Thursday 31 December 2015

Non-Stick Cookware Proven Toxic & Why You Should Use A Cast Iron Skillet Instead

Cooking has become a cherished pastime of mine over the last several years. It began in college when I found I could no longer stomach the meals the cafeteria was providing me. I knew I wanted to know what was in my food, so I moved off campus into my own apartment and began calling my mother incessantly for recipes, and then calling her back after mulling over what it meant to julienne an onion. And to be honest, as time has gone by my questions have only increased in number — though, to be fair, this is most likely because I am becoming increasingly familiar with the intricacies of the subject. But one thing I’ve noticed in the past year is my ever-mounting desire to understand what I should and shouldn’t have in my kitchen for efficiency as well as health purposes (yes, I have replaced all plastic food storage containers with glass ones).
I’m the clean type. I don’t like dirty dishes soaking in soap to slowly soften residue for removal  hours later. I prefer things to get clean immediately, hence my affection for non-stick cookware. But, as many of us know, there’s a not-so-secret staple in it that is a major danger to our health: Teflon. This synthetic polymer is found in metal pans to ease the process of cooking and cleaning. But at what risk? From health dangers to environmental hazards, the cons of cooking with it outweigh the pros. Even manufacturers warn their consumers of cooking at too high of a heat when using Teflon due to the emission of toxic particles and gases from the coating breaking apart. Take a look at the below chart to get an in-depth look at exactly what happens when you cook with Teflon at certain temperatures:
cooking with Teflon
So once the dangers of Teflon were nailed into my head I began using the healthiest alternative I knew of: stainless steel. I quickly realized why so many people have trouble with these, however. My morning eggs, veggie stir-fries, and more became burnt bottoms to my pans (to which I have discovered that trial and error is necessary in achieving the right heat to oil ratio). But then I became aware of the joys of a cast iron skillet — another healthy alternative to non-stick cookware that doesn’t have me constantly trying to get it right. Here are seven benefits of making it a staple in your kitchen:

1. It’s Non-Toxic

Cast iron skillets don’t emit any toxic chemicals into the air or into your food. In fact, the only thing that they have been found to release is iron, which many people are deficient in.

2. It’s Nonstick

So long as you care for it the right way and season it properly when adding in your ingredients, a cast iron skillet will provide you with the nonstick outcome most cooks hope for. Learn some tips and ticks to ensure you do it right every time here.

3. You Can Use It In The Oven

A big benefit of any kitchen item is being multi-purposeful; not only can you use a cast iron skillet on the stove, but you can also use it in the oven.

4. It’s Easy To Clean

As mentioned above, I’m not a fan of letting my pans soak for too long, which is why I like how easy it is to clean cast iron skillets. The food comes off easily, and you don’t even have to use soap. In fact, using it isn’t recommended, as it damages the seasoning.

5. It Doesn’t Scratch

When I first began cooking, I remember being told time and time again not to use any metal when scraping food from my non-stick cookware for the fear of Teflon flakes making their way into the food. This left me either using plastic or wooden utensils, but if need be, you can still use your silverware to stir your ingredients or scoop out the finished product since they do not scratch.

6. You Can Use Less Oil

One of the things that bothered me most when switching to stainless steel was how much oil I found myself using during my trial and error stage, but that has yet to be a problem with a cast iron skillet.

7. It Stands The Test of Time

Something I’ve found to be a big bummer in newer technologies is how quickly products need to be replaced. There’s something to be said for age-old items passed down from generation to generation with the knowledge that our health nor our wallets are not at risk. Want to learn how to make the most out of your skillet and have it last “forever”? Check out some valuable information here.



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NEW STUDY: BIGGER BUTT, BIGGER BRAIN

Booty lovers, rejoice!  With the big-bootied craze taking over, the desire to have a larger rear end is more prevalent than ever.  Recent studies may have found an even greater reason to desire a big behind, other than just the aesthetic factor.  Science has found a slew of benefits to having a big butt.  Check them out!
Do you think that a big butt makes you smarter?  Comment and share your thoughts!
The research revealed that women with more weight in their thighs and behinds, often have a higher level of intelligence.

