health. Here are some herbs that are known to help with low cholesterol.

Artichoke Leaf -

Artichoke leaf extract, or Cynara Scolymnus may actually help lower cholesterol, according to recent studies and research. It is thought that this works by limiting the body’s production of cholesterol. Two other things increase cholesterol excretion and both things are caused by a compound found in artichokes called Cynarin. One of these things is increased bile production in the liver and the other is a faster flow of bile from the gallbladder. For these reasons, artichoke leaf may be extremely helpful for those with high cholesterol.

Garlic -

Many studies have been done on Garlic and it’s effects on high cholesterol. In fact, in Europe it is an approved remedy for many different cardiovascular conditions, especially high cholesterol. Garlic is very good as an overall health promoting herb. It is considered anti bacterial, anti inflammatory and more. Using garlic as part of a healthy life plan including exercise and nutrition, it may significantly reduce high cholesterol.

Turmeric -

This herb contains a yellow pigment called curcumin. This pigment has been proven to increase the flow of bile from the liver, which decreases blood cholesterol levels. In fact, in some experiments, Turmeric has been shown to decrease cholesterol by up to 50%. Turmeric is especially helpful for lowering high cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke due to cholesterol issues.

Grapefruit and Carrots -

Any herb or fruit with pectin is helpful for lowering cholesterol levels. In fact, pectin works in a very unique way in order to lower cholesterol. It bonds with dietary fat and cholesterol in the blood and works to remove it through the intestines as waste material before the cholesterol and fat becomes absorbed into the blood.

The Benefits of Using Herbs to Lower Cholesterol -

While some herbs are more potent than others and are entirely capable of causing side effects, many people feel that herbs are safer than prescription medications. They are all natural and do not cause the formation of free radicals like some chemicals in prescription medications can. They work to lower cholesterol as well as providing other benefits and essential vitamins and nutrients. One word of advice is to ask a doctor before using herbs for low cholesterol. If you are taking prescription medications, you should be particularly aware of this because herbs can interact with prescription medications just the way other prescription medications can. High cholesterol is a very dangerous thing and learning the best ways to deal with it is a great idea.

Utilize the tips and herbs above to help you lower your cholesterol and stay healthy. Along with proper diet and nutrition, you can knock your high cholesterol out!

[Via http://cholesteroldiets.wordpress.com]

Reversing Heart Disease and Cholesterol

2009-12-27T02:10:00.000+02:00

There are a number of conditions and diseases affecting the heart, which may all be brought under the umbrella of heart disease. Coronary artery disease has overall responsibility for the leading cause of deaths worldwide. This leads many people want to know how they can be the cause of fatal coronary heart disease. Types of heart disease include hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cardiomyopathy, heart disease, inflammatory diseases of the heart valves, heart failure, coronary heart disease andIschemic heart disease. Then there are subcategories of these main categories of heart disease.

A healthy lifestyle is a way to avoid getting all kinds of heart disease. This includes a healthy diet and exercise. However, some hereditary and environmental issues are some people more susceptible to diseases of all types of heart disease. It 'also good to know that some of the reasons to be able to prevent the outbreak and to have a worsening of the condition of the coronaryDisease.

High cholesterol and hypertension are two major causes of species of coronary artery disease. Cholesterol in blood vessels and can lead to a condition that blocks blood flow to the heart. This is the coronary heart disease and may worsen unless we begin to reverse the symptoms of coronary disease. Deterioration of the condition can lead to angina pectoris, when cholesterol builds to the point where the heart is oxygen is not always sufficient andChest pains begin.

If the heart has become so weak that they do not build more blood to the heart pump fluid into the tissue of the body. The combination of higher blood pressure and heart failure can be blocked blood vessels. In a situation in which the blood is entirely funded from reaching the heart, which has blocked some heart begins to die. This is what leads to a heart attack.

Besides the bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, other factors, the risk of postThe development of a form of coronary heart disease include smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and stress. Result in reversal of the progression of coronary disease might improve on all these factors. If you have items that put you in danger, you should deal with one thing at a time.

Health benefits of each, if smoking is a risk factor for coronary heart disease, or do not belong, to maintain weight at a healthy level, regular exercise and a healthy low-fat diet.These steps not only reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, but also the risk of diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, stroke and osteoporosis.

There are a number of conditions and diseases that are the heart, which are all placed under the aegis of coronary disease of interest. A heart attack is the cause that led to deaths in the world. Women appear to suffer from a primary disease of the heart. In this sense, the woman andMother of the family changed their eating habits and exercise will reverse the transfer of the rest of the family and work in the direction of the risk of heart attack.

[Via http://cholesteroldiets.wordpress.com]

How asbestos causes mesothelioma

2009-12-26T18:21:00.000+02:00

As asbestos fibers in lungs

Asbestos is a generic term for a group of silicate of magnesium, which have fibrous structure. Ores consisting of asbestos fibers that are easily separable. Individual fibers are extremely small and delicate, bright enough to be transported in the air. Physicians who consider all forms of asbestos lung disease treatment dangerous and can cause cancer. The six most common are amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite,and the fibrous varieties of tremolite, actinolite and anthophyllite. Amphibole forms of asbestos, the fibers are straight, more disease chrysotile fibers are due bent.

During the extraction, production and installation of products using asbestos fibers are displaced children, and through the air. Workers in an environment where asbestos is used, can not avoid breathing the fibers into the air. Poor ventilation and inadequate or nonexistentProtective equipment increased risk of this deadly fiber. Workers have the mines and manufacturing environments, where the air was described as white asbestos dust, and their clothes and hair were covered in fine white fibers.

The damage of asbestos fibers in lungs

Most fibers are removed from the lungs within a few hours after inhalation. Coughing brings up to his neck in a layer of mucus, which are either spitting orSwallowing and its way out of the body.

Not all asbestos is inhaled by the lungs removed. Some progress fibers in the alveoli, the small pockets in the lungs, where oxygen is exchanged with the blood. The fibers can remain for years, the rest of the life of a person. Amphibole asbestos fibers, which tend to be longer and more upright than chrysotile fibers to the lungs stay longer.

Move the asbestos fibers in the lower Lungs and diaphragm, the muscle very moved that the lungs when breathing, sitting just below the lungs. At autopsy, most of the asbestos lung disease seen in the lower lobe of the lung and the membrane surface. Asbestos fibers lodge in the lung tissue and are not yet reported on tissue damage as long as there remain, such as mesothelioma is slow growing quietly. The symptoms may not appear for 15 to 40 years after exposure.

> F IBERS asbestos and mesothelioma

The asbestos fibers make their way through the lungs into the chest cavity, the space in the chest, even when a lung. The asbestos fibers penetrate the mesothelium, the thin, moist, flexible tissue that lines the cavities are. Specialist mesothelioma two theories on how asbestos causes mesothelioma in the pleural cavity. One theory is thatmigrate as asbestos fibers through the pleural cavity, which are irritating the walls of the tissues and tissues. The cells are disturbed by the formation of scar tissue. The mesothelial cells show an inflammatory response, scarring, and finally, the uncontrolled proliferation of cells is a sign of cancer.

The second theory focuses on the events at the molecular level to speculate that the asbestos fibers that interact with each of mesothelial cells, interference with their phonesDivision, or perhaps damage to the DNA of the cell during mitosis or cell division. The part of DNA that regulates cell growth and reproduction is damaged, so that reproduction is no longer controlled. Wild cells begin to reproduce. This creates the uncontrolled growth of cancer tissue thickened and finally begins to invade other organs.

Although the highest risk of developing mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers, some people who Of developing mesothelioma, it was only a very brief exposure. The first symptoms of mesothelioma may not be so far to 15, sometimes up to 30 or 40 years after the victim can prevent exposure to asbestos. With time the symptoms are painful enough for the victim to visit the doctor, the disease that life expectancy will be measured in months, made progress.

If you or a loved one is diagnosed receive mesothelioma, and I believeDevelopment> mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos at work, you may have a right in court against the company, allowing the display or the manufacturer of asbestos products. Learn more about your rights, should have a lawyer, asbestos specialized requests.

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Home remedies to fight high cholesterol

2009-12-26T02:51:00.000+02:00

There are two types of cholesterol in the human body. There are good and bad. If you have a lot of bad cholesterol in your system, otherwise known as LDL increases the risk of diabetes or heart disease. The good news is that you can check before it is too late for some remedy at home.

The most effective way to increase your LDL is less through movement, because when it burns energy, your sugars and proteins used, so that the body needsTo compensate for the loss caused by the conversion of fat into fuel.

When you get to see more exercise with your doctor and do so gradually. Once you have built your stamina, you can do more. This should be done for at least 20 minutes during each session and at least three times a week.

Also, you should eat food that is rich in dietary fiber. You can get from beans, grains, fruits and vegetables because it helps flush LDL from the body.

It is better to eat, other productsdo not contain animal fats much. These can be found in meat, so as to reduce the intake of supplements and this with chicken or fish instead.

If you like to eat the rice, replace the white with the red variety. Studies show that helps to reduce the production of LDL that remains within the normal range.

Since eating the right foods rather difficult, pharmaceutical companies have come with supplements that help without harmful side effectsEffects.

An example is inositol, which is a time released niacin. Studies show that taking this regularly will lower your LDL and increase the number of HDL in the human body. There are also Policosanol. The only difference between the two is that the limits to the production of LDL.

