Unlimited Wellness

Swine Flu - Don’t Eat Pork Meat or You Are Pig Too

2009-04-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

Swine or pig (glamorous name) is the dirtiest animal on earth. Even the dirtiest animal still can be cooked and eat by the smart people (they think they are smart).

Mathematics equation: a=b, b=c then a=c –> replace a with pork meat, dirty with b, human who eat pork meat with c.

Do you eat pork? You are stupid if you eat pork meat. A lot of other nicer meat than pork. Why must pig? I even heard people eating pig’s blood. Gross.

Swine Flu a.k.a Swine Influenza

Swine flu can stir the world economy. World are currently hurt by the inflation, recession and war. If you still remember the bird flu epidemic, a lot of people dead including the profesional adult. Doctor is inclusive. It is because doctor are expose to the bacteria more than us.

Terminology of Swine Flu

According to wiki, swine flu can be interpret as:

Swine influenza (also swine flu) refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus that is endemic in pigs (swine).

Pig and politics is equal according to the equation stated above even though pig born with the nice pink color. I still remember the schooling days when the blue color van came every after lunch and dinner to grab rubbish to feed pigs and tonne of pigs.

Pigs eat rubbish. Bribery equal to rubbish. Politicians eat rubbish. Am I correct? I feel so tired and can’t focus on the topics that I should write, swine/pig flu.

If you think that you eat or sit beside people who eat pork meat, then please verify the symptom. Have you eat from the bribery money before? Then you must encounter the symptom above.

2009-04-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

TURN OUR SEXUAL BIO-SWITCHBOARD BACK ON PERMANENTLY

Through the years I have witnessed the incredible natural healing powers of the body
first hand. I have no doubt that by following natural principles you
can experience this same healing power for your sexual dysfunction. Natural remedies have been proven affective long before modern drugs were introduced.

Every culture that I know of has praised some kind of sexual tonic, aphrodisiac or sexual performance enhancing food. Sexual remedies of this nature empower the whole person,
rather than just treat a diagnosis. Sexual health is a direct indicator of your overall
wellbeing. Modern science now agrees sexual virility can be yours “at any age.”

Your sexual performance depends upon the health of your cell membranes. The new science emerging from our understanding of these natural remedies proves the connection is undeniable.

Visualize your body has as a metabolic "thermostat". Bytapping into the natural energy hidden within specific food sourced nutrients, you can "re-set" your sexual thermostat.

If you find your metabolic thermostat is lower than it once was, you can use natural principles to raise it back up. What happens when you adjust the thermostat in your home?
You will notice two things:
1) An automatic process is activated.
2) The environment gradually responds to this process.

You can turn it down or turn it up, the process is the same but the results are completely different. Fact is either way you adjust it, it takes time to get the new result. You body
works the same way!

This is an oversimplification, but it gives you the idea. There is solid science to support both “the stimulus” and “the change.” Your sexual genes are turned on and off by protein switches, called bio-switches.

It is a well known fact that your external and internal environments stimulate these protein switches and they express your genetic potential. So don’t accept limp excuses from your doctor, you were born to have strong erections at every age.

You haven’t lost the sexual potential you once enjoyed; you’ve just unknowingly turned off the wrong genetic switches.

If your sexual desire or performance seems to have been turned off, your cellular switchboard simply needs you to turn it back on, and keep it on.

Unhealthy Chinese-Food Choices

2009-02-23T17:37:00.000-08:00

The seven most unhealthy choices at a Chinese restaurant

The next time you're at a Chinese restaurant, back away from the fried rice and think twice, many dishes are loaded with sodium, oil and carbs

1. and 2.

Fried rice and lo mein:
Those dishes are basically three quarters of a day's calories, and you're just getting four or five cups of white rice or white noodles with oil and a sprinkling of vegetables. They're especially dangerous because they're often served alongside people's main orders and deliver "not much more than a smattering of vegetables or protein from the meat. People should steer clear entirely of the noodle dishes and instead focus on choices that'll deliver a few more nutrients, such as mixed vegetables or tofu.

3. Chow fun:
This dish is made of wider rice noodles and might taste more healthy than lo mein, but it's not. The noodles are thicker, but they're going to do the same damage to your belly and blood pressure as the lo mein.

4. Crispy (orange) beef:
Many meat-based menu items simply offer "hunks of fried meat." What you're getting is three quarters of a pound of deep-fried meat, garnished with vegetables.

5. Lemon chicken:
A plate of lemon chicken contains 1,400 calories, two thirds of a day's fat and no vegetables.

6. General Tso's chicken:
Though some restaurantgoers think chicken is a healthier option than pork and beef, it isn't necessarily. General Tso's chicken features breaded, deep-fried chicken chunks that are then soaked in sauce; ...that one plate has about 1,300 calories and half a day's worth of saturated fat.

7. Barbequed spare ribs:
These "appetizers" pack a punch—one plate of spare ribs carries two thirds of a day's worth of saturated fat and 600 calories. Dumplings, steamed or pan-fried, are much more health-friendly.

The best way to cut the sodium out of your Chinese restaurant meal is to opt for steamed vegetables, but that's no fun.
Stir-fried dishes, such as shrimp with garlic sauce, Szechuan shrimp, moo goo gai pan and chicken with black bean sauce all contain less than 1,000 calories a plate, and vegetarian dishes such as stir-fried mixed vegetables, ma po tofu and Szechuan string beans also are healthier. These alternatives are all still heavy on the salt, so think about ordering the sauce on the side.

Dont' Take Antibiotics For Urinary Tract Infections

2009-01-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

I have an exciting new breakthrough discovery about a little-known substance to protect your urinary tract . . .without all the processed sugar found in cranberry juice.

Harvard studies confirm the effectiveness of cranberry to cure urinary tract infections. But the challenge is finding a natural source of potent cranberry that isn’t adulterated with sugar or high fructose corn syrup.

As you already know sugar is the trigger that inflames the delicate tissues and fuels your urinary tract infection. That’s why so many people who drink cranberry juice don’t experience a “complete” turn-around. The sugar literally feeds the Candida fungus and the bad bacterium
that caused the urinary tract infection in the first place.

But first, for those first time readers, here’s 7 hygiene tips to help keep a health urinary tract:

1. Drink plenty of non-chlorinated water every day.
2. Urinate when you feel the need, don’t resist the urge!
3. Wipe front to back to prevent bacteria from entering
your urethra.
4. Take showers instead of hot tub baths.
5. Cleanse your genitals before & after sexual intercourse.
6. Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, which may irritate
your urethra.
7. Use only white unscented toilet paper to avoid potential
dye reactions.

If you have ordered the UTI remedy report you already know what foods to avoid and what foods can be key in supporting your healthy urinary tract. For example, foods that contain probiotic bacteria can promote good urinary tract health . . . but beware of the sugar content.

After learning of this discovery I decided never to recommend cranberry juice again . . . unless you juice it yourself, but I don’t know very many people who could handle the taste. Concentrated cranberry can be found in capsule or pill form, but it doesn’t compare to what
I’m going to share today.

I’ve discovered a product that contains the pure source of the active ingredient that makes cranberry so affective.

This new improved source of relief is NOT a drug, so you won’t need a prescription. In fact your body produces this substance as well as cranberries, peaches, apples, some berries and other plants.

However after extensive research the most beneficial source for urinary tract infections actually comes from the Birch tree . . . it’s called D-Mannose.

Here are some of the bonus benefits of D-Mannose:

• Supports your healthy urinary tract.
• Nourishes your healthy flora -- doesn't harm "friendly"
bacteria
• Doesn't interfere with your normal blood sugar regulation
• Goes to work in your system quickly
• Provides you 100% all natural non-toxic D-Mannose, which
quickly enters your urine, coating and protecting your
bladder and urinary tract. Plus if you’re a vegetarian or
have allergies you be glad to now I’ve discovered the
purest vegetarian formula.

D-Mannose better than cranberries. This specific D-mannose product contains ZERO citrus, egg, gluten, milk, rice, sodium, soy, wheat, yeast, added sugars, starches, synthetic dyes,
artificial flavorings or preservatives.

Remember a spoon full of sugar, or fructose, does not help the medicine go down. Instead processed sugars make your urinary tract infection flare up. Plus, D-Mannose will not
disrupt your blood sugar levels . . . why even take the “fructose risk?” D-Mannose is guaranteed to be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Prevent Prostate Cancer

2008-12-31T22:45:00.000-08:00

You hear the word “prostate” more and more these days,but apparently few men know what it is until it becomes a medical issue.

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system located at the bottom of your spinal column, between the bladder and colon. Ancient health practitioners understood this is where man’s primal life force rises from . . . that’s why overall vitality and sexual virility depend on
the health of this walnut size gland.

Scientists agree that this “vital gland” is extremely sensitive to environmental toxins as well as a poor diet and lifestyle habits.

In fact, industrialized man has created more than 65,000 bio-toxins that are in our environment, some find there way up the food chain and some are directly added. That’s why
detoxification is the first of the seven important steps to healthy prostate recovery.

Prostate cancer is now one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers attacking modern man, representing about 25% of all tumors. Prostate cancer is a slow disease because only
about 7% of men die within 5 years of being diagnosed.

There is a test that can detect a Prostate Specific Antigen call PSA, but it is not an accurate way to determine cancer.

Because the PSA test is so speculative it misleads many people into making decisions about radical treatments prematurely.

Should they have surgery? Is there something that can be done to reduce or reverse the risks? Should I just take the recommended drugs and wait? When should I act?

Let’s step back and look at the bigger picture for a moment.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself:

• Why do prostate cancer rates vary from geographic area to area?
• Why are prostate cancer rates mainly in Westernized countries?
• Why do men who live in countries with less instances of prostate diseases have an even higher risk after they start a Westernized diet?

Prostate disease appears to be a disease of the modern industrialized cultures. More and more evidence is suggesting not only is prostate disease influenced by diet, lifestyle and environmental factors, but these same factors may also be triggering a genetic predisposition as well.

Health is the result of what you habitually do . . . in other words, food and lifestyle habits can be your best medicine or your worst poison.

Prostate disease is a process with steps that you can either go up, or down.

All you need is a tiny belief in natural principles, a proven road map, and a willingness to change your life for goodness sake . . . there is NO magical wand and there is NO pharmaceutical cure. But your body has its own healing and regenerating processes that you can work with.

I’m really only reminding you about something your body already knows. You can choose to use proven effective natural principles for true health and wellness or you candepend on being treated by the Westernized medical process.

The Westernized diet and medicine are part of a culture that will take a long time to turn around and transform. But why wait for the whole industrialized world to wake up, when
you can open your own eyes right now?

You can have your own personal revolution today . . .

If you ask anyone who has had a “healing experience” they will tell you the secret was staying focused on “the goal.” We all live on this same ladder of life and one thing is for sure . . . positive change requires insight, determination, and a commitment to knowledge.

Without your sincere drive to have your life back you would never climb out, but people like you are climbing up and out everyday . . . without harmful drugs, chemicals, radiation, or surgery.

There are so many facts I can share with you, but nothing matters without a commitment from you. It’s your life, it’s your search, and that’s why this is your own call to action.

Expect it to get better, because it can and it will, as long as you stop going down the ladder of health and wellness and start looking up.

Weight Loss Tips

2008-12-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

People who lose weight and keep it off succeed by adapting a healthy lifestyle, not by dieting. You must enforce healthy eating habits that will continue to be part of your life forever. Weight loss isn't something you can do for a few weeks or month. It's a life-long commitment.

Here are twenty-five tips that will help you adapt a slow and steady weight loss plan that you keep help you lose weight and stay healthy.

1. Start with achievable goals

2. Don't expect to drop excess weight quickly. Research shows that people who lose weight slowly are more successful than others who experience quick weight loss.

3. A realistic weight loss goal is two pounds a week.

4. Don't look for miraculous weight loss. If you lose weight quickly your will probably gain it back.

5. Slowly change your eating habits and lifestyle.

6. Weigh yourself once a week maximum. Hoping on the scales everyday will drive you to distraction and will become obsessive. It actually takes as much as two weeks for any weight loss to occur.

7. Eat smaller portions and replace three meals a day with five smaller ones. This helps to control blood sugar and it's easier to burn calories from small, light meals.

8. Mix carbohydrates, protein and fruit for a healthy meal.

9. When enjoying your favorite snack, read the nutrition chart and measure the recommended amount into a bowl. Never eat snacks such as chips, out of a bag. This leads to over-eating.

10. Prepare measured snacks ahead of time. That way you can just go to the cupboard and get a small bag. Never go back for seconds.

11. Drink flavored no-calorie water instead of soda, or add lemon juice or avocado juice to water for a refreshing, thirst quenching drink.

12. Don't use food for comfort or de-stressing.

13. Leave the table immediately after you've finished eating. Avoid desserts or have a cup of low fat yogurt.

14. When you are home and craving an extra rich treat, tie on your walking shoes and go for a walk. By the time you get home the craving most probably will have passed.

15. Walk for at least 30 minutes a day. This can be broken into two, five minute increments, if desired.

16. Park your car at the outside edge of the parking lot, where it's much easier to get a parking space, and then walk to the store. This will help you get in your minimum daily requirement of walking.

17. Wear a pedometer and walk between 5,000 and 10,000 steps per day. This will help you lose weight more quickly while doing so in a healthy manner.

18. Eat a bowl of broth based soup, such as minestrone or vegetable, before eating your meal. This will take the edge off your hunger and you will eat less. Do not eat cream soups, as they are much higher in calories.

19. Reward yourself once a week with a small treat. This helps you to avoid binging and brings weight loss success.

20. Learn to love yourself as you are. Beauty is in the heart and soul. Remind yourself that you are beautiful.

21. Never eat anything after 8 pm.

22. Write down everything you eat. This helps you keep tabs on your food intake. You'll be surprised at how quickly it adds up.

23. Keep food off the table. Place single servings on plates and put them at the place settings. You're more apt to take seconds if the food is within easy reach.

24. Eat vegetables first. Vegetables have lots of fiber, which helps make you feel full before you get to the carbohydrates and fat.

25. Put your fork down between mouthfuls of food. Chew thoroughly and swallow before picking up your fork for the next bite. This allows you to savor your food and it helps you to eat slower, which improves digestion.

Nature Powerful Health Secret

2008-12-11T09:03:00.000-08:00

Today, I want to share with you one of the most researched
natural food remedies in the world today - Chlorella. The
name Chlorella comes from the root Chloros, meaning green.

We have an undeniable connection between our human DNA,
our environment and our food. Leading scientists are cracking
the food code that nurtures our health and wellness.

You have more than 10 trillion cells in your body and more
than 100 trillion beneficial single celled bacteria in your
digestive system.

Every one of your cells and every one of those beneficial
bacteria depend on specific green nutrients to carry out
their functions.

It’s no surprise the primary source of these green nutrients
comes from healing plants. Ironically, the most superior
nutrients come from some of the smallest food sources on
the planet and Chlorella is the most amazingly potent and
beneficial of ALL!

Your body’s cells need vitamins, minerals and trace elements
to stay healthy. Without sufficient nutrients to build tissue
your body cannot stay alive.

Research shows time and time again that disease’s and
disease-like processes are always a consequence of lack
of required nutrients for healthy cells.

Here's some of the green nutrients hidden in Chlorella:

• Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, carotene, folic acid,
biotin, inositol and choline

• Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Phosphor, Sodium, Potassium,
Zinc, Copper, Magnesium and Urea

• Amino acids: Arginine, Lysine, Histidine, Phenylalanine,
Typosine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Methionine, Valine,
Alanine, Glycine, Proline, Glutamic-acid, Serine,
Threonine, Aspartic-acid, Tryptophane and Cystine

• Healthy Fatty Acids: Approximately 72% unsaturated and
21% saturated fat

• Chlorophyll: The highest known source of chlorophyll
(5 to 10 times greater than any other plant)

Here's 7 more beneficial hidden secrets in Chlorella:

1. Polysaccharides: More than 50 cellular nutrients with
antitumor, antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic functions.

2. Chlorellan: Having safe natural antibiotic-like benefits
with ZERO negative side effects to the body-friendly
bacteria in your gastro-intestinal tract.

3. Sporopollenin: A carotenoid polymer that is part of the
strong cell wall of Chlorella, but only of the strain
Pyrenoidosa (not Vulgaris), which accelerates the
detoxification of different toxic chemicals/pollutants.

4. Glutathione: This King of anti-oxidants may also help
fight against toxic bacteria and is the main enzyme for
detoxification inside your own cells.

5. Phytosterols: Unique to Chlorella shows anti-inflammatory
and anti-tumor properties.

6. Water-soluble Glycoproteins: Proven to increase immune
defense against different harmful bacteria and virus
infections in normal and immune compromised hosts.

7. Xanthophyll: Also known as lutein, is the dominant
carotenoid that protects our eyes. Xanthophyll is
especially concentrated in the macula, the true center of
sight at the back of the retina. It does, for example,
absorb the damaging ultra-violet rays.

Plus . . .

- Chlorella possesses wound healing and tissue regeneration
properties and acts like a natural antibiotic.

- Chorella helps to control odors from bad breath,
incontinence, or people with colostomies.

- Chlorella increases energy levels and metabolism

- Chlorella can reduce hypertension and strengthen the heart
of people suffering from heart diseases.

- Chlorella helps to eliminate harmful toxins from the body

It is estimated that at least 97% of diseases exist due to
under nutrition and environmental toxins!

Despite your best efforts, you still live in a very toxic
world . . . you are surrounded by toxins of all kinds, some
worse than others. These toxins tax any nutrients you are
managing to get.

Chlorella is a smart remedy to begin to detoxify your body
and strengthen your digestive system, which strengthens
your immune system as well.

Research projects carried out mainly in the US and Japan
have shown the powerful detoxification properties of
Chlorella for dioxin, PCB, lead, uranium, cadmium, mercury,
pesticides and insecticides.

In concert with one of the foremost leading researchers on
detoxification, Dr. Mercola did a study that was published
in the Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine in
March of 2001 . . .

This study concluded the fact that, "Chlorella works to
effectively filter out harmful toxins from the body."

After completing this exhaustive study Dr. Mercola gained
access to the very best Chlorella available anywhere and
formulated ..'The Broken Cell Wall Chlorella Formula..'

Bottom line - Chlorella has proven to be a highly potent
nutritional "all-in-one-formula" and is clearly one Nature's
most powerful health secrets . . .

Acid Reflux Treatments May Prevent Cancer

2008-11-29T01:02:00.000-08:00

If you have acid reflux or heartburn you need to know the
dangers of Barrett's Esophagitis and esophageal cancer. . .

Barrett's Esophagitis is a condition caused by acid reflux
or recurring heartburn. Your esophagus lining is normally
a pinkish color, however if you develop Barrett's it will
become a darker color, often permanently.

The signs of Barrett's are the same as those of acid reflux
and heartburn, so the best way to diagnosis it is by getting
an endoscopy done.

The good news is that Barrett's Esophagitis can almost always
be prevented by using one or more natural remedies to treat
and cure gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). . .

Why am I telling you this?

Because Barrett's Esophagitis will increase your risk of
esophageal cancer by up to 30X! And there are studies that
show esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer today.

Cancer of the esophagus is a very miserable disease and is
100% fatal, if found too late.

So, what you may think is a small problem now, could develop
into a much more serious problem if you continue to use acid
reflux drugs and antacids to mask the symptoms vs. a natural
solution to address the root cause.

Acid reflux drugs are NOT a cure and will only worsen your
problems in the long run. . .

Natural remedies will heal your esophageal tissue by reducing
the back-flow of stomach acid into your esophagus. In most
cases, the tissue will become fully healthy again, if natural
prevention is continued.

The bottom line is that if you suffer from acid reflux, GERD
or even mild heartburn, you need to take action now to avoid
Barrett's Esophagitis, esophageal cancer, and other potential
dangerous complications and risks in the future. . .

Understand Your Colon

2008-11-23T04:55:00.000-08:00

Your digestive system health is critically important to your
overall health, especially the health of your colon.

Here's a quick snapshot of human digestion. . .

First, your food is taken in through the mouth and mixed with
saliva in the chewing process.

Then it passes down the esophagus, past the esophageal
sphincter, into the stomach.

The stomach contains hydrochloric acid strong enough to
dissolve metal, with a pH of about 1.5 to 3, usually around
2, which kills bacteria and helps digest proteins.

Food then passes to the small intestine, where most enzymatic
digestion occurs. The pancreas, liver and gall bladder make
secretions into the small intestines.