The study analyzed data from 16,000 women.


Women with larger behinds tend to produce more Omega 3 fats.
Omega 3 fats help to catalyze brain development.
Additionally, the study states that big-bootied mothers tend to give birth to smarter children.
Aside from brain power, having a larger behind, is associated with a slew of other health benefits.

Big-bootied women tend to have lower cholesterol.They also produce sugar metabolizing hormones that help to prevent diabetes, as well as heart problems.

And the benefits don't stop there!

The tissues present in the backside, also trap harmful fatty particles, which helps to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Unfortunately, this study and its discovered benefits, does not include fake booties.

Other booty studies, have also discovered that big-bottomed women may simply live an overall longer, healthier life.

Now, everyone envy those well-endowed ladies even more!

http://www.rebelcircus.com

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Avocado Seeds - No One Told You They Could Fight Cancer




Avocados are extremely delicious and healthy. The avocado fruit can be added to almost any kinds of meals, salads, or sandwiches. You can also make a homemade guacamole if you love nachos. However, almost all of us always throw away its seeds, and it is a huge mistake!
Namely, it seems that these seeds have been regarded as extremely beneficial in the traditional medicine for decades.
You may have heard that some seeds can be toxic, like the ones from fruits like cherries, plums and apricots, which contain the toxic chemical However, do not worry, as this is not the case with the avocado seed.
The avocado seed contain mildly toxic compounds, tannins, which means that you need to consume several before you notice any negative side effect. Yet, a study published in the Scientific World Journal in 2013, found that the avocado seed extract is completely safe and it didn’t show any toxicity.
Health Benefits of Avocado Seeds
Avocado fruits are abundant in folate, Vitamin B and healthy fats. Moreover, their seeds are also loaded with healthy nutrients as well. Namely, they contain almost 70% of the avocados antioxidants, as well as fatty acids, triterpenes, phytosterols, and glucosides from abscisic acid.
Moreover, the seeds are a rich source of bioactive phytochemical, including proanthocyanids and Flavonoids. Moreover, these beneficial seeds are also considered to be one of the best sources of soluble fiber.
As a result, they have numerous healthy properties, such as: antifungal, antibiotic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antihypertensive, larvicidal, amoebicidal, giardicidal and hypolipidemic properties.
Strengthens the immune system
Our immune system is our first line of defense against all kinds of diseases. The avocado seeds and skins are the perfect tool to strengthen the immune system, and prevent cold and flues, as they contain high amounts of antioxidants, such as procyandins and catechins, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Hence, avocado seeds can be of great help in the reduction of stiffness, swelling, joint pain and diseases. The researchers in an in-vitro study, published in the journal Revista de Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical, in 2009, discovered that the anti-fungal and antibiotic properties of avocado seed extract could inhibit harmful pathogens such as Candida and other fungi, since these infections are usually related to a weakened immune system.
Digestive benefits
The consumption of avocado seeds can help you improve the digestion process, as they are loaded with antioxidants and fiber, which are also extremely beneficial for proper digestion. People in South America used the avocado seeds for treating gastric ulcers, severe diarrhea, acute diarrhea and other digestive problems.
Benefits for heart disease patients