A supplement that combines the two first mentioned used to be red yeast rice extract and rubber Guggal as part of the ingredients is organic Lipotrol. Tests have shown that it is considered thatDifference after only 2 weeks use.

Making changes in your lifestyle and eating habits are just some things you can do to fight or even prevent high cholesterol. These home remedies are things that cost no money to do such a thing now, before it is too Later it is.

[Via http://reducecholesterols.wordpress.com]

What is turmeric and how to reduce cholesterol?

2009-12-24T10:46:00.000+02:00

Turmeric is a spice grown in large scale in Asia. This spice is a member of the ginger family and has proven very effective use of various drugs. Many studies have been done on turmeric, to his ability as an antioxidant and note the reduction in cholesterol levels. Anti-inflammatory turmeric is very heart protection and it is presumed that it plays a very important role in reducing rates of heart attacks.

The people who make the maximum use of turmericfree from heart disease and then help people to reduce cholesterol levels. rabbit, when they were fed with high fat diet, showed that reducing LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. It also offers more than oxidized LDL in the blood. Cholesterol-lowering effects of turmeric have remained consistent in these studies.

In fact, one study also concluded that the levels of LDL cholesterol were reduced anywherehalf and one third of the consumption of turmeric arguments than those not receiving them. If a study was conducted and many studies have been conducted on rats and rabbits found that turmeric, when consumed helps to reduce levels of LDL in the body.

It was suggested that when the cholesterol lowering effect of turmeric is to increase the level of cholesterol decreases the intestinal absorption and increased production of bile acids in the liver.Although treatment turmeric all drugs and relationships of cholesterol in the blood have found that turmeric is severely underestimated.

[Via http://cholesteroldiets.wordpress.com]

Drink may help cholesterol sterols in reducing cholesterol?

2009-12-24T02:50:00.000+02:00

Many people have been diagnosed with high cholesterol are looking for alternative treatments that can reduce cholesterol naturally not go away traditional pharmaceutical. A change in diet and adding an exercise routine are good ways to make the treatment of cholesterol in your hands. There is another alternative you may want to look beyond. It 'a drink that contains plant sterols cholesterol sterols and stanols, may be an additional tool with diet and lifestyle changes to lower cholesterol naturally help.

The effects of plant sterols in reducing cholesterol

Plant sterols are in many foods we eat can be found, but eating enough to reduce the amount of plant sterols be difficult to achieve the levels of cholesterol. It is said that it would take hundreds of pounds of fruits and nuts to 2 grams of sterols actually low gain necessary> Cholesterol everyday.

Plant sterols work done by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol when cholesterol in the small intestine. The consumption of two grams of sterols per day can be bad LDL cholesterol, or a lower level of at least 10%. The search for a cholesterol sterol drink to help you make the right amount of active ingredients can get a good way of relaxing treatments in your fight against high cholesterol.

The delivery is another importantFactor

Plant sterols have been introduced in soluble high fat foods, in order to improve the solubility of PS-containing esters. It has been found for the first time in products such as margarine, low fat milk and yogurt. The researchers believe that the intake of plant sterols in a given time more important than that contained what they consumed at the optimum time for a drink-cholesterol sterols and during meals, with food, but as a treat or a drink between meals. Drinking a beveragecontains plant sterols drink with a meal, can be kept in water, milk, juice or soda is an effective way to produce the desired effect.

Although it is still reap the benefits of taking plant sterols between meals, blind, have shown that there is a 10% reduction in LDL cholesterol when a sterol with meals and drinks was reduced only by 7.5% when taken between meals, either in liquid or solid.

Where can I find the sterol drinks?

Each visit to amarket or health food shop is a lot of plants are fortified foods and beverages. When you shop online you have access to a wide range of drinks that are loaded not only with plant sterols, but also other healthy ingredients that will naturally lower your cholesterol goal. You can find special offers and comparison shop easily if you buy drinks plant sterols on the Internet. A product of great throb Plus is a delicious drink that can be drunkto help with your healthy meal to lower cholesterol, without consequences. Pulsate plus, along with many other natural resources cholesterol can the Internet at prices they can afford for your health, to be found.

[Via http://cholesteroldiets.wordpress.com]

The lowering of cholesterol through the reduction of stress

2009-12-22T18:01:00.000+02:00

Stress is a part of our daily lives. Many of us are coming in a hurry to go to work, and if we are there, we are forced to share and / or goals. We want a raise, and we experience more stress. Life for us has become stressful.

The risk factors for heart disease include: (age the risk increases with age), family history (if your parents who suffer from heart disease, is probably too much), (smoking a specific killer cells), high blood pressure , obesity, physical inactivity andDiabetes.

It always strikes me as odd that stress as risk factors for heart disease was classified. Heart Many doctors suggest that stress can trigger a heart attack. When you experience an emotionally traumatic event, and that the person has plaque in arteries, some of this plaque can block a release and for the death of heart muscle and thus a heart attack.

So how do we deal with stress is important. Many people use physical activityTo relieve stress. Thirty minutes or more per day of good heart, beating-aerobic activity five or more days a week will strengthen the heart and circulation. I remember, with your doctor before any exercise to verify.

Regular exercise and constant are the implications of at least two minor risk factors such as obesity and high cholesterol levels in the blood. More calories are burned because of this exercise will reduce your weight. AndExercise has been shown that an increase of good cholesterol HDL, and thus lower the total cholesterol.

Meditation, either alone or in combination with exercise has been shown to reduce stress. There are many books that you can learn to meditate properly and reduce the stress of everyday life.

Good personal relationships, helps to relieve stress. Derives from the support, a well-connected can not be overestimated. Intonation andTrade with other problems, mental stress can be helpful. Keeping all this in just feed the beast bottled in bottles. It was noted that the development of strong personal ties reduces the likelihood of developing heart disease. The opening and to express these feelings to a trusted friend is much to do to load the bomb grow inside of you can defuse the situation.

Other things to do to manage stress:

Maintain a positive – negativity only leads to more depressive feelings. HotFuzzy feelings are good for you – try to create them.

Praise – emphasize the positive things, things become successful. Jump on this success and stay there for days.

Accept what can not be changed. You can not fight city hall, as the saying goes. Those with banging his head against a wall, no one has anything good. Find a positive management of the situation. Maybe find a new job would be best for you.

Practical skills of relaxation. Laugh as much as youpower. For periods of time each day, simply push aside the stress and relax. Talking and thinking about other things. It 'a big world with many wonderful things.

If you find the assistance hostility port. Hostility feeds stress makes worse, it is useful to reach higher world records, the explosive levels. Avars, a short time bombs. If a person is so angry that he or she is always ready to fight to imagine what the blood pressure person – as long as necessary. Get help to solvehostile feelings. Stress can be managed. It just takes a positive approach to deal with it. This will result in reducing your cholesterol.

[Via http://reducecholesterols.wordpress.com]

Learning About Mesothelioma and asbestos exposure

2009-12-22T02:52:00.000+02:00

As for the cancer known as mesothelioma and asbestos as the cause, is a tumor that appears most in the mesothelial cells of an organ. The heart, lungs and abdomen are the most likely to be affected. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of cancer, and covers the lining of the lungs.

Exposure to the roof, ceiling and floor tiles, pipe, insulation and other materials for construction, before 1970, mostmost common cause of this tumor. All these materials containing asbestos fibers, which are now known to be toxic. Car brakes contain asbestos, and the mechanics are at risk for developing cancer.

Developing the rule to determine the ability of the possibility of a person mesothelioma is the time they were exposed to load. It also depends on the level of exposure.

It is difficult to grasp, such as mesothelioma usually not for long.The average period of latency is somewhere between 35 and 40 years after the last occurrence of asbestos-containing products.

The symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are beginning to show itself little by little. Pain in the chest and back are the most common complaints at the beginning. Fever, dyspnea and weight loss are symptoms that can lead the patient to the doctor for a diagnosis. What is most unfortunate is that as soon as it turns out, mesothelioma, progressionThe disease quickly.

An immediate and aggressive treatment is necessary for a good result. There are various treatments for mesothelioma. These include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. The key is the disease in its early stages, which begin to improve the patient's chance of survival. If you have developed mesothelioma and asbestos was the cause, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible alarm.

It 'was shown in cases of asbestosCourt that the manufacturers of construction products knew the deadly health risks of asbestos to sell even more and not a warning to the consumer or the worker. Because of this fact many people who would otherwise healthy cancer disease mesothelioma.

After a patient with a diagnosis of mesothelioma and asbestos producers are in charge of making a compromise. The welcome to participate and request that, the compensationfamily members (spouse and children) of those who have died from the disease has been handed down prior to this mandate.

[Via http://attorneymesotheliomasettlements.wordpress.com]

Avoid trans fats to healthier cholesterol levels and reduce risk of heart disease

2009-12-20T10:21:00.000+02:00

It has a growing number of people around the world are facing serious health problems because of their cholesterol level increasing. Therefore, it was clear that when people seek health problems associated with cholesterol levels in increase, it will be difficult to eradicate this problem completely aware. Nutritional agree that lately more and more difficult for the people of the diet, mainly due to the periodic monitoring of their hecticLifestyle. More importantly, people are too dependent on fast food restaurants, easy to create and harmful to health.

Doctors suggest that people with high cholesterol-containing foods, the content or trans fats, avoid hydrogenated. These are usually present in foods such as snacks, biscuits, fried foods and sweets. These foods are very similar to saturated fats increase blood cholesterol levels significantly. It is therefore important to ensure thatPrevent people with high cholesterol, these foods at any time. On special occasions they can ensure that their cholesterol level stay under control by the preparation of these foods at home, taking into account the recommendations of the nutritionist.