Then it moves into the large intestine, also called the colon.

The colon re-absorbs water and nutrients. Gases are produced
as food is fermented. Waste is stored in the rectum until
eliminated.

===========================
IMPORTANCE OF COLON HEALTH!
===========================

Here's a special mini-report on colon health I thought you'd
find intriguing. . . and shocking.

Why colon health?

Because most of us are carrying around equivalent to the
weight of 40 Big Macs of unwanted sludge INSIDE our colons!

This can not only lead to the inability to shed pounds, but
can also lead to some rather severe consequences.

Do you remember the old Roto-Rooter jingle?

It first aired on radio back in the 50's and became one of
the longest running musical jingles in the history of
advertising. . .

Here are the words:

"Roto-Rooter, that's the name, and away go troubles down
the drain."

Roto-Rooter became famous for their special machine that
used a snake-like steel cable to clear clogged sewer pipes
and without needing to dig up the whole yard.

What does this have to do with your colon? Plenty!

You see your colon is a lot like those clogged sewer pipes
that helped Roto-Rooter become a household name and remain
in business now for over 70 years.

Years of living on the "Standard American Diet" result in
the "clogging up" of your personal sewer system, the colon.

Fecal matter gets imbedded into the folds and crevices of
your colon and starts to putrify (rot). The proteolytic
bacteria involved in this putrification process start to
overgrow and produce toxins that, as you learned previously,
seep through walls of your colon and cause innumerable
health problems.

***SORRY FOR THE VISUAL***

This brings us to the heart of our discussion: Colon Cancer

It is more commonly called colorectal cancer because it can
invade both the colon and the rectum. Colorectal cancer is
the second-leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths for men and
women combined.

Did you know that most colorectal cancers are tumors that
develop from the glands LINING the colon's inner wall?

Why is this important?

Well, if you knew that the inner walls of your colon were
constantly being bombarded with toxins generated by putrified
fecal buildup, it wouldn't be a big jump to correlate this
toxic exposure to the development of colorectal cancer tumors.

----------
Quote from the Fellow of the Royal College Of Surgeons and
Physician to England's Royalty - Dr. W. Arbuthnot Lane:

"The lower end of the intestine is of the size that requires
emptying every six hours, but by habit we retain its contents
twenty-four hours. The result is ulcers and cancer."
----------

If only the walls of your colon could talk. They just might
be sending you an S.O.S. message!

Again, sorry for graphic word pictures, but I thought this
message was important enough to share with you.

Bad Breath is a warning of worse health problems...

2008-11-17T04:54:00.000-08:00

Bad breath can be
an independent marker for many other health issues like
diabetes and gum disease. But according to a recent study
at the American College of Rheumatology bad breath
indicating gum disease may also be a marker for Rheumatoid
Arthritis .

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune dysfunction where the
immune system actually attacks itself. Technically as
cellular communication breaks down, the body’s internal
defense system cannot tell self from non-self. The result
is joint tissue is destroyed as if it were an invader or
foreign substance.

Researchers also used data from another study done at the
John Hopkins University that involved an oral health survey
of more than 150 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. They
found a definite connection between active RA and gum
disease. In fact, prevalence of gum disease in RA patients
is more than twice that of the general population.

Plus at least 30% of RA patients in a 2007 study at the
Center for Disease Control (CDC) had severe periodontal
disease.

The fascinating thing, as it turns out, is that patients
who treat their periodontal disease show an improvement
over their RA symptoms. This same result works well for
other systemic diseases like diabetes and heart disease .

The moral of the story is . . . be sensitive to what your
body is trying to tell you, it is usually more important
than you might first think.

Covering up symptoms does not eliminate the cause of the
problem in any case, but especially when it comes to your
health.

So popping those tiny breath mints may be actually
promoting the systemic break down of your entire immune
system.

Falling hair?

2008-11-12T08:36:00.000-08:00

A receding hairline is the most obvious sign of aging, being on the most prominent location. It is like falling leaves when autumn comes. That’s why most of the middle and advanced aged people suffer from thinning hair. And, to their constant chagrin, most male suffer from this misfortune.

Caring for your hair doesn’t stop with washing and shampooing it. You have to pay equal attention to it in the same manner as you pay to other parts of your body. The hair needs nourishment just like the rest of your system to keep them in place and keep them from moving to your bathroom shower drain.

In your campaign for a healthier body most of the time the hair is not included. You work out every inch of your body, but not the hair. There are no exercises for it anyway, you might think. But decades ago, Sanford Bennett, became a celebrity for experiments that led to his physical rejuvenation at 70. Besides all the exercises he devised to make his face younger and his bodily muscles more robust, he also devised an exercise for a healthier and stronger scalp that could trigger the thicker growth of the hair.

To Bennett, the scalp, just like any other part of the body if exercised, would increase in strength and elasticity. This is because there are microscopic glands and muscles in the scalp. The law that applies in exercising the major muscles of the body also applies to those.

So how does it go? Alternately pull your hair in all directions and massage the scalp with the pads of your fingers while you lie in bed. This will improve the blood circulation and eventually feed the roots of the hair with the nutrients it needed. It also exercises the muscles in the scalp making the muscles stronger, which will logically hold the hair more strongly. And since the blood is pumped through the microscopic glands and muscles in the scalp, they are sure to increase in size, strength and elasticity. This naturally results in much fewer hair falling and healthier-looking hair.

One of the best refreshers for the hair ad the scalp is the alternate washing of hot and cold water. It also accelerates the blood circulation there. Wash the hair first with hot water, as hot as you can bear it. Then follow up with very cold water (but without using ice). Applying hot and cold towels alternately can be a good substitute. This procedure should be repeated at least five or six times.

When You Do Business, Do It In Such A Good Way

2008-11-04T23:07:00.000-08:00

Everyone can’t escape from doing wrong things. As a human being, we are weak. Especially when it comes to money. This scenario can be seen all over the world.

People tend to sell their pride for money. Why? This is because they lacked of the spiritual knowledge. It’s a sad sad thing to think of. Reality wise, most of the people will choose the short cut rather than to feel the pain.

Business, Politics and Bribery

I call it BPB. Politics and business are like best friends. If there is politic, there is business at the same time. When business is involve, then money and bribery will be in too.

We can see a lot of politicians in the world tend to bribe peoples. They think that they can buy people’s heart and soul. This is totally wrong as you can win in the world but do you think that you can escape God’s punishment later or sooner?

Today we will see the United States’s general election. Obama will win for sure. I am afraid that he will be another JFK. By the way, I really hope that Obama can extract between politics and business.

Involve or running a business is good. If you have multiple businesses means more stream of income. Instead of doing it in a wrong way, why not we just go straight. When dealing to get businesses, big sum of money will be involved especially when we talk about the government contracts.

To cure the disease spread by those punks, we should unite to prevent the rich from getting richer and poor get poorer. We understand that they need money to lobby their position and bribery is not the way to raise money. Even though money can bring you happiness, you can’t bring it to death.

Iron Supplement

2008-05-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

Iron is an essential mineral that the body requires in small amounts. It is widely available in foods including meat, poultry, and fish; also dried fruits, grains, and green leafy vegetables. Iron from plant sources is absorbed half as well as that from animal sources. The average diet provides about 10 to 20 mg of iron per day.

Iron is needed to manufacture hemoglobin, which enables red blood cells to transfer oxygen to the body's tissues. Severe or prolonged iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia in the United States, affecting about five percent of women and two percent of men.

Iron Deficiency and Anemia:
Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include easy fatigability, shortness of breath with mild exercise, and lethargy. Some evidence suggests that even mild iron deficiency, too mild to cause anemia, may cause fatigue and impair sports performance. Verbal learning and memory have been shown to improve when adolescent girls with iron deficiency anemia are treated with iron supplementation. Iron deficiency is most common in menstruating women but also is commonly seen in children and pregnant women. Low iron levels also may result from excessive bleeding, burns, and hemodialysis, as well as stomach and intestinal problems. Drugs that reduce stomach acid may also impair iron absorption. During pregnancy, iron deficiency can result in preterm delivery and low-birth-weight babies. Among children, iron deficiency is most common from ages 6 to 24 months, where it can cause developmental and behavioral problems. If iron deficiency is extremely severe, some of these problems can be irreversible.
How Much to Take? To Treat Anemia: In general, a typical adult dosage for correcting iron-deficiency anemia is 100 to 200 mg daily, divided into two or three separate doses. However, the recommended dose depends on the severity of the anemia and weight of the individual. Approximately two months is usually required to restore hemoglobin levels. Many more months of iron supplementation may be required to fully build up iron stores. To Prevent Anemia: The daily recommended intake of iron for healthy individuals depends on your gender and life stage. Most people are able to meet the requirement from their diet, from foods such as meat, poultry, and fish, as well as from dried fruits, grains, and green leafy vegetables. The average diet provides about 10 to 20 mg of iron per day. Bear in mind that iron from plant sources is absorbed half as well as that from animal sources.
The RDA for iron is 7 mg for children ages 1 to 3 and 10 mg for children ages 4 to 8. It then decreases to 8 mg for children ages 9 to 13. For males ages 14 to 18, the RDA is 11 mg; 19 and older, it decreases to 8 mg. For females, ages 14 to 18, the RDA is 15 mg; 19 to 50, it's 18 mg, decreasing to 8 mg ages 51 and older. Because of fetal needs, the RDA for pregnant women is to 27 mg. For breast-feeding women younger than age 18, the RDA is 10 mg; ages 19 and older, it's 9 mg. Also, postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy should consume more iron because the therapy can cause periodic uterine bleeding. Oral contraceptives may reduce menstrual blood loss, so women taking them may need less daily iron. The FDA requires that dietary supplements state on their labels the % Daily Value for certain vitamins and minerals. However, this is based on an average and may not be appropriate for you, so use the RDAs above. When reading labels, remember that 1,000 mcg (micrograms) equals 1 mg (milligram) and that 1,000 mg equals 1 gram. Don't take too much!:

High daily amounts of iron can cause gastrointestinal distress, especially when iron supplements are consumed on an empty stomach. The Upper Tolerable Intake Level (UL) is 40 mg for children younger than age 13 and 45 mg for everyone else. However, these limits may be too high for people with hereditary hemochromatosis who are at unique risk for accumulating harmful levels of iron. Be aware that labels are unlikely to provide information indicating whether the ingredients exceed tolerable intake levels â€” the FDA doesn't require that information.
Avoiding Stomach Upset:
Several different forms of iron are used in supplements. The actual amount of usable "elemental" iron per milligram of iron compound varies depending on the form but, fortunately, the consumer doesn't need to do calculations â€” the manufacturer does this. The usable amount is what is supposed to appear on the label. Generally, the least expensive forms of iron are ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous gluconate. If you have trouble tolerating these forms of iron due to gastrointestinal discomfort, consider chelated iron, time-release iron supplements, ferrous bisglycinate, or ferrous glycinate. All of them are fairly expensive but may be the least likely to cause stomach upset. Another form, carbonyl iron, may present a reduced risk of harm in an accidental overdose. Carbonyl iron, consequently, is the ingredient many children's supplements contain and may be preferred by parents of small children. However, carbonyl iron requires adequate stomach acid for absorption. Therefore, it should be taken with food and not used with medications that reduce stomach acid. Injectable iron also is available under the supervision of a health professional. Still another way to deal with gastric upset is to take an iron supplement with food. Though combining the supplement with food may decrease iron absorption, taking it with a vitamin C-rich food may offset that effect because vitamin C boosts iron absorption. In fact, some iron supplements contain vitamin C as an added ingredient to aid absorption. Remember that many antacids can decrease iron absorption, as can soy protein, coffee, tea, eggs, whole-grain cereals and breads, and spinach. Iron absorption also can be reduced by high doses of calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium or copper. When consuming one of these foods or high-dose mineral supplements, wait 1 to 2 hours to take your iron supplement. Cautions and Concerns:
Although iron supplements are safe and potentially helpful when taken in appropriate amounts, excessive iron intake can be harmful:

The most common immediate side effect of iron supplements is gastrointestinal distress, a symptom that often occurs when a high-dose iron supplement is taken on an empty stomach.

Other problems can occur with prolonged excessive intake of iron. For example, while pregnant women are generally encouraged to take iron supplements, supplementation beyond the recommended amount may increase complications of pregnancy. Also one study found that non-iron-deficient, breast-fed infants do not benefit from iron supplements. These infants might even experience an overall decrease in health if given iron supplementation.

Observational studies have found associations between mildly excessive levels of stored iron in the body and heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. This does not prove that excessive iron intake causes those diseases, but it does suggest a connection. On this basis, it appears prudent to suggest that people should not take iron supplements unless blood tests have shown them to be iron deficient. Note that non-vegetarian adult men and post-menopausal women are unlikely to lack adequate iron.

Iron at greatly excessive doses taken continually can result in toxicity, causing cirrhosis, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and other problems. Also, because vitamin C increases iron absorption, people who take very high doses of vitamin C (a gram or more daily) are at increased risk of iron toxicity. Toxicity is of particular concern for individuals with hemochromatosis, a genetic condition affecting 1 out of 200 to 500 people. With hemochromatosis, excessive amounts of iron build up in the body's tissues and organs.

Iron supplements also may reduce the absorption of certain drugs such as levodopa, levothyroxine, penicillamine, quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, and, possibly, ACE-inhibitors. Some of these drugs may, conversely, interfere with iron absorption. It is best to take these medications at a different time of day than when taking an iron supplement.

Remember, iron supplements are a leading cause of poisoning in children younger than age 6. Just a few adult tablets can cause serious poisoning, so keep iron products away from children's reach. To help reduce the number of such poisonings, supplements containing 30 mg or more of iron (other than carbonyl iron) only can be sold in child-resistant bottles or in single-dose packaging.

STAR FRUITS CONTAIN A NEUROTOXIN

2008-04-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

Star fruits contain a neurotoxin which is not present in other fruits. It affects the brain and nerves. In healthy persons, the kidneys filter it out.

In kidney patients, it cannot be removed and worsens their condition.
More than 10 other patients in the hospital suffered the same condition after consuming star fruits. Two of them died.

Obesity

2008-04-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

Individuals whose fathers were obese before age 45 were more likely than those whose parents were not obese to have high levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in their blood, an enzyme that signals liver injury.

High ALT levels in the general population can be associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, an obesity-related condition. One severe, progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which can lead to cirrhosis and even liver cancer.

Having a father with early-onset obesity increased a person's likelihood of having elevated ALT levels, regardless of their own weight, the researchers found. But there was no link between maternal obesity and ALT levels, and no relationship at all between parental obesity and AST levels.

GoUT GOuT GOUT

2008-04-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

Gout is associated with high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and uric acid kidney stones.

Traditional treatment is high doses of NSAIDS to kill the pain, anti-inflammatories, and drugs, such as allopurinol, that inhibit formation of uric acid. Allopurinol, however, has some serious side effects, such as skin eruptions, liver toxicity, inflammation of the blood vessels, and possible weakening of kidney function by forcing the kidneys to work too hard to excrete the uric acid. If you have kidney problems and use this drug, be sure to be carefully monitored. Another drug that is used is colchicine, but it, too, has serious side effects, including numbness in the hands and feet, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, hair loss, and abnormal bleeding or bruising. Cortisone is used for acute attacks, but should not be used for extended periods.

A new gout drug, febuxostat, (waiting FDA approval) has proven to be very beneficial in reducing urate levels. 81% of patients taking the drug had healthy urate levels of less than 6 mg/dl, compared with only 39% who took 300 mg per day of allopurinol, the most widely prescribed gout drug.

Traditional thinking tells us that gout is the result of excessive amounts of alcohol, protein, heavy foods, coffee and soft drinks in your diet. These foods cause uric acid levels to rise. Other foods that increase uric acid are anchovies, asparagus, legumes, mushrooms, meat, organ meat, and shellfish. Reduction in consumption of these foods is very often successful in reducing or eliminating gout.

Some other causes:

• Stress raises uric acid levels

• Use of antibiotics

• Vitamin deficiency, especially B5, A and E

• Chemotherapy - uric acid is released in extreme amounts due to the cellular destruction.

• Hypothyroidism is often involved with gout. See our Thyroid section for more information.

• A drop in barometric pressure may trigger an attack.

• Kidney failure may make it more difficult to rid the body of uric acid, thereby triggering gout.

• Diseases such as leukemia, multiple myeloma and psoriasis are associated with gout.

Prevention

• One of the best ways to prevent gout is to drink at least 6-8 eight ounce glasses of water, fresh juices or herb tea daily, especially at the first signs of gout. This will keep your urine diluted and will help your body excrete uric acid and prevent crystals from forming.

• Eat foods high in potassium.

• Eating generous amounts of fruits and vegetables, helps keep uric acid crystals in solution.

• Take the flavonoid quercetin.

• Having sex prevents men from getting gout. It seems that increased sexual activity reduces uric acid levels in fertile men.

• Lemon juice prevents gout attacks by stimulating the formation of calcium carbonate in the body. Calcium carbonate neutralizes acids in the body, including uric acid that triggers gout attacks. After each meal drink the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. To get more juice out of the lemon, bring it to room temperature, then roll it around on the counter with the palm of your hand.

• Taking 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with meals will prevent gout attacks. This will help alkalize the body.

• Keep the leg elevated.

• A high fiber diet also aids in the elimination of uric acid by absorbing bile acids formed in the liver. These bile acids can act as a precursor to uric acid.

Avoid:

• Meat: organ meats, meat extracts, sweetbreads, meat gravies

• Poultry: turkey, goose

• Seafood: salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, mussels, crab, shrimp

• Vegetables: peas, beans, asparagus, mushrooms, cooked spinach, cauliflower

• Yeast products: baked goods,

• Alcohol - it increases the production of uric acid and inhibits its excretion by the kidneys

• Coffee - it accelerates the breakdown of protein into uric acid

• All fried foods - they cause a depletion of vitamin E, which can cause uric acid to rise

• Cream and ice cream

• Pastries

• Simple sugars, simple carbohydrates and saturated fats - they increase your body's production of uric acid and impair your kidneys' ability to get rid of it. Eliminate fructose (found in food and drinks, like sodas)

• White flour

• Aspirin can raise uric acid levels. If you need to use pain killers, only use ones with ibuprofen.

• Oatmeal

• Whole grains

• Caffeine - it impairs kidney function, which is needed to get uric acid out of the body.

Info: CANCER

2008-03-24T02:59:00.000-07:00

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show
up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When
doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their
bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the
cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's
lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be
destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumours.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple
nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental,
food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and
including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and
also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow,
gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver,
kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and
damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce
tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not
result in more tumor destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and
radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed,
hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and
complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and
become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer
cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding
it with the foods it needs to multiply.

CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important
food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal,
Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural
substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses
but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make
it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the
gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk
and substituting with unsweetened soya milk cancer cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is
acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef
or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones
and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains,
seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline
environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans.
Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed
and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance
growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy
cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean
sprouts)and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are
destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine.
Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties.
Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and
heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes.
Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrefied and leads
to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining
from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein
walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the
cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system

(IP6, Flor-ssence,Essiac,
anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own
killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E
are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's
normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and
positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger,
unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic
environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to
relax and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment.
Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen
down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means
employed to destroy cancer cells.

Boost Your Immune System

2008-03-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

The immune system is an amazingly intricate and complex system that naturally keeps our bodies healthy and protects us against all sorts of invaders. Without realizing it, our bodies are constantly fighting an ongoing invisible battle against daily germs and foreign microbes that we come into contact with. What is the best way to give your body an immune system boost and strengthen immune system functioning?

The first line of defense in any fight is to maintain structural integrity to ensure a supported, healthy immune system.

Many of the things that we seek to rectify, like runny noses, are actually proof that the immune system is working and doing its job properly.

There has been an increase in people trying to find natural immune system boosters. Herbal and homeopathic remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to strengthen immune system functioning, acting as immune system tonics to encourage normal and efficient defense against pathogens and routine recovery.

ImmunityPlus is a 100% safe, non-addictive natural herbal remedy formulated to safely maintain the health and systemic balance of the immune system, without harmful side effects and stimulants.

ImmunityPlus contains a selection of herbs known for their supportive function in maintaining immune system health and well-being. It supports the healthy functioning of the immune system, thereby helping to maintain the natural defense against pathogens and optimum performance.

