Juicing: The Simplest Way to Pack in the Nutrition

Juicing: The Simplest Way to Pack in the Nutrition
Over the past several decades, the popularity of juicing has come and gone, and come again. But it will always b e around. There are several ways juicing could help save your life and even more ways in which it could simply make your life more enjoyable. It does this by...

Who doesn’t want to live a long and healthy life? The problem is, most of us would like to see old age with our wits about us, but we don’t do everything in our power to ensure we make it there. One thing, juicing, could potentially help you obtain that goal—especially when you pair it with other healthy lifestyle choices.

Over the past several decades, the popularity of juicing has come and gone, and come again. It isn’t a fad—it’s here to stay. And although blogs and health websites seem to come and go in time, a lifestyle of juicing is one worthy of the efforts it takes, and definitely worth keeping around.

There are several ways juicing could help save your life and even more ways in which it could simply make your life more enjoyable. It does this by:

• Boosting your mood
• Correcting potential nutritional deficiencies
• Preventing the growth of and even killing cancer cells
• Aiding in weight loss
• Increasing energy
• Improving digestion and even curing digestive disorders

Since juicing is among the most efficient and simplest ways to consume large amounts of nutritious food, all of these benefits can be yours with smart juicing.

So, what is “smart juicing”? It’s the acknowledgement that your juice is only as good as its ingredients. Obviously a juice chock-full of a variety of healthful vegetables (beets, spinach, etc.) fruits (pineapple, apples, etc.) and other goodies (ginger, parsley, etc.) will be far more beneficial than one purchased from the store. By choosing your ingredients wisely, you can get the most benefits from juicing.

Countless resources are available online that will help you choose the best fruit and vegetable combinations for juicing. From blogs to tons of different juicing books, there is almost a never-ending supply of information. But don’t only rely on other people to tell you how to juice—be creative and come up with juice recipes all your own. Other than having to clean the juicer, it can be really fun to discover recipes and combinations all by yourself.

If an unhealthy diet laden with processed foods can make you ill and create an environment hospitable to disease, a healthful diet of healing, natural foods can do the opposite. Juicing assists your body in doing what it was designed to do: not only survive, but thrive.

For more information, check out these 6 reasons to start juicing from around the web.

Source: naturalsociety.com

Secret Principles of Immortality, Edition 17

Secret Principles of Immortality, Edition 17
The previous article concluded with four fundamental categories: [A] River of Life, [B] Bodily Vitality, [C] Bitterness, [D] Statues. In my view, the next stage beyond this is to consider the question of mirth, much as it is introduced in the novel Paradise Lost.
Source: EzineArticles.com

Kale: A Green Nutritional Powerhouse Everyone Should Eat

Kale: A Green Nutritional Powerhouse Everyone Should Eat
A delectable green nutritional powerhouse, kale is one of many superfoods that is a must-have in any kitche. Like other superfoods like blueberries and green tea, kale provides a wealth of nutritional benefits from cancer prevention to anti-inflammation. But what else can kale do for you?

A delectable green nutritional powerhouse, kale is one of many superfoods that is a must-have in any kitchen. Like other superfoods like blueberries and green tea, kale provides a wealth of nutritional benefits from cancer prevention to anti-inflammation. But what else can kale do for you?

Some of Kale’s Many Benefits

Kale is rich in iron, vitamins K, A, C, and minerals manganese and copper. It’s also high in fiber, low in calories, and has no fat. There are several things that make it a healthy food, like other healthy foods. But those things that elevate it to super-food level are not your average vitamins and minerals.

The antioxidant concentration in kale is truly remarkable. It is particularly rich in carotenoids and flavonoids. Lutein and beta-carotene are two carotenoids that work to protect the body from oxidative stress while also boosting eye health and preserving vision – both are found in kale. As a result, kale may reduce the risk of eye problems like macular degeneration and other health problems related to cellular stress like hardening of the arteries and COPD. In addition, kaempferol, a flavonoid, and quercetin are both tied to cancer-prevention, and like the other carotenoids, kale has plenty of them.

Another powerful substance in kale that has been shown to help activate the detoxification enzymes within the liver is known as sulforaphane. This compound is produced when you chew or chop the vegetable.

So, what can kale actually do for you? Given the power of the numerous beneficial compounds within the vegetable, it is likely that kale can provide:

• Protection against cancer
• Improved digestion
• Boosted immune function
• Vision health
• Heart health
• Anti-inflammatory benefits
• General detox
• Reduced cholesterol

A Few Tips on Preprataion

But before you go buy several bunches from your local supermarket, a few words on choosing and preparing kale.

Kale is one of the “dirty dozen”, containing a higher concentration of pesticides and chemicals. So, when possible, buy organic and local kale. Even better, grow it yourself. If you must buy it from a local grocery store, make sure you wash it well before eating.

Raw kale is great and cooking can reduce some of its nutritional potency. On the other hand, research has shown that steaming it can increase its ability to lower cholesterol. So, eat it raw and eat it steamed—kale is so good for you that you should be eating it a few times a week. And of course, juicing kale is a great option as well.