For normal people it is extremely important to ensure that the consumption of cholesterol below 300 mg of remains per day. For people with cholesterol problems, however, this limit will be reduced further200 mg. Instead of curbing hunger, is a good idea for fruit and vegetables go. Seasonal fruit can be eaten at regular intervals. For workers, it is always advisable to take to prepare fresh juices, while they are driving. It should be noted that, like cholesterol can start working for anyone at any point of time. Therefore, it would be a healthy diet is the best option.

[Via http://reducecholesterols.wordpress.com]

Thinking of making wholesale eBay - Here are the things to note the wholesale value on eBay

2009-12-19T18:51:00.000+02:00

Today there are many people who are in the presentation of their activities on-line item. One of the most successful and most popular online auction site eBay is. So if you have something to sell, will certainly be a lower price. The online transactions are becoming increasingly popular and, thanks to the protection of PayPal, there are more people who are ready, online, without having their credit cards store information. So you see, if one of those that the business ideaon eBay, now is the perfect time to do it.

The possibilities are endless. Your customers are people in the world. You can reach all those who can see the product. If you have a larger market, you will be more customers and, therefore, you can earn more. If you sell clothing, bags, tools, electronics, there are people who are buying. They may have invested in the interviews of people who have money on eBay, and discovered that you can earn a lot with the sale of large –Wholesale designer clothes or handbags.

Earlier this business is not so difficult. But there are things to remember so that you can run:

• Visualize how great you have your business, you can get an idea of how much capital you need. Starting a business online does not have a very large capital. Make sure you've done your research on the business that you input.

• Do you know the products you want to sell. They must doconvenient, and you must ensure that the quality of the clothes you want to sell. You need to know the latest trends. If you plan on ever selling wholesale clothing, then you must have a sense of fashion, so as to inform customers when they need help.

• You also have the vendor that you partner is taken into account. Do not want to discover that the supplier can not bear authentic items. And 'your reputation at stake. You must be able toDelivery of goods to the buyer on time. In this way you will be able to produce more sales.

[Via http://usnotebuyers.wordpress.com]

Herbs that lower cholesterol

2009-12-15T10:45:00.000+02:00

Keeping cholesterol levels within normal ranges may lead to a healthier life and avoid side effects associated, such as heart disease, for example. There are several ways that can be used to lower cholesterol levels, most of which rely heavily on the foods that are consumed. But in addition to usual diet changes, there are several herbs that are used to lower cholesterol, as can a tasty addition ofMeals.

Garlic, which has seen more than a light bulb, like a plant, is also considered a plant that is very good for the heart. Garlic provides omega-3 fatty acids, which can greatly impact the levels of cholesterol in many people. Garlic lowers LDL levels in the body while increasing beneficial HDL levels, the body needs.

Red yeast rice has been recently discovered that both the Chinese and American researchers who are working to reduce fat in the blood, as an effectiveCholesterol and triglycerides.

Green tea, derived from plants and herbs, which also produces a decrease in cholesterol levels. Green Tea promotes improved growth and platelet lipids can move freely throughout the body, which is important when it comes to controlling cholesterol levels. It can also be used to maintain control and to regulate sugar levels blood.

Cumin, turmeric root is also known as a member of the ginger family. Hasexcellent antioxidant properties and has been shown that effective in treating a range of diseases, including high cholesterol.

Artichoke leaf extract has been shown in some studies to help lower cholesterol. It is believed that the bile in the liver and speed up the flow of bile from the gallbladder, two of which may increase the excretion of cholesterol.

Gugilipid is removed from the resin mukul tree (Commiphora mukul), which derivesnative to India, semi-arid plains. E 'as shown to lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and has been used for many years in India to reduce a high cholesterol levels. So that is prescribed by doctors.

Just as the same herbs and herbal supplements may also help reduce cholesterol are consumed. These usually contain a variety of herbs and is also the consumer the right amount of their dailyDose of vitamins and nutrients needed by regulators cholesterol levels. It was with the consumption of herbs that help lower cholesterol, which naturally or in the form of tablets, many find that their lives are longer and healthier.

[Via http://reducecholesterols.wordpress.com]

How to lower cholesterol - An overview of the treatment of cholesterol

2009-12-15T02:10:00.000+02:00

The 2-way to treat high cholesterol

You can reduce high cholesterol with 2 approaches, which, of course, one way or another by modern medicine. It 'important to know that lowering high cholesterol, we also have the risk of vascular disease in service, such as heart attack, stroke and other health problems.

In most of the medical treatment of high cholesterol is bad, in general, a reduction in the level of targeted > Cholesterol or LDL cholesterol in the body. But for some, the combination of the two lower levels of bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol HDL cholesterol may be required. We look at the process of treatment in this article.

The first thing that happens in the process will determine the level of cholesterol. This is the doctor's office through a simple blood test done, where the level of total cholesterol and> Cholesterol be determined. This number is the physician an idea of how serious the problem, cholesterol and how aggressive should treatment.

In general, the first is that the doctor will discuss with you the moment you know that the level of cholesterol or changes in diet. A diet low in fat and high in fiber, like fresh foods, fruits and vegetables contain recommended. Thus the inclusion of the bad fats is reduced inBody.

After the dietary recommendation, the doctor will tell you, even if your physical activity and activity level. To help raise the good cholesterol and lose weight. Usually a regular exercise routine is recommended if you don t already have one.

They are for people with a history of coronary artery disease, hypertension or diabetes, medications are now ready to begin. People with a profile to a greater risk of heart attack and areStroke.

Your doctor will probably need to prescribe statins for people who need immediate therapy. Be an effect of statins slows the production of cholesterol in the body helps, but the complications associated with reducing high cholesterol. There are situations in which the drug is not prescribed by the statin family. This will help prevent, or the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed in your digestive system to reduce it. IfStatin is used, you know that could be possible side effects.

When you start the treatment of high cholesterol, regular check-ups will be performed by your doctor to see the progress we make with the treatment. If you chose the diet and exercise to lower cholesterol levels, shows this test to determine whether drugs are necessary as well. If you already have drugs, then these tests to show if the dose is adequate.

This test routine check-up is the perfect timeask your doctor for any problems you may have. A good example would be a drastic change in diet, many people can not cope with the situation and your doctor can help a dietitian is recommended. Another possibility is that one can suffer from side effects of drugs if the doctor can change. Even if you do not follow the routine exercise for health reasons, may be alternatives.

[Via http://reducecholesterols.wordpress.com]

How Natural Cholesterol trigger - supplements may help

2009-12-12T10:07:00.000+02:00

Most people are totally unaware that it can dissolve the cholesterol with natural supplements. Sure, pressing to get the original drugs, prescription drug companies to release all the positive aspects when it comes to cholesterol-lowering ability. But there are some natural ways that can reduce their cholesterol levels, a person without the side effects of many hard drugs known. Consisting of various foods and herbal supplements, there is aRange of products that help you lower cholesterol levels in your body can be in practically no time at all.

Now there are three ways you can reduce the cholesterol in your body naturally. The first is simply foods that are lower than those of cholesterol in foods you normally eat eat. This means that the removal of eggs, cheese and other dairy products, meat and fat are high. In addition to these high cholesterol foods that must remainor at least limit your intake of the constant bombardment of advertisements for the "wonderful" products of fast food we eat are encouraged a. Stay away from them. Only a small decrease in their registration miracles on your body and mind. Another natural way your body reduce cholesterol, however, is to eat foods so that the body produces cholesterol naturally. This is seen as cholesterol, which is obtained from above) Your family (which is inherited, or genetic predisposition to high cholesterol and is a very important factor for many people who have a history of high cholesterol. Finally, you can also eat foods that can help dissolve cholesterol body or prevent the cholesterol you eat from the blood through the body had been brought.

Dissolution of cholesterol, however, is the way to go if you are looking to significantly reduce theCholesterol levels as quickly as possible. While other methods are useful for lowering cholesterol, dissolving cholesterol is out of your system very quickly. However, eating the right combination of herbs and foods can be the difficult part of the resolution of the cholesterol in your body naturally.

The first type of nutrients that you should, if you reduce your cholesterol the natural way of lookingRice Bran Oil. This is a type of oil well or an increase in HDL cholesterol in the blood, destroying the bad cholesterol or LDL. In addition, you want to look policosnol natural supplements included because this is a connection that is not only dissolve the cholesterol in your body, but your body in the prevention of large amounts of cholesterol and natural way.

Finally, it should be available through theaflavins, a substancefound in green tea, and d-limonene, a substance found in oranges, as these two natural compounds can dissolve the cholesterol in the blood. For each of these elements dissolve cholesterol, of course, it can be connected to live longer, healthier lives without significant risk for heart attack or other diseases with high levels of cholesterol.

Having said all that a low-fat, low cholesterol diet, moderate exercise and a healthier lifestyleAvoiding the temptations of fast food can certainly reduce the over-all high cholesterol levels and make for a healthier and happier life.

[Via http://reducecholesterols.wordpress.com]

Reduce cholesterol naturally - your life depends on it

2009-12-12T02:02:00.000+02:00

High cholesterol is a common condition that affects both men and women. As a person of high cholesterol can lead to experience heart disease, and, finally, in some cases led to death, is so important to reduce it groped. What many do not realize is that the reduction of cholesterol may be as simple as eating the right foods.

