According to Dr. Dave Mirkin, board-certified in four specialties: Sports Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Pediatrics and Pediatric Immunology, abdominal obesity comes from high blood insulin levels. To prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high after you eat, your pancreas releases insulin, which converts blood sugar to a type of fat called triglyceride. Insulin drives triglycerides into the fat cells in your belly. So having high triglycerides and a fat belly are signs of high blood insulin levels, and high blood levels of insulin constrict arteries to cause heart attacks. Insulin also acts on the brain to make you eat more and on your liver to manufacture more fat, and on the fat cells in your belly to store that fat.
The liver removes insulin from the bloodstream, but insulin causes fat to be deposited in the liver which prevents the liver from removing insulin from the bloodstream. People with fat bellies store too much fat in their livers, which prevents the livers from removing insulin, so insulin levels rise higher and higher to cause heart attacks, more abdominal obesity and eventually diabetes. If you store fat primarily in your belly, you should restrict refined carbohydrates: foods made with flour, white rice, milled corn or added sugars.
Fat cells in your belly are different from those on your hips. The blood that flows from belly fat goes directly to your liver, whereas the blood that flows from your hips goes into your general circulation. The livers of those who store fat in their bellies are blocked from removing insulin by the extra fat and therefore do not remove insulin from the bloodstream as effectively as the livers of people who store fat primarily in their hips. People who store fat primarily in their bellies have higher blood insulin and sugar levels, which raise levels of the bad LDL cholesterol that causes heart attacks, and lower levels of the good HDL cholesterol that prevents heart attacks.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
GMOs
Genetic modification is a crude and imprecise way of incorporating foreign genetic material (e.g. from viruses, bacteria) into crops, with unpredictable consequences. The resulting GM foods have undergone little rigorous and no long-term safety testing, but animal feeding tests have shown worrying health effects. Only one study has been published on the direct effects on humans of eating a GM food. It found unexpected effects on gut bacteria, but was never followed up.
It is claimed that Americans have eaten GM foods for years with no ill effects. But these foods are unlabeled in the US and no one has monitored the consequences. With other novel foods like trans fats, it has taken decades to realize that they have caused millions of premature deaths.
“We are confronted with the most powerful technology the world has ever known, and it is being rapidly deployed with almost no thought whatsoever to its consequences.” — Dr Suzanne Wuerthele, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) toxicologist.
Click below to get your copy of the Non-GMO Shopping Guide:
http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/SG/DownloadtheGuide/index.cfm
US government data shows that in the US, GM crops have produced an overall increase, not decrease, in pesticide use compared to conventional crops.
“The promise was that you could use less chemicals and produce a greater yield. But let me tell you none of this is true.” – Bill Christison, President of the US National Family Farm Coalition.
It is claimed that Americans have eaten GM foods for years with no ill effects. But these foods are unlabeled in the US and no one has monitored the consequences. With other novel foods like trans fats, it has taken decades to realize that they have caused millions of premature deaths.
“We are confronted with the most powerful technology the world has ever known, and it is being rapidly deployed with almost no thought whatsoever to its consequences.” — Dr Suzanne Wuerthele, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) toxicologist.
Click below to get your copy of the Non-GMO Shopping Guide:
http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/SG/DownloadtheGuide/index.cfm
US government data shows that in the US, GM crops have produced an overall increase, not decrease, in pesticide use compared to conventional crops.
“The promise was that you could use less chemicals and produce a greater yield. But let me tell you none of this is true.” – Bill Christison, President of the US National Family Farm Coalition.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Healing Herbs
• Butcher's Broom - improves circulation in hands and feet; helps reduce edema in legs or feet; anti-inflammatory action can reduce swelling caused by arthritis and rheumatism; reduces pain caused by hemorrhoids. It can be taken orally or made into an ointment.
• Caraway - soothing for gas and other stomach disorders; brewed into tea, the warm fluid is excellent for coughs and colds; great digestive aid and reduces nausea.
• Dill - is known as a digestive aid; chewing dill seeds is a cure for bad breath; soothes indigestion and upset stomach; helps milk production in nursing mothers; helps expel gas.
• Caraway - soothing for gas and other stomach disorders; brewed into tea, the warm fluid is excellent for coughs and colds; great digestive aid and reduces nausea.
• Dill - is known as a digestive aid; chewing dill seeds is a cure for bad breath; soothes indigestion and upset stomach; helps milk production in nursing mothers; helps expel gas.