As we grow older, we sometimes begin to notice that our immune systems are not as good as they used to be. ImmunityPlus can especially benefit those individuals needing to support routine immune strength to guard against common conditions associated with the maturing of cells.

ImmunityPlus can be used consistently, without compromising health and not causing serious side effects, to help maintain the body's natural ability to fight viral and bacterial infections-- while also supporting healthy convalescence.

zurkhi@gmail.com

Loose Weight Naturally

2008-03-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

Many people are unhappy with their body type and weight, and embark on a journey to shape up. Unfortunately, this often leads to a series of fad diets in order to slim down.

While yo-yo dieting may be effective in the short term, in the long run, regular fluctuations in weight can disturb the balance of the body's metabolism – leading to systemic confusion and a sluggish metabolism, gradually making the task of getting healthy and slimming down increasingly difficult. This slower metabolism can eventually lead to weight gain, even when eating normally.

Some people follow unhealthy weight loss plans such as crash diets and prescription or over-the-counter medicine to control their appetite. Though many of these products advertise themselves as healthy weight loss supplements, some contain harmful stimulants that raise heart rate and speed up the metabolism in an un-natural way.

Even some so-called natural products for weight management contain ephedra and other harmful stimulants that can have negative effects on the body. Ultimately, the regimen is unrealistic and the weight lost often returns with a vengeance after the product is stopped.

Healthy weight loss plans that support natural and healthy weight management agree that the most crucial factors are following a healthy diet, exercising a minimum of three times a week, and drinking the equivalent of eight glasses of water a day. Other healthy body slimming tips are incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine to better deal with stress. It is well known that our body reacts to stress by releasing cortisol which makes us store fat around the waist and abdominal area.

EcoSlim is a 100% safe, non-addictive natural herbal remedy formulated for adults by our team of natural health experts. Weight loss supplements such as EcoSlim can especially benefit those individuals needing to consistently support routine weight management and a healthy metabolism without compromising health or serious side effects.

EcoSlim is effectively used as part of a total slimming program to safely support healthy metabolism, energy levels and systemic balance in the stomach and digestive system, without harmful side effects and without stimulants.

In combination with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, EcoSlim supports the healthy functioning of the digestive system, thereby helping to maintain optimum performance.

If you need details; please email me: zurkhi@gmail.com

DETOX?

2008-03-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Test,

I'd like to share with you a few natural ways you can eliminate disease causing toxins from your body, loose some weight naturally, and boost your overall immune system... These are the 3 most important steps you need to take to totally renew your health.

1. Detox Your Body

Research has shown that environmental pollution enters the blood stream via food, water supply and the atmosphere. When pollution enters the blood stream, it causes toxins to build up in the body and the delicate balance in organs, such as the liver (the body's natural filtering system) can be affected.

Environmental pollution, fast foods, drugs, alcohol, sedentary lifestyles – it's no wonder we feel sluggish and de-motivated! To start fresh and new, flush out toxins naturally through cleansing and body detoxification to promote the body's natural ability to perform its functions properly and cleanly!

To support body detoxification it is a good idea to start by drinking plenty of water (8 glasses a day) to help flush out and hydrate your system, as well as promote water balance in the body.

Eating fruits and vegetables and the daily recommendation of fiber will also aid in natural detoxification at home and help to naturally regulate your system. Never forget the power of physical exercise. Having a good workout will promote sweating – another great way to promote cleansing and body detoxification!

There are now various published clinical studies demonstrating the ability of a range of herbs to support natural detoxification at home through the routine flushing out of the stomach and digestive system. This promotes toxin elimination by the liver.

Detox Drops are a 100% safe, non-addictive natural herbal remedy formulated for adults by our team of natural health experts. Detox Drops contain a selection of herbs known for their supportive function in promoting liver health and well-being.

Detox Drops can be used as part of a gentle detoxification program to safely cleanse and flush out the system. It supports the body's natural ability to remove toxins and waste by-products, without harmful side effects and without harsh laxatives.

By cleansing and refreshing all body systems, Detox Drops can also represent a wonderful start to any new program to stop smoking, fight addiction or address unhealthy weight issues.

Few Good Things To remember

2008-03-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Answer the phone by LEFT ear.

Do not drink coffee TWICE a day.

Do not take pills with COOL water.

Do not have HUGE meals after 5pm.

Reduce the amount of OILY food you consume.

Drink more WATER in the morning, less at night.

Keep your distance from hand phone CHARGERS.

Do not use headphones/earphone for LONG period of time.

Best sleeping time is from 10pm at night to 6am in the morning.

Do not lie down immediately after taking medicine before sleeping.

When battery is down to the LAST grid/bar, do not answer the phone as the radiation is 1000 times.

Bottle Water- Dangerous

2008-03-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

WARNING TO ALL FEMALES - WIVES, DAUGHTERS, GIRLFRIENDS, ETC.

Bottled water in your car can be very dangerous .

This was how Sheryl Crow got breast cancer. She was on the Ellen show and said this same exact thing. This has been identified as the most common cause of the high levels in breast cancer, especially in Australia ..

A friend whose mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The Doctor told her: women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car.

The doctor said that the heat and the plastic of the bottle have certain chemicals that can lead to breast cancer. So please be careful and do not drink bottled water that has been left in a car, and, pass this on to all the women in your life.

This information is the kind we need to know and be aware and just might save us The heat causes toxins from the plastic to leak into the water and they have found these toxins in breast tissue. Use a stainless steel Canteen or a glass bottle when you can!

Banana

2008-03-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again .

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit.

It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Musuh Penuaan Yang Utama - Oksigen

2008-03-18T00:29:00.000-07:00

Walaupun anda berjaya dalam penjagaan kesihatan yang terbaik, anda mesti mengakui bahawa musuh penuaan yang utama adalah kawan baik anda, dan inilah apa yang badan kita nafaskan - oksigen. Metabolisma oksigen menghasilkan spesis oksigen yang amat reaktif (ROS) dan merbahaya, termasuk Radikal Bebas.

Teori ini pada mulanya dikritik hebat sehingga buktinya ditemui, pada 1992 penyelidik-penyelidik di Pusat Perubatan Kentucky Universiti telah menunjukkan kepada dunia serangan ' Radikal Bebas' yang asas pada sel protein kita dan cara cara ia merosakkan fungsi fisiologikal kita.

Buat Duit Dengan Myspace & Friendster

Most Shocking Fact

2007-11-15T02:56:00.000-08:00

In April 1998 there are more than 2,000,000 drug 'reaction' annually in USA and that more than 100,000 of those reactions are fatal.This make prescription drugs the 4th leading cause of death in America.But the reality is actually much much worse.

Health Tip

2007-09-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

Finding Fiber in Your Diet

Fiber should be an important part of every diet. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, dietary fiber can help prevent heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and even some types of cancer.

The academy offers this list of fiber-rich foods:

Fruits like apples, oranges, berries, prunes, figs and pears.
Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, peas, carrots and beans.
Whole grains like bran muffins, oatmeal, brown rice, popcorn, whole wheat bread and multigrain cereals.
Added wheat bran to foods like applesauce, oatmeal, and cooked cereal

Internet Quran

2007-09-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Quran Explorer - Interactive Audio Recitations & Translations

Cara cara untuk mengurangkan Darah Tinggi 2

2007-09-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

AMALKAN PEMAKANAN SIHAT

Kurangkan memakan daging, banyakkan buah dan sayur , bijirin. Kurangkan garam dalam makanan. Tambahkan diet anda dengan supplemen yang perlu seperti Kalsium, magnesium, Potassium. Kurangkan makanan berlemak. Minum susu tanpa lemak, Lebihkan ikan daripada daging . Makanan seperti pisang yang banyak mengandungi potassium boleh membantu, selain dari epal, avokado, aloe vera.

KAWAL EMOSI

Kalau anda dalam kategori orang yang cepat marah, cuba kawal emosi anda. Carilah aktiviti yang boleh menggembirakan anda seperti bermain dengan anak anak, binatang ternakan, melakukan asebarang hobi anda yang lain atau menonton siri kegemaran anda terutama siri komidi.
Lakukan juga latihan meditasi dengan cara duduk diatas kerusi, pejamkan mata anda sekejap dan tarik nafas dalam dalam dan lepaskan. Buatlah latihan ini seekurang kurangnya setengah jam sehari.

TAMBAHKAN DIET DENGAN SUPPLEMENT

Carilah supplement tambahan yang terbaik dan berkualiti dan dibuat dari bahan makanan. Jangan beli pil KAlsium Magnesium yang dibuat dari kulit kerang atau batu kapur kerana itu bukan makanan dan tidak dapat diserap oleh badan. Ingat! Berkualiti bukan bermakna mahal. Ada yang mahal tapi tak berkualiti.
Antara supplemen yang dapat membantu adalah:
Potassium, Kalsium, Magnesium, CoQ10, Vitamin C-B5-B6-E, Lecithin, Selenium, Beta Glucan, L-Arginine, Fish Oil (Omega 3).
Juga boleh mengamalkan minum 2 sudu sehari Apple Cider Vinegar yang dicampur air segelas... untuk enak tambahkan sedikit madu lebah asli.
Selain daripada itu cubalah bentuk pengubatan lain seperti Acupunture, urutan, ayurveda dan ubatan herba tradisional seperti ginseng, aloe vera, green tea atau oolong tea.

Cara cara untuk mengurangkan Darah Tinggi

2007-09-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

KURANGKAN BERAT BADAN
Kalau anda termasuk dalam kategori gemuk atau terlebih berat, cuba kurangkan berat badan. Check BMI. Kalau BMI anda antar 18.5 hingga 24.9, dikira normal. Tapi kalau antara25 hingga 29 , itu dah terlebih berat. Dan kalau dah 30 lebih, gemuk lah tu..
Kurangkan berat badan melalui exercise dan makan makanan sihat dan berserat seperti buah dan sayur..

BANYAKKAN SENAMAN

Senaman 30 sehari dapat menurunkan 10 poin tahap tekanan darah anda.Buatlah apaapa yang memudahkan anda seperti jogging, berenang, berbasikal, gym atau apa saja.

Diabetes Drugs 'Post Heart Risk'

2007-07-28T03:44:00.000-07:00

Rosiglitazone
The drugs may cause fluid retention, leading to heart problems
Two drugs commonly prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes double the risk of heart failure, a study of data on more than 78,000 patients suggests.

More than 1.5 million prescriptions for rosiglitazone and pioglitazone were issued in England alone last year.

The researchers, led by the University of East Anglia, suggest fluid retention caused by the drugs may be to blame.

Writing in the journal Diabetes Care, they call for a rethink on the drugs by the regulatory authorities.

There doesn't seem to be a group of patients who are safe from these side-effects
Dr Yoon Loke
University of East Anglia

Patients are advised not to stop taking the drugs, but to consult their GP if they have concerns.

Prescriptions for the drugs, known as thiazolidinediones, have doubled over the last three years.

Rosiglitazone, brand name Avandia, was linked to heart attacks by research published earlier this year.

The latest analysis of data estimates that one in every 50 people taking the drugs over a 26-month period will require hospital admission because of heart failure.

Lead researcher Dr Yoon Loke said: "This means that the diabetes drugs could have caused thousands of additional cases of heart failure, creating a substantial burden on hard-pressed NHS services."

The researchers also looked in detail at more than 200 cases of patients with heart failure related to the diabetes drugs and found that the problem developed even in patients taking low doses of the drugs.

While heart failure is often thought to be a problem affecting older patients, the researchers also found that one quarter of cases occurred in people younger than 60.

General risk

The manufacturers' information leaflets say that rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, brand name Actos, should not be used in patients known to have heart failure, but this research indicates that the drugs can provoke the problem even in those without a history of heart disease.

HEART FAILURE
Occurs when the heart muscle is too weak to pump as efficiently as it should
Typical symptoms include breathlessness, swollen ankles and feet, and extreme tiredness
People with heart failure are more prone to potentially dangerous conditions such as: abnormal heart rhythms, stroke and heart attack

Dr Loke said: "Most patients in the studies did not have heart failure prior to starting on treatment with these drugs.

"There doesn't seem to be a group of patients who are safe from these side-effects."

Matt Hunt, of the charity Diabetes UK, said the drugs were recommended by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a safe and effective treatment for type 2 diabetes.

He said: "Obviously new evidence should be considered by the MHRA on an ongoing basis.

"Both the MHRA and the European Medicines Agency say that people should not stop taking glitazones and if concerned they should consult their doctor."

Both the EMEA and the MHRA said their experts were currently performing a re-evaluation of the benefits and risks of both rosiglitazone and pioglitazone in view of the concerns on cardiovascular safety.

This re-evaluation is intended to be finished later this year.

A spokesman from the drugs' guidance watchdog NICE said: "If the EMEA decides on the basis of this new research that the risks posed by these two glitazones outweigh their benefits, they will issue updated prescribing advice to healthcare professionals.

"This will take precedence over the existing NICE guidance."

Drug company GlaxoSmithKline, which makes Avandia (rosiglitazone), said: "The risk of heart failure in diabetes patients and with use of these medicines is well recognised and is clearly identified in prescribing information to doctors in the UK."

Be Aware Of your Blood pressure

2007-05-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts; diastolic pressure occurs when the heart expands. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Hypertension is the diagnosis given when readings consistently rise above normal.

Hypertension is the most under treated cardiovascular condition in the U.S., affecting roughly 20% of the population - over 50 Million people. It can lead to heart disease, strokes and other serious conditions. Yet according to recent studies, only 27% of those with hypertension are adequately controlled, leaving 37 Million people at risk. Referred to as the "silent killer" because it often has no symptoms, it can be treated if diagnosed early.

The benefits of monitoring your blood pressure at home.

If you're trying to lower your blood pressure by dieting or medication, you may be encouraged by frequent evidence that you're succeeding. Some medications require monitoring to minimize side effects. Also, taking blood pressure at home helps distinguish patients who genuinely have high blood pressure from those who have "white coat" hypertension, that is, the artificial heightening of a patient's blood pressure while he or she is in the unfamiliar environment of a doctor's office or hospital. If white-coat hypertension is suspected, home monitoring is especially important in order to avoid unnecessary drug treatments.

What's it all about?
When a blood-pressure cuff is placed around a patient's arm and inflated, circulation in the artery is temporarily blocked. Then, air is let out of the cuff and the sounds of rushing blood inside the artery are monitored with a stethoscope. When the first sound is heard, the blood pressure gauge is checked for the systolic, or top, number. This is the pumping pressure. When the sounds disappear, there's the diastolic pressure, or lower number. This is the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats. Both numbers are important. The higher the number, the harder it is for the blood to flow. A reading above 140/90 indicates hypertension or high blood pressure. It is a sign the heart is working too hard to get blood through the circulatory system because of narrow and/or inflexible arteries.

The standards in this table are for assessing high blood pressure (without regard to age) and have been established by the National Institutes of Health JNCVI

Category Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg)
Optimal <120 <80
Normal <130 <85
High Normal 130 - 139 85 - 89
Hypertension
Stage 1 140 - 159 90 - 99
Stage 2
160 - 179 100 - 109
Stage 3 > 180 > 110

Home Management
The good news, experts say, is you can take control of your life where your blood pressure is concerned. There are several lifestyle check points to keep in mind: not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, limiting salt intake, and minimizing your alcohol consumption. Keeping the stress down in your life will work wonders in keeping your blood pressure under control. Relaxation exercises, meditation, and stress management tapes play a helpful role in anyone's life.

Across the world, caring organizations are dedicating specific days of the year to the importance of Blood Pressure Awareness. Throughout Europe, a campaign is in force to raise public awareness about blood pressure. Since 1984, May has been proclaimed as National Blood Pressure Awareness Month in the United States. The official motto of the blood pressure awareness initiative is "know your numbers".

More than 1 out of every 10 Americans has high blood pressure. Many of those who have high blood pressure do not know it. This is a uniquely silent disease. There are no symptoms until it is too late; the catastrophe of a heart attack or stroke is all too often the first indication of a problem.

Because high blood pressure is silent and can be treated effectively, early detection (home management) is important. Hypertension is unique in this regard. However, don't be panicked by any one reading. Because your blood pressure varies up and down, you will need to have several readings of the first reading is elevated. At least one-third of the people whose first reading is high will be found to have normal readings on subsequent checks.

The blood pressure reading has two numbers. The higher one is the systolic pressure and the lower is diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is considered to be high if the higher number exceeds 140 or the lower number exceeds 90. Traditionally, "normal" is said to be 120 over 80, but this has been overemphasized. Generally, the lower the blood pressure, the better. Low readings are usually found in youngsters and in older people who are in excellent physical condition.

The most important thing to realize is that you must manage this problem yourself. It will be up to you to control your weight, your exercise, your salt intake, and to take your medicines. It should be up to you to take your own blood pressure. Your doctor should be your trusted advisor but cannot assume your responsibility. No matter how much the doctor would like to take care of this for you, he or she cannot. If you are going to manage this problem, you need the blood pressure readings so that you can report changes or difficulties to the doctor. You are in control, and good doctors will emphasize this point.

Blood pressure readings tell pretty much the whole story. Accurately measuring blood pressure at home over a full day is a significantly better predictor of cardiovascular risk than standard office-based measurements. In general, everyone's blood pressure varies in the same way throughout a given day. It is usually highest at work and then drops slightly at home.

Blood pressure falls to its lowest level during sleep but suddenly increases at waking, the highest risk period for heart attack and stroke in those with severe high blood pressure. Devices that use a digital readout and a cuff that can be electronically inflated and deflated are proving to be as accurate as a stethoscope. Studies indicate that home blood pressure monitoring has been shown to improve blood pressure control and thereby reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Make exercise, weight control, and diet a part of your program. It is true that you can have high blood pressure even though you are slim and exercising regularly. But it is also true that being overweight and out of shape increases the risk of high blood pressure.

Most important, recent studies have confirmed that people with high blood pressure who are overweight and not exercising can lower their blood pressure by losing weight and exercising regularly. Many can control their blood pressure entirely without the use of drugs. Most others can reduce the amount of medication that they require. That means less expense and fewer risks and side effects.

Aerobic exercise conditions the cardiovascular system so that blood pressure is reduced. Too high a weight means too high a blood pressure, and reducing your weight is a reliable method for reducing blood pressure. Exercise and diet are, of course, the keys to weight control. Decreasing the salt, fat, and cholesterol in your diet and increasing the potassium and calcium in your diet helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.

How to Maintain a Healthy Heart
One of the keys to a healthy heart is to maintain a normal or optimal level of blood pressure. Healthcare professionals recommend a few basic proactive steps:

1. Maintain a low-fat healthy diet with fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods.
2. Prepare and eat foods with less salt to reduce your salt intake.
3. Maintain optimal weight in relation to your height and age.
4. Stay physically active daily.
5. Drink caffeinated and alcoholic beverages in moderation.
6. Do not smoke.
7. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.

A sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure in millimeters of mercury. The normal blood pressure readings in young people are about 120 mm for systolic pressure and about 80 mm for diastolic pressure, commonly written as 120/80 and read as one-twenty over eighty. With age, and the constriction of the small arteries and then the large ones, blood pressure increases, so that at 50 years, normal individuals have a systolic pressure between 140 and 150, and a diastolic pressure of about 90.

Factors other than heart action and the condition of the arteries also influence blood pressure. Temporary high blood pressure usually occurs during or following physical activity, nervous strain, and periods of rage or fear. Therapy for persistent high blood pressure, sometimes called hypertension, consists of sufficient rest, a diet low in salt and alcohol, reduction in weight where there is obesity, and increased exercise.

What is High Blood Pressure/Hypertension?

Hypertension or high blood pressure results from an increase in the amount of blood pumped by the heart or from increased resistance to the flow of blood through the small arterial blood vessels (arteries). Hypertension is generally defined as a blood pressure reading greater than 140 over 90. When the cause is unknown, the condition is called primary, or essential, hypertension. When a known cause can be identified (e.g., a disorder of the adrenal glands, kidneys, or arteries), the condition is know as secondary hypertension. Factors such as heredity, obesity, smoking, and emotional stress are thought to play a role.