Here are some of the different foods that you should be safe to eat if you want to reduce their cholesterol levels. There are manyFoods that lower cholesterol, if taken regularly in your diet.

Well, of course, is not only a change of diet that reduces cholesterol, there are other things you can do well. Regular exercise is important, and there are some very good results with cholesterol-lowering natural products, and reported. But good nutrition is very important.

Remember that there are two types of cholesterol, LDL and HDL. LDLcalled "bad" cholesterol. causes plaque, can prevent the smooth movement. HDL prevents plaque and reduces the risk of heart disease, so-called good cholesterol. Foods that lower cholesterol levels only help reduce LDL cholesterol, HDL but also help as well.

If you are interested in reducing cholesterol, the first type of food that you want to add are those that are high in soluble fiber. Citrus,Berries, oats (including oatmeal and oat bran) and beans are excellent sources of soluble fiber. Other foods, cholesterol, you want to cut a feature of your diet are green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts and all kinds of fruit.

Some of the different foods that should be avoided if you are interested in reducing cholesterol, are those that contain high levels of cholesterol, trans fats and saturated fat. Fast food, junk, red Meat, poultry, egg yolk, cooked in oil and mashed potatoes are just some of the different foods that you should avoid if you want to reduce LDL cholesterol.

The main key is that all foods that are known to you, avoid unhealthy. Now, of course, you do not know, basically, you should avoid food. This does not mean that you can never have again, so make sure that they form a small, casual, part of your diet. Be reasonable.

Reducing> Cholesterol can be as simple as eating, reduce cholesterol. On a similar note is on, it is important to note that you want to do regularly if you really want to lower cholesterol.

Although it seems very difficult, the reduction of cholesterol should not be. In some cases, so that a few simple changes in diet and regular exercise to add to your routine can help lower cholesterol levels and, ultimately, the heartDisease.

And it is a good company currently offers some wonderful and completely natural cholesterol-lowering products, and I bet you've never heard of them.

[Via http://cholesteroldiets.wordpress.com]

Common causes of cholesterol

2009-12-10T10:32:00.000+02:00

The causes of high cholesterol are multiple and often include genetic diseases, is an overproduction of cholesterol in the body and inefficient elimination of the substance to determine from the legacy system. Although many people think that high cholesterol is only the result of poor diet, inactive lifestyle and obesity, genetic heritage is also a very common cause of excessive accumulation of cholesterolWithin the body. This is a relevant explanation for the fact that even people who continue to strict diets, exercise regularly and struggle to maintain a normal BMI (body mass index) may gradually cardiac or other diseases, which may reflect the deposition of cholesterol assigned within the body.

High cholesterol can be the result of one or more of the following risk factors: physical inactivity, poor diet, obesity, age, sex and genetic inheritance a.

SedentaryLifestyle, poor diet and obesity are now the most common causes of high cholesterol and therefore heart disease and stroke. Many people these days suffer from weight problems due to a poor diet (excessive consumption of foods that help the rich in saturated fat, carbohydrates and salts) and lack of physical exercise (regular exercise, not only to maintain a normal body mass index, but is also very efficient way to prevent heart disease and many other conditions; Just 15 minutes of physical activity a day can help) cholesterol levels and strengthen the body. In order to effectively prevent the development of serious complications associated with high cholesterol, caution is advised in overweight patients with cholesterol problems, the daily practice and to respect an adequate, nutritious food.

Age and gender are also factors that affect cholesterol levels significantly. Even if people can be dealt with The problems of cholesterol> at any age (children aged 10 have been recently with heart disease because of high cholesterol) with a diagnosis of cholesterol in the blood increases progressively with age. Despite the fact that men are more likely to be confronted with high cholesterol at some point in life (the male body produces in quantities larger general) cholesterol, women may suffer from heart disease and other conditions because of high> Cholesterol. While men with higher cholesterol levels of heart disease are exposed after the age of 40 years, women rarely develop such problems before menopause (usually before 50 years).

Genetic heritage is another very important factor that contributes to cholesterol problems. People who are faced with high cholesterol due to genetic diseases or producing excessive amounts of the substance or incorrectly removingSubstance from the body. On this basis, they are very difficult to control cholesterol levels and also the most effective cholesterol-lowering drugs can sometimes normalize cholesterol levels in these groups. People with high cholesterol levels, which should also include a family history of heart disease treatment to confirm treatment with proper diet and regular exercise to effectively prevent the occurrence ofserious complications.

[Via http://cholesteroldiets.wordpress.com]

Cholesterol: It may be too low?

2009-12-10T02:41:00.000+02:00

And cholesterol too low? Many of my patients recall old news studies, in combination with the much lower cholesterol

Liver cancer, lung disease, depression, alcoholism and suicide.

The latest studies indicate that low cholesterol levels may be associated with cancer in combination, but not the cause. Before a person develops the symptoms of cancer, it often loses interest in eating and lose weight, lowering cholesterol cause.

Thefamous study on the effects of cholesterol on health has been testing the Framingham study enormous levels of cholesterol in the blood were tested every two years. Researchers have shown that cholesterol has begun to fall up to 8 years before a person who is dying of cancer, and that those with a larger drop in cholesterol levels over a period of 4 years, those who were more likely to have developed cancer.

A study conducted in Russia shows that men who have low cholesterol in the blood,drink more, are much thinner and much less education than men with normal cholesterol levels. Drunk and get in accidents, both lower cholesterol and early death. Suppress pulmonary disease, alcoholism, certain cancers and many other diseases, the appetite so people eat less, which have reduced their level of cholesterol in the blood increased dramatically.

There is no evidence that the level of cholesterol in the blood can carry forward the cause. IfYou have blood cholesterol, your doctor may check for a hidden cancer, alcohol, cigarettes or drugs, emotional disorders or other diseases. If none is found, you should be excited and can usually expect to live long.

On the other hand, if cholesterol is high, you should worry, because they are at increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Follow the recommendations of the doctor to change your diet and begin an exerciseProgram. If these lifestyle changes are not enough, you may need medication.

[Via http://cholesteroldiets.wordpress.com]

Reasons To Take Up Running

2009-12-05T17:57:00.000+02:00

Running has many benefits. The up sides of running outnumber the excuses not to run. Everyone has their reason to start. Most people use number 6 to keep running long term.

Cardiac/Low Blood Pressure – One of the best ways to improve cardiovascular health quickly

2. Diabetes – Burning energy instead of storing it reduces the chances of getting type 2 diabetes.

3. Arthritis – Keep your joints in motion.

4. Lower Cholesterol – Running more reduces cholesterol and helps keep it low

5. Burns Calories Fast – More calories burned per minuet than many expensive sports.

6. Endorphins – Natural pain killers also make you feel good.

7. Comparatively inexpensive and easy to learn – A good set of shoes and some wicking clothes along with a bit of research, and you are set!

8. Accessibility – Running paths and trails are found everywhere. Treadmills work well too.

9. Run for a Cause – Many charities have marathons to raise funds and awareness for their cause.

10. Set your own goals, pace, schedule – Follow your own ideals at your own pace and still be the winner.

Prevention is by far the best medicine. The only part that is hard to understand is why more people don’t run.

[Via http://runtaterrun.wordpress.com]

Risk Factor For Heart Disease In 20% Of Teens

2009-11-17T18:10:00.000+02:00

Researchers looked at 20,719 students in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada between 2002 and 2008,

They measured:

High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Obesity

According to the findings, the number of grade 9 students with 1 0r more risk factors for cardiovascular disease had increased from 17% to 21%.

Over the study period :

The number of obese teens rose from 11% to 13%
The number of teens with high cholesterol increased from 9% to 16%

However the number of teens with high blood pressure decreased from 19% to 17%

Diet and exercise are important in the management of cardiovascualr disease. It is vital that parents set an example by including heathy eating and regular exercise in their regular routine.

Herbs in Alveo (Part 3)

2009-11-05T01:00:00.000+02:00

HORSETAIL

Equisetum arvense

Horsetail is said to be one of the oldest recorded plants on earth, discovered approximately 600 million years ago. It is rich in the trace element silica which aids in the absorption of calcium, and is a basic element in the growth and repair of bone and tissue (strengthening bones, hair, nails and teeth). Herbalists claim it is useful in the repair and regeneration of the damaged connective tissue disorders. Another long standing use of horsetail has been as mild treatment in the prevention and treatment of kidney stone formation, bacterial and inflammatory disorders of the lower urinary tract, and as a diuretic. Horsetail has been a traditional treatment for allergies, pulmonary tuberculosis, cystitis, kidney stones, water retention, fevers, eye diseases, gout and rheumatism.

IRISH MOSS

Chondrus crispus

Harvested from the water off the European coast, Irish moss is actually a seaweed. Rich in proteins, iodine and other substances, many herbalists also considers it is excellent “nutritive tonic”, and traditionally it has been prescribed for ulcers, dysentery (infectious diarrhea) and the other gastrointestinal disorders. Contemporary herbalists consider it a valuable soothing agent (demulcent) for dry coughs, bronchitis, tuberculosis and other upper respiratory tract ailments. It is also thought to help in the treatment and alleviation of peptic and duodenal ulcers. Considered to have anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, blood-pressure lowering, and other potentially beneficial properties, Irish moss is also thought to have healing properties beneficial in treating ulcers and other problems relating to the digestive system.