Source: naturalsociety.com

Amazingly Healthful Antioxidant in Onions Offers a Wealth of Health Benefits

Amazingly Healthful Antioxidant in Onions Offers a Wealth of Health Benefits
The health benefits of onions are unmistakable - onions are loaded vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, in particular something called quercetin. Quercetin is a compound that has led some to say the layered bulbs are even better for you than so-called “super fruits” like goji berries and blueberries.

They come in red, yellow, and white; they can be savory or sweet; and the best ones make you cry. Onions are a staple in any good kitchen not only for cooking, but for boosting the family’s health. Here are just a few reasons to include onions in your diet.

The health benefits of onions are unmistakable – onions are loaded vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, in particular something called quercetin. Quercetin is a compound that has led some to say the layered bulbs are even better for you than so-called “super fruits” like goji berries and blueberries.

Onions and Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid that has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has gained recognition for combating issues like high blood pressure, cancer, inflammation, and stroke.

Like other flavonoid-rich foods, onions have been used in traditional medicine around the world. Even though flavonoids themselves weren’t discovered until the 1930′s, the benefits of onions have been recognized long before. Emerging research on the power of quercetin only strengthens the case for onions as both preventative medicine and a corrective treatment.

One study looked at the effects of quercetin supplements on obese and overweight patients—those which have an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that supplementing with only 150 milligrams of quercetin daily was enough to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol oxidation. In other words, it was shown to help prevent cardiovascular disease. To put this in perspective—the average quercetin supplement contains 500 milligrams, while a particularly potent onion may contain 100 milligrams.

Other research has linked quercetin with cancer-prevention. Like other flavonoids, quercetin has been shown to inhibit the growth of breast, prostate, ovarian, endometrial, colon, and lung cancer. According to the University of Maryland, one study indicates that quercetin may be more effective than resveratrol at slowing and even stopping tumor growth.

Additional potential benefits of quercetin like that found in onions is indicated in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, prostatitis, and other inflammatory diseases.

To experience the most quercetin-bang from your onions, choose the most savory ones, in particular the red and yellow ones. Keep as much of the outer layers on as possible, as this is where you will find the highest concentration of flavonoids. Remove the papery outermost layer and keep the flesh in tact. Add them just about anywhere—from soups to salads—and enjoy the many benefits.

Additional Sources:

CBS News

Source: naturalsociety.com

Could Boiled Greek Coffee Be the Key to Longevity?

As reported in the Times of India and due to appear on hit celebrity health shows across the U.S in the weeks of May 2013, it's clear that this type of coffee and the way it's processed may very well hold the key as to why the indigenous Greek people on the island of Ikaria live well into their 90's and beyond in non too rare cases. A study released by Vascular medicine society only recently this year revealed that by consuming just one small cup of boiled green coffee a day certainly looks to... Source

4 Ways to Banish Wrinkles in Under An Hour

4 Ways to Banish Wrinkles in Under An Hour
Wrinkles are a fact of life, but don't lose the battle against this pesky sign of aging. Here are treatments that can help keep your skin smooth and youthful, along with the pros and cons of each. All can be done in under an hour!
Source: EzineArticles.com

Report Finds Vitamin D Supplements to Contain 9-146% of Amount on Label

Report Finds Vitamin D Supplements to Contain 9-146% of Amount on Label
According to the Research Letter, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, bottle labels on vitamin D supplements aren’t always accurate. As a matter of fact, sometimes they are way off. Vitamin D supplements sold over the counter may have as little as 9% or as much as 146% of the vitamin D that their labels imply.

Most people who ascribe to a healthy lifestyle have some knowledge of  how to read labels. It’s important to know how to read the ingredients label on a packaged food or a label on a supplement so that you’re not blindly ingesting ingredients that may not be safe. But one thing that consumers don’t have much control over is whether the manufacturer or company is delivers what’s promised on the label. For example, one recent study involving vitamin D supplements found that many brands significantly under-deliver or even over-deliver on dosage.

Vitamin D Supplement Labels not Always Accurate

According to the Research Letter, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, bottle labels on vitamin D supplements aren’t always accurate. As a matter of fact, sometimes they are way off.

Vitamin D supplements sold over the counter may have as little as 9% or as much as 146% of the vitamin D that their labels imply.

“We were surprised by the variation in potency among these vitamin D pills,” said lead author Erin S. LeBlanc, MD MPH from the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research. “The biggest worry is for someone who has low levels of vitamin D in their blood. If they are consistently taking a supplement with little vitamin D in it, they could face health risks.”

Fortunately, the researchers found a way for consumers to lessen their risk of getting mislabeled vitamin D. They say to look for the USP (US Pharmacopeial Convention) label on supplements. In order to use this label, supplement manufacturers have voluntarily allowed their products to be tested for things like purity and potency. And among those with the USP label, researchers say, deviations from the labeled potency was less pronounced.