Breast Cancer
This awful disease has attacked someone that is very dear to me, my friend Marisa. She is a wife and the mother of four beautiful children ranging in ages from 14-5. Marisa is a fighter and will not allow this dreadful disease to get her down. She proudly tells those that don't know her well to not feel sorry for her and that she isn't SICK! Marisa will have surgery on 12/17. So whatever your faith is please remember Marisa in your prayers.
Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it's far more common in women.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
• A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
• Bloody discharge from the nipple
• Change in the size or shape of a breast
• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
• Inverted nipple
• Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin
• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange
Anorexia is the loss of appetite and is one of the common side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
According to Dr. Gerald Miletello, cancer patients must maintain their nutrition in order to maintain their health and strength which enables them to fight the cancer. Cancer patients taste and cravings may change from day to day and hour to hour. They may develop sore mouth and tongue or may have trouble swallowing. These side-effects only last 3-8 days following chemotherapy. Diarrhea and/or constipation may occur at any time during their treatments. Neutropenia, low white blood cell count, follows most chemotherapy treatments at some time. Neutropenia normally lasts for 3-7 days.
Day of Chemotherapy and Following Treatment Tips:
• eat smaller portions more frequently; drink fluids between meals instead of with food.
• eat by the clock at regular scheduled times; appetite signal may not be in tack.
• eat between meals with high-protein supplements, milkshakes, puddings, or nutritional energy drinks.
• add things to enhance smell, appearance, and texture of food.
• sucking on a think slice of dill pickle, prior to meals, will sometimes stimulate taste buds.
• exercise approximately 30 minutes before meals to try to stimulate appetite.
• use plastic utensils if there is a bitter or metallic taste.
Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it's far more common in women.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
• A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
• Bloody discharge from the nipple
• Change in the size or shape of a breast
• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
• Inverted nipple
• Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin
• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange
Anorexia is the loss of appetite and is one of the common side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
According to Dr. Gerald Miletello, cancer patients must maintain their nutrition in order to maintain their health and strength which enables them to fight the cancer. Cancer patients taste and cravings may change from day to day and hour to hour. They may develop sore mouth and tongue or may have trouble swallowing. These side-effects only last 3-8 days following chemotherapy. Diarrhea and/or constipation may occur at any time during their treatments. Neutropenia, low white blood cell count, follows most chemotherapy treatments at some time. Neutropenia normally lasts for 3-7 days.
Day of Chemotherapy and Following Treatment Tips:
• eat smaller portions more frequently; drink fluids between meals instead of with food.
• eat by the clock at regular scheduled times; appetite signal may not be in tack.
• eat between meals with high-protein supplements, milkshakes, puddings, or nutritional energy drinks.
• add things to enhance smell, appearance, and texture of food.
• sucking on a think slice of dill pickle, prior to meals, will sometimes stimulate taste buds.
• exercise approximately 30 minutes before meals to try to stimulate appetite.
• use plastic utensils if there is a bitter or metallic taste.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Health Benefits of Turmeric
The health benefits of turmeric lie in the active ingredient called curcumin. This powerful compound gives turmeric its therapeutic benefits, its yellow color, and its pungent flavor. More specifically, curcumin harbors antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stomach-soothing, and liver-and heart-protecting effects.
Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation by lowering histamine levels and it may also stimulate the adrenal glands to increase production of a hormone that reduces inflammation. It is often used to ease joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. However, it is also used to reduce joint pain and in inflammation in other disorders as well.
Turmeric (curcumin) also harbors rich stores of antioxidants. Antioxidants are disease-fighting substances that mop up the continuous onslaught of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells as they travel through the body and are responsible for premature aging and diseases such as cancer if left unchecked. In fact, Naturopaths often recommend turmeric for situations in which high concentrations of antioxidants are required. Among the many health benefits of turmeric, is that it harbors antiplatelet activity. The herb reduces the ability of the blood to form clots and, as such, this action may improve circulation as well as offer some protection against heart attacks and strokes.
If you suffer from digestive problems this may be the herb for you. Turmeric helps digest fats by stimulating the flow of bile. No wonder it was used traditionally as a digestive aid.
Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation by lowering histamine levels and it may also stimulate the adrenal glands to increase production of a hormone that reduces inflammation. It is often used to ease joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. However, it is also used to reduce joint pain and in inflammation in other disorders as well.