LAVENDER

Lavandula angustifolia

In an age of extremes lavender is essentially able to produce a balancing and harmonizing effect, by having a pronounced regulating effect on the nervous system. Stress has long been known to deplete the immune system, and can be the cause, or the precipitating agent, for all types of illness and disease. With this in mind, lavender is thought to have a restorative effect in cases of a weakened nervous system and have a calming effect on those prone to be stressed or agitated. For years herbalists have used the calming effects of lavender to treat nervousness, anxiety, worry and depression. Lavender is used as a symptomatic treatment of stress-related conditions. It has been used for insomnia, headaches, and immune as well as digestive problems.

LICORICE

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Long ago, in China, licorice acquired the name of “The Great Detoxifier”. They believed that continuous consumption of licorice root would help to rid the body of poisons and could contribute to the body’s blood building efforts. It has since been used in many Chinese prescriptions treating dry coughs and lung disorders, asthma, sore throats, laryngitis, ulcers, as well as inflammation of the urinary and intestinal tracts. It is sad that licorice root increases vital energy, and that it is able to strengthen digestive and metabolic function. It is believed that licorice root “harmonizes” the ingredients in an herbal formulation and eliminates any harshness, thus promoting smooth activity of the herbs. Licorice is useful in the treatment of peptic ulcers, abdominal colic, stomach inflammation, colitis, and has been used as an expectorant in cases of bronchitis.

KOREAN GINSENG

Panax ginseng

People have long used ginseng in their health practices, claiming it has the power to balance one’s energy. It appears to have the quality to help regulate and strengthen body functions, improving metabolism, increasing both immune system resistance and respiratory performance. Extracts from this herb have been used to provide a mental stimulant, thought to improve memory and cognitive power, and many claim that with regular use it can often reverse mental deterioration. It can also lessen the effects of menopause. Among its many uses, Panax ginseng is beneficial in treating fatigue, providing increased physical energy, increasing metabolism, fastening recovery from illness and surgery, and empowering its users with an increased alertness and power of concentration, as well as instilling a general sense of well-being and vitality.

PASSIONFLOWER

Passiflora incarnate

Passionflower has found worldwide acclaim in the reduction of nervous tension, alleviating irritability and anxiety, and lowering blood pressure. It is also used to promote restful sleep. As an antispasmodic it has also been successfully used in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Passionflower has an overall soothing and calming effect over the entire body, offering relief from stress and stress-related headaches and pain. It has been employed in the treatment of muscle cramps, premenstrual tension, and disturbances often associated with menopause.

RED CLOVER

Trifolium pratense

Red clover is rich in isoflavones, including genistein and biochanin A (an antioxidant which protects against cells aging). Used as an antibiotic, it has been used in fighting bacterial infections and dealing with kidney and liver diseases. Over the years it has been tried with some success as a tumor and cancer remedy (for breast and prostate cancer in particular). Red clover has also been used as a treatment for skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis, as it claims to cleanse the blood. Herbalists also recommend red clover for reducing uncomfortable menopausal symptoms, and improving overall health, including its use as an expectorant to clear chest congestion caused by coughs, colds, asthma and bronchitis.

To be continued…

Until next time…Stay healthy

Katarzyna

Comment prévenir des problèmes de mémoire, cardio-vasculaires et d’humeurs.

2009-11-03T02:10:00.000+02:00

Dr. Julien Lévesque, chiropraticien

Dr. Julien Lévesque, chiropraticien – Au cours des années, on s’aperçoit qu’il est de plus en plus fréquent d’oublier certains détails. Très souvent, cela débute par un nom, un âge, une date, un événement ou encore une localisation dans nos souvenirs. Parfois cela devient plus sérieux; on oublie nos clefs, de fermer le rond de la cuisinière, de fermer le robinet et cela peut dégénérer par la suite. N’est-ce pas fâchant quand cela nous arrive et d’être conscient que l’on perd peu à peu contrôle d’une partie de soi?

Dernièrement, des chercheurs britanniques ont découvert un des coupables reliés à ces processus désagréables; il s’agit de l’acide aminé homocystéine. Cette molécule pro-inflammatoire dont le rôle dans l’athérosclérose a été suspecté en 1969 par McCully est maintenant prouvé. Lorsqu’une augmentation du taux d’homocystéine se produit dans le sang, des dommages se produisent aux parois internes des artères, par un processus de toxicité. Selon les dernières études, cette molécule oxyde le mauvais cholestérol (LDL) et interfère dans le processus de coagulation sanguine. Ainsi, il se produit un durcissement des parois artérielles et une accumulation de cholestérol sur ces-dernières. Il s’agit ici du processus d’athérosclérose. La présence d’homocytéine dans le sang est souvent incriminée à des problèmes cardio-vasculaires et à certaines affections neuropsychiatriques. Elle serait ainsi un facteur de risque pour la maladie d’Alzheimer, d’athérosclérose, des troubles dépressifs , de schizophrénie et d’une dégénérescence maculaire liée à l’âge.

Quel est l’origine de cette molécule?

L’homocystéine est un acide aminé naturellement produit par l’organisme, ainsi que de la dégradation de la méthionine et de la cystathionine, deux autres acides aminés. Pour que cette substance toxique devient sans danger pour le corps, ce dernier a besoin d’une quantité suffisante d’acide folique (vitamine B9), de vitamine B6, de vitamine B12, ainsi que du zinc et du magnésium. Les résultats de cette étude ont démontrés que les gens éprouvant des pertes de mémoire avaient une forte concentration d’homocystéine et un faible niveau d’acide folique. De plus, les apports réguliers de vitamine de complexe B réduisent les concentrations d’homocystéine dans le sang.

Comment avoir un bon apport de ces vitamines et minéraux?

La façon la plus efficace est bien sûre de consommer beaucoup de fruits et de légumes. Cependant, il existe certains aliments qui contiennent une concentration plus élevée en acide folique. Ces aliments sont de couleur vert ou orange; épinards, cresson, asperges, avocats, brocolis, laitue romaine, petits poix, carottes ou encore; les noix et légumineuses (lentilles, haricots blancs, fèves), la levure, le blanc d’œuf, les herbes aromatiques (menthe, romarin, origan), le germe de blé et le son (céréales, farine). Pour la vitamine B6, les aliments sont; les volailles, le foie (bœuf, agneau, veau), la morue, le saumon, le germe de blé alors que ceux contenant le plus de vitamine B12; les œufs, le foie (volaille, bœuf, agneau, veau), le hareng, le maquereau, la morue, la sardine, le saumon, le thon, le crabe et les fruits de mer (huîtres, crevettes).

Il existe également d’autres produits naturels qui peuvent aider; des extraits de plante Ginko Biloba pour aider la mémoire et les omégas-3 (huiles de poisson) qui sont excellents pour les tissus nerveux.

Informations utiles

Les chiropraticiens peuvent vous aider à suivre votre santé cardio-vasculaire et votre mémoire. Il existe divers moyens tels que la pression artérielle, le mini-mental test et les suivis sanguins afin de détecter toutes anomalies. De plus, une grande réduction du stress se manifeste au cours et suite aux ajustements vertébraux. De cette façon, un corps relaxé permet une meilleure concentration, une organisation adéquate de son temps et une optimisation des fonctions des systèmes nerveux et immunitaire. Un esprit sain dans un corps sain!

Si vous ou un membre de votre famille s’inquiète à votre sujet et aimerait des informations, il peut nous contacter. Il est démontré que les ajustements chiropratiques abaissent la pression artérielle et aide à la concentration.

Le Dr. Julien Lévesque est chiropraticien à la Clinique MainTenant située au 1477 boul. St-Joseph Est, Montréal, (Québec) H2J 1M6. Cel : 514-910-7644. www.chiroenergie.ca

Soft Drinks and Osteoporosis

2009-10-25T18:09:00.000+02:00

The health debate is on…

Dr. Jaromir Bertlik N.D.

Chairman of Scientific Advisory Board

One cannot deny the fact that good nutrition results in better health. We are familiar with the dangers of trans-fats, preservatives, additives, coloring and high-sugar consumption in our diets; now, researches are pointing fingers to yet another potential health risk: the correlation between drinking cola and the weakening of bones. Can the classic all-American refreshment be responsible for weakening our bones? Research conducted in recent years leads to some surprising results…

In a Wall Street Journal article (October 16, 2007), Betsy McKay writes that some studies have linked the consumption of cola, the most popular soft drink, and poor bone-mineral density”. A 1994 study based on 127 teenagers published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, and a 2000 study based on 460 high school students published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, both showed a connection “between consumption and bone fractures in physically active teen girls. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a Tufts University study, which reported to have “measured bone density and analyzed eating habits” and which found a “significant impact on women who drank more than three colas a week”. On the other hand, the researches in this study, which was funded by the US Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of Health, also showed “no evidence” that bone tissue is harmed by the “occasional” cola.

Taking all this research into account, the bottom line is best summarized by Katherine Tucker, an epidemiologist at Tuft University’s USDA Nutrition and the lead author of the cola study. Tucker has simplified by stating “the more cola that women drank, the lower their bone mineral density was”.

Is Cola the Culprit?