“The USP verification mark may give consumers some reassurance that the amount of vitamin D in those pills is close to the amount listed on the label,” explained Dr. LeBlanc. “There are not many manufacturers that have the USP mark, but it may be worth the extra effort to look for it.”

Another important factor to remember when searching out vitamin D supplements is the difference between D3 (cholecalciferol) and D2 (ergocalciferol). Both are sold as vitamin D supplements, though D3 is, on average, 87% more potent than D2. Vitamin D2 could also pose a risk to your health.

Why? Because D3 is naturally synthesized in the body. It is generated by the sun and occurs naturally within us. D2, on the other hand, is the vitamin D added to “enriched” and “fortified” foods.

It’s unfortunate that supplements may not deliver what the label says, but this study reminds us that labels may not always be accurate, and not all companies are trustworthy.

Additional Sources:

Pubmed/21735411

Source: naturalsociety.com

Five Common Mistakes Women Make With Their Complexion

A brief article outlining 5 common mistakes women make that lead to accelerating the signs of aging. Includes ingredients to avoid when purchasing skin care and cosmetics. Read here

Chemtrails: An Obvious Overhead Pollutant Ignored and Denied

Chemtrails: An Obvious Overhead Pollutant Ignored and Denied
Have you ever seen those long smoke-lines in the sky and wondered what they are? Some may be jet vapor contrails, but others are known as chemtrails. Most of the population doesn't know, but these trails, loaded with heavy metals that have been measured in the water and air at several different worldwide locations, are actually a threat to your health.

Have you ever seen those long smoke-lines in the sky and wondered what they are? Some may be jet vapor contrails, but others are known as chemtrails. Most of the population doesn’t know, but these trails, loaded with heavy metals that have been measured in the water and air at several different worldwide locations, are actually a threat to your health.

Contrails are the result of jet engine vapors condensing into tiny ice particles at high altitude. They are usually not very dense and evaporate quickly. They never extend from one side of the sky to the other, not even close! These trails are dense and linger, often from horizon to horizon, sometimes widening to form streaky clouds.

As more have reported the chemtrail phenomena to government agencies, the usual cover story is that they’re being sprayed as part of a geoengineering effort to slow down global warming, or they’re conducting military drills with releasing streams of metallic particulates to confuse radar.

They are cover stories. So what are they covering? Mainstream media thoroughly ignores or debunks it. Congressman Dennis Kucinich seemed to have caught wind of the hazards of geoengineering for weather control.

He tried to into introduce a bill called the Space Preservation Act in 1997 and 2001, mostly intended to stop Star War projects. Within it the word chemtrails appeared as an item to be banned. The bill went nowhere. Most congressmen are ignorant of the issue or afraid to ask, just like the media.

The denial of something so apparent is outrageous. After looking into chemtrails for yourself, ask anyone to look up if you see them and watch them go into denial as well. Sometimes both contrails and chemtrails appear simultaneously, making it easier to differentiate.

So now that we know they exist, it’s important to recognize the dangers of chemtrails.

Consider the Hazards from Chemtrails

Readings taken after chemtrail episodes from air traps, water traps, ground and snow samples vary slightly from location to location, but they usually contain small particulates or nanoparticles of aluminum, barium, strontium, and sometimes ethylene dibromide or EDB, often called dibromoethane, an EPA banned fuel additive.

Consider that these particulates fan out at high altitudes and fall onto the ground invisibly, affecting foliage, forests, crops, rivers and lakes, animals, and humans. Many aware conservationists and environmentalists are aware of the chemtrail damage to our biosphere.

Breathing nanoparticles of toxic metals into the lungs bypasses our primary immune system’s defenses. These substances make their way into the blood directly from the lung’s capillaries. And aluminum gets through the blood-brain barrier. But don’t worry; Monsanto has patented aluminum resistant seeds. How did they know that was needed? Strange.

Just a couple of years ago, an Arizona resident collected certified medical blood test documents from seriously ill Arizonians and sent them to various State and Federal elected officials demanding an investigation. The blood sample documents showed extremely high amounts of either barium or aluminum or both. None of those people worked or had worked with hazardous materials containing those items. Some were retired.

In the past couple of decades, death from respiratory disease in the US have been increasing. Asthma rates have more than doubled in the western world and Alzheimer’s’ disease and autism spectrum disorders have risen dramatically.

Barium can be linked to multiple diseases including respiratory diseases and aluminum to neurological afflictions.

Even if you’re not directly affected by these nanoparticles from chemtrails, your immune system is adversely affected and forced to work overtime with yet more environmental and food pollutants and toxins, leaving you more prone to infectious and autoimmune diseases. And in any case, if the soil is affected (which it is) you are affected.

There are many groups and individuals doing what they can to bring awareness to government agencies. But this operation’s lid is sealed.

If you’re new to this and curious, start checking out those jet trails and notice the difference between contrails and chemtrails. You can Google chemtrails, aerosol spraying, or geoengineering for more resources and sites with photos and videos. Try to sidestep the usual debunking shills and trolls, but without disregarding all the information. It’s important to look at everything from multiple angles to get a better understanding.