Scientific research shows that avocado seeds can lower the high cholesterol levels and hypertension. Furthermore, these seeds were shown to be extremely beneficial in preventing diabetes and fighting inflammation.
Another study published in the journal Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, in 2012, showed that avocado seeds could offer protection against arterial plaque formation. Moreover, they state that the dietary fiber found in avocado seeds is linked with lower cholesterol, as fiber will bind to the cholesterol in the intestinal tract and prevent it from being absorbed.
Fight Cancer
These seeds are rich in antioxidants, and the flavonols antioxidant compound provides strong anti-tumor properties. Moreover, a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research, found that a compound found in avocado seed extract called avocation B was effective against acute myeloid leukemia cells.
In the study, researchers tested almost 800 natural health products against the human acute myeloid leukemia cells.
Another research published in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology, researchers from the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia, showed that the extract from avocado fruit and seeds caused leukemia cells to self destruct.
Help reduce wrinkles
The avocado seed oil would be extremely useful and beneficial in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, as a scientific study found that the oil of the avocado seeds can increase the collagen in the skin. In addition, avocado seed oil is also used to treat acne flare-ups.
These beneficial seeds have numerous uses, and these are some more:
  • Avocado seed tea –prepare a great tea from the avocado seeds by boiling them for 30-40 minutes.
  • Natural food additive – A study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food chemistry, in 2011, t found that the anti-microbial and antioxidant properties of the avocado seed may help with food spoilage prevention. This means it can be used as a healthy food additive, so simply crush them and add them to your favorite meals.
  • Homemade facial mask – dry the seeds, then grind them nicely and add them to your favorite facial mask. Thus, you will get an excellent facial mask exfoliator.
  • Guacamole saver – These seeds can help you keep your guacamole from going bad in the refrigerator. Simply place an avocado seed in your guacamole dip.
  • Grow an avocado plant – You can now have a decorative houseplant in your home. All you need to do is to plant the avocado seed in your garden.
How to Extract the Avocado Seed
Now, we will explain how to safely remove the avocado seed from the avocado:
1. First, cut the avocado by slicing around the pit in order to cleanly remove the seed.
2. Insert your knife into the pit, twist and gently pull.
3. Finally, remove the avocado seed from the knife.
Now, when it’s already out, put the avocado seed into a plastic bag, crush it with a hammer, and add it to your favorite meals. For instance, you can add it to your smoothie, together with dates, banana or spinach and add water. If you have a high-powered blender in your home, you may not need to smash the seed first.
Here are the recipes of two delicious smoothies we would suggest to you:
Green Smoothie
Ingredients:
  • 1/2 avocado seed
  • 1/2 to 3/4 of a ripe mango
  • 3/4 of a head of red leaf lettuce
  • 1 ripe pear
  • 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed
  • 2 1/2 cups of water or almond milk
Method of preparation:
You will need to smash the avocado seed, and mix it with all the other ingredients in a blender, until you get a smooth mixture. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Perfect Avocado Smoothie
Ingredients:
  • 1/2 avocado seed
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1 cup of organic spinach
  • 1 small piece of ginger (grated)
  • 1 ripe pear
  • 1/2 apple
  • 1 cup of almond milk or water
Method of preparation:
Smash the seed, put all the ingredients into a blender and blend together until smooth. Enjoy!
Source/Reference: www.healthylifetricks.com