While so many studies have found a correlation between cola consumption and weak bone density, scientists cannot agree on why this is the case. Some argue that the caffeine, sugar, phosphoric acid and carbonation in cola impair calcium absorption in the bones. One can take into consideration the sugar-factor alone; an average can of soda contains about ¼ cup of sugar! Another reason cola is the culprit is due to its effect on insulin levels, which is augmented by the fact that sugar (along with caffeine) drains the body of B vitamins, magnesium and zinc. Based on recent studies, certain B vitamins are thought to promote stronger bones by lowering homocysteine (an amino acid) levels, which would otherwise impair collagen’s ability to hold bones together. Magnesium plays a role in calcium metabolism and zinc aids with collagen formation. Together, the interruption of these functions sets the stage which results in the reduction of bone health.

The Ugly Truth…

The truth is that everyone is at risk of developing osteoporosis, irrelevant of gender. This can be a debilitating disease and the resulting pain can lead to depression, restrictive ling disease (shortness of breath due to poor posture and squashed lungs) and ultimately, even pneumonia. An estimated 52 million men and women aged 50 and above will have osteoporosis or be at an increased risk of having low bone mass by 2010 and by 2020, that number will skyrocket to 61 million. In addition to osteoporosis patients are more likely to sustain hip fractures that those without the condition and further, “Approximately 20% of individuals with hip fractures will die the year after the fracture usually from surgery complications, such as pneumonia or blood clots in the lung”. In fact, a woman’s risk of hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. Below are some important health statistics, related to men and women:

Men

Approximately 2 million men live with osteoporosis and there are still 12 million more at risk of developing the disease
Osteoporosis progresses 12 years slower in a man than in a woman
The medical community tends to ignore the prevalence of osteoporosis in men and are therefore less likely than women to be diagnose
¼ of all men over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related bone break

Women

While by their late 60’s men and women lose bone mass at similar rates, women face higher bone loss in their 50’s than men do
½ of all women over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis fracture before they die
After menopause, the risk for women – especially white and Asian with small0thin frames – of developing osteoporosis increases
2% of college-aged women may already have osteoporosis and another 15% of women in this age group may have already lost significant bone density

True for both men and women

Smoking and excessive alcohol increases the risk of developing the disease.

How can you reduce the chances of osteoporosis?

The chances of developing osteoporosis can be sharply reduced through dietary restrictions and lifestyle changes – all of which would essentially promote better health
The increased consumption of vegetables will positively result in increased antioxidants in the body
Always opt for low-glycemic nutrition
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight because fat cells generate more inflammation
Akuna offers a comprehensive, preventive approach to health aging for men and women – see which products are right for you.

Until next time…Stay Healthy

Leave my coffee alone

2009-10-25T01:02:00.000+02:00

Okay, so I’ve been on a healthy binge lately. But why do my coffee have to get in the way of this now? I even had a friend tell me the fact that a cup of coffee contains only 4 calories. Yeah! I was fired up, for sure. But wait? I brew my coffee in a French Press while a large majority uses the drip method still. I’ve been using the press for 15 years now and haven’t turned my back on this low-tech flavor wonder since.

A week ago, I stumbled on this article on a website that suddenly pooped on my party. Yet, I’m afraid it made sense and that I failed to realize this early on! It was saying that using the press method to brew coffee raises bad cholesterol levels because there is no filter to catch the oils that are extracted from the beans. Yep! You get everything, alright. Maximum flavor, character depth, creaminess and you guessed it… bad cholesterol. Great! Just great! For a few days I toyed around with the thought of giving it up and dusting off the ol’ Black n Decker and its permanently stained carafe.

But I had to take a breather and try to look at the big picture first. I work so hard, I thought! Why can’t I get a little play time? Yeah, why not?

So, I say… leave my coffee alone! It’s okay. I drink one 12 oz mug every morning and no more. I read that for coffee to affect your cholesterol level, you have to be drinking 6 to 8 cups or more everyday, for a long time. I am far from that, thank goodness. And so, if you’ll excuse me… I’ve got this brand new organic fair trade French Roast I’m dying to try out.

Hot Flashes May Put You at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

2009-10-06T14:57:00.000+02:00

It’s not just a sign of aging anymore. Hot flashes are one of the tell-tale signs of hormonal imbalances such as perimenopause, menopause and andropause (the male menopause) – but how do they affect our long-term health?

According to the ongoing research by the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), hot flashes increase women’s risk of heart disease and heart attacks. The study found that women experiencing hot flashes were more likely to have thickening of their carotid arteries (arteries responsible for supplying blood to the head and neck), resulting in heart attack, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Studies also revealed that women with hot flashes also had a significant rise in cholesterol plaques, which in turn can block blood flow to the brain, resulting in a stroke.

Although many other factors play a role in our cardiovascular health, such as diet and exercise, hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on our bodies if we don’t correct the underlying issues at their source.

BodyLogicMD’s physicians specializing in bioidentical hormones offer natural alternatives to ease aging. By using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) integrated with customized nutrition and fitness programs, our physicians can help you overcome the debilitating symptoms of hormonal imbalance and achieve optimal health and wellness.

BodyLogicMD offers natural alternatives to ease to pains of aging. In addition to treating hormonal imbalances, BodyLogicMD’s proactive approach to wellness helps avoid the many health complications and diseases brought on by aging.

My 2 cents on my recent purging behaviors

2009-10-03T17:10:00.000+02:00

Since I started recovery I made “a purge” become such a big deal. But really? It is not. except the one a week ago, during which I almost died. But I mean, I know it is bad for my health, and since my heart rate is low and my Cholesterol high, it might not make this better, BUT (and the doctor I saw this week said that, too), my body kind of adjusted to a lot of states – maybe that is also why I am not losing weight anymore although my intake is below my BMR. Not intentionally and I am not exercising excessively anymore, because I am just so tired and lacking motivation, but still my fitness explains my heart rate. Unfortunately I don’t have money to see a cardiologist, and eventually to see my therapist, especially since her co-pay went up (actually by 20 percent! which I find pretty alarming, also kind of strange, because I thought it should have stayed the same for 9 sessions, have I already met with Paula 9 times? Not really because the increase went into effect in September, so that I had to pay for the last couple of times as well, without even having received an announcement of the change. Anyway. I will have to quit.)

So, I think my depression is to the most part simply psychologically and I doubt that my psyche really developed chemical deficits. They tell me I am lacking Serotonin and a SSRI – I think, that was the Acronym for what they try to make me believe – is what I am in need to be treated with and which is feeding my depression. I mean if so, I need a written black on white proof showing me that I am actually lacking exactly this. Thank you.

So, if I don’t believe that I am chemically lacking something, then I do believe that there is something going on in my head. Correct. So far so good, I actually believe that I am going crazy. And actually, I believe, that my natural coping mechanism has been failing lately, it has worsened from the first time I have mentioned to someone that I was possibly not alright. Fair enough, I was not. But I think I just need some happy pills. Will start taking Vitamine B complexes, because I heard it helps not to be so tired.

So far so good, here is my current plan:

A) Quit Sessions off Campus

B) Maybe See Someone on Campus until December

C) No Meds

D) Vitamin B Complex

E) If I purge, I purge.

F) Work

G) Work out

H) Stop caring about others for a while in terms of having others affect my life and my well-being and I won’t reach out for help anymore at all

I) Stop caring about myself in terms of having it pull me down

J) Put on that Face again

Sounds good. And today I am already doing well.

Actually I think putting on a face is a great thing.

Makes you powerful.

Nuts about nuts

2009-09-28T16:52:00.000+02:00

When I was a kid in the late 70’s/early 80’s, every autumn and winter brought a variety of nuts into my parents and grandparents houses. Not the packets of today containing already shelled nuts that are often dried or roasted for reasons of preservation, these nuts were in the shells and were plumper, more succulent and creamier texture than todays offerings. Pecans, almonds walnuts, hazelnuts and of course the Brazil nut used to be bought in string brags from the greengrocer for us greedy kids to get our hands on. I used to sit on my Dads knee by our fire with him helping me crack the nuts until I was strong enough to do it myself. Oh happy days.

In actual fact, nuts in their raw form were (seasonally) prevalent until the supermarkets took it upon themselves to a) sell nuts all year round and b) supposedly make thing ‘more convenient’ by pre-shelling the nuts and packing them in packets. The only way I can eat walnuts now is by soaking them in water over night (and rinsing a few times) as not only does it remove the bitter taste that is often prevalent soaking also allows the nutrients to be more easily absorbed.

One of my ‘nut memories’ is shelling walnuts at my grandma’s and eating so many that I felt sick and couldn’t touch them for years afterwards. I always thought this was because I hated walnuts – when I tried them again they were bitter, dry and nothing like the nuts from my childhood. I thought my tastebuds had dramatically changed until today.

The thing is that once shelled, as with all raw food, nuts can go off pretty quickly which is why 99% of the nuts we buy are dried. And I’ve bet everyone has a nasty nut story – the one that kicks your tastebuds into touch; the rancidity lingering in the mouth, no matter how you try to remove it.

“Wet walnut, what’s that?”

I was visiting my parents and Mum offered me a ‘wet walnut’.

“A wet what?” I said, “Walnut” she replied.

“What’s one of those?” I asked, “Are they from the UK?”

A wet walnut is a fresh walnut. It is called wet as they have recently been harvested from the tree and are slightly damp to the touch. When I tried it I was amazed at the difference to shelled ones. They have a beautiful creamy flesh and a very delicate taste. After ruminating on this ‘new’ food, I realised that in fact that these were the walnuts of my youth. Mum went on to explain that the season for fresh walnuts if very short, similar to Kent cobnuts a variety of hazelnut. And yes, they are grown in the UK.