Protecting Yourself

Despite all the efforts of individuals and small groups as well as documentaries, nothing gets done about this toxic elephant in the sky. So you have to protect yourself by detoxing often.

A mineral water product called Volvic, available at Whole Foods and online, has been used to remove aluminum from the brain. The recommended regimen is 1.5 liters daily for five days. And there are other ways to remove heavy metals from the body, including professional chelation and do-it-yourself solutions.

Consider consuming these 6 foods for heavy metal chelation or utilizing these 7 tips for detoxing and cleansing the body. Food grade activated charcoal is yet another detox agent that can be used.

Additional Sources:

YouTube - Documentary in seven parts

Source: naturalsociety.com

Plastic Surgery for the Stages of Aging

Plastic Surgery for the Stages of Aging
The three most significant ways that both men and women use plastic surgery to improve their bodies and body images is with their faces, skin and midsections. But there are a plethora of procedure options for them to consult with their surgeon about before making a decision they have to live with.
Source: EzineArticles.com

Illinois Medical Marijuana Bill Passed by House, Moves to Senate

Illinois Medical Marijuana Bill Passed by House, Moves to Senate
Excitingly, the House just recently decided to advance the medical marijuana bill with a 61-57 vote, pushing the bill forward to the state Senate. If the bill goes into law, Illinois could be the 19th state to allow medical marijuana.

Last month, an Illinois House committee approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes with an 11-4 vote, moving the proposal to the Illinois House of Representatives. Excitingly, the House just recently decided to advance the medical marijuana bill with a 61-57 vote, pushing the bill forward to the state Senate. If the bill goes into law, Illinois could be the 19th state to allow medical marijuana.

The legislation, which would operate on a 4-year pilot program, would be the most strict of any state legislation allowing medical marijuana. Some political figures such as Gov. Pat Quinn say they are ‘open-minded’ on the issue, while others believe that making medical marijuana legal will only lead to recreational use to be legal within the state. It is feared that going as far as to allow recreational use will cause young people to become addicted to marijuana.

Interestingly, the legislation is backed by nearly 250 physicians who requested that lawmakers legalize medical marijuana for the sake of patients with serious illnesses. Three physicians recently spoke at a news conference to let people know that marijuana is a far better alternative to narcotics for individuals with diseases like cancer and HIV.

As mentioned, Illinois will be the 19th state to allow marijuana for medical use, following Connecticut and Massachusetts, the two states which have approved medical marijuana most recently. With the passing of the bill, it would move the country towards more less legislative restriction on marijuana use. If the federal government were to redirect its focus from incarcerating marijuana users and shutting down legitimate medical marijuana dispensaries, 10′s of millions of dollars would be saved.

Marijuana has Proven Medical Value

Since 1972, there have been numerous attempts to remove cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I drug is classified as being dangerous with ‘no currently accepted medical use’. Currently, marijuana is in the same vein as LSD, ecstasy, and even heroin.

In the most recent attempt to have the drug re-classified, which was heard in October of 2012, a group of doctors, medical professionals, and patients defended the copious amount of scientific evidence speaking to marijuana’s beneficial properties. This groups of individuals, called Americans for Safe Access, agrees with the large portion of the U.S. population that federal drug regulators have failed to recognize marijuana’s role in treating numerous ailments, including pain, nausea, and to a lesser recognized degree, cancer.

As generations continue onward, there is no question that marijuana will be legalized in the future. Soon enough, patients suffering from illnesses that are able to be relieved by marijuana will be able to utilize this natural treatment.

Additional Sources:

LA Times

Source: naturalsociety.com

Secret Principles of Immortality, Edition 15

Articles by a philosopher, artist, inventor, poet. The subject is immortality. In this article the author considers the subject of adaptivity. Source

Daily Serving of Soda Increases Aggressive Prostate Cancer Risk by 40%

Daily Serving of Soda Increases Aggressive Prostate Cancer Risk by 40%
According to one recent study, consuming about 1 soda per day increases a man's risk of prostate cancer by 40% compared to someone who never touches the beverage.

Soda is quite possibly the most vilified food/beverage on the market, and for good reason. The beverage offers zero nutritional value, all while increasing the risk of countless diseases. But even with everything we know as a society, soda sales continue upward, and so do the number of studies showcasing the negative effects of the popular drink. According to one recent study, consuming about 1 soda per day increases a man’s risk of prostate cancer by 40% compared to someone who never touches the beverage.

The Swedish study, coming from Lund University and recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, focused on the associations between carbohydrates and their food sources in regards to prostate cancer risk. The researchers followed 8,128 men ages 45-73 for an average of 15 years. All were reported to be in good health.

Overall, it was found that fast-releasing carbohydrates and sugary drinks increased the risk of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer. But for soda specifically, the researchers found that men who drank 300ml of soda each day (slightly less than one can) were more likely to develop the type of prostate cancer which required treatment. Lead researcher Dr. Isabel Drake commented by saying ”among the men who drank a lot of soft drinks or other drinks with added sugar, we saw an increased risk of prostate cancer of around 40 percent.”