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Wednesday 30 December 2015

Stop snacking on unhealthy foods! - Video







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Healthy Snack Ideas, Workouts & DIYS for New Year's 2016!! -Video





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3 Easy Drink Recipes That Clear Sinuses and Destroy Throat Inflammation Right Now



The winter season normally brings about colds and flu which seem to cause unpleasant symptoms. Fortunately, there are some secret natural remedies that help you fight colds and phlegm, and subdue the sinuses.
Therefore, nest time the sniffles come on, you must try these 3 amazing recipes and restore your health!
The Raw Deal Tea
Ingredients:
  • 1 pinch cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon finely grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ tsp raw honey
  • ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Add in 1 drop of colloidal silver Fin the case of extra cold-fighting powers.
Method of preparation:
Add all ingredients in a cup of boiled water and stir.
Effects:
Both honey and cinnamon are antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial, which means they help destroy viral bacteria and reinforce immune response. Moreover, colloidal silver has also been shown to prevent viruses from getting worse as it is highly antibacterial and antiviral.
The Hot Pineapple Elixir
Ingredients:
  • ½ – 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp honey
  • ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Method of preparation:
Mix all ingredients in a saucer and heat lightly to preference.
Effects:
Pineapples possess anti-inflammatory properties which reduce phlegm build-up and soothe the throat. they are also abundant in vitamin C content which strengthens your immune system sand thus prevents cold symptoms.
Cayenne pepper provides the kick that warms your body up internally and fights against fevers and nausea, and honey is a natural super-healer for centuries, as it has antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial powers that have made it.
Furthermore, when your body’s in an alkaline state, viral bacteria can’t survive, and apple cider vinegar helps alkalinize your body.
The Wellness Monster
Ingredients:
  • 1 dash of turmeric powder
  • 1-inch piece of ginger
  • 1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 drop of mint extract
  • 1-2 drops stevia (optionally)
Method of preparation:
Juice or blend the lemon and ginger, and add the turmeric, mint and cayenne pepper. Stir and add enough hot water to double the size of the mixture.
Effects
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that break up chest congestion and deter coughs.
Ginger also breaks up the mucus in the lungs, while soothing sinus-related aches and sore throats.
Lemon is used to detoxify, provide the cold- fighting stores of vitamin C and bulk up your immune system.
The menthol component of mint is a natural decongestant that plows through phlegm and nasal decongestion.


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Tuesday 29 December 2015

She Ate an Avocado Every Day, What Happened to Her High Cholesterol?

Avocados are often referred to as the healthiest food due to its impressive nutritional value, and are botanically classified in the same family as camphor and cinnamon. These miraculous fruits are believed to have originated in Puebla, Mexico and the oldest evidence of them was found in a cave in Puebla, Mexico and dates back to around 10,000 BC.
Native to Mexico and Central America, this fruit is a large berry that grows on a tree that can reach 6 feet tall. The avocado ripens 1-2 weeks after being picked, just like the banana.
Avocados are abundant in beneficial components which are responsible for its strong healthy properties.
They contain the following vitamins and minerals:
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin B2
  • Vitamin B3
  • Vitamin B5
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B9
  • Vitamin K
  • Calcium
  • Zinc
  • Magnesium
  • Iron
  • Phosphorus
  • Manganese
  • Sodium
These are some interesting facts concerning this miraculous fruit, many of which may surprise you:
-- Avocados can help the weight loss process, as they are high in fiber and will help you feel fuller longer. High fiber also helps metabolic health and steadies blood sugar.
-An avocado contains more potassium than a banana. Avocados have 14% and a banana contains 10% potassium.
-- Eating avocados help our body absorb 5 times the amount of carotenoids (lycopene and beta carotene).
-- Avocados contain more carotenoid lutein than any other fruit, which helps in maintaining eye health, as it protects against macular degeneration and cataracts.
-- Avocados are abundant in beta-sitosterol. A recent study included 50 women who have consumed avocados every day for 2 months. They all lowered bad cholesterol by 22%,  raised good cholesterol for 11%, and also reduced blood triglycerides for 20%.
-- Avocados contain 23% folate which is extremely beneficial for your hearts health, as it lowers incidences of heart disease and can lower the risks of having a stroke. Moreover, they contain vitamin E, monounsaturated fats and glutathione which are also good for the heart.
-- Folate is also essential in the prevention of birth defects such as spina bifida and neural tube defect.
-According to numerous studies, avocados are high in oleic acid which prevents breast cancer, inhibits tumor growth in prostate cancer and seeks out precancerous and oral cancer cells and destroys them.