Fresh (wet) Walnuts

King of Nuts

The walnut is a very special nut. It is the king of nuts. It is the only nut that is rich in linolenic acid, the precursor essential fat to omega 3 oils EPA & DHEA, otherwise known as fish oils. The only other vegetable source of linolenic acid is flaxseed (also known as linseed).

Due to their high essential fat content, walnuts are considered to be food for the brain. If you look at the shape of the nut you can see that it resembles a human brain, from the wiggly top to the way that there are two halves that are joined together in the middle.

Walnuts are high in antioxidants, vitamin E and minerals including magnesium, manganese, copper and phosphorus. Walnuts are also a rich source of protein, dietary fibre and promote HDL (aka good) cholesterol production; the high levels of amino acid arginine allow blood vessels to relax, remain smooth and avoid platelet aggregation, a pre-cursor to heart disease.

Where to Buy?

I bought mine from the local greengrocer in Wanstead High st, I’ve yet to find out if I can get them from Borough market or indeed in my local farmers market. I have secondhand info that Waitrose may stock them, but this may be on a regional basis so worthwhile checking.

Walnut trees are often found in UK gardens, and can grow in abundance so its really worthwhile asking around. Annoyingly there was one backing onto my parents property, until the neighbour decided to remove it.

If you find a shop that sells them or have a tree and can’t use the abundance – please share your information, they are a treat I’d like everyone to try at least once. I definitely think that I could easily become addicted to them.

If you can’t find wet walnuts but would like to try soaking dried ones, my favourite place to buy nuts is Unpackaged in Amwell St, N1 (London). They have some very tasty organic walnuts in stock right now.

How can I eat them?

Fresh walnuts: I would suggest that you savour wet walnuts unadulterated, on their own. The taste is so delicate and exquisite that any other flavours would leave you only with the crunch and texture. A travesty.

Dry (shelled) walnuts: soak a handful of walnuts in filtered water over night. Rinse a few times and add to recipes. This make the nutrients more available for the body to absorb and removes the bitter/sour taste that is so often associated with them. Store in the fridge but no more than a day or two max.

When adding to hot dishes, be careful to add as a final touch. Heating the walnut will damage the essential fat content which may leave it tasting rancid.

Waldorf Salad: you can substitue the mayo for some yoghurt or even a little bit of olive oil. If like me you aren’t a fan of creamy mayo or sauces, leave it out all together but add a couple more tbsp of lemon juice.

Farro Salad with Butternut Squash & Walnuts: very intriguing middle-eastern style salad

I’m not the only Contrarian

2009-09-23T16:51:00.000+02:00

I thought you might like to read parts of an e-mail I received a week ago to show I’m not only just one of many contrarians, I’m one of the sober ones. I’m not trying to sell you anything.

Part of the opening says –

* IS YOUR CHOLESTEROL HIGH ENOUGH to avoid heart attacks and strokes?

* ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH SUN to prevent the world’s most dreaded cancers?

* ARE YOU EXERCISING SO HARD that it’s hardening your arteries?

* ARE YOU EATING ENOUGH SALT to prevent high blood pressure?

* ARE YOU EATING ENOUGH EGGS & BACON to ward off macular degeneration?

* GOT ARTHRITIS? GUESS WHAT! This animal fat reverses the damage in 24 hours!

The e-mail came to me from the same outfit that sends me investment tips as well as a daily newsletter on their reading of the actual state of the economy vs the Government’s slant. They are card-carrying contrarians – and no, I don’t invest with them, I just like to read their viewpoints. The author of the medical contrarianism is listed as William Campbell Douglass II, MD. billed as medicine’s most acclaimed myth-buster.

Let’s take a moment to comment on the claims above.

1. My Naturopathic doctor (the one whose advice I take before I go to an MD) says that the cholesterol hoopla is grossly overstated. Cholesterol is supposed to be flowing through our veins and arteries because it’s the substance the body uses to repair injuries and leaks in the vessels. If you have a lot of blood vessels patched up with cholesterol the damage was there first and caused by something other than the cholesterol – good or bad. Secondly, your body normally produces cholesterol for protein creation and in order to have enough of this repair substance available.

2. I know this is anecdotal evidence, but I used to wear nothing but swimming trunks and sandals when I worked for over four years in North Africa, in the hottest sun you might find anywhere. I subsequently wondered if I had set myself up for skin cancer – I had also been an avid sunbather in my younger years in England (not the same degree of sun exposure, I admit). However, I’ve never had a trace of it – so perhaps our Dr Douglass is right when he suggests we need to use our natural defences to make the most of them.

By the way – ever notice that if you tell a medical doctor about some alternative medicine that worked for you your testimony is mere anecdotal evidence? If you told an equally subjective tale as evidence in a court of law it could be sufficient to hang someone.

Let’s skip to 4. My Naturopath tells me not to reduce my salt intake below the moderate usage I have always had. The body needs the sodium salts to maintain the inner environment in the same briny state as the oceans where our cells evolved. Internally, we never left the ocean.

I think that’s enough to suggest that these claims are not too extravagant or unsubstantiated. This contrarian advice is as solid a description of reality as the opposite views of the medical profession, whose members are terrified to consider anything outside the gospel preached by the pharmaceutical industry and the medical associations lest they lose their licenses.

Dr Douglass is not as timid: –

“ No, you’re being way too patient! But we’re going to get the last laugh on those jokers…

Because all the ‘facts’ they’re flinging at you are just MASS MEDIA MEDICINE!

Mass Media Medicine is to REAL medicine as McDonald’s is to REAL food…

It was never intended to make you healthy…

It’s intended to make billions of dollars for giant corporations…

And the only science behind it is marketing science!

It’s all about selling us ‘health’ goods & services WHETHER OR NOT WE NEED THEM…

Scaring us into buying drugs to prevent diseases (like ‘high cholesterol’) that don’t exist…

Bullying us into buying high-markup, high-carbohydrate, meatless mush…

Hounding us to buy instruments of torture in the name of exercise…

And when all this stuff finally does make you sick, they reply that you need even more “ …

Now there’s a real Contrarian who’s not afraid to pull the chain of his opposition. He goes on:–

“ And you’re going to love what 40 years of clinical studies really tell you to do! As you’ll see on the pages ahead, from now on you have DOCTOR’S ORDERS to…

* Chow down on juicy T-bones and 3-egg omelets prepared with real butter…

* Trade in that water bottle for a case of ice-cold beer…

* Drink all the coffee you want, laced with heavy cream if you like…

* Take naps instead of running laps…

* And tell the cholesterol cops they’ll have to terrify someone else…

Skeptical?

Now you’re talking my language…

Never, ever do anything just because someone swears it’s healthy!

Make them prove it and guarantee it – like I’m going to do right now. “

Like the advice? You might want to take a look at his website http://www.douglassreport.com/ Personally I feel my present healthcare is doing what I need, but I’m always willing to look at opinion that may contradict, or perhaps go beyond the views I accept – as some of William’s does.

The words I like best are where he agrees that his reader should be skeptical. Trouble is, if his advice or the conventional MD’s does harm you may not have the ability to reverse it. In my opinion it’s the reason for learning how to live with a contrarian stance early and do as the Buddha advised, “Test everything”.

A Little Speedblogging

2009-09-23T00:58:00.000+02:00

I haven’t been around here much but I wanted to do some catch-up blogging before tonight’s Biggest Loser. Why haven’t I been around? Because I’ve been teaching like CRAZY – a blog class (!) and then two writing classes, all of which are fantastic but which are taking up huge gobs of time.

But all is well. I’m exercising, going to Nia, running, weight lifting. I’ve gone to a lot of doctor appointments. Cardiologist and endocrinologist are both very very happy – my cholesterol is GREAT now that I am taking a bit of statin. Which I resisted mightily but has actually been fine. I am happy with that. My A1C (for those who know and care about such things) is 5.9 which made me happy even with all the prednisone I took in July.

Also been to OBGYN because even though I am 50 and allegedly menopausal, I have had the world’s most relentless periods. First every 3 weeks (too short) then every two weeks (huh?) then every week and now I have about 48 hours break before it all starts up again. It’s not good. Trying to get to the bottom of it. So, I feel like I’ve been getting my blood drawn every five minutes and it’s all good except for that one thing. Argh.

I wanted to do a big blog post about WW’s “Lose for Good” campaign which involves donating food to food banks etc. which corresponds with our weight loss. I went out and bought 31 lbs of rice and beans. I was going to ceremoniously wear it on my body to one of the WW Meetings, and then peel it off but after putting on about 12 lbs it was SO SO damn uncomfortable I couldn’t bear it. I actually couldn’t believe that I could barely haul that stuff around in a grocery bag. I piled it on the table. Can you see? It’s BIG. But not only did it show me the big pile of 31 lbs, but when I picked up the little one or two lb bags, those were not insignificant either. And it showed me, than when I am “up” 3-4 lbs, I can feel that bulk’s extra on me.

I’ve been continuing my birthday revelry, over one month past birthday. Today a friend took me to breakfast at this favorite spot. They have this mega decadent soft polenta with melted cheese. Which is like my favorite thing ever. Normally I would snarf down this big bowl and feel ILL but today I had three beautiful large spoonfuls and that was like heaven. Just enough. SO so good.

Dinner’s about to burn without me so I’m going to stop here but this is what I’ve been up to. Next, BL, in one hour!