Research has found that diet affects the development of high blood pressure, or hypertension (the medical term). Recently, two studies showed that blood pressure can be lowered by following a particular eating plan—called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan—and reducing the amount of sodium consumed. While each step alone lowers blood pressure, the combination of the eating plan and a reduced sodium intake gives the biggest benefit and may help prevent the development of high blood pressure. This fact sheet, based on the DASH research findings, tells about high blood pressure, and how to follow the DASH eating plan and reduce the amount of sodium you consume. It offers tips on how to start and stay on the eating plan, as well as a week of menus and some recipes. The menus and recipes are given for two levels of daily sodium consumption—2,400 milligrams (the upper limit of current recommendations by the Federal Government’s National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) and the amount used to figure food labels’ Nutrition Facts Daily Value) and 1,500 milligrams. Those with high blood pressure may especially benefit from following the eating plan and reducing their sodium intake. But the combination is a heart healthy recipe that all adults can follow.

Fruits and Juices
Increase consumption of juices, fruits (especially bananas) and whole grain based cereals to counteract high levels of potassium found in other foods and in your body.
Monounsaturated Fats
Increase consumption of products with monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, in your diet can greatly diminish your risk of high blood pressure and may even eliminate the need to take medication to control the situation.
Potassium Intake
Decrease potassium intake to 2,400 milligrams or less on a daily basis.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids that are commonly found in cold-water fish. These acids are proven to reduce high-blood pressure as well as lower your cholesterol.
Whole Oats
Increase consumption of whole oats help to help control your high blood pressure. Additionally, they also have positive affects on cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Vitamin C
Increase consumption of products containing Vitamin C to battle high blood pressure. This may mean a daily vitamin supplement or be part of an increased consumption of fruits, such as oranges.

Understanding why high blood pressure is a problem

Generally, normotension (normal blood pressure) is defined as less than 130mmHg for systolic value (SBP) and less than 85mmHg for diastolic value (DBP). The higher the blood pressure, the more load on the blood vessels, and this can damage the vessels.
In the worst case, blood vessel walls can develop holes causing internal bleeding.
When this happens in the brain, it is called a stroke.
In addition, high blood pressure increases the myocardial workload so that the heart must work harder to maintain adequate blood flow to the body.
This causes ischemic heart disease (IHD) such as a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and angina. People with hypertension have the increased risk of suffering from of having a stroke.
Conversely, It is also known that those with normal blood pressure have a lesser risk of ischemic heart disease (myocardial infarction and angina) and stroke.
Thus, it can be concluded that keeping blood pressure within a normal range to prevent these occurrences is of the utmost importance.

Hypertension Symptoms & Signs

Usually, no symptoms are present. Occasionally, you may experience a mild headache. If your headache is severe, or if you experience any of the symptoms below, you must be seen by a doctor right away. These may be a sign of dangerously high blood pressure (called malignant hypertension) or a complication from high blood pressure.

* tiredness
* confusion
* vision changes
* angina-like chest pain (crushing chest pain)
* heart failure
* blood in urine
* nosebleed
* irregular heartbeat
* ear noise or buzzing

Hormones can raise breast cancer risk

2007-04-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Research on two continents signaled more bad news for menopause hormones, offering the strongest evidence yet that they can raise the risk of breast cancer and are tied to a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer.

New U.S. government numbers showed that breast cancer rates leveled off in 2004 after plunging in 2003 — the year after millions of women stopped taking hormones because a big study tied them to higher heart, stroke and breast cancer risks. Experts said the leveling off shows that the 2003 drop in the cancer rate was real and not a fluke.

From 2001 to 2004, breast cancer rates fell almost 9 percent — a dramatic decline, researchers report in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine. The trend was even stronger for the most common form of the disease — tumors whose growth is fueled by hormones. Those rates fell almost 15 percent among women ages 50 to 69, the group most likely to have been on hormone pills.

At the same time, a study of nearly 1 million women in the United Kingdom showed that those who took hormones after menopause were 20 percent more likely to develop ovarian cancer or die from it than women who never took the pills. That study was published online by the London-based journal The Lancet.

For consumers, the new research doesn't change the advice to use the lowest dose for the shortest time possible for hot flashes and other menopause symptoms that can't otherwise be controlled.

For cautious scientists, the new breast cancer numbers were more evidence of the hormone-breast cancer link.

"The story has gotten stronger," said Dr. Peter Ravdin, a biostatistician at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston who led the research.

Some were skeptical several months ago when Ravdin and National Cancer Institute researchers first reported the 2003 drop in the breast cancer rate. The new numbers, which add 2004, prove this was no fluke, said Dr. Julie Gralow, a spokeswoman for the American Society of Clinical Oncology and cancer expert at the University of Washington in Seattle.

"Because it didn't bump back up again," it supports the idea that the rate has stabilized at a new lower level, said Gralow, who had no role in the study.

Brenda Edwards, one of the journal authors who is a National Cancer Institute researcher, agreed. "Now we have a statistically significant decline" over three years and clear proof of a trend, she said.

Although some recent analyses suggest heart risks from menopause hormones are not as great as had been believed for younger, newly menopausal women, the statistics out this week add to the worries about cancer.

After rising steadily through the 1990s, the breast cancer rate dipped from 2001 to 2002, from 138 cases to 135 cases per 100,000 women. After the federal Women's Health Initiative study reported in July 2002 on the health risks of hormones, use of the pills plunged.

So did the breast cancer rate the following year — to 126 cases per 100,000 women. It was the steepest fall since the government started keeping records in the 1970s.

The drop was seen in all of the cancer statistics registries reviewed in the study, and no other cancer rate changed as dramatically — strong signs that hormones were playing a role, specialists said.

The 2004 rate held steady at about 126 cases per 100,000.

Stopping hormone use may have stopped some cancers from growing and caused them to disappear, scientists speculate. Or it may have just slowed them down so that they won't appear until years later, said Ahmedin Jemal, an American Cancer Society researcher. Only time will tell which is true, he said.

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, which makes top-selling hormone pills Prempro and Premarin, criticized the study as overly speculative. Company spokesman Dr. Joseph Camardo said hormone prescriptions continued to fall in 2004 but breast cancer rates did not decline proportionately.

Ravdin said the company's criticism does not invalidate the cancer trends.

Breast cancer is the most common major cancer in American women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. About 180,000 new cases are expected to occur in the United States this year and more than 1 million worldwide.

Ovarian cancer is far less common. The British study found that even with the 20 percent greater risk from hormones, the actual risk was very low: 2.6 of every 1,000 hormone users developed ovarian cancer over five years compared to 2.2 in 1,000 non-hormone users.

Still, that means about 1,000 extra ovarian cancer deaths from 1991 through 2005, said study leaders at the Cancer Research UK Epidemiology Unit in Oxford.

Hormone use has declined already, and the new report should cause it to fall further, Dr. Steven Narod of the University of Toronto wrote in an editorial accompanying the study in The Lancet.

"We hope that the number of women dying of ovarian cancer will decline as well," he wrote.

Camardo, Wyeth's spokesman, said hormone labels already warn about an elevated risk of ovarian cancer. -- MZ

2007-02-22T03:33:00.000-08:00

Benefits of Drinking Water for Healthy Living

Some health experts recommend eight glasses of water each day for healthy living, healthy bodies, weight loss and more; some even claim that the human body uses two or more liters of water each day. There are many myths and half truths about water; many of which have become so popular in belief that science that disproves these common misconceptions are ignored by the public at large. The eight glasses a day standard may not have any real medical footing; many doctors and nutritionist do not know where the magic number of eight stems from as the body only actually looses (on average) about one liter of water each day; most of this lost water is replaced by the food that each person eats every day. In extreme conditions of course people do need more water; but for the average person the benefit of drinking water more frequently is not causing any real change in their bodies, short of the more freque nt trips to the restroom.

Caffeine and Hydration

Some of these myths surround caffeine consumption, it is a very popular belief that caffeine actually dehydrates the body especially heavier caffeinated ones such as coffee. Some science has actually proven that drinks such as coffee, teas, and sodas do not dehydrate the body, but have the same hydrating effects as water. In addition a drink like tea can be particularly beneficial as it has healthy antioxidants that lend to overall heath and wellness. Coffee and sodas don't have the same antioxidant benefits, but they do still hydrate as well as water for regular consumers, for people who are occasional drinkers still find a net gain of water even after the small amount of initial fluid is lost.

Water and Weight Loss

There are also myths surrounding weight loss as a benefit of drinking water; that it will in fact curb the appetite and can help people to eat less. Studies have found however that this is not always true, in fact the only way it has been conclusively shown to be true is in the form of soup; in a study 2 groups of women were given the same dinner calorie wise, one meal on a plate the other made into a soup, the group of women who ate soup did actually consume less overall calories.

Healthy Benefits of Drinking Water

Drinking extra water for heath is another common area of debate, while it is agreed that for some people there is in fact a larger benefit to drinking water than others; elderly people in general, women who are pregnant or nursing, athletes, people which work in extreme conditions, and the like can benefit from drinking water in larger quantities. Some people however can actually be harmed by drinking too much water; diabetes is one example, and diabetics should consult a doctor about how much water is appropriate for them. More conditions may be aggravated by drinking too much water, there are also benefits from drinking water; kidney, liver, and bladder problems are all good examples as drinking lots of water will often "flush" these organs out helping them to heal faster.

Most doctors agree overall that drinking should be dictated by thirst first and foremost; a person normally receives the "thirsty" trigger from the brain when the body loses one to two percent of its overall moisture. This has not shown to be harmful, however excessive dehydration can cause memory loss, confusion, headaches, and so forth as it affects the moisture levels in the brain. In short, water is not necessarily the medial cure all popular belief has led the majority to believe and caffeine habits are not necessarily contributing to any dehydration in most people. The benefits of drinking water are there, but the bottle is not necessarily bottled youth, beauty, or health.

Olive oil May Hinder Cancer Process

2006-12-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

People who use plenty of olive oil in their diets may be helping to prevent damage to body cells that can eventually lead to cancer, new research suggests. ADVERTISEMENT

In a study of 182 European men, researchers found evidence that olive oil can reduce oxidative damage to cells' genetic material, a process that can initiate cancer development.

They say the findings may help explain why rates of several cancers are higher in Northern Europe than in Southern Europe, where olive oil is a dietary staple.

They also support advice to replace saturated fats from foods like meat and butter with vegetable fats, particularly olive oil, said study co-author Dr. Henrik E. Poulsen, of Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark.

He and his colleagues report the findings in The FASEB Journal, a publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

The study included healthy men between the ages of 20 and 60 from five European countries. For two weeks, the men consumed a quarter cup of olive oil throughout each day. At the end of the study, they showed an average 13 percent reduction in a substance called 8oxodG, which is a marker of oxidative damage to cells' DNA.

Such damage occurs when byproducts of metabolism called reactive oxygen species overwhelm the body's antioxidant defenses. Olive oil contains a number of compounds, called phenols, believed to act as powerful antioxidants.

However, those compounds didn't seem to account for the drop in DNA oxidative damage, according to Poulsen's team. The men in the study used three different olive oils with varying levels of antioxidant phenols, and oxidative damage declined regardless of the phenol content.

Instead, the researchers suspect that the monounsaturated fats in olive oil are behind the effect.

The findings, they say, suggest that olive oil may be part of the reason that certain cancers, including breast, colon, ovarian and prostate cancers, are less common in Mediterranean countries than in Northern Europe.

At the beginning of the study, men from Northern Europe had higher levels of 8oxodG than those from Southern Europe. This is consistent, according to Poulsen's team, with the expected effects of the olive-oil-rich "Mediterranean diet."

However, Poulsen told Reuters Health, the diet is more than just olive oil. Ideally, it's also rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish.

Moreover, regardless of its benefits, he added, olive oil is no substitute for calorie control and regular exercise.

Diabetes hits children

2006-12-21T18:01:00.000-08:00

Diabetes is striking growing numbers of children around the world as parents and doctors fail to diagnose a disease which until recently was associated mostly with middle-aged and elderly people, experts said on Tuesday.

"Diabetes has become a chronic and common disease among children ... and often these children die," Francine Kaufman, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California medical school, told a news conference at the World Diabetes Congress in Cape Town.

New data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) showed the two most common types of diabetes - type 1, which usually strikes young people, and type 2, which has been called "adult onset" diabetes and was once unknown in children - are rising at an alarming rate.

An estimated 70,000 children under the age of 15 develop type 1 diabetes every year, while type 2 is also affecting children as young as eight in both developing and developed countries.

Japan saw the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among junior high school students almost double to 14 percent between 1980 and 1995, making it more common in children than type 1, while in some parts of the United States type 2 diabetes accounts for up to 45 percent of newly-diagnosed cases, the data said.

The growing threat of childhood diabetes is part of a wider diabetes epidemic which experts say could affect close to 400 million people worldwide by 2025.

The IDF has declared 2007 "The Year of the Child" in an effort to educate parents and pediatricians on the risks young people face.

Kaufman said doctors were still trying to understand the rapid spread of diabetes in children, but that poor eating habits and lack of exercise - once the prerogative of older people in rich countries but now almost a global phenomenon - were largely to blame.

"The childhood obesity epidemic is really driving diabetes in children," she said.

CHILDHOOD DANGER

Diabetes of both types is particularly dangerous for children and a missed diagnosis can prove fatal.

"The young tend to run into problems quickly," said Henk-Jan Aanstoot, a pediatric diabetes specialist from Rotterdam who is helping to coordinate the IDF's childhood diabetes campaign.

While type 1 can be managed with regular insulin injections, failure to start treatment can leave children at risk of rapid dehydration that can end in a deadly swelling of the brain.

Young people with untreated type 2 diabetes are also at risk for deadly complications, ranging from heart attacks to coma.

Both types of diabetes increase the likelihood of kidney and heart problems, blindness and nerve disease which can require the amputation of feet and lower legs.

Aanstoot said the biggest problem of childhood diabetes was the failure of parents and doctors to catch it, with symptoms such as excessive thirst and extreme tiredness often being overlooked or misattributed.

While young people who are not properly diagnosed can end up facing a lifetime of insulin injections and expensive drug treatments, early detection of diabetes or other blood sugar problems can result in effective interventions to slow the progress of the disease. "The test is just a finger prick away, and can prevent a lot of problems," he said. --

Who Needs Aspirin

2006-11-30T07:44:00.000-08:00

Health Tip: Who Needs Aspirin?

Aspirin is often recommended by cardiologists for its blood-thinning properties, but the medication can lead to complications, including stomach problems.

The Cleveland Clinic says you should always check with your doctor before starting a daily aspirin regimen.

In general, the clinic says, people at risk for the following conditions may benefit from aspirin therapy:

* Heart attack.
* Blood clots or stroke caused by blood clots.
* Unstable angina.
* Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or "mini-strokes."

Salur darah tersumbat

2006-11-16T16:18:00.000-08:00

JIKA anda sudah bertahun-tahun menghidap kencing manis serta selalu ‘terlupa dan terleka’ mengawal paras gula dalam darah, berhati-hatilah kerana anda mempunyai risiko tinggi untuk menjadi buta.

Benarkah kencing manis boleh menyebabkan buta? Benar. Ia penyebab utama kebutaan di negara ini. Kajian Mata Kebangsaan pada 1996 mendapati, antara penyebab utama masalah kehilangan penglihatan ialah katarak dan penyakit retina.

Kencing manis boleh mengakibatkan kebutaan dengan merosakkan salur darah dalam retina (saraf di belakang mata). Kemungkinan menjadi buta akibat kencing manis adalah 25 kali lebih tinggi berbanding individu sihat.

Pandangan akan terganggu jika pembuluh darah pada retina tersumbat atau berlaku kebocoran yang menyebabkan pendarahan dan pembengkakan pada retina.

Penyumbatan salur darah ini akhirnya boleh menyebabkan pertumbuhan salur darah baru yang tidak normal dalam mata pesakit.

Salur darah ini juga sangat lemah dan boleh pecah bila-bila masa. Apabila salur darah pecah, ia mengeluarkan darah dan lemak di dalam mata. Kehadiran darah dan lemak ini membuatkan pandangan pesakit kencing manis menjadi kabur.

Malah, mereka juga nampak seolah-olah ada tompok hitam pada objek yang dipandang. Jika tidak dirawat segera, gejala ini boleh menyebabkan kebutaan.

Kira-kira 39 peratus daripada 18,000 penduduk yang mengalami masalah katarak menjadi buta, manakala 24 peratus lagi hilang penglihatan akibat penyakit retina (juga dipanggil retinopati diabetis) yang disebabkan kencing manis tidak terkawal.

Ini adalah masalah yang membimbangkan kerana jumlah pesakit kencing manis bertambah setiap tahun. Laporan Pertubuhan Kesihatan Sedunia (WHO) pada 2000 menyatakan, 2.8 peratus penduduk dunia atau 135 juta orang menghidap kencing manis.

Keadaan sama berlaku di negara kita. Kajian Kesihatan dan Morbiditi Kebangsaan 1996 menunjukkan, 8.3 peratus penduduk Malaysia menghidap kencing manis dan 49 peratus (lebih separuh) mempunyai kawalan kandungan gula dalam darah yang tidak baik. Ini bermakna satu daripada dua pesakit kencing manis tidak mengawal pemakanan mereka.

Menurut Perunding Kanan Oftalmologi, Fakulti Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Profesor Muhaya Mohamad, penyelidikan yang dijalankan di beberapa hospital mendapati ramai pesakit kencing manis mempunyai masalah retinopati diabetis iaitu 49 peratus di Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM), 49 peratus di Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) dan 52 peratus di Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya (PPUM).

“Lebih membimbangkan, keputusan kajian di Hospital Muar pada 2003 menunjukkan, retinopati diabetis berlaku pada 72 peratus pesakit kencing dan 41 peratus daripadanya ada masalah mata yang menyebabkan buta.

“Ini menunjukkan lebih separuh pesakit kencing manis yang dirujukkan ke hospital kurang memberi perhatian terhadap kawalan pemakanan, walaupun tahu risiko akibat berlebihan gula dalam darah,” katanya sempena sambutan Hari Penglihatan Sedunia 12 Oktober lalu anjuran bersama Persatuan Oftalmologi Malaysia, Tabung Mata Yayasan Persatuan Perubatan Malaysia, PETRONITA dan Petronas.

Sempena hari itu juga, beliau menghasilkan poskad mengenai bahaya kebutaan kepada pesakit kencing manis. Ia akan diedarkan kepada semua stesen minyak Petronas di Semenanjung mulai 17 Oktober ini.

Tidak kira sama ada pesakit kencing manis lelaki atau perempuan, kedua-duanya mempunyai risiko sama untuk buta jika paras gula dalam darah tidak dikawal.

Katanya, setiap pesakit kencing manis berdepan risiko mengalami masalah retina. Penyelidikan menunjukkan selepas lima tahun, hampir 50 peratus pesakit kencing manis mempunyai masalah retinopati diabetis. Semua ini disebabkan kebanyakan penduduk di negara kini, khususnya penghidap kencing manis, jarang atau tidak pernah menjalani pemeriksaan mata.

Apa pentingnya jalani pemeriksaan mata?

Kencing manis adalah penyebab kebutaan di kalangan pesakit berumur antara 20 hingga 70 tahun dan ia sebenarnya boleh dicegah. Pemeriksaan mata sangat penting, terutama pada yang masih dalam peringkat umur produktif.

Setiap tahun hampir 10,000 penduduk Amerika Syarikat buta akibat kencing manis. Di Malaysia, kebanyakan pesakit kencing manis yang mendapatkan rawatan di klinik mata dikesan mempunyai retinopati diabetis kerana lewat dirujuk.

Jika tidak dirawat dan mengawal paras gula dalam darah, mereka boleh menjadi buta. Di kalangan pesakit kencing manis kanak-kanak (diabetis Jenis 1) ketika penyakit mereka mula dikenal pasti, sebanyak 10 peratus sudah mempunyai masalah retina.

Selepas 10 tahun menghidap kencing manis, hampir 43 peratus pesakit kanak-kanak ada penyakit retina. Biasanya penyakit retina akan muncul selepas lima tahun menghidap kencing manis.

Pesakit kencing manis yang mengalami mendapat sakit mata dinasihatkan segera menjalani pemeriksaan kesihatan. Ini kerana apabila ada kerosakan mata, mereka juga berkemungkinan menghadapi masalah kerosakan saraf. Pada masa sama, mereka perlu jalani ujian air kencing bagi mengesan kehadiran protein yang menunjukkan ada masalah buah pinggang.

Rawatan

Perkara paling utama ialah pencegahan. Sehingga kini tiada ubat boleh mencegah masalah retinopati diabetis. Malah, rawatan terbaik ialah sentiasa mengawal paras gula dalam darah supaya sentiasa dalam lingkungan 6 mmol/liter (ketika berpuasa) dan tidak melebihi 7.5 mmol/liter selepas makan.