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This Vitamin Can Stop Cancer Cell Growth – And We Need 25x More Than The Government Thinks

Although it may sound surprising to you, all we need in order for our body to function optimally, is actually vitamin D.
Two recent studies published in The Journal of Pediatrics discovered quite devastating facts. Namely, 70% of the American children do not get enough vitamin D, or to be more concrete, 9% of the children have been vitamin D deficient, while 61% did not have sufficient levels of it. This puts them at higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, lower good cholesterol levels, and can also develop heart disease later in life.
Vitamin D is considered to be one of the most potent cancer inhibitors and it affects our health and cell function as it reduces the cellular growth (which promotes cancer) and improves cell differentiation (which puts cells into an anti-cancer state). Consequently, its deficiency leads to a colon, prostate, breast and ovarian cancer.
This vitamin controls different functions like preventing cancer, reducing inflammation, boosting mood, easing muscle aches and fibromyalgia, and building bones by acting on a cellular docking station (receptor), which is sending messages to our genes. When it is not received enough, it impacts each area of our biology due to its impact on our cells and genes function.
Our body makes vitamin D by being exposed to sunlight, (80-100% of it comes from the sun), making our skin a bit red, thus it produces the equivalent of 10,000-25,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D in our bodies.
However, most of us are not exposed to direct sunlight, and the main reason for it is sunscreen. They do protect us from skin cancer, but also block 97% of our body’s vitamin D production.
Additionally, there are also other factors as well, like skin color, which makes a difference (people with darker skin produce less vitamin D), aging skin produces less vitamin D, and even people from cultures where they are covered all the time like Orthodox Jews and Muslims do not get the needed sunlight exposure in order to obtain the needed amounts of vitamin D.
Furthermore, the government recommends 200-600 IU of vitamin D, which is the amount to prevent rickets (a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency).
Nevertheless, the latest research conducted by a vitamin D pioneer Dr. Michael Holick, Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine, points out that the intake of 2,000 IU daily is enough to keep blood levels of 25 hydroxy vitamin D at between 75-125 nmol/L. Even though is sounds high, it is still safe.
In countries where sun exposure is around 10,000 IU daily, people have vitamin D blood levels of 105-163 nmol/L, and autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel movement, lupus, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis are uncommon.
Our body needs vitamin D to properly absorb calcium, so it is even more necessary to help prevent and treat osteoporosis. In the case of inadequate levels of vitamin D, the intestine absorbs only 10-15% of dietary calcium. This vitamin provides bone-protective benefits which keep increasing the dose.
Hence, the needed amount of vitamin D in order to keep the blood levels to the optimal range varies depending on the age, the time spend in the sun, the period of the year and how far north you live.
Nevertheless, we offer you some really effective ways to get the optimal levels of vitamin D:
Get tested for 25 OH vitamin D 
The normal range is 25-137 nmol/L (10-55 ng/ml), but these are not enough for optimal health. Therefore, the range should be 100-160 nmol/L (40-65 ng/ml).
It takes up to 6-10 months to “fill up the tank” for vitamin D
In the case of a deficiency of this vitamin, lower the dose to the maintenance dose of 2,000-4,000 units daily. Remember that you will need 6- 10 months to restore it in the previous state.
Take the right amount of vitamin D 
If you are vitamin d deficient, take 5,000-10,000 IU daily for 3 months with the doctor’s supervision. Afterwards, you will need to take 2,000-4,000 IU daily for maintaining.
Take the right type of vitamin D
At times, the prescribed vitamins can contain D2, which is not biologically active, Therefore, note that the only active form of it is D3 (cholecalciferol).
Try to eat dietary sources of vitamin D
You can also find it very useful to consume some other dietary sources of this vitamin, including: fish liver oils like cod liver oil (1 tbsp. of vitamin D/1,360 IU); canned in oil and drained sardines (1.75 ounces/250 IU); one whole egg (20 IU), cooked wild salmon (3.5 ounces/360 IU); cooked mackerel (3.5 ounces/345 IU).
Monitor your vitamin D status until you are in the optimal range
In order to be sure that you are beneficially influencing the levels of vitamin D in your body, you need to regularly monitor its status. Also, if you take high doses, note that your doctor has to check your calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels every 3 months.




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Monday 28 December 2015

Jamie Oliver War on Sugar! - Video

                                   

Support Jamie Oliver and his mission to take action against the role sugar is playing in rising global health problems!