Thick & Yellow

2009-09-22T08:59:00.000+02:00

Yesterday morning Myrtle beat me into the office, I knew he was there because I could smell bacon, I dont know whether he just produces that smell as a result of consuming so much of the stuff, or he was actually eating something with dead pig on it. He was sitting down reading the paper eating grease and ketchup between an english muffin

“ahh, Myrtle what are you orally burying this morning?” I asked

“good morning, what did you say?”

“what are you entombing in the sarcophagus known as your body?”

“oh” he looked at the sammie

“bacon egg and cheese”

“fabulous, did you take your cholesterol meds this morning, wouldn’t want you keeling over at the morning meeting.”

“I’m fine thanks for asking.”

Lately I do not give Myrtle a break about his eating habits, if he was single I really wouldn’t give a crap, but he has an obligation (i.e. child) and he needs to honor said obligation, not become a health burden to it in later years. I printed out these two charts for him

Food Serving Size Cholesterol Boiled egg 1 225 mg Cream cheese 1oz 27 mg Cheddar cheese 1oz 19 mg Butter 3.5oz 250 mg Lamb 3.5oz 70 mg Beefsteak 3.5oz 70 mg Chicken 3.5oz 60 mg Kidney, beef 3.5oz 375 mg Liver, beef 3.5oz 300 mg Ice Cream 3.5oz 45 mg Sponge cake 3.5oz 260 mg Food Cholesterol All vegetables 0 mg All fruits 0 mg All grains 0 mg All pulses 0 mg All nuts 0 mg All seeds 0 mg All vegetable oils 0 mg

I told him a good way to drop your cholesterol is to stop eating so much of it, what surprised me is that he comes from a family with no history of heart disease, no high blood pressure, no diabetes….which leads me to believe his health problems are primarily caused by lifestyle.

This video was created by a drug company, but it is fairly good..

Interesting read on Hubpage on cholesterol information.

2009-09-14T15:48:00.000+02:00

How to lower cholesterol naturally – Lifestyle and Cholesterol Part 2.

Alcohol consumption also puts an individual at an increased risk for many health related conditions and diseases including increasing your risk for high cholesterol. Liver has to work harder to get rid of the alcohol present in the blood, which can cause harm to the arteries. Your liver has to do double-duty as it cleanses your liver of the alcohol and tries to rid the liver of too much LDL cholesterol.

These double duty on a single shift, taxed the liver resulting in the inability to properly metablizing the bad cholesterol and leaving too much of it behind, this bad cholesterol then have a chance to stick itself in the arteries leading to heart and brain, when this happen, plaque start to form resulting in blood clots, at the heart it causes cornary heart diseases.

If the same happens along the arteries leading to the brain, stroke will be resulted.

When individuals remain inactive for long periods of time, they do not experience the exercise that can raise the heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes a day resulting in an increase in the HDL cholesterol level the good cholesterol.

It is a very good sign to have higher proportion of HDL as this is the very cholesterol that acts as a cleaner for the bad cholesterol.

Regular exercise can also aid in weight loss and if you are obese another risk factor for high LDL cholesterol it increases your heart disease and stroke risk factors.

It is easy to increase your activity level simply by taking the dog for a walk, or doing simple household chores for at least a continual 20 to 30 minutes each day.

The other major cause of high cholesterol is actually mental and emotional stress, we always think such stress lead to other major health problem and overlook its effect on cholesterol.

The ways to manage stress can also reduce your other risk factors for high cholesterol such as being overweight, or having a sedentary lifestyle because one of the most common ways to reduce stress is to exercise. Exercising gets your body moving and your mind off of problems and focused on the things you encounter as you exercise especially if you exercise outdoor in nature. Any cardiovascular exercises 20-30 minutes a day that increases your heart rate for the same amount of time are good, these include, jogging, brisk walking, swimming, biking and rowing.

Click here to read on other cholesterol articles.

Health Care Spending

2009-09-10T16:45:00.000+02:00

Health care is an area of demanding and controversial health care programs, insurance and spending. Medicaid and Medicare are government run programs that account for a large portion of health care cost.

Insurance overall is a funny business – there is insurance for almost anything including pets, fire, medical, vehicle, and others. Insurance has become so essential that many either overspend for insurance or work in terrible jobs, just to get insurance.

But then there is the large portion of individuals, for whatever reason, are unable to get insurance at all.

Private insurance is even more difficult to understand. These programs are allowed by employers or private individuals and vary from company to company and policy to policy. It is believed that over the last 7-10 years, employee-sponsored health insurance premiums have increase over 100%. This is almost 5 times the amount of inflation over the same period of time.

This is markedly more difficult for individuals and employers. Less and less companies are able to afford these important programs. And this will continue to get worse and worse.

It is believed that by 2020 or so – it will cost a family of 4 more than $25,000 per year to cover health insurance. Currently it is almost $13,000 per year for health care.

Cost for employers will continue to rise as well. Currently the cost to employers for insurance is just over $300 billion dollars. Within 10 years that number may jump to the mid $800 billion dollar range.

Don’t be fooled either – the coverage will not improve as time continues. Increasing costs, number of sick, and rising average age will continue to worsen the actual coverage by each individual.

Increasing Health Concerns

1.) Health Care Spending

- United States is leading all countries in the percent of GDP that is spent on Health Care.

- United States currently spends 16.2% as of 2007 and was around 15% in 2006

- Switzerland and France follow at around 11%

- Other countries above 10% are: Canada, Belgium, Germany, Portugal and Austria

- most of these values are from 2006

2.) Cost

- as the cost per person rises – the burden increases for employers and individuals to get enough coverage and the correct coverage

- $2.2 trillion dollars were spent in the United States in 2007 on health care costs

- $700 billion in 1990

- $250 billion in 1980

3.) Bankruptcy and Foreclosures

- Over 50% of bankruptcy are linked to lingering health or medical expenses

- 1.3 plus million people loose their homes because they also have medical expenses that can’t be meet

- Many families with the above mentioned health care costs do have insurance – over 75% on average

4.) Aging

- It is believed in the United States that by 2030 the number of individuals over the age 65 will double

- Over 70 million Americans will be over 65 at that point

- This will comprise around 20% of the population

- The cost of an older individual is 5 times greater for someone over 65 than under 65 [on average]

- The overall projected spending is believed to increase by 25%

“The aging of the U.S. population is one of the major public health challenges we face in the 21st century. One of CDC’s highest priorities as the nation’s protection agency is to increase the number of older adults who liver longer, high-quality, productive, and independent lives.” Julie Louise Gerberding, Md, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – 2007

5.) Smoking, Poor diet, and physical inactivity

- It is believed that these 3 items result in 35-35% of deaths each year

- These are preventable conditions

- Are quite costly to individuals, companies, governments, and tax payers

- Are risk factors for serious medical conditions of: Diabetes, Stroke, Cancers, and Heart Disease among others

6.) The Uninsured

- Some do not qualify for government-provided health insurance

- Some do not qualify for private health insurance

- Not provided insurance by employer

- Some are unable to afford health insurance

- Some choose not to have health insurance

- As of 2007 – 15% of population or 45 million individuals were without health insurance

- 2008 numbers are expected to be statistically similar to 2007 despite the recession, but a rise to 46 million is anticipated

According to the US Census Bureau, in 2007:

Of the 45 million uninsured:

. 37 million between ages 18 and 65

. 27 million worked at least part time

. 38% had household income of greater than $50,000

. 36 million are legal U.S. Citizens

. 10 million are non-citizens (This may or may not include illegal immigrants)

. 20% could afford insurance

. 25% are eligible for public coverage

. 55% need financial assistance to cover health insurance

7.) Fraud

- It occurs daily and helps “almost” no one

- Occurs on many levels and by many individuals

- Health Care is often about profit

- The most visible areas are Medicaid and Medicaid

- However, fraud occurs in all health care areas

- It is believed to occur on 5-10% of all health care expenditures

- Your increased health cost is, at least in part, to health care fraud

8.) Disparities

Defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration as …”population-specific differences in the presence of disease, health outcomes, or access to health care.“

Goldberg, J., Hayes, W., and Huntly, J. “Understanding Health Disparities.” Health Policy Institute of Ohio (Nov 2004) page 3

- Medicare and Medicaid spending is often quite different from state to state

- Sometimes the spending amount is double in one state when compared to another

. Example [Medicare in Miami in 2006 - $16,351 and in San Francisco $8,331]

- Access to health care and insurance is often a cause point, but not always

- The cost for such disparities may directly impact social and economic status

- Race, ethnicity, socioeconomic, sex, age, medical conditions, sexual orientation, and more are all linked to disparity

All is not loss

We are doing several things well – probably not perfectly but well

1.) Improved overall medical quality and treatment allow for a larger number of patients to live longer

2.) Improved Mammogram screening

3.) Improved Cholesterol screening

4.) Overall awareness for preventative care increasing, it still must increase in importance to not only improve care, quality of life, and overall balance health care costs.

5.) Disparities have begun to be looked at more closely and continue monitoring and goal setting to manage specifically targeted areas have been put in place.

Post originally seen at InterActive Health: Health Care Spending

For further information take a look at the following

- http://www.nchc.org/facts/cost.shtml

- http://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/saha_exec_summary_2007.pdf

- http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5813a5.htm

- Goldberg, J., Hayes, W., and Huntly, J. “Understanding Health Disparities.” Health Policy Institute of Ohio (Nov 2004) page 3

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Merck Company Foundation. The State of Aging and Health in America 2007. Whitehouse Station, NJ: The Merck Company Foundation; 2007.

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