Bagi yang ada masalah retinopati diabetis, pesakit boleh menjalani rawatan laser. Usah bimbang dengan perkataan laser. Ia adalah rawatan cahaya, tidak menyakitkan, mata tidak perlu dibedah dan pesakit dirawat sebagai pesakit luar.

Rawatan laser ini hanya mengambil masa antara 10 hingga 30 minit. Ia sesuai bagi pesakit yang mengalami masalah kebocoran lemak di tengah mata atau pendarahan. Ia juga boleh mencegah kerosakan berterusan dan pesakit biasanya dibenarkan balik ke rumah pada hari sama.

“Penyakit retina hanya boleh dikesan pakar mata dan kini terdapat teknik mudah untuk mengesan retinopati diabetis melalui kamera khas. Sehingga kini Kementerian Kesihatan menyediakan 23 kamera yang ditempatkan di hospital utama dan klinik di seluruh negara.

“Sebaik disahkan menghidap kencing manis, pesakit perlu minta doktor menyediakan surat rujukan untuk mereka mendapatkan perkhidmatan pengambilan gambar retina. Perkhidmatan ini ada di semua hospital besar,” katanya.

Gunakan peluang ini untuk menambah pengetahuan mengenai penjagaan mata, khususnya di kalangan pesakit kencing manis.

Perangsang kebutaan

MENURUT Dr Muhaya, beberapa faktor boleh mempercepatkan proses kebutaan iaitu apabila pesakit turut mengalami masalah:

# Paras gula dalam darah tidak terkawal (paras gula perlu dikekalkan ialah 6 mmol/liter ketika puasa dan tidak melebihi 7.5 mmol/liter selepas makan).

# Tekanan darah tinggi (melebihi 130/80 mmHg).

# Paras kolesterol tinggi (melebihi 5.2 mmol/liter).

# Merokok.

# Mengandung.

Bagi kes wanita yang ada kencing manis dan mengandung, risiko mereka lebih tinggi.

Mereka disaran menjalani pemeriksaan mata sejak awal sebaik disahkan mengandung dan setiap kali pemeriksaan kehamilan.

“Wanita yang hanya mendapat kencing manis ketika mengandung juga perlu menjalani pemeriksaan mata secara berterusan sepanjang kehamilan. Ketika mengandung, paras hormon akan berubah.

“Perubahan paras hormon ini menyebabkan masalah retina berlaku lebih cepat. Mereka juga perlu terus diperiksa dan mengawal paras gula dalam darah sehingga enam bulan selepas bersalin,” katanya.

Penjagaan untuk lelaki sebenarnya lebih mudah kerana mereka tidak mengandung. Yang penting, pesakit kencing manis yang merokok mesti berhenti merokok secepat mungkin.

Pesakit kencing manis juga berdepan masalah lain iaitu katarak dan glaukoma. Mereka juga biasanya lebih cepat mengalami katarak berbanding individu sihat.

Pun begitu, bukan semua pesakit kencing manis akan menghadapi penyakit retina kerana ia boleh dielakkan dengan menjaga pemakanan dan mengawal paras gula dalam darah sepanjang masa.

Najis campur darah petanda awal

2006-11-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

RAMAI antara kita pernah mengalami masalah pendarahan apabila buang air besar. Gejala najis bercampur berdarah ini sebenarnya petanda penting yang menunjukkan badan kita ada masalah kesihatan yang perlu mendapat rawatan segera.

Pendarahan ketika buang air besar dikategorikan sebagai masalah biasa yang berlaku dalam masyarakat kita terutama di kalangan golongan muda pada peringkat umur produktif iaitu antara 20 hingga 30 tahun.

Masalah ini lebih kerap berlaku pada individu yang terlalu banyak mengambil karbohidrat yang diproses, daging dan kurang makan sayur-sayuran serta buah-buahan. Karbohidrat yang diproses bermakna sumber karbohidrat dibersihkan daripada kekasaran luaran melalui kaedah penulenan.

Dalam proses ini, hampir semua vitamin, galian serta serat turut terbuang dan yang tinggal hanya kalori. Untuk menjadikan ia berkhasiat, sesetengah produk diperkayakan dengan memasukkan semula zat yang terbuang tadi. Antara contoh karbohidrat proses ialah roti putih, gula atau bahanyang dibuat daripada tepung.

Inilah sebabnya bagi individu yang mengamalkan pemakanan kaya karbohidrat proses lebih kerap mengalami masalah sistem perkumuhan terutama jika mereka juga kurang mendapat bekalan serat, air dan jarang bersenam.

Ada banyak punca yang boleh menyebabkan pendarahan ketika buang air besar. Punca yang paling lazim ialah buasir dan kanser usus selain rekahan pada kulit saluran dubur (masalah biasa dan menyakitkan, disebabkan sembelit atau mengeluarkan najis secara paksa), polip pada rektum dan usus besar serta ulser.

Masalah ini juga dipanggil pendarahan rektum (bahagian akhir usus besar) kerana rektum terletak betul-betul di atas lubang dubur. Kebanyakan pendarahan rektum pada usus besar, hujung usus besar atau dubur. Usus besar ialah sebahagian daripada saluran gastrointestin; iaitu laluan makanan selepas ia dicerna dalam usus kecil.

Usus besar bertanggungjawab menyingkirkan air daripada makanan yang tidak tercerna dan menyimpannya sehinggalah ia dibuang sebagai najis. Rektum pula adalah bahagian terakhir usus besar (15 sentimeter dari dubur). Manakala esofagus, perut, duodenum dan usus kecil dipanggil saluran gastrointestin atas.

Menurut Perunding Pembedahan Gastroenterologi, Dr Abdul Hamid Mat Sain, walaupun ramai yang menganggap ia agak memalukan tetapi gejala berbahaya tidak boleh dipandang ringan dan perlu diberikan perhatian segera bagi mengesan punca sebenar menyebabkan pendarahan.

Sikap tunggu dan lihat sebenarnya boleh menyebabkan masalah ini bertambah berat kerana ramai yang menganggap ia bukanlah perkara membimbangkan apabila pendarahan berhenti selepas beberapa ketika tanpa mendapatkan sebarang rawatan.

“Warna darah juga sebenarnya berbeza dan secara umum warna ia boleh memberikan gambaran kasar kepada punca, penyakit dan lokasi pendarahan. Jika warna darah yang keluar bersama najis itu merah cerah bermakna penyakit berada dekat dengan kawasan dubur (di bahagian usus yang hampir dengan kulit). Ia mungkin disebabkan masalah pada saluran menyebabkan salur darah bengkak dan pecah seperti yang berlaku pada pesakit buasir.

“Jika warna darah merah gelap bermakna pendarahan berlaku pada bahagian usus yang lebih dalam. Penyakit pada umumnya lebih berbahaya seperti kanser usus. Ini adalah punca pendarahan rektum yang paling lazim,” katanya.

Warna najis yang hitam dan melekit seperti tar (dipanggil melena) pula menandakan ada pendarahan pada bahagian lebih atas (pangkal) usus, esofagus, perut atau duodenum (usus kecil). Melena atau najis tar ini terhasil apabila pendarahan berlaku terlalu lama dalam usus besar yang memberikan peluang bakteria bertindak dan menghuraikannya kepada bahan dipanggil hematin yang berwarna hitam dan berbau sangat busuk. Inilah sebabnya apabila berlaku pendarahan rektum kali pertama, pesakit perlu menjalani pemeriksaan segera.

Selain warna, kuantiti darah juga boleh menjadi petanda tahap penyakit atau masalah yang dialami seseorang. Biasanya pendarahan rektum sederhana dikategorikan apabila banyak darah keluar setiap kali buang air besar. Jika kuantiti ini lebih banyak, bermakna pendarahan sudah mencapai tahap serius.

Pendarahan rektum juga boleh menyebabkan pesakit berasa lesu, pening atau pitam khususnya bagi mereka yang mengalami pendarahan serius. Kadang kala pesakit juga boleh mengalami simptom tekanan darah rendah terutama apabila berdiri selepas lama duduk di tandas.

Masalahnya ramai antara kita tidak mendapat pemeriksaan awal secukupnya. Bahkan pesakit juga enggan diperiksa kerana malu sebaliknya hanya meminta ubat daripada doktor. Tindakan ini sebenarnya perlu diubah kerana tanpa pemeriksaan, masalah sebenar yang dihadapi tidak dapat diketahui.

Dr Abdul Hamid berkata, pemeriksaan saringan pertama paling minimum ialah ujian rektum digitar yang memerlukan doktor melihat dan memasukkan jari ke dalam dubur pesakit. Ujian ini tidak sakit dan hanya mengambil masa satu atau dua minit saja. Biasanya melalui pemeriksaan ini, doktor boleh memeriksa keadaan dinding usus, bengkak, buasir, kanser atau ketumbuhan yang tumbuh di hujung usus besar.

Jika pendarahan bukan disebabkan buasir, ini bermakna pendarahan berlaku di bahagian usus yang lebih dalam dan diagnosis seterusnya perlu dijalankan kerana 50 peratus kanser usus lazimnya berlaku pada 15 sentimeter ke dalam usus (dari dubur).

Pada peringkat awal, pesakit umumnya tidak dapat membezakan sama ada pendarahan itu disebabkan buasir atau kanser usus kerana ramai yang mengalami kedua-dua masalah serentak. Jika didapati ada ketumbuhan dalam rektum, doktor akan menjalankan biopsi dengan mengambil secebis tisu daripada ketumbuhan berkenaan untuk diperiksa.

“Pesakit perlu membuang rasa malu kerana ia menghalang proses rawatan. Paling penting, jika pendarahan itu disebabkan kanser, ia boleh dirawat awal. Jika tiada buasir atau kanser, ini bermakna pendarahan berlaku pada bahagian atas gastrointestin. Ia boleh dipastikan melalui ujian kolonoskopi untuk mengesahkannya.

“Gejala najis berdarah juga berlaku pada kanak-kanak tetapi ia biasanya disebabkan masalah sembelit dan bukannya kanser. Bagaimanapun bagi orang dewasa, jangan buat tidak endah pada gejala ini kerana ia petanda penting wujudnya masalah kesihatan,” katanya.

Ancaman kencing manis

2006-11-16T16:09:00.000-08:00

Pesakit mempunyai kebarangkalian tiga kali ganda mendapat penyakit kritikal disebabkan kegagalan organ

DALAM keluarga anda, termasuk saudara mara terdekat, berapa orang agaknya menghidap penyakit kencing manis? Seorang, dua atau lebih? Kini penyakit kencing manis menjadi seperti perkara biasa dan kita tidak terkejut apabila mengetahui ada rakan menghidap penyakit ini.

Berdasarkan Kajian Kesihatan dan Morbiditi Kebangsaan 1996, kira-kira 8.3 peratus penduduk Malaysia menghidap kencing manis. Selepas 10 tahun, jumlah sebenarnya jauh lebih tinggi dan lebih membimbangkan, penyakit ini makin menular pada golongan muda.

Namun perkara ini tidak harus dianggap sebagai kebiasaan dan perlu dielakkan dengan penjagaan pemakanan sejak muda, terutama bagi individu yang menghadapi masalah berat badan berlebihan, mempunyai ahli keluarga menghidap sakit jantung dan kencing manis.

Ini kerana anda juga berpeluang mendapat penyakit sama, khususnya jika anda mempunyai tiga ciri berikut iaitu perempuan, mengalami kegemukan di pinggang dan berumur 40 tahun ke atas.

Ramai orang tidak sedar mereka ada masalah paras gula tinggi dalam badan (dipanggil kerintangan insulin) kerana ia tidak menunjukkan tanda atau gejala. Justeru, ramai tidak sedar mereka meniti ‘laluan’ untuk mendapat kencing manis, sakit jantung atau kedua-duanya.

Biasanya selepas umur 40, ramai wanita mula mengalami masalah pertambahan berat badan. Malah, ada yang tidak mengambil usaha untuk mengatasi perkara ini hinggalah masalah berat badan berlebihan bertukar menjadi obesiti. Pada peringkat ini, usaha menurunkan berat badan menjadi lebih sukar dan perlahan.

Apabila berat badan bertambah, pergerakan menjadi perlahan. Bersenam dianggap aktiviti lebih payah dan sukar dilakukan. Namun membiarkan berat badan bertambah sebenarnya hanya meningkatkan risiko mendapat kencing manis dan sakit jantung.

Risiko ini lebih tinggi jika ada ahli keluarga menghidap dua penyakit kronik itu. Malangnya, ramai tidak melihat ia sebagai amaran atau peringatan untuk memulakan langkah berjaga-jaga bagi mengelakkannya.

Wanita dalam kategori ini perlu menjaga kesihatan dengan mengamalkan pemakanan sihat dan seimbang serta mula bersenam. Amat menyedihkan, kurang tujuh peratus wanita di negara ini bersenam. Malah, ada yang tidak pernah bersenam langsung kecuali ketika di sekolah dulu.

Dalam laluan menuju ke alam menopaus, badan mengalami banyak perubahan hormon yang merangsang masalah seperti kepanasan dan gangguan kitaran haid. Ketika ini ramai wanita mula mengalami masalah pengumpulan lemak, terutama di pinggang. Namun, jangan ukuran pinggang anda terus meningkat melebihi 80 sentimeter (32 inci).

Selain pinggang, lemak berkumpul pada hati dan organ penting lain, mengakibatkan masalah kerintangan insulin. Maknanya, insulin tidak lagi mampu memindahkan glukos dalam darah ke sel (yang digunakan sebagai tenaga). Lama kelamaan ia menyebabkan paras gula dalam darah menjadi semakin tinggi.

Tanpa tenaga (glukos), banyak proses semula jadi dalam badan terganggu, tekanan darah meningkat selaras peningkatan paras gula dan lemak dalam darah — menyebabkan sel menjadi lebih rintang terhadap insulin. Akibatnya, wanita mendapat kencing manis, tekanan darah tinggi dan sakit jantung.

Malah, wanita yang mendapat kencing manis ketika mengandung juga perlu lebih berhati-hati kerana kajian mendapati mereka berisiko tinggi mengalami masalah kerintangan insulin jika tidak mengawal pemakanan dan berat badan.

Ada pakar perubatan berpendapat, selalu berasa letih dan tidak bertenaga, suka makan makanan manis dan berkarbohidrat ada kaitan dengan masalah ini. Bagaimanapun, ia hanya gejala umum kerana banyak perkara boleh menyebabkan seseorang kerap berasa lebih atau ingin makan makanan manis dan berkarbohidrat.

Kajian terbaru menunjukkan kencing manis meningkatkan risiko mendapat pelbagai penyakit kronik yang boleh menyebabkan kematian. Kesan kencing manis dikatakan lebih buruk berbanding obesiti.

Kajian dijalankan Hospital Universiti Kentucky Chandler dan Fakulti Perubatan Universiti Emory, Atlanta ke atas 15,408 orang berumur antara 44 hingga 66 tahun mendapati, pesakit kencing manis mempunyai kebarangkalian tiga kali ganda untuk mendapat penyakit kritikal disebabkan kegagalan organ berbanding individu obes yang tiada kencing manis.

Banyak kajian membuktikan perubahan gaya hidup ke arah lebih sihat boleh meningkatkan kualiti kesihatan dengan cepat. Kajian Pusat Kawalan Penyakit Amerika Syarikat ke atas individu berlebihan berat badan yang mengawal pemakanan dan bersenam mendapati mampu mengurangkan risiko kencing manis sebanyak 60 peratus.

Secara umumnya, perubahan pemakanan dan senaman mampu mencegah pelbagai penyakit kronik. Perubahan pemakanan ini tidak perlu mendadak kerana perkara yang dilakukan secara tiba-tiba sukar untuk bertahan lama.

Sebaik-baiknya lakukan secara berperingkat. Perkara paling utama ialah bersederhana, lebihkan sayur-sayuran dan buah-buahan, minum banyak air sekurang-kurangnya lapan gelas sehari (atau satu liter) dan ada petua mengatakan, berhenti makan sebelum kenyang.

Penjagaan kesihatan adalah tanggungjawab setiap orang. Sebagai wanita, tanggungjawab ini lebih besar kerana sebagai isteri dan ibu, anda perlu menjaga kesihatan keluarga, khususnya anak.

Corak pemakanan wanita biasanya akan mempengaruhi pemakanan seisi keluarga. Justeru, jangan perjudikan kesihatan anak dengan tabiat pemakanan kurang sihat. Luangkan masa untuk bersenam bersama suami dan anak kerana manfaatnya akan dinikmati seisi keluarga.

Tingkatkan metabolisme

2006-11-16T16:07:00.000-08:00

ADA orang tetap kekal kurus walaupun makan banyak, sebaliknya ramai mengalami masalah pertambahan berat badan meskipun hanya makan sekali sehari.

Orang yang kekal kurus dikatakan mempunyai kadar metabolisme tinggi dan proses pencernaan bagi mendapatkan tenaga berlaku dengan cepat, manakala individu gemuk sebaliknya.

Namun pendapat ini bukan 100 peratus tepat kerana semuanya bergantung kepada gaya hidup, tabiat pemakanan dan kekerapan bersenam.

Hakikatnya, jika kita makan banyak melebihi tenaga diperlukan, kita pasti mengalami masalah pertambahan berat badan. Jika kurang makan tetapi banyak menggunakan tenaga, berat badan akan berkurang.

Metabolisme adalah proses badan menukarkan kalori daripada makanan kepada tenaga. Keperluan kalori atau tenaga setiap orang berbeza mengikut gaya hidup masing-masing.

Contohnya lelaki dewasa yang aktif berusia antara 20 hingga 39 tahun dengan berat 55 kilogram memerlukan 2,530 kalori sehari, manakala wanita dewasa sederhana aktif pula memerlukan 2,000 kalori sehari.

Jika anda tidak aktif, keperluan tenaga harian adalah jauh lebih rendah. Walaupun faham mengenai perkara ini, ia sukar dijadikan sebahagian daripada amalan. Malah, mengira kalori setiap kali hendak makan juga tidak dianggap sebagai amalan praktikal.

Metabolisme membabitkan tiga perkara asas. Pertama ialah kadar metabolik asas yang merangkumi keperluan kalori harian untuk membolehkan badan berfungsi dengan baik. Biasanya setiap orang menggunakan sehingga 75 peratus daripada tenaga harian untuk tugas ini.

Kedua ialah pencernaan dan penyerapan makanan. Kira-kira 10 peratus daripada kalori harian digunakan untuk proses ini. Ketiga ialah aktiviti fizikal harian seperti bersenam pula akan membakar baki tenaga yang ada. Berapa banyak tenaga dibakar bergantung kepada tahap aktiviti dilakukan.

Secara semula jadinya, beberapa faktor akan memperlahankan metabolisme, iaitu:

# Umur — Metabolisme akan menjadi perlahan dengan peningkatan umur pada kadar lima peratus selepas 40 tahun. Apabila kita bertambah tua, keanjalan otot juga merosot dan paras lemak badan meningkat. Otot lebih aktif berbanding tisu lemak dan ini sebabnya apabila otot berkurang, kadar metabolisme juga menurun.

# Jantina — Secara umumnya metabolisme lelaki lebih cepat berbanding wanita kerana saiz badan mereka yang besar dan mempunyai kurang lemak badan.

# Masalah hipotiroidisme — Kelenjar tiroid yang kurang aktif akan memperlahankan metabolisme dan masalah ini boleh menyumbang kepada pertambahan berat badan.

# Genetik — Sesetengah orang memang beruntung dilahirkan dengan kadar metabolisme cepat.

Jika anda mempunyai kadar metabolisme perlahan, usah bersedih kerana ia berlaku kepada kebanyakan orang. Walaupun ada banyak produk kesihatan dan pil yang mendakwa boleh mempercepatkan kadar metabolisme, ia bukan kaedah terbaik.

Memang tidak salah untuk mencuba produk seperti ini, tetapi kita perlu berhati-hati dan sebaik-baiknya dapatkan pandangan pakar terlebih dulu sebelum menggunakannya.

Mengamalkan gaya hidup kurang bergerak dikatakan menjadi penyumbang utama kepada kadar metabolisme perlahan. Perkara ini dialami kebanyakan orang di seluruh dunia, termasuk penduduk di negara kita.