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Cancer is Serious Business-Documentary



Burzynski is an award-winning film that tells the true story of one medical doctor who took on the FDA in the largest and most intriguing legal battle America has ever seen.



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Is Nature a Cure for you?

Another drug commercial... This one might actually work!




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Thursday 24 December 2015

Eight Tips to Handle Holiday Stress

by dokelly  


The holidays can be a blast. There are the nightly, non-stop parties where you catch up with old friends or see colleagues in a different environment. You’ll also have excuses to entertain others by hosting dinner or cocktail parties. Shopping and visiting family is also usually on the docket.
But, eventually, the holidays — and their stress — can take their toll. That’s because the low-grade, chronic stress that people experience around the holidays can lead to behavioral and biochemical changes that can affect the body, according to Shawn M. Talbott, a nutritional biochemist. Don’t believe us? 
Behavioural changes include exercising less, eating more “comfort foods”, and drinking or smoking more regularly. Biochemical changes increase stress hormones, suppressing the immune system, increasing blood pressure and cholesterol, and boosting appetite. Stress hormones can also reduce sex drive and cause depression, fatigue, and mental confusion. 
It sounds overwhelming, but don’t let stress get the best of you. Instead, here are our experts top 8 tips to keep you sane:

Enlist a Holiday Buddy

Maybe he or she can’t come to your out-of-state family gathering, but a holiday buddy can help you plan ahead and be realistic as to how much you can do, how many parties you attend, how much money you can afford to spend, and how you will maintain your exercise and eating habits. Check in with this person regularly, just like a workout buddy, to make sure that you’re keeping your promises to yourself, said Alan Allard a former psychotherapist.

Workout Regularly

During the holiday season, it’s easy to put your workout routine on the backburner. Don’t. A run or game of hoops can help release stress that often gets pent up, said social worker Christine M. Valentin who practices in both New York and New Jersey.


Eat Right

Between leftover Halloween candy, office potlucks, and appetizers at cocktail parties, it’s easy to overindulge, Valentin said. Eat a protein-rich late-afternoon snack like Greek yogurt, low-fat cheese sticks, or sliced turkey with crackers. A well-timed snack can keep you full into the evening. Drinking water can also keep the extra calories at bay. 

Manage Your Time Wisely

You’re not going to be able to make it to all of the parties that you receive invitations to attend. Instead, be honest with yourself about what you are willing to do and have time to do. Turning down invites to events will keep you from becoming overwhelmed, said Denise Limongello, a stress management expert in Manhattan. 

Schedule Time for Yourself

Exercise may not be your cup of tea, but by taking an hour to yourself daily, you can relax a bit. Read, watch a favorite show or sporting event, or stop by your local watering hole for a beer.

Hang Out With Friends

The holiday season can be a time to take stock of your life. You may long for times before loved ones died. You may feel alone if you’re not dating someone or depressed about your career options. Don't throw yourself a pity party or compare yourself to others. Instead, surround yourself by people who support you. 

Anticipate Possible Outcomes

This will be the one time per year that you can’t avoid your corporate ladder-climbing cousin or your parents’ friends who want to set you up with their daughter. Instead of avoiding them, walk over, say hello, and move on. Then, you won’t have to fear your eventual meeting.

Volunteer For Groups that Need Help

There are many ways to offer help to those in need, said April Masini, a New York relationship expert. Organize a food drive at your office or clean out your cabinets of non-perishable items. You can also round up old coats, hats, and gloves to donate. If you’d like to shop for someone else, consider sponsoring a family to buy gifts for children and adults who may not receive presents otherwise. 


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The Real Reason Your Blood Pressure Won’t Go Down No Matter How Little Salt You Eat

When it comes to blood pressure and maintaining healthy levels, there are many lifestyle changes you can make.
The most popular advice is to limit your intake of salt.
Although minimizing salt is an effective means of controlling blood pressure, new research suggests an even more effective lifestyle change that can have you gaining back control of soaring numbers; the trick is to cut out sugar.