In addition to the concerning association between soda consumption and increased prostate cancer risk, the researchers also found that:

• Men consuming a high amount of carbohydrates from wheat, rice and pasta increased their risk of developing milder forms of prostate cancer by 31%. These forms typically required no treatment.

• Men consuming sugary breakfast cereals saw a 38% increase in developing milder forms of prostate cancer as well.

Also outlining an association between soda and increased cancer risk, another study from University of Minnesota School of Public Health found that 87 percent of over 60,000 test subjects were likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and soda played a role.

“The important take away from our study is that habitual consumption of soft drinks may be linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. In response to any criticisms, I’d like to point out that our results align with a recent  Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health meta-analysis of studies on this topic, including ours, which found that soft drink consumption was indeed positively associated with pancreatic cancer risk,” ,” Noel Mueller, University of Minnesota School of Public Health Ph.D. student and first author on Pereira’s study, told AlterNet.

Time to Stop Drinking Soda

With soda increasing your risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and even cancer, it’s more important than ever to reduce soda consumption on a national and global level. The average person is consuming 300% more sugar than recommended each day, while kids are taking in 7 trillion calories of sugar from soda each year. By dropping the cola, you can dramatically reduce your risk of countless ailments and improve overall health exponentially.

Additional Sources:

DailyMail

The Telegraph

MedicalNewsToday

Source: naturalsociety.com

Secret Principles of Immortality, Edition 13

Continuing articles on the subject of longevity and immortality. The author takes a philosophical approach to an issue which relates integrally with health, that is, anti-aging. Source

Study: Apple Extract Kills Cancer Cells, Outperforms Common Chemo Drugs

Study: Apple Extract Kills Cancer Cells, Outperforms Common Chemo Drugs
In recent research, compounds in apples known as oligosaccharides were found to kill up to 46% of human colon cancer cells. Further, the compound outperformed common chemotherapy drugs while leaving the toxic side effects behind.

Are you a believer in using foods to prevent and treat illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cancer? There are countless foods and substances available for preventing and treating cancer, and in case you still aren’t convinced, maybe this new and exciting research will seal the deal. In recent research, compounds in apples known as oligosaccharides were found to kill up to 46% of human colon cancer cells. Further, the compound outperformed common chemotherapy drugs while leaving the toxic side effects behind.

Apples: Another Cancer Solution

For the study, researchers isolated polysaccarides like pectin and other fibers from the waste product of apples after they have been juiced. This waste product, known as pomace, is made up of skins, pulp, seeds, and stems. After isolating the polysaccarides, the researchers treated them with natural pectinase to break down their molecules into oligosaccharides. Finally, the oligosaccharides were added at various concentrations to cultured human HT29 colon cancer cells, while a common chemo drug was added to others.

In every test using different concentrations, oligosaccharides induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) at greater levels than the chemo drug.

• At about 0.9 PPM), oligosaccharides killed 17.6% of the colon cancer cells within 36 hours. The chemo drug, at a higher concentration of 1.3 micrograms per mL, killed only 10.9%.

• At 9.0 PPM, 46% of colon cancer cells were killed by oligosaccharides. The chemo drug wasn’t tested at this level.

• Apple oligosaccharides don’t negatively effect healthy cells, unlike chemo.

The study abstract reads:

“It is reported that apple polysaccharide can prevent colon cancer growth and impede colon cancer progression…The aim of this study is to explore the effect of apple oligosaccharide on the cellular viability of human colon carcinoma cells (HT29 cells) and its mechanism…These results indicated that apple oligosaccharide attenuated HT29 cell viability by inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Apple oligosaccharide is a potential chemoprevention agent or anti-tumor agent and is worthy of further study.”

Found naturally in many plants, honey and milk, oligosaccharides are gaining more recognition for benefiting various areas of health. Studies have found the compounds positively impact intestinal flora, control blood sugar, and boost immunity.

Amazing: Grape Seed Extract Outperforms Chemo in Killing Advanced Cancer Cells

Like many studies before it, this new study once again shows the amazing effects of natural foods and compounds. What’s more, it’s amazing how oligosaccharides can be derived from a waste product of the apple juice industry. It shouldn’t be too difficult to come up with an inexpensive natural medicine when millions of tons of pomace are available for use in large nations.

Additional Sources:

En.cnki.com.cn/Article

NaturalNews

Pubmed/9301420

Pubmed/15140261

Academia.edu

Source: naturalsociety.com

Dementia Symptoms Can Be Treated

Risk factors for Alzheimer's, like other chronic conditions, are the result of complex interactions among many factors which include age, genetics, one's environment, lifestyle and medical conditions already in place. Though one cannot alter age or genetics research in these areas may one day lead to preventive measures. Dementia symptoms can be treated. Source

What Improves Sex? For Boomers, a New Hip or Knee

What Improves Sex? For Boomers, a New Hip or Knee

Bulletin Today | Personal HealthIf  your joints hurt when you move, it’s no surprise that your sex life suffers as well. But as more boomers get hip- or knee-replacement surgery, they’re finding an added benefit: a better love life. Among 147 joint-replacement patients (average age: 57) surveyed in a new study, most said their arthritis had interfered with their sex lives, the New York Times reported. After surgery, 81 percent of those who said their sex lives had suffered as a result of a ...