Rata-rata memberikan alasan sibuk dan tiada masa untuk bersenam. Tanpa semangat dan keazaman kuat, bersenam adalah tugas yang sangat berat untuk dilakukan, walaupun ramai tahu manfaatnya.

Tidak kira berapa umur kita, beberapa cara boleh dilakukan untuk meningkatkan kembali paras metabolisme, iaitu melalui:

# Pemakanan — Pastikan anda mendapat sekurang-kurangnya 1,000 kalori setiap hari. Seperti badan, proses metabolisme memerlukan tenaga daripada makanan. Jika anda mengamalkan diet kurang daripada 1,000 kalori sehari, secara automatik badan memperlahankan kadar metabolisme untuk menjimatkan tenaga.

# Makan dalam kuantiti kecil tetapi kerap iaitu setiap empat hingga lima jam. Apabila ada kemasukan makanan, kadar metabolisme akan meningkat kerana badan perlu bekerja untuk mencernakan makanan. Secara tidak langsung ia juga menyebabkan kadar metabolisme akan meningkat bagi menukarkan makanan kepada tenaga.

# Pastikan anda mengambil sarapan. Kajian menunjukkan individu yang mengambil sarapan secara tetap dalam masa dua jam selepas bangun tidur mempunyai keupayaan lebih baik untuk mengawal berat badan.

# Ada yang menyarankan supaya mengambil protein setiap kali makan. Protein dikatakan mampu meningkatkan kadar metabolisme lebih baik berbanding karbohidrat dan lemak. Bahkan pengambilan protein pada kadar sederhana mampu membantu mengekalkan dan membina jisim otot.

# Buat senaman aerobik empat hingga lima hari seminggu; sekurang-kurangnya 20 minit satu sesi. Senaman aerobik adalah perlakuan berulang-ulang seperti berjalan cepat, berlari, berenang, berbasikal atau menari.

# Buat senaman angkat berat. Tidak perlu pergi ke gimnasium, mengangkat dumbel sudah memadai. Jika tiada, gantikan dengan botol mineral yang berisi air.

# Minum banyak air masak sekurang-kurangnya lapan gelas sehari. Ia membantu meningkatkan kadar metabolisme, proses pencernaan dan perkumuhan bahan toksin daripada badan.

# Tidur secukupnya. Tidur memberi peluang badan berehat dan memperbaiki kerosakan tisu. Ia juga membuatkan kita berasa lebih bertenaga untuk melakukan tugas harian dan meneruskan senaman.

Length of fingers determine sporting ability and sexuality

2006-11-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

In recent years a number of studies have been carried to investigate how people's individual characteristics correlate with their finger lengths. These studies have been based on comparisons between the length of the individual's index finger and the length of their ring finger.

These studies have revealed correlations between finger lengths and individual characteristics such as testosterone levels, risk of heart attack, sporting ability, sexuality and even penile size.

In the majority of women, the index and ring fingers are almost equal in length. While in men, the ring finger is usually noticeably longer than the index finger.

In the largest study of its kind, carried out at Kings College London, it was shown that women with a longer ring finger were more likely to be good at sports such as tennis, swimming and skiing. However, the same study also showed a correlation between women with a longer index finger and an increased prowess in cricket, martial arts and gymnastics.

Male sporting ability can also be linked with finger length as revealed in a study carried out by John Manning of the University of Central Lancashire. John Manning’s findings revealed that men with longer index fingers are more likely to be better sportsmen.

Another discovery based on a study carried out solely on females was by a group of scientists from the University of California at Berkeley. This controversial study showed that lesbians showed a greater propensity to have a significant difference between their index finger and ring finger than was shown in heterosexual women.

It came to light in a study by the University of Alberta that men with short index fingers tended to be more aggressive which is linked to higher testosterone levels and a greater chance of heart attack in early adulthood.

A Greek scientist from the Naval and Veterans Hospital of Athens has discovered that the length of the index finger can accurately predict the length of the penis. It is claimed that these findings will help doctors counsel and treat men who suffer from perceived inadequacies in this area.

The University of Alberta study on males showed that finger length is dictated by womb environment. Men with several older brothers were shown to be more likely to have significantly shorter index fingers. This is thought to be due to the increased amount of androgen in the mother's womb. However, Professor Spector's study at Kings College, London, which was carried out on females, showed that finger length is 70% heritable and womb environment was revealed to have little influence on the length of the female fingers. Despite this, scientists are yet to discover a gene which dictates finger length.

Curry may keep elderly minds sharp

2006-10-27T04:55:00.000-07:00

- A diet containing curry may help protect the aging brain, according a study of elderly Asians in which increased curry consumption was associated with better cognitive performance on standard tests.

Curcumin, found in the curry spice turmeric, possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

It's known that long-term users of anti-inflammatory drugs have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, although these agents can have harmful effects in the stomach, liver and kidney, limiting their use in the elderly.

Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, have been shown to protect neurons in lab experiments but have had limited success in alleviating cognitive decline in patients with mild-to-moderate dementia.

In their study, Dr. Tze-Pin Ng from National University of Singapore and colleagues compared scores on the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) for three categories of regular curry consumption in 1,010 nondemented Asians who were between 60 and 93 years old in 2003.

Most of the study subjects consumed curry at least occasionally (once every 6 months), 43 percent ate curry at least often or very often (between monthly and daily) while 16 percent said they never or rarely ate curry.

After taking into account factors that could impact test results, they found that people who consumed curry "occasionally" and "often or very often" had significantly better MMSE scores than did those who "never or rarely" consumed curry.

"Even with the low and moderate levels of curry consumption reported by the respondents, better cognitive performance was observed," Ng and colleagues report.]

These results, they note, provide "the first epidemiologic evidence supporting a link between curry consumption and cognitive performance that has been suggested by a large volume of earlier experimental evidence."

Curry is used widely by people in India and "interestingly," the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease among India's elderly ranks is fourfold less than that seen in the United States.

"In view of its efficacy and remarkably low toxicity," curry shows promise for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, the researchers conclude. --

LIPSTICK - NOT SAVE ANYMORE

2006-09-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

Please be careful.
>Even lipstick is not safe anymore...what next?
>
>Brands names don't mean everything. Recently a brand called "Red
Earth"
>decreased their prices from $67 to $9.90.
>It contained lead. Lead is a chemical which causes cancer.
>
>The Brands which contain lead are:
>I. CHRISTIAN DIOR
>2. LANCOME
>3. CLINIQUE
>4. Y.S.L
>5. ESTEE LAUDER
>6. SHISEIDO
>7. RED EARTH (Lip Gloss)
>8. CHANEL (Lip Conditioner)
>9. MARKET AMERICA-MOTNES LIPSTICK.
>
>The higher the lead content, the greater the chance of causing cancer.
>After doing a test on lipsticks, it was found that the Y.S.L. lipstick
>contained the most amount of lead. Watch out for those lipsticks which
>are
>supposed to stay longer. If your lipstick stays longer, it is because
of
>the
>
>higher content of lead.
>
>Here is the test you can do yourself:
>1. Put some lipstick on your hand.
>2. Use a Gold ring to scratch on the lipstick.
>3. If the lipstick color changes to black then you know the lipstick
>contains lead.
>
>
>

PANADOL - PARACETAMOL

2006-09-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

PANADOL IS TOXICABLE TO THE BODY, AND IT HARMS
THE LIVER.ACCORDING TO THE DOCTOR, PANADOL WILL RESIDE IN THE
BODY FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS.

AND ACCORDING TO THE DOCTOR, THERE USE TO BE AN INCIDENT WHERE AN
AIR STEWARDESS CONSUMES A LOT OF PANADOL DURING HER MENSTRUAL AS
SHE NEEDS TO STAND ALL THE TIME. SHE'S NOW IN HER EARLY 30's, AND SHE
NEEDS TO WASH HER KIDNEY(DIALYSIS) EVERYMONTH.

AS SAID BY THE DOCTOR IS THAT WHENEVER WE HAVE A HEADACHE, THAT'S
BECAUSE IT IS DUE TO THE ELECTRON/ION IMBALANCED IN THE BRAIN. AS AN
ALTERNATIVES SOLUTION TO COPE WITH THIS MATTER, THEY SUGGESTED THAT
WE BUY 1 OR 2 CANS OF ISOTONIC DRINK(EX.100PLUS), AND MIX IT WITH
DRINKING WATER ACCORDING TO A RATIO OF 1:1 OR 1:2 (for the dumbies,
it means one cup 100 plus, one cup water. or 2 cups water)

WE HAVE TRIED THIS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND IT SEEMS
TO WORK WELL.

Margarine VS Butter

2006-09-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

And all this time... we thought margarine was safer...

*check this out...*

DO YOU KNOW... the difference between margarine and butter? Read on to the end...it gets very interesting:

1. Both have the same amount of calories.
2. Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams compared to
5 grams.
3. Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.
4. Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.
5. Butter has many nutritional benefits whereas margarine has a few only because they are added!
6. Butter tastes much better than margarine and it enhances the flavors of other foods.
7. Butter has been around for centuries whereas margarine has been around for less than 100 years.

And now for Margarine:

8. Very high in Trans-fatty acids... Triple risk of coronary heart
disease.
9. Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol)
10. Lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol)...
11. Increases the risk of cancers by up to five fold...
12. Lowers quality of breast milk...
13. Decreases immune response...
14. Decreases insulin response.

AND, HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY INTERESTING! (The most disturbing facts....):

1. Margarine is but only ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC
2. And, margarine is initially BLACK, but it is DYED YELLOW to look
like butter.

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

You can try this yourself: purchase a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will note a couple of things: no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell you something) .. It does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value, nothing will grow on it...even those teeny weenie microorganisms will not find a home to grow.

Why? Because it is nearly plastic. Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that on your toast? Yuk!

Liver damage

2006-09-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

The main causes of liver damage are:

1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are the main cause.
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming overly done foods also add to the burden of liver.

Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store. We should prevent this without necessarily spending more.

We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits.
Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to "schedule."

Because: Evening at 9 - 11pm : is the time for eliminating unnecessary/toxic chemicals (de-toxification)from the antibody system (lymph nodes).This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music.

If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on health.

Evening at 11pm - 1am : is the de-toxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.
Early morning 1 - 3am : de-toxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state.
Early morning 3 - 5am : de-toxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time.

Since the de-toxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.

Morning 5 - 7am : de-toxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.

Morning 7 - 9am : absorption of nutrients in the small in testine, you should be having breakfast at this time. Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick.

Breakfast before 7:30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 - 10am rather than no meal at all.

Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals.

Aside from that, midnight to 4am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.

Coca Cola

2006-09-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

I found this very interesting. So, are you a fan of Coke or COCA COLA? If yes, then this might interest you!

Infos, facts and fictions or maybe myths….all related to Coca Cola.

1. The color of Coca Cola was originally green!*
2. Coca Cola was originated by a pharmacist (Doctor John Pembert) as a drug to cure depression.
3. Coca Cola once being made from cocaine and also had alcohol in it.
4. Coca Cola was originally made form Coca-leaves (cocaine-plant) and Cola-nuts (which grow in Africa).
5. When coke commercialized, the cocaine and alcohol where left out and the original recipe was replaced by the “7X”-formula.
6. Coke can be used to relieve the sting from Jelly Fish.
7. Coke also can be used to relieve hiccups.
8. Coke can be used as tanning lotion.
9. Coke can be used to make a new photo look antique. Just soak in it!
10. Coke also can be used to remove gum from gum coated hair.
11. The Navy uses Coke to help preserve it’s submarines.
12. If you put a can of diet Coca Cola and a can of regular Coca Cola in a swimming pool….. the can of regular Coke will sink, but the can of Diet Coke will float!
13. Coke can be used to clean ancient bronze coins.
14. Coke is a perfect grout cleaner for tile floors.
15. Coke can remove fishy smell from clothes.
16. Coke can be used to remove oil stains from concrete driveways or garages.
17. Coke can also be used to remove stains from carpet. (Even permanent marker stain)
18. Coke can makes your lawn grass greener.
19. Coke can ease cold symptoms. (Add with some fresh ginger)
20. Uncarbonated cake can heel nauseated.
21. Coke can power up your accumulator (storage battery)
22. Coke can also remove blood stains.
23. Coke can get rid of rats!
24. Coke can clean/remove corrosion (rusting).
25. Coke is used to clean toilet bowl.

CANCEROUS FOOD/PRODUCTS

2006-09-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

SATAY LOVERS

If you all eat satay, don't ever forget to eat the cucumber, because eating satay together with carbon after barbequing can cause cancer.
But we have a cure for that... Cucumber should be eaten after we eat the satay because satay has carsinogen (a cancer causing element) but cucumber is anti-carsinogenic.
So don't forget to eat the cucumber the next time you have satays.

PRAWNS & VIT C

DO NOT eat shrimp/Prawn if you have just taken VITAMIN C pills!!
This will cause you to DIE in ARSENIC (As) toxication within HOURS!!

PORK AWARENESS

Try this and see whether the pork you bought has worms. There goes with your "Bak Kut Teh" for those who love it. Most men love to eat this so watch out before it's too late.

If you pours Coke (yes, the soda) on a slab of pork, wait a little while, you will SEE WORMS crawl out of it.
A message from the Health Corporation of Singapore about the Bad effects of pork consumption. Pig's bodies contain MANY TOXINS, WORMS and LATENT DISEASES.
Although some of these infestations are harboured in other animals, modern veterinarians say that pigs are far MORE PREDISPOSED to these illnesses than other animals. This could be because PIGS
like to SCAVENGE and will eat ANY kind of food, INCLUDING dead insects, worms, rotting carcasses, excreta including their own, garbage, and other pigs. INFLUENZA (flu) is one of the MOST famous illnesses which pigs share with humans. This illness is haboured in the LUNGS of pigs during the
summer months and tends to affect pigs and human in the cooler months.

Sausage contains bits of pigs' lungs, so those who EAT pork sausage tend to SUFFER MORE during EPIDEMICS of INFLUENZA. Pig meat contains EXCESSIVE quantities of HISTAMINE and IMIDAZOLE compounds, which can lead to ITCHING and INFLAMMATION; GROWTH HORMONE which PROMOTES
INFLAMMATION and growth;
sulphur containing mesenchymal mucus which leads to SWELLING and deposits of MUCUS in tendons and cartilage, resulting in ATHRITIS, RHEUMATISM, etc.

Sulphur helps cause FIRM human tendons and ligaments to be replaced by the pig's soft mesenchymal tissues, and degeneration of human cartilage.

Eating pork can also lead to GALLSTONES and OBESITY, probably due to its HIGH CHOLESTEROL and SATURATED FAT content. The pig is the MAIN CARRIER of the TAENIE SOLIUM WORM, which is found in its flesh. These tapeworms are found in human intestines with greater frequency in nations where pigs are eaten. This type of tapeworm can pass through the intestines and affect many other organs, and is incurable once it reaches beyond a certain stage. One in six people in the US and Canada has RICHINOSIS from eating trichina worms, which are found in pork.

Many people have NO SYMPTOMS to warm them of this, and when they do, they resemble symptoms of many other illnesses. These worms are NOT noticed during meat inspections.

SHAMPOO

Cancer-causing substance in Shampoo. Go home and check your shampoo. Change before it's too late... Check the ingredients listed on your shampoo bottle, and see they have a substance by the name of Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or simply SLS. This substance is found in most shampoos;
manufacturers use it because it produces a lot of foam and it is cheap.

BUT the fact is, SLS is used to scrub garage floors, and it is verystrong!!! It is also proven that it can cause cancer in the long run, and this is no joke. Shampoos that contains SLS :
Vo5, Palmolive, Paul Mitchell, L'Oreal, the new Hemp Shampoo from Body Shop etc contain this substance.

The first ingredient listed (which means it is the single most prevalent ingredient) in Clairol's Herbal Essences is Sodium Laureth Sulfate.

Therefore, I called one company, and I told them their product contains a substance that will cause people to have cancer. They said, Yeah we knew about it but there is nothing we can do about it because we need that substance to produce foam.

By the way Colgate toothpaste also contains the same substance to produce the "bubbles". They said they are going to send me some information.

Research has shown that in the 1980s, the chance of getting cancer is 1 out of 8000 and now, in the 1990s, the chances of getting cancer is 1 out of 3, which is very serious. Therefore, I hope that you will take this seriously and pass this on to all the people you know, and
hopefully, we can stop "giving" ourselves cancer-causing agents.

INSTANT NOODLES

Dear instant noodle lovers,
Make sure you break for at least 3 days after one session of instant noodles before you eat your next packet!

Please read the info shared to me by a doctor. My family stopped eating instant noodles more than 5 years ago after hearing about the wax coating the noodles - the wax is not just in the
Styrofoam containers but it coats the noodles. This is why the instant noodles do
not stick to each other when cooking.

If one were to examine the ordinary Chinese yellow noodles in the market, one will notice that, in their uncooked state the noodles are oily. This layer of oil prevents the noodles from sticking together.

Wantan noodles in their uncooked state have been dusted with flour to prevent them sticking together. When the hawker cooks the noodles, notice he cooks them in hot water and then rinses them in cold water before cooking them in hot water again. This process is

Repeated several times before the noodles are ready to be served. The cooking and rinsing process prevents noodles from sticking together.

The hawker then "lowers the noodles in oil and sauce to prevent the noodles from sticking if they are to be served dry.

Cooking instructions for spaghetti require oil or butter to be added in the water when boiling the spaghetti to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Otherwise, one gets a big clump of
spaghetti!

There was an SBC (now TCS) actor some years ago, who at a busy time of his career had no time to cook, resorted to eating instant noodles everyday. He got cancer later on. His doctor told him about the wax in instant noodles. The doctor told him that our body will need up to 2 days to clear the wax.

There was also an SIA steward who after moving out from his mother's house into his own house, did not cook but ate instant noodles almost every meal. He had cancer, and has since died from it.

Nowadays the instant noodles are referred as "cancer noodles".

CANCER NEWS FROM JOHN HOPKINS...

2006-09-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some useful info for you to think about.

1. No plastic containers in microwave.

2. No water bottles in freezer.

3. No plastic wrap in microwave.

Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters.

This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Dioxin chemicals causes cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies.

Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.

Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers..

This applies to foods that contain fat.

He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body.

Instead, he recommends using glass, Corning Ware or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin.

So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what's in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc.

He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.

Also, he pointed out that Saran wrap is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food.

Cover food with a paper towel instead.

Exercise: Key to good sex, good sleep

2006-09-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

- Everybody knows exercise is key to a good ticker and a more sleek physique. But did you know working out may improve your sex life, trigger a better night's sleep and help you stop smoking?

"Obviously, exercise helps with weight loss, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and reducing risk for such things as osteoporosis and diabetes," says Fabio Comana, exercise physiologist with the American Council on Exercise. "Those are the mainstream benefits, but there's a lot more people may not be aware of."

As summer begins -- and many contemplate a trip to the gym -- take a look at a few of the other benefits of exercise.

An active lifestyle might also mean a more restful sleep. The National Sleep Foundation reports that exercise in the afternoon can help deepen shut-eye and cut the time it takes for you to fall into dreamland. But, they caution, vigorous exercise leading up to bedtime can actually have the reverse effects.

A 2003 study, however, found that a morning fitness regime was key to a better snooze. Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center concluded that postmenopausal women who exercised 30 minutes every morning had less trouble falling asleep than those who were less active. The women who worked out in the evening hours saw little or no improvement in their sleep patterns.

No studies have proven conclusively the best time to exercise, says Comana, but the benefits of "a better ability to fall asleep and a more restful sleep when you do -- there's unanimous agreement on that."

The adrenaline rush and stress relief from a brief workout can replace similar feelings smokers get from tobacco and help reduce the urge for a cigarette for those trying to quit, according to smoking cessation programs.

Interested in the effect of exercise on someone trying to kick the habit, one study in the Archives of Internal Medicine followed 281 sedentary female smokers, who were otherwise healthy, in their efforts to quit. The group assigned exercise sessions was twice as likely to quit and stay smoke-free over the nonexercise group, both at 12 weeks and a year later.

Regular exercisers may have to work less to jog their memory in the long run, as well as experience short-term benefits in creativity and reaction time.

One study in the journal Nature reports that sedentary senior citizens who took up walking for 45 minutes, three days a week, were able to significantly improve mental skills that decline with age. Meanwhile, Middlesex University researchers in London discovered that 25 minutes of aerobic exercise boosted scores on creativity tests that followed.