Turmeric (curcumin) also harbors rich stores of antioxidants. Antioxidants are disease-fighting substances that mop up the continuous onslaught of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells as they travel through the body and are responsible for premature aging and diseases such as cancer if left unchecked. In fact, Naturopaths often recommend turmeric for situations in which high concentrations of antioxidants are required. Among the many health benefits of turmeric, is that it harbors antiplatelet activity. The herb reduces the ability of the blood to form clots and, as such, this action may improve circulation as well as offer some protection against heart attacks and strokes.
If you suffer from digestive problems this may be the herb for you. Turmeric helps digest fats by stimulating the flow of bile. No wonder it was used traditionally as a digestive aid.
Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Obesity in Children and Teens
According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the problem of childhood obesity in the United States has grown considerably in recent years. Between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese. Obesity is among the easiest medical conditions to recognize but most difficult to treat. Generally, a child is not considered obese until the weight is at least 10 percent higher than what is recommended for the height and body type. Obesity most commonly begins in childhood between the ages of 5 and 6, and during adolescence. Studies have shown that a child who is obese between the ages of 10 and 13 has an 80 percent chance of becoming an obese adult.
Obesity frequently becomes a lifelong issue. The reason most obese adolescents gain back their lost pounds is that after they have reached their goal, they go back to their old habits of eating and exercising. An obese adolescent must therefore learn to eat and enjoy healthy foods in moderate amounts and to exercise regularly to maintain the desired weight. Parents of an obese child can improve their child's self esteem by emphasizing the child's strengths and positive qualities rather than just focusing on their weight problem.
• Are you aware that obese girls are more likely to have low self-esteem?
• Are you aware that obesity in children lead to loneliness, sadness, and nervousness?
• Are you aware that depression can result in obese children?
• Are you aware that the suicide rate is high with obese children?
• Are you aware that teens with weight problems have much lower self-esteem and are less popular with their peers?
• Are you aware that child and adolescent obesity is also associated with increased risk of emotional problems?
According to the AMA, 6/23/09, an obese child at age 7 is at future risk of heart disease and stroke, without the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. Young adults who are obese have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, and being obese at an older age is associated with a lower overall survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Among children 10-17, about 30% are overweight or obese in 30 states. Adult obesity rates now exceed 25% in 31 states, up from 28 states last year and 19 the year before that.
Ways to manage obesity in children and adolescents include:
* start a weight-management program
* change eating habits (eat slowly, develop a routine)
* plan meals and make better food selections (eat less fatty foods, avoid junk and fast foods)
* control portions and consume less calories
* increase physical activity (especially walking) and have a more active lifestyle
* know what your child eats at school
* eat meals as a family instead of while watching television or at the computer
* do not use food as a reward
* limit snacking
* attend a support group
Children and teen obesity is an epidemic that is growing at an alarming rate with no stopping in sight. We cannot continue the status quo; we must take action to stop the epidemic of obesity in children and teens.
Obesity frequently becomes a lifelong issue. The reason most obese adolescents gain back their lost pounds is that after they have reached their goal, they go back to their old habits of eating and exercising. An obese adolescent must therefore learn to eat and enjoy healthy foods in moderate amounts and to exercise regularly to maintain the desired weight. Parents of an obese child can improve their child's self esteem by emphasizing the child's strengths and positive qualities rather than just focusing on their weight problem.
• Are you aware that obese girls are more likely to have low self-esteem?
• Are you aware that obesity in children lead to loneliness, sadness, and nervousness?
• Are you aware that depression can result in obese children?
• Are you aware that the suicide rate is high with obese children?
• Are you aware that teens with weight problems have much lower self-esteem and are less popular with their peers?
• Are you aware that child and adolescent obesity is also associated with increased risk of emotional problems?
According to the AMA, 6/23/09, an obese child at age 7 is at future risk of heart disease and stroke, without the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. Young adults who are obese have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, and being obese at an older age is associated with a lower overall survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Among children 10-17, about 30% are overweight or obese in 30 states. Adult obesity rates now exceed 25% in 31 states, up from 28 states last year and 19 the year before that.
Ways to manage obesity in children and adolescents include:
* start a weight-management program
* change eating habits (eat slowly, develop a routine)
* plan meals and make better food selections (eat less fatty foods, avoid junk and fast foods)
* control portions and consume less calories
* increase physical activity (especially walking) and have a more active lifestyle
* know what your child eats at school
* eat meals as a family instead of while watching television or at the computer
* do not use food as a reward
* limit snacking
* attend a support group
Children and teen obesity is an epidemic that is growing at an alarming rate with no stopping in sight. We cannot continue the status quo; we must take action to stop the epidemic of obesity in children and teens.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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