If  your joints hurt when you move, it’s no surprise that your sex life suffers as well. But as more boomers get hip- or knee-replacement surgery, they’re finding an added benefit: a better love life.

Among 147 joint-replacement patients (average age: 57) surveyed in a new study, most said their arthritis had interfered with their sex lives, the New York Times reported. After surgery, 81 percent of those who said their sex lives had suffered as a result of a bad joint said they had more frequent and satisfying sexual activity.

The findings were presented last month by lead author José A. Rodriguez, M.D., director of the Center for Joint Preservation and Reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

The Times noted that many of the patients “reported an increase in libido and stamina and an improvement in their ability to climax. The benefits were especially pronounced among patients whose complaint had been failing hips, as well as women, who reported the most discomfort during sex because of painful joints.”

More than a million hip- and knee-replacement surgeries are performed each year in the U.S., most on adults older than 60, according to the National Institutes of Health. Nearly twice as many people get new knee joints as hip implants. The AAOS estimates that the total number of these surgeries will hit close to 4 million by 2030.

Rodriguez explained to USA Today that the reason he did the study was because some doctors aren’t comfortable discussing sex with patients, an issue he would like to see improve.

“I never want to see someone’s intimacy with a partner destroyed because of a joint problem,” Rodriguez said. “Sexual function needs to be discussed with patients when we make routine evaluations. I’ve found most patients to be very receptive to talking about it.”

Claudette Lajam, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at the Center for Musculoskeletal Care at NYU Langone Medical Center, told the New York Times that so many of her patients have questions about intimacy after joint replacement that she has added a page to her website devoted to sex.

As she said to the Times: “That page gets the most hits of any page on my Web site. There are a lot of people who get back out there, or get closer to their spouse, because they’ve been unable to participate in that intimacy for a while. Just the relief of pain itself improves the relationship.”

Photo: bambe1964 /flickr

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Source: blog.aarp.org

Carnitine: A New Reason to Cut Back on Red Meat?

Carnitine: A New Reason to Cut Back on Red Meat?

Bulletin Today | Personal HealthMaybe it’s not really cholesterol from that big, juicy steak that’s linked to heart disease. Instead, it could be a compound in red meat called carnitine, which does a number on our gut bacteria if we eat too much meat too often, suggests intriguing new research. Carnitine seems to have a profound effect on certain bacteria in the intestine; these in turn produce a chemical linked to clogging of the arteries and heart disease. The more meat we eat, the ...

Maybe it’s not really cholesterol from that big, juicy steak that’s linked to heart disease. Instead, it could be a compound in red meat called carnitine, which does a number on our gut bacteria if we eat too much meat too often, suggests intriguing new research.

Carnitine seems to have a profound effect on certain bacteria in the intestine; these in turn produce a chemical linked to clogging of the arteries and heart disease. The more meat we eat, the more it changes our intestinal bacteria, making us even more susceptible to the artery-clogging by-products.

By contrast, vegetarians and vegans who were given a generous serving of red meat as part of the new study didn’t produce the same harmful chemicals in their bloodstream as did the meat eaters, most likely because their digestive bacteria are different.

This “surprising new explanation of why red meat may contribute to heart disease,” comes from a study by researchers with the Cleveland Clinic who conducted tests on both humans and mice, the New York Times reported.

The study was published in the journal Nature Medicine and was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Carnitine is abundant in red meat like beef and pork. During digestion, carnitine gets converted by intestinal bacteria into a chemical called TMAO. TMAO then gets into the bloodstream and promotes atherosclerosis, or a thickening of the arteries, perhaps by making it difficult for the body to get rid of excess cholesterol, researchers theorize.

“A diet high in carnitine actually shifts our gut microbe composition to those that like carnitine, making meat eaters even more susceptible to forming TMAO and its artery-clogging effects,” said lead author Stanley Hazen, M.D., an atherosclerosis expert. “Meanwhile, vegans and vegetarians have a significantly reduced capacity to synthesize TMAO from carnitine, which may explain the cardiovascular health benefits of these diets.”

Carnitine helps the body transport fatty acids into cells to be used as energy, the Wall Street Journal explained, which is why carnitine is added to some energy drinks and bodybuilding supplements — something that concerns Hazen. A typical energy drink could have more carnitine than a porterhouse steak, he said.

In the study, Hazen and his team of researchers tested the carnitine and TMAO levels in omnivores, vegans and vegetarians, and looked at blood test results of nearly 2,600 patients. Patients with high TMAO levels were at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and more likely to suffer heart attacks, stroke and death, the researchers wrote.