And one study "found physically fit workers were 12.5 percent more efficient at the end of the day than their nonphysically fit counterparts," Comana says.

If a well-rested, smarter and nonsmoking self is not enough, exercise has also been linked to a better sex life. Poor general health can lead to poor sexual function, so keeping fit only helps maintain or revitalize performance and satisfaction in the bedroom.

After studying more than 31,000 men, the Harvard School of Public Health researchers reported that those who were physically active had a 30 percent lower risk for erectile dysfunction than the men with little or no physical activity.

Women reap the exercise benefits, too. One study by the University of British Columbia found that 20 minutes of exercise spurred greater sexual response in the women participants compared with no exercise at all.

And overall, people who exercise regularly feel better about themselves, feel more sexually desirable and report higher levels of satisfaction, according to a study in the Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality.

Along with these lesser-known benefits, exercise also promotes health in a myriad of tiny detailed ways, says Comana, with increased "coordination, flexibility and greater efficiency in daily activities."

Immune System Basics

2006-09-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Components of the Immune System: Organs and Cells

Many organs throughout your body have an essential role in the development and structure of the immune system, including your bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils and adenoids and appendix. These organs are responsible for the growth, development and deployment of lymphocytes, the white cells that are the key laborers of the immune system. The primary lymphocytes are B-cells, T-cells, natural killer cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. Each has a specific role in keeping your body and immune system healthy.

The Immune Response

Primary Immune Response

The first time your body is exposed to particular viruses or bacteria, it takes time for your immune system to recognize the invading organisms and to figure out how to kill them. During this elapsed time, bacteria and viruses grow exponentially, thus increasing the amount of time it takes to completely eliminate the infection.

(1) A cut in the skin damages cells and allows bacteria into the body signaling an immune response from macrophages and other scavenger immune cells.

(2) Mast cells release chemicals that trigger inflammation, allow-ing other immune cells to rush to the problem area.

(3) Before reinforcements arrive, macrophages and other prestationed immune cells start attacking bacteria, chop them up into bits called antigens.

(4) They are then transported to lymph nodes where these macrophages attach to B cells and T cells. B cells begin producing antibodies specifically for the particular antigens or germs the body is exposed to.

(5) The antibodies trigger responses from certain immune cells like NK cells, macrophages and killer T cells to engulf and kill the bacteria-infected cells.

(6) Helper T cells signal the antibodies and killer T cells to go directly to the wound.

(7) While the immune cells are taking care of the germs, other cells called platelets begin healing the wound by forming clots which close the wound.

Secondary Immune Response

The second time the body is exposed to a particular virus or bacteria, the immune system recognizes the invading organism more quickly and immediately knows how to fight it off. Because the amount of time in these steps is shorter, the infection can be eliminated more quickly. Transfer Factor triggers a secondary immune response by borrowing the immune memory of the cow or the chicken.(1) A cut in the skin damages cells and allows bacteria into the body signaling an immune response from macrophages and other scavenger immune cells.

(2) Mast cells release chemicals that trigger inflammation, allowing other immune cells to rush to the problem area.

(3) Before reinforcements arrive, macrophages and other pre-stationed immune cells start attacking bacteria, chop them up into bits called antigens.

(4) B cells, set in motion by previous immune responses, begin producing antibodies specifically for the particular antigens or germs the body is exposed to. The antibodies trigger responses from certain immune cells like NK cells, macrophages and killer T cells to engulf and kill the bacteria-infected cells.

(5) Helper T cells signal the antibodies and killer T cells to go directly to the wound.

(6) While the immune cells are taking care of the germs, other cells called platelets begin healing the wound by forming clots which close the wound.

Feeding Your Picky Eater

2006-08-21T23:40:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wonder how some children manage to get enough energy to keep them going and going. If your youngster is one of the many who pick and choose the foods they like most, he or she may often get on food jags, eating the same foods for all meals or even refusing food altogether. In my house this week, my 5-year-old is refusing to eat anything but noodles and bread! But I'm not too worried about this new phase; experts suggest it's normal and may not last too long. In fact, in most cases like this, children are getting all the nutrients they need despite their limited intake.

As children grow, their needs start to change. The rapid growth they experienced in the first couple of years of life starts to slow and they require less food. Between birth and age 2, babies will as much as quadruple their weight, but then they will gain only a few pounds a year between the ages of 2 and 5.

Toddlers and preschoolers are asserting their new-found control when they play with toys instead of sitting at a table, or eat only the same foods meal after meal. It's OK to allow your child to assert a certain level of independence.

Still, there are ways you can keep your child's nutrition on track. Remember to avoid offering snacks too close to mealtimes. (There really was some merit in your mom's telling you this would ruin your appetite!) And don't allow your child to fill up on juice and milk at mealtime. One way to achieve this is to limit fluids offered at the table until after the meal has been eaten.

If you are concerned that your child's menu is too limited, keep in mind that you are his or her role model. If you don't eat green vegetables, it's likely that your child won't eat them either. Lately, I've found that my son has developed an interest in what the people around him are eating. During a recent trip to a restaurant he ate the entire serving of broccoli off my plate and has been obsessed with vegetables ever since!

Finally, if you want to introduce new foods to your child, be realistic. It takes many introductions of a new item until it is accepted and familiar. Start by offering only small samples, but make sure that you try repeatedly and don't give up if it's refused on your first try.

If you're also dealing with a picky eater, it's usually not worth all the battles to get your child to eat what you've planned for him or her -- and you may find yourself making the same threats your parents made when you were young. I know that in my house we may be trading some vegetables for dessert in the near future.

Exercise in youth has lasting bone benefits

2006-08-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

Men who participate in athletics in their late teens experience bone-building benefits that last for years, even if they are no longer training intensively, a new study shows.

Osteoporosis or brittle bone disease is most common among women, but also occurs in men, with the incidence expected to triple over the next fifty years, Dr. Anna Nordstrom and colleagues from Umea University in Sweden note in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Physical activity is known to help build bone mineral density (BMD), which reduces the likelihood of fractures in later life. While people achieve peak BMD after reaching puberty, they add, there is evidence that exercise has the greatest bone-building effect during childhood and early puberty.

Questions also remain about whether the benefits of early-life exercise for bone strength persist if a person stops training.

To investigate, the researchers followed 63 athletes and 27 non-athlete 'controls', whose average age was 17 at the study's outset, for nearly 8 years.

At the beginning of the study, all the athletes -- who were either ice hockey or badminton players -- were actively training for an average of about 9 hours a week, with workouts including soccer, long distance running, weight training and other activities. They had been training for an average of 10 years previously, and had a greater average BMD than the controls.

Twenty-seven months into the study, the athletes showed increases in BMD compared to the control group. At the second follow up, at 68 months after the study's outset, 27 of the athletes had stopped active training, and showed greater BMD loss than their counterparts who remained active. By the third follow up, at 94 months, an additional 13 athletes had stopped training. This group lost more BMD than either the controls or the athletes who were still active.

However, at the last follow-up, the men who began the study as active athletes still had higher BMD measurements than the control group, even if they were no longer training.

Most importantly, these gains were retained in the hip area, where fractures in later life can be particularly crippling, the researchers write.

The gains seen among even the athletes who stopped training would be enough to reduce future fracture risk by 50%, Nordstrom and her team estimate. "These results may suggest that a high peak BMD resulting from previous training may reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures in men," they conclude.

Australian study finds fish oil helps weight loss

2006-07-30T03:34:00.000-07:00

SYDNEY - Fatty acids found in fish, known to slow the impact of ageing on human brain, can also help in weight loss when consumed alongwith moderate exercise, and Australian study found.

The University of South Australia study found that daily doses of fish oil containing Omega-3 fatty acids helped obese people burn off excess weight.

"The Omega-3 found in fish oil increases fat-burning ability by improving the flow of blood to muscles during exercise," university researcher Alison Hill told Reuters.

The university's study monitored 68 overweight and obese people, divided into four groups, over three months.

One group took small daily doses of fish oil and another was given sunflower oil with no other alteration to their normal diet.

Both groups undertook moderate exercise programmes of a 45-minute walk or run three times a week over the period and were monitored over three months.

Another two groups received either fish oil or sunflower oil but did no exercise.

The study found that those who took the fish oil doses and exercised lost an average of 2 kg over the three months.

The groups which took sunflower oil, which does not contain Omega-3 fatty acids, and exercised, did not lose any weight. The two groups which did no exercise also lost no weight, the study found.

"We were very surprised to see it was so effective, especially since these people were still eating whatever they wanted," Hill said.

A six-year study by the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found last year that Omega-3 fatty acids helped boost brain functioning as well as cut the risk of stroke.

It also helped protect the brain as people age, the Chicago study found.

Hill said future studies were planned which would take place over longer periods and with increased exercise.

June 2006 - Consumer Perceptions of Supplements Versus Drugs

2006-07-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

It was with great interest recently, that we read an excellent research article from professors at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. The article, entitled “Turn On Versus Tune Out” from Wharton's Marketing Department found that consumers taking a prescription or OTC drug for a given condition are more likely to engage in risky health behaviors (e.g. eating more donuts and chips) – compared to supplement users, who are more likely to adhere to healthy lifestyle choices (e.g. exercising and eating their veggies).

According to Professor Lisa Bolton, lead author on the paper, “Consumers see the drug as a ‘get-out-of-jail-free card', which eliminates or reduces the risks of such bad habits as eating high-fat foods, excessive drinking or a sedentary lifestyle. Supplements, such as vitamins, minerals and herbs, on the other hand, surprisingly are much less likely to have this sort of “boomerang' effect.” Of particular interest to us, was the finding that subjects associated drugs with poor health and viewed supplement users as being healthier and more likely to follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen. In addition, the more effective the drug was perceived, the more “risk” a consumer was willing to take with his diet.

Researchers conducted 3 different experiments (with 364 subjects recruited from among University and health center staff and students) intended to gauge consumer perceptions of drug versus supplement messages – and the effects of those messages on subsequent health behaviors.

Drug marketing was found to “undermine risk perceptions and increase risky behavior” – with consumers in the poorest physical health making the poorest health choices after starting a drug regimen. The drug users basically “tuned out” complementary health-protective behaviors, while the supplement users, in contrast, “turned on” those health-protective behaviors as an important part of their overall lifestyle regimen.

For example, drug marketing induced consumers to engage in risky health behaviors (e.g. high fat eating) at a higher rate and engage in healthy behaviors (e.g. low cholesterol eating) at a lower rate – compared to supplements.

The authors acknowledged that “a supplement label, by its very name suggests that the remedy works in conjunction with other health protective behaviors” (such as healthy diet and regular exercise) – but they also found that drug marketing “prompts associations to poor health which lowers self-efficacy and leads consumers to look to external solutions for their health problems.”

From a public health perspective, our experience here at SupplementWatch certainly supports the finding that supplements tend to be more “empowering” to consumers and encourage them to engage in other complementary health practices. It's hard to argue with the wisdom of taking charge of one's own health future.

On the other hand, drug marketing, as found in this series of studies, tends to undermine the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors and is more likely to backfire by encouraging consumers to “do/eat whatever they want” (because the drug has them “covered”).

We found it interesting that the subjects in these studies viewed supplements as “enhancing” to other body functions (68%) and a “natural” approach to health (36%), while drugs were viewed as being associated with “illness/disease” (55%) and with being a “non-natural” (15%) way to “alter body function” (22%).

Overall, this research shows us that drug marketing encourages consumers to ignore important aspects of healthy lifestyle – and actually increase poor lifestyle habits – because they believe the drug has “taken care of everything” and, in effect, taken the risk out of risky behavior. Consumers taking a drug to lose weight or reduce cholesterol levels, for example, would be more likely to eat more high fat foods – while supplement users would be more likely to exercise and cut calories.

We wholeheartedly agree with the authors that supplements and supplement marketing tend to remind consumers that the product is supplemental to other protective behaviors and that from a consumer welfare and public health perspective, the overall effects of increased supplement marketing (versus increased drug marketing) would be to promote health in the American population (one of the promises of DSHEA nearly 12 years ago).

Did You know..?

2006-07-17T00:25:00.000-07:00

Knowing Your ABCD's

2006-07-17T00:22:00.000-07:00

You’ve seen and heard of them, and you chomp them down religiously every day… but how well do you know your vitamins? After all, there’s obviously more to these supplements than just popping them!

Useful for: Fighting infection, as well as keeping our glands, skin and gums healthy.
Get them: In dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, broccoli, fish and dairy products.

Useful for: Maintaining proper nerve functioning and digestion of carbohydrates.
Get them: In cereals, nuts. However, because nuts are food that naturally are high in fat and cholesterol, it should be eaten sparingly.

Useful for: Boosting our body’s energy level.
Get them: In fruits and dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt. Other options are bread and liver.

Useful for: Lowering the body’s cholesterol levels, and said to help against cardiovascular disease.
Get them: Cereal, yeast, fish and meat.

Useful for: Breaking down of protein, which is necessary for maintaining and building of muscle tissue.
Get them: In vegetables, whole grains, fish and poultry.

Useful for: Forming and maintaining healthy nerve tissue and necessary in functioning of cells.
Get them: In eggs, fish and poultry.

Useful for: Keeping the blood vessels strong and protecting our vascular system. It also aids in healing of cuts and bruises.
Get them: In all citrus fruits such as grapefruit or oranges. Also vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and tomatoes.

Useful for: Building and maintaining the teeth and bones. It also helps our bodies absorb calcium.
Get them: Fish, cod liver oil, egg yolks and fortified milk. These foods are high in fat and cholesterol and where possible, opt for the low fat variety.

Useful for: Forming of red blood cells, and building of muscle tissue and other body tissues. It also helps in preventing cholesterol from sticking to the inside of our arteries.
Get them: In your seafood platter, vegetable oils, nuts, beans, whole wheat and green leafy vegetables.

Eating by Your Blood Type

2006-07-17T00:14:00.000-07:00

Type A
Individuals who fall under the Type A blood group should basically stick to fruits and vegetable. Their blood types is generally thicker than other blood types, and possess a sensitive immune system. These individuals should not consume (or should reduce intake) dairy products, animal fats and meats. They are also at a heightened risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

Type B
Type B blood groupers should consume a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, grains, dairy and meat. However, they should try to refrain from chicken, and increase intake of red meat such as duck and beef. Unlike the other blood types, Type B individuals have the best chance of bypassing or overcoming everyday types of diseases, as well as heart disease and cancer.

Type AB

For Type AB individuals, intake of a mostly vegetarian diet is recommended. And only on rare occasions should they indulge in some fish, meat (not chicken) and dairy.

Those that fall under the Type O blood type should basically stick to a high protein diet, low carbs, as well as a balanced intake of fruits and vegetables. However, food foes for Type Os include most grain food such as corn and wheat germ. They should also try to avoid dairy products. Type O types are commonly affected with hypothyroidism, high stomach acid (leading to ulcers), and thinner blood with greater resistance to blood clotting.

Eating byYour Blood Type

2006-07-17T00:12:00.000-07:00

Fighting Cancer With Food

2006-07-15T00:03:00.000-07:00

There are several cancer fighting foods that prevent cancer. These cancer fighting foods can prevent breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, etc.
There isn't a single element in a particular food that does all the work: The best thing to do is eat a variety of foods.

The following foods have the ability to help stave off cancer and some can even help inhibit cancer cell growth or reduce tumor size.

Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. They also supply even more potassium than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientists also believe that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage.

Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety. Broccoli, especially sprouts, also have the phytochemical sulforaphane, a product of glucoraphanin - believed to aid in preventing some types of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer. Sulforaphane induces the production of certain enzymes that can deactivate free radicals and carcinogens. The enzymes have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in laboratory animals. However, be aware that the Agriculture Department studied 71 types of broccoli plants and found a 30-fold difference in the amounts of glucoraphanin. It appears that the more bitter the broccoli is, the more glucoraphanin it has. Broccoli sprouts have been developed under the trade name BroccoSprouts that have a consistent level of sulforaphane - as much as 20 times higher than the levels found in mature heads of broccoli.

Carrots contain a lot of beta carotene, which may help reduce a wide range of cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast.Some research indicated beta carotene may actually cause cancer, but this has not proven that eating carrots, unless in very large quantities - 2 to 3 kilos a day, can cause cancer.

Chili peppers and jalapenos contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutralize certain cancer-causing substances (nitrosamines) and may help prevent cancers such as stomach cancer.

Flax contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. Flax is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to protect against colon cancer and heart disease.

Garlic has immune-enhancing allium compounds (dialyl sultides) that appear to increase the activity of immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances. These substances also help block carcinogens from entering cells and slow tumor development. Diallyl sulfide, a component of garlic oil, has also been shown to render carcinogens in the liver inactive. Studies have linked garlic — as well as onions, leeks, and chives — to lower risk of stomach and colon cancer.

Grapefruits, like oranges and other citrus fruits, contain monoterpenes, believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body. Some studies show that grapefruit may inhibit the proliferation of breast-cancer cells in vitro. They also contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid.

Grapes, contain bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives. Grapes are also a rich source of resveratrol, which inhibits the enzymes that can stimulate cancer-cell growth and suppress immune response. They also contain ellagic acid, a compound that blocks enzymes that are necessary for cancer cells - this appears to help slow the growth of tumors.

Studies show that consumption of green and yellow leafy vegetables has been associated with lower levels of stomach cancer.

Kale has indoles, nitrogen compounds which may help stop the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues. In addition, isothiocyanates, phytochemicals found in kale, are thought to suppress tumor growth and block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets.

Licorice root has a chemical, glycyrrhizin, that blocks a component of testosterone and therefore may help prevent the growth of prostate cancer. However, excessive amounts can lead to elevated blood pressure.

Mushrooms - There are a number of mushrooms that appear to help the body fight cancer and build the immune system - Shiitake, maitake, reishi, Agaricus blazei Murill, and Coriolus Versicolor. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides, especially Lentinan, powerful compounds that help in building immunity.

Nuts contain the antioxidants quercetin and campferol that may suppress the growth of cancers. Brazil nut contains 80 micrograms of selenium, which is important for those with prostate cancer. (Note: Many people are allergic to the proteins in nuts, so if you have any symptoms such as itchy mouth, tight throat, wheezing, etc. after eating nuts, stop. Consider taking a selenium supplement instead or work with someone on how to eliminate this allergy.)

Oranges and lemons contain Iimonene which stimulates cancer-killing immune cells (lymphocytes, e.g.) that may also break down cancer-causing substances.

Papayas have vitamin C that works as an antioxidant and may also reduce absorption of cancer-causing nitrosamines from the soil or processed foods. Papaya contains folacin (also known as folic acid), which has been shown to minimize cervical dysplasia and certain cancers.

Raspberries contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants known as anthocyanins that may protect against cancer. Black raspberries are rich in antioxidants, thought to have even more cancer-preventing properties than blueberries and strawberries.

Red wine, even without alcohol, has polyphenols that may protect against various types of cancer. Polyphenols are potent antioxidants, compounds that help neutralize disease-causing free radicals.

Rosemary may help increase the activity of detoxification enzymes. An extract of rosemary, termed carnosol, has inhibited the development of both breast and skin tumors in animals. We haven't found any studies done on humans. Rosemary can be used as a seasoning. It can also be consumed as a tea: Use 1 tsp. dried leaves per cup of hot water; steep for 15 minutes.

Seaweed and other sea vegetables contain beta-carotene, protein, vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as chlorophylones - important fatty acids that may help in the fight against breast cancer. Many sea vegetables also have high concentrations of the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine.

Soy products like tofu contain several types of phytoestrogens — weak, nonsteroidal estrogens that could help prevent both breast and prostate cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes. There are a number of isoflavones in soy products, but research has shown that genistein is the most potent inhibitor of the growth and spread of cancerous cells. It appears to lower breast-cancer risk by inhibiting the growth of epithelial cells and new blood vessels that tumors require to flourish and is being scrutinized as a potential anti-cancer drug. However, there are some precautions to consider when adding soy to your diet. Eating up to 4 or 5 ounces of tofu or other soy a day is probably ok, but research is being done to see if loading up on soy could cause hormone imbalances that stimulate cancer growth. As a precaution, women who have breast cancer or are at high risk should talk to their doctors before taking pure isoflavone powder and pills, extracted from soy.

Sweet potatoes contain many anticancer properties, including beta-carotene, which may protect DNA in the cell nucleus from cancer-causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane.
Teas: Green Tea and Black tea contain certain antioxidants known as polyphenols (catechins) which appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. Green tea is best, followed by our more common black tea (herbal teas do not show this benefit).