Cut out sugar for better blood pressure control

risks-of-depression-300x200New research suggests that if you want to control blood pressure quickly – as well as lose weight and improve cholesterol and liver function – the best thing to do is cut down on sugar. Although salt has long been hailed as a blood pressure enemy, it turns out that sugar is even worse.
The researchers examined the effects of cutting back sugar as a means to reduce or improve diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. There were 43 children involved in the study between the ages of nine and 18.
Over the course of nine days the children consumed meals, snacks and beverages with reduced sugar intake. It’s important to note that added sugar was eliminated, but the children were allowed to have fruit.
Their diets contained the same amount of fat, protein and carbohydrates that they consumed before the study, but added sugar was replaced with cereal and bagels. Hot dogs, pizza and chips were still allowed from local supermarkets.
Initial fasting blood levels, blood pressure and glucose tolerance were all recorded prior to consuming a new meal.
If the children in the study lost weight, they were given low-sugar food options to help maintain weight. Overall, dietary sugar was reduced from 28 percent down to 10 percent. Fructose from carbohydrates went from 12 percent to four percent.
In a short amount of time the diet proved to have positive health effects, and the researchers noted a drop in blood pressure, cholesterol and improvements in liver function. Fasting blood glucose levels fell five points, while insulin levels dropped by a third.
Lead author, Dr. Robert Lustig, said, “This study definitively shows that sugar is metabolically harmful not because of its calories or its effects on weight; rather sugar is metabolically harmful because it’s sugar. This internally controlled intervention study is a solid indication that sugar contributes to metabolic syndrome, and is the strongest evidence to date that the negative effects of sugar are not because of calories or obesity.”
Senior author of the paper, Dr. Jean-Marc Schwarz, added, “I have never seen results as striking or significant in our human studies. After only nine days of fructose restriction, the results are dramatic and consistent from subject to subject. These findings support the idea that it is essential for parents to evaluate sugar intake and to be mindful of the health effects of what their children are consuming. When we took the sugar out, the kids started responding to their satiety [fullness] cues. They told us it felt like so much more food, even though they were consuming the same number of calories as before, just with significantly less sugar. Some said we were overwhelming them with food.”
Because the study size was small and completed with children, further research is still required. The findings suggest that sugar, once again, is harmful to overall health, and we can all benefit from cutting back on added sugars whenever possible.
If you’ve been having difficulties maintaining healthy blood pressure, it may be time to examine your diet for hidden sugars that may be holding you back.
 belmarrahealth.com.

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Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Ways to Prevent Heavy Metal Toxicity No One Talks About

 by Elisha of My Health Maven
Exposure to heavy metals is on the rise. We are all repeatedly exposed to toxins on a daily basis, whether it is through the food we eat, the air we breathe or the products we use. Modern living and convenience carries a steep price.
Toxicity is such a problem that babies are now BORN with toxins, due to the toxic load of their mothers. A 2004 study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that blood samples from newborns contained an average of 287 toxins, including mercury, fire retardants, pesticides and chemicals in non-stick cookware. 