This doesn’t mean we should give up red meat entirely, said Hazen, but he admitted that his research has caused him to cut back on his own red meat consumption from several times a week, about 12 ounces at a time, to once every two weeks and no more than four to six ounces at a time.

As he told the New York Times: “I am not a vegan. I like a good steak.”

Photo: Tavallai /flickr

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Also of Interest

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Source: blog.aarp.org

I Bet You're Dying To Read This

Death is inevitable, yet it's something we avoid thinking about or discussing... until this article came along. This article considers the social side of getting things in order as part of your exit preparations. Read on. You'll be glad you did. Full article

Can Green Tea Aid in the Prevention of Lung Cancer?

Can Green Tea Aid in the Prevention of Lung Cancer?
Could green tea aid in the prevention of lung cancer? Over the last several years, we’ve heard more and more about the cancer-preventative aspects of green tea, and the studies just keep coming. Researchers from Taiwan found that both smokers and non-smokers who drink at least one cup of green tea each day see a significantly lower risk of lung cancer.

Could green tea aid in the prevention of lung cancer? Over the last several years, we’ve heard more and more about the cancer-preventative aspects of green tea, and the studies just keep coming. Researchers from Taiwan found that both smokers and non-smokers who drink at least one cup of green tea each day see a significantly lower risk of lung cancer.

Green Tea and the Prevention of Lung Cancer

According to the BBC, the study found that those who didn’t drink green tea were at a five times greater risk of developing lung cancer than those who had just one cup a day. Among smokers, the rate was even higher, with the non-drinkers seeing a risk increase of 12 times that of the tea drinkers.

Also related to green tea consumption, scientists found that a gene may play a role in the prevention of lung cancer. The greatest lung cancer prevention was seen in those people who not only drank green tea, but had a gene called IGF1.

Active components in green tea, called polyphenols, are credited with stopping cancer in its tracks. Though some conflicting studies have arisen over the years, the majority point to green tea as an amazing health elixir.

Scientists began researching the effects of the tea when noticing the dramatically lower cancer rates in Asia, where consumption of green tea is highest.

Of course this isn’t the first time a link has been made between green tea and cancer prevention. One Japanese study involving 40,000 Japanese individuals found that consuming five cups of green tea each day could work to prevent the development of cancer, particularly lymph cancers and blood cancers. Other scientists also found that green tea fights cancer cell growth. They noticed that the active ingredient in green tea can lead to a regression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)—a type of cancer that causes the bone marrow to make too many lymphocytes (white blood cells).

Fortunately for us, green tea is easy to find. In order to get the most from your tea, look for organic varieties. Drink at least one cup each day and limit sweeteners and additives. Green tea has a light taste that isn’t overpowering and is easy to drink.

Additional Sources:

The Telegraph

Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Source: naturalsociety.com

Compound in Broccoli Kills Leukemia Cancer Cells, Leaves Healthy Cells Unaffected

Compound in Broccoli Kills Leukemia Cancer Cells, Leaves Healthy Cells Unaffected
The health benefits of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage are near countless. Many of these vegetables are able to prevent obesity, protect against heart disease, and even prevent cancer. In one recent study, researchers with Baylor College of Medicine have found a compound from these valuable veggies can actually kill cancer cells.

The health benefits of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage are near countless. Many of these vegetables are able to prevent obesity, protect against heart disease, and even prevent cancer. In one recent study, researchers with Baylor College of Medicine have found a compound from these valuable veggies can actually kill cancer cells.

According to a press release from the university, researchers used a concentrated form of sulforaphane, a compound in broccoli that is believed to both prevent and treat cancer. They then used the concentrated formula on human-derived leukemia cancer cells.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a blood cancer most common in children. For the study, the researchers used cancer cells from pediatric patients.

“Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a type of cancer of the white blood cells common in children. There is about an 80 percent cure rate, but some children don’t respond to treatment. For those cases, we are in need of alternative treatments,” said Dr. Daniel Lacorazza, assistant professor of pathology & immunology.

When treated with the concentrated sulforaphane, the cancer cells died while health cells were completely unaffected. (Many other foods such as the turkey tail mushroom, turmeric, ginger, and grape seed extract have also been found to wipe out cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected.)

“Sulforaphane is a natural product. However, what we used in this study is a concentrated purified form,” said Lacorazza. “So while eating cruciferous vegetables is good for you, it will not have the same effect as what we saw in the  lab.”

Eating meals of broccoli may not kill cancer if you’ve already been diagnosed; that is true. However, this isn’t the first study to link sulforaphane with cancer treatment and prevention, suggesting the vegetables containing this important compound can play a crucial role in both prevention and treatment.

The study abstract concluded with:

“Finally, the administration of sulforaphane to the ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) xenograft models resulted in a reduction of tumor burden, particularly following oral administration, suggesting a potential role as an adjunctive agent to improve the therapeutic response in high-risk ALL patients with activated AKT signaling.”

Past Research

Previous research came to similar conclusions, finding that sulforaphane could actually help reduce prostate cancer proliferation by dampening the effects of cells missing an important gene, called PTEN, which normally stops cancer from developing.

Another study showed the compound had value in protecting against breast cancer.

While the studies very well may have used concentrated sulforaphane to combat and prevent cancer, it’s reasonable to say that the vegetables containing this compound at natural levels do offer some level of prevention and protection. Don’t wait for sulforaphane in a supplement or drug form, just continue (or start) eating vegetables on a regular basis.

Source: naturalsociety.com

Prevention Is Better Than Repair

When we get older we consider that this is the time to resort to anti-aging treatment and products. Perhaps it would be preferable to start this process at the age of 20+ to get full advantage of these age reversal supplements. Read here

The Fat After 50 You Really Need to Fear (and How to Get Rid of It)

The Fat After 50 You Really Need to Fear (and How to Get Rid of It)

Personal Health | Your LifeThere’s a kind of fat that can creep up on us as we age that is so awful, even its name sounds sneaky and mean. Visceral fat. What is visceral fat, you ask? It’s fat you can’t see. It’s fat that weaves itself around your heart and other internal organs. It’s really evil, and you don’t want it in your body. We all have subcutaneous fat, which is the noticeable layer of fat that lies just below the skin. Visceral ...

There’s a kind of fat that can creep up on us as we age that is so awful, even its name sounds sneaky and mean.

Visceral fat.

What is visceral fat, you ask?

It’s fat you can’t see. It’s fat that weaves itself around your heart and other internal organs. It’s really evil, and you don’t want it in your body.

We all have subcutaneous fat, which is the noticeable layer of fat that lies just below the skin. Visceral fat, on the other hand, is deeper, hidden beneath the muscles. It can be dangerous because it surrounds vital organs and is metabolized by the liver, which turns it into cholesterol in the blood. Men and women who have excess abdominal fat have a greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which can precede diabetes and heart disease, cancer, stroke, dementia and sexual dysfunction in men. Not good.

How do you know if you have visceral fat?

If you are overweight, chances are good you have visceral fat. However, even normal weight men and women can have excess belly fat. The best way to determine if you have this kind of fat depends less on how much you weigh, and much more on the measurement of your waist, because that’s where it tends to settle. So put away the scale and bring out the tape measure. Your waist size should be less than half your height (and certainly less than thirty-five inches for women, and 40 inches for men).

How can we get rid of visceral fat?

The good news is it’s the easiest kind of fat men and women over 50 can lose. It’s even easier to shed visceral fat than that extra padding around your bottom or thighs! You simply need to eat better (and probably less), move your body more with regular exercise (walking is a great option), and lower your intake of saturated fats, especially those found in meat and even poultry, and it will go away. Think of it like a checking account –easy in and easy out. And, while strength-training exercises are essential for overall fitness and good health (especially bone health), there are other things you need to do to banish this kind of fat from your body: walking, running, playing tennis, biking and other activities that cause you to really move your body for at least 30 minutes or more will do the trick.

Every little step you make toward your goal is a huge step toward a better life now . . .and in the future. With every fraction of an inch, you are healthier.

And remember this . . .we can’t control getting older . . .but we can control how we do it. Yay!

I’m the National Osteoporosis Foundation ‘Ambassador for Bone Health’ and a fierce champion of positive aging. For more tips on living your best life after 50 (or 60, or 70…) check out “The Best of Everything After 50: The Experts’ Guide to Style, Sex, Health, Money and More” and www.bestofeverythingafter50.com. Keep me posted on how you’re doing by subscribing to me on Facebook and “tweeting” me on Twitter at @BGrufferman.  

Photo credits: typicaltracey.wordpress, golocalprov.com

Get Your Brain in Shape! Think faster, focus better. Brain Fitness: It’s free to start!

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Also of Interest

• Losing Weight After 50, Is “Intermittent Eating” Right for You?
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• Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being

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See the AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more

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Source: blog.aarp.org

Facial Rejuvenation Using Botox - Reducing the Look of Lines and Wrinkles

Facial Rejuvenation Using Botox - Reducing the Look of Lines and Wrinkles
In recent years, the number of people seeking medical assistance in order to improve their appearance has increased. In a society that seems obsessed with image, many are having simple treatments such as tooth whitening and Botox to improve appearance. But what is facial rejuvenation (Botox), and how does it work? This article aims to give information on Botox and how it's carried out.
Source: EzineArticles.com

Want To Look Younger Than Your Years?

Do you suffer from sagging facial skin? Have you been unsuccessful in turning back the clock on your face? Have you spent tons of money on cosmetics, creams, treatments and still feel your face has not achieved the results you desired? Stop spending money needlessly and start exercising your face! Source

Face And Yoga Rejuvenating Workouts That Can Keep Gents Appearing Younger

Face And Yoga Rejuvenating Workouts That Can Keep Gents Appearing Younger
A younger looking skin is the dream of millions of gents and women throughout the globe. If one sticks to a good facial toning regimen such as facial yoga together with other hints offered in this article, men in particular will have the benefit of them, in addition to ladies who want to exploit them.
Source: EzineArticles.com