Causes of Chronic Heavy Metal Exposures
Heavy metal toxicity can result from either acute or chronic exposure to heavy metals. Chronic exposure commonly comes from mercury based amalgam fillings, chemical residues in foods, mercury in vaccines and flu shots, toxins in personal care products, household products, industrial exposures, air and water pollution to name a few. Some professions carry a higher risk for heavy metal exposure such as anyone in the dental profession (including dental office staff), hairdressers, artists, and lab workers.
Individuals who have chronic conditions, or weakened immune systems can be more susceptible in developing heavy metal toxicity, as they are not able to excrete these toxins as efficiently as someone with a stronger disposition.  Many times, symptoms of metal toxicity are misdiagnosed as chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, autism or depression.
Causes of Acute Heavy Metal Exposures 
• Receiving vaccinations or flu shots that contain thimerosal (mercury preservative)
• Mishandled metals at a job site
• Chemical and heavy metal spills–even from a broken mercury thermometer
• Chronic exposure happens over a period of time, and includes:
• Having mercury amalgams (“silver fillings”) in teeth
• Living in a home built prior to 1978 that has lead-based paint
• Smoking and/or inhaling second-hand smoke
• Eating foods (such as contaminated fish) that contain high levels of heavy metals
• Living near a landfill
• Working in an environment where exposure is prevalent, such as at a dentist’s office where amalgam is commonly used
Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity
It is important to note that symptoms can vary according to the metal that has accumulated in the body. Not every symptom for every metal is listed, simply the most common.
The most commonly associated metals with poisoning are mercury, lead, arsenic and cadmium. There are two types of heavy metal toxicity: acute and chronic. Acute symptoms are usually quick and severe, so they are easier to diagnose. 
Acute symptoms can include:
  • Panic
  • Headaches
  • Convulsion
  • Nausea
  • Pain
  • Vomiting
  • Cramping
  • Sweating
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Impaired Cognitive Function
Chronic symptoms can be harder to diagnose as they develop over time and have different symptoms such as brain fog, insomnia or impaired motor skills which are easily misdiagnosed. 
Chronic symptoms can include:
  • Fatigue
  • Chronic Infections
  • General Malaise
  • Nervous System Malfunctions – burning, tingling, paralysis in extremities
  • Weakness
  • Depression
  • Candida
  • Migraines or Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Brain Fog
  • Visual Disturbances
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders – bloating, gas, heartburn, indigestion, etc.
If you are having these symptoms, and you feel that heavy metal toxicity is a possibility, you may wish to discuss metal toxicity with your practitioner before receiving treatment.
Guidelines for Reducing Your Toxic Metal Exposure
• Avoid and remove amalgam fillings (using a biological dentist who understands the correct procedure for removal)
• Avoid costume jewelry 
• Avoid smoking and second hand smoke
• Avoid conventional cleaning products
• Avoid cosmetics with aluminum bases, antiperspirants with aluminum
• Avoid aluminum and nonstick cookware
• Avoid seafood
Improve Your Diet
Maximize your health by eating whole, organic foods. Eating a healthy diet is key to nourishing and rebuilding your body.
Eat whole, organic unprocessed foods.
Eat local in season foods whenever possible.
Include cultured and fermented foods in your diet.
Include healthy fats in your diet.
Eat one third of your food raw.
Consume Foods That Help the Body Flush out Heavy Metals
The best foods for removing heavy metals from your body are wheatgrass, chlorella, spirulina, cilantro and garlic.
According to Dietrich Klinghardt, M.D., Ph.D., cilantro is probably the only agent effective at removing toxic mercury from intracellular spaces and the nuclei of cells.
Foods rich in sulfur, are also important to help reduce a toxic metal load, such as grass fed meats, egg yolks, garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables. 
Turmeric which helps maintain the health of the liver and kidneys is also effective at expelling toxins from the body.
Alpha -lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that is essential for healthy metabolism. It also binds to heavy metals in the body and helps clear mercury and lead from the body. Alpha lipoic acid can be found in foods such as Brewer’s yeast, beets, broccoli, carrots, potatoes, spinach, red meat, organ meats, and yams.
Foods rich in amino acids-Amino acids are natural chelators, they can be found in foods such as corn, carrots, grapes, oatmeal, papayas, plums and pomegranates
Heavy Metal Testing
If you suspect that you have heavy metal poisoning, there are blood, hair, fecal and urine tests available through your practitioner. These tests can be used to determine toxicity as well as to test your level of progress if you choose to pursue chelation therapy. 
Chelation Therapy
You should understand that eliminating heavy metals is a challenging process and dependent upon the level of toxicity it can take several months or longer to eliminate them safely.  Detoxification is a process that should never be rushed. It is important that you have healthy liver and adrenal function, and excellent elimination before undertaking any chelation treatment. Always seek the care and guidance of a healthcare professional who is familiar with heavy metal detoxification.
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