Tapioca is derived from the cassava plant. It is one of the many plants that manufactures cyanide by producing a chemical called linamarine which releases hydrogen cyanide when it is broken down by the linamarase enzyme.

Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks roaming oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, that are suspected of triggering cancer. It appears that the hotter the weather, the more lycopene tomatoes produce. They also have vitamin C, an antioxidant which can prevent cellular damage that leads to cancer. Watermelons, carrots, and red peppers also contain these substances, but in lesser quantities. It is concentrated by cooking tomatoes.

Tumeric (curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, is believed to have medicinal properties because it inhibits production of the inflammation-related enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), levels of which are abnormally high in certain inflammatory diseases and cancers, especially bowel and colon cancer. In fact, a pharmaceutical company Phytopharm in the UK hopes to introduce a natural product, P54, that contains certain volatile oils, which greatly increase the potency of the turmeric spice.

Mediterranean beats low-fat diet for heart health

2006-07-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Mediterranean-style diets, rich in healthy fats from olive oil or nuts, may be better for the heart than low-fat regimens, a new study shows.

Spanish researchers found that the traditional Mediterranean diet bested a low-fat diet in helping older adults improve their cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The findings, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, add to evidence that diets rich in healthy fats offer a better heart prescription than diets that limit fat altogether.

Mediterranean-style eating generally means plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, limited amounts of red meat and processed foods, and a relatively high amount of fat from olive oil and nuts. Studies have shown that people living in the Mediterranean region have lower rates of heart disease, despite their high fat intake.

Experts believe the benefit stems from the fact that the unsaturated fats found in olive oil and nuts actually help protect the cardiovascular system.

Olive oil is mostly monounsaturated fat, and virgin olive oil -- which is minimally processed -- retains the fruit's natural antioxidants, as well as nutrients that may help reduce inflammation in the blood vessels. Similarly, nuts contain unsaturated fats and other nutrients thought to be heart-protective.

The researchers, lead by Dr. Ramon Estruch of the University of Barcelona, Sapin, found that it didn't matter whether study participants got their healthy fat largely from olive oil or from nuts. The subjects assigned to either diet group that includes fats tended to see greater improvements in cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar than their peers who followed a low-fat diet.

This means the effects of the Mediterranean diet were moving "in the right direction," Estruch told Reuters. Longer follow-up, he said, is needed to see whether the benefits translate into fewer heart attacks and strokes.

The study included 769 men and women between 55 and 80 years old who had type 2 diabetes or multiple other risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as smoking, high blood pressure and heavy body weight.

For three months, participants followed one of three diets: a low-fat regimen that advised cutting down on all types of dietary fat; a Mediterranean diet that emphasized virgin olive oil as the prime fat source; or a Mediterranean diet in which walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds provided a large amount of overall dietary fat.

By the end of the study, those on either Mediterranean diet showed small improvements in their "good" HDL cholesterol levels, while the low-fat group showed an HDL decline -- something that is known to happen with low-fat diets.

Both Mediterranean diet groups also had an overall improvement in blood pressure and blood sugar levels, while those of the low-fat group were essentially unchanged.

Men and women who got most of their fat from olive oil also had a decline in a blood substance called C-reactive protein, a marker of chronic inflammation in the body.

The study did not assess whether virgin olive oil or nuts were the healthier fat source, Estruch said, and it's probably best to include both for a healthful diet.

Eco-friendly Food Storage

2006-07-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

When it comes to storing leftovers, most of us reach automatically for plastic wrap or foil. After using once, we toss the wrappings away. A more eco-friendly, economical choice is to store food in glass dishes with glass lids. Don't have any? Use a bowl with a dinner or dessert plate on top of it. If these containers and covers are microwaveable, you can just heat up the contents that way. The off-gassing of plastic won't leach into your food. Also, don't forget that you can put old glass food jars to other uses. Once they're finished they're excellent for storing other food. Tall mayonnaise or dressing jars are good for keeping fruit juice in the fridge or for storing dry products. Smaller jars are perfect for storing such things as homemade salad dressing.

Cherry juice may help ease the pain of sore muscles

2006-07-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

Drinking a glass of cherry juice after exercising may help ease those aching muscles, hint results of a small study funded by Cherrypharm Inc.

Researchers have identified a number of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in tart cherries but studies evaluating the fruit's effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of inflammatory conditions have yielded mixed results. One study, however, showed that men and women who eat 45 cherries a day have lower levels of inflammatory markers in their blood.

Dr. Declan A. J. Connolly, of the University of Vermont, and colleagues investigated whether cherry juice taken before and after a bout of exercise can reduce the symptoms of muscle damage.

They had 14 male college students drink 12 ounces of a blend of fresh cherry juice and apple juice or a "placebo" black cherry Kool-aid drink twice a day for eight days. On the fourth day, the men participated in several rounds of elbow exercises.

Two weeks later, the men drank the alternate drink over the same time period before again participating in exercise. Following both rounds of exercise, the men underwent various measurements of muscle strength and pain.

The investigators found that, overall, the men experienced much less pain and retained more muscle strength after exercising while drinking the cherry juice blend than they did while drinking the Kool-aid drink.

For example, the degree of muscle strength loss fell by 22 percentage points in those drinking the dummy mixture but only by 4 percentage points in those drinking cherry juice. Muscle strength even improved slightly after 96 hours in those drinking cherry juice.

The degree of soreness differed little between the two groups, but the average pain score was significantly lower after consumption of cherry juice.

IgG Colostrum

2006-07-09T01:07:00.000-07:00

IgG Boost™ Colostrum Microfiltrate

Boost Your Immunity

IgG Boost™ contains a proprietary extract of bovine colostrum, Colostrum MFT™, clinically shown to boost primary immune functions by providing a concentrated spectrum of supplemental immune antibody proteins.*

Primary Benefits

* Provides a boost to your body's own natural immune function and activity*
* Provides a broad spectrum of immune proteins, including immunoglobulin G (IgG), to supplement those naturally produced by your body*
* Supports the immune system's role in weakening and destroying harmful organisms in the gut while neutralizing toxic waste products*

What Makes This Product Unique?

* IgG Boost™ contains Colostrum MFT,™ a proprietary colostrum extract derived using a patented microfiltration process that preserves a broad spectrum of the bioactive components of bovine colostrums
* Colostrum MFT™ is standardized to a 50% IgG content, the highest in the industry
* Colostrum MFT™ is backed by peer-reviewed and published clinical tests for safety and efficacy

Who Should Use This Product?
IgG Boost™ can be used by the whole family from adults to children. Anyone under immune stress and/or exposed to an environment of unfriendly and toxic organisms, or simply interested in boosting their natural immune system can use IgG Boost.™ People that are hypersensitive to dairy or lactose-containing products should not use IgG Boost.™*

COLOSTRUM

2006-07-09T00:27:00.000-07:00

Description
Colostrum is the clear/cloudy “pre-milk” that female mammals secrete prior to producing milk. Colostrum for dietary supplements is usually derived from bovine sources (cows) and contains various immunoglobulins (also called antibodies) as well as additional antimicrobial factors (i.e. lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme and growth factors).
# Claims Immune support (Proventra from Galagen)
# Reduction of diarrhea
# Gastrointestinal support
# Improved exercise performance and recovery (Intact from Northfield Labs)

Theory
Bovine colostrum contains the same disease resistance factors (immunoglobins) which are found in human breast milk and unpasteurized cow's milk. The wide variety of “immune factors” which may be effective against various viruses, bacteria, yeast and other invaders. Among these immune factors are immunoglobins, antibodies, lactoferrin, lactalbumin, glycoproteins, cytokines (such as IL-1, IL-6, and interferon Y) and various polypeptides, growth factors, vitamins and minerals. The antibodies present colostrum are thought to combine with disease-causing microorganisms in the GI tract. By adhering to pathogens, colostrum antibodies may be able to reduce the adhesive properties of bacteria and decrease the bug’s ability to attach to the intestinal wall (which could prevent their entrance into the body). It is unlikely that the “full” antimicrobial benefits of colostrum can be realized unless you happen to be a baby cow (because the immunoglobulins are largely digested in the gut and cannot be absorbed intact). It may be possible, however, for partially digested immunoglobulin fragments to retain a small portion of their functional properties.

Scientific Support
It is no secret that in response to a disease (or vaccination) the body produces specialized antibodies and general defense components to fight invading infections. It is also no secret that infants fed baby-formula (instead of breast milk) are more prone to a variety of infections (pasteurized infant formula contains none of the active antibodies and other immune components naturally present in human breast milk). In infants, it has been shown that intact immunoglobulin molecules and active fragments were still capable of in vitro (test tube) immune activity after traveling through the digestive tract. Whether the same is true for adults is largely unknown. It has been shown, however, that active antibodies can be recovered in the intestines and feces following colostrum consumption (about half of the ingested dose is still present following 6hrs). Several small clinical studies of colostrum consumption have been conducted – though many are only published as abstracts. In one study, the administration of bovine immunoglobulins (in a mouthrinse) reduced yeast infections in bone marrow transplant patients. At least a few studies have shown the benefits of ingesting colostrum in neutralizing the activity of several strains of bacteria and parasites in causing diarrhea. In another study of children and adults with chronic gastritis, symptoms were improved and inflammation was reduced, suggesting that colostrum may be effective against H. pylori (the bacteria that causes ulcers). In terms of sports performance, one study looked at 39 males during an 8 week running program (3 runs of 45 minutes per week) while consuming colostrum (60 grams per day) or whey protein. The study found no differences in plasma IGF-1 concentrations in either group during the study period but the colostrum group ran further and did more work than the placebo group by week 8 (equal to a 2% increase in performance). Another study examined rowing performance in a group of elite female rowers. Eight rowers completed a 9 week training program while consuming either colostrum (60 grams per day) or whey protein (placebo). By week 9, rowers consuming colostrum had greater increases in the distance covered and work done compared to the placebo group. One of the only published references on bovine colostrum consumption suggested that it could help prevent and treat the gastric injury associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and may also be of value for the treatment of other ulcerative conditions of the bowel. The study, which examined rats and mice, found a 30-60% reduction in gastric injury following colostrums treatment Taken together, the available evidence for bovine colostrum is adequate to support its benefits as a mild immune-supporting supplement – particularly when interactions with pathogens in the intestinal tract are possible. It is unlikely, however, that colostrum would provide immune benefits against airborne pathogens and upper respiratory tract infections such as cold and influenza (flu).

Safety
No adverse side effects are expected up to doses of 60 grams per day – but those individuals with milk allergies should avoid bovine colostrum.

Value
The price range for colostrum products is quite large – with products selling between $15 and $40 for a 1-month supply of capsules or powder. Of special note is the fact that most capsule-form products provide no more than 1 gram of colostrum per serving (1 capsules) and powder forms go up to about 5-10 grams or so (per scoop). These levels are well below the levels shown to be effective in the studies mentioned above (as much as 60 grams per day in some studies) – meaning that a “clinically effective” dose might cost you $30 per DAY and mean that you’re swallowing 60 capsules. Whether or not these lower levels will be effective is unknown. Because virtually all of the scientific studies on colostrum have been conducted on 2 specific brands, Proventra for immune benefits and Intact for exercise performance benefits, so if you decide to give colostrum a try, you should purchase a product that includes one of these brands.

Dosage
Typical dosage recommendations for commercial products range from 1-6 grams per day, but the majority of available research has used doses of about 10 times as much (60 grams in some studies). It is unknown whether or not these small (1-6 gram) doses will provide the benefits demonstrated in clinical studies.

Promotes Vitality and Stamina

2006-06-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

Stamina Boost*

Promotes Vitality and Stamina*

CordyMax® Cs-4® is a proprietary, standardized extract of Cordyceps sinensis mushroom to promote stamina and vitality while reducing fatigue.*

Primary Benefits

Promotes vitality and stamina*
Reduces fatigue*
Promotes healthy lung function*

What Makes This Product Unique?

Proprietary cultivation and extraction processes
Highest concentration of active constituents available
Clinically proven to be effective in healthy adults, the elderly, the active, and sedentary individuals
Most closely resembles wild Tibetan strain used anciently in traditional Chinese medicine
Stimulant-free

Who Should Use This Product?
CordyMax® Cs-4® is designed for use by persons with busy, hectic lifestyles, athletes, the elderly, and those desiring increased vitality without the use of stimulants.

Supports Optimal Athletic Performance and Post-Exercise Recovery*

2006-06-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Performance Enhancement

Supports Optimal Athletic Performance and Post-Exercise Recovery*

OverDrive® provides a blend of B-vitamins, antioxidants, mineral cofactors, proteolytic enzymes, and unique electrolytes to promote normal energy metabolism during exercise and normal post-exercise muscle recovery, while also helping combat free radical exposure normally created during exercise sessions.*

Primary Benefits

A complement of B-vitamins help assist the body's normal biochemical processes during exercise, including nerve function and proper metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins*
Includes three phytonutrient sources of powerful antioxidants: grape seed extract, citrus bioflavonoids, and quercetin, a flavonoid with powerful antioxidant activity
Contains n-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, an important amino acid used by the body as a building block for the body's powerful antioxidant, glutathione*
Provides magnesium, which plays a key role in muscle energy transfer reactions*
Contains proteolytic enzymes

What Makes This Product Unique?
OverDrive® is designed for active individuals and those who regularly engage in physical exercise or sporting competitions.

Who Should Use This Product?
OverDrive® is designed for active individuals and those who regularly engage in physical exercise or sporting competitions.

2006-06-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

Pharmanex® g3™ g3™ is a nutrient-rich juice from the prized gac "superfruit" of southern Asia, whose nutritional benefits have been scientifically demonstrated to protect cells. Among gac's potent phytonutrients are a unique and highly-bioavailable form of carotenoids called lipocarotenes™ that provide powerful antioxidant protection while supporting healthy immune function. The g3™ formula was developed with 3 additional superfruits—Chinese lycium, Siberian pineapple, and cili fruit—that synergistically provide exponential benefits. g3™ has a refreshing flavor that is deliciously sweet, slightly tart and can be enjoyed daily by everyone in the family.

Many fruits offer specific and targeted health benefits and can be used as important components of integrated health maintenance programs. Unfortunately, many of the current fruit juice products on the market today are not founded in science. Instead they rely heavily on anecdotal "cure-all" claims that mislead and build false hopes in consumers. Fortunately, new scientific research focused on the traditional use of specific fruits and juices for wellness benefits is beginning to separate the anecdotal and exotic from the verifiable.

Pharmanex has leveraged research and data from the Pharmanex® BioPhotonic Scanner technology to design and develop g3.™ Consistent with the Pharmanex® 6S Quality Process of quality and efficacy, Pharmanex is pleased to offer a unique fruit-juice blend provided by nature, time-tested through traditional use, and proven efficacious by modern science. g3™ is a blend of all-natural superfruit juices that provide cellular rejuvenation and protection, while supporting healthy immune function, all in a highly-bioavailable form. g3™ is certified to increase your Skin Carotenoid Score (SCS) with the BioPhotonic Scanner. The unique combination of phytonutrients in g3™ is derived from carefully selected "superfruits" traditionally used throughout the world for their restorative properties and whose nutritional benefits have been validated through scientific study.

Skin Care

2006-06-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

Youthful energy you can see

As the years go by, does your skin look older at the end of the day than it did in the morning? Celltrex® CoQ10 Complete promotes cellular energy production, allowing your skin to rebound beautifully from daily oxidative stress for a radiant, youthful appearance. Only this patent pending technology combines the coenzyme Q10 with a protective antioxidant network of colorless carotenoids and vitamins C and E for optimal CoQ10 bioactivity.

Benefits

Promotes essential cellular energy production for a radiant, youthful appearance.
Supplies an exclusive combination of colorless carotenoids and vitamins C and E for a complete antioxidant network of protection against skin-damaging free radicals.
Enhances CoQ10 bioactivity for a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Provides a daily antidote to the signs of aging by increasing energy levels within the skin.

Key Ingredients

CoQ10—an essential antioxidant naturally found in your cells that functions as a coenzyme in generating cellular energy (CoQ10 acts only as a free radical fighter if unprotected by an antioxidant network).
Colorless carotenoids—function as blotter antioxidants, absorbing a significant number of attacking free radicals. In this way, carotenoids provide direct protection, enabling other antioxidants such as CoQ10 to perform their critical functions.
Vitamins C and E—two powerful redox (regenerating) antioxidants that contribute to cellular health and longevity by helping form a protective antioxidant network so CoQ10 can perform optimally.

Skin Care

2006-06-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

Your skin is telling you it's time to make a change. Decide today to look younger next week with Nu Skin 180°®. Designed to reverse the full range of aging effects, this system is clinically proven to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, refine texture, and even skin tone for an overall more youthful appearance.

Benefits
Each product in this system plays an integral role in delivering the following benefits:

Begins to reverse the effects of biological and environmental aging in as early as seven days.
Helps erase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Works to firm the skin.
Increases skin smoothness and radiance.
Diminishes the appearance of pore size.
Minimizes the look of age spots and discoloration.
Repairs signs of past UV exposure and protects skin against future sun damage.

catatan untuk pengunjung

2006-06-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

Untuk rakan rakan yang menghantar email memberi beberapa cadangan saya ucapkan berbanyak-banyak terima kasih. Untuk makluman saya juga dalam proses untuk menyiapkan satu lagi blog serupa ini didalam bahasa melayu, untuk rakan rakan terutama dari indonesia dan malaysia. Untuk sementara itu saya juga cuba menterjemahkan artikel tertentu didalam blog ini, walaupun tidak seratus peratus tepat pada susun katanya, tapi sekurang kurangnya dapat juga difahami.susun kata tidak teratur kerana terjemahan secara 'auto' menggunakan perisian.

Calcium

2006-06-04T04:54:00.000-07:00

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. The average adult has about 2 to 3 pounds of calcium in their body, with about 99% in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1% of body calcium is found in the blood and within cells, where calcium helps with dozens of metabolic processes. This 1% of calcium is so important to maintain that the body will draw on calcium stores in the bones – even at the expense of causing osteoporosis – to keep blood and cellular calcium levels within the proper range. Good dietary sources of calcium include all dairy products and several vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy and kale. A cup of milk contains about 300mg of calcium.
# Claims Promotes strong bones # Lowers blood pressure # Reduces risk of colon cancer # Reduces symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Theory More than 99% of the body’s calcium is stored in bones, where it serves both a structural and physiological role. The most obvious need for calcium is to help build and maintain strong bones, but calcium is also important for blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and maintenance of normal blood pressure. There is also some evidence that calcium supplements may be helpful in reducing the risk of colon cancer, regulating heart rhythms and treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
# Scientific Support For decades, we have known about the important role that calcium plays in achieving and maintaining strong bones -and helping to prevent osteoporosis. More recent research, much of it conducted over the past 5 years, has suggested a number of other beneficial health effects of getting adequate calcium in the diet. Among the more exciting research, scientists have recently shown that eating more calcium-rich foods reduces the risk of colon cancer in men and that women who take daily calcium supplements can cut premenstrual symptoms in half (pain, bloating, mood swings, and food cravings). In other studies, researchers found that adequate calcium intake (along with vitamin D) can reduce blood pressure in women with mild hypertension and in black teen-agers (two groups who rarely consume enough calcium). The hypertensive effects of a high-salt diet tend to be most pronounced among people whose diets are low in calcium. In addition, women who take calcium supplements during pregnancy gave birth to children with healthier blood pressure levels (lower than average for the first seven years of life) - this might reduce the child’s risk of developing high blood pressure later in life. If that weren’t enough evidence that calcium supplements might be a good idea, there is also some evidence that calcium can even influence mood and behavior. The suggestion comes from a space shuttle study in which hypertensive rats become agitated when consuming a low-calcium diet, but become more calm and relaxed and when their diets contain adequate calcium levels. Additional functions in which calcium plays a role include: Transmission of nerve impulses and control of muscle contractions
# Release of chemical messengers for communication between nerves # Chemical signaling between cells # Regulation of hormone and enzyme production and activity (regulation of digestion, fat metabolism, energy production) # Hormone secretion # Blood clotting # Wound healing
Safety Side effects from calcium supplements are rare, but may be possible at extremely high intakes. The Upper Intake Level (UL) for calcium is 2,500mg per day. Intakes above 1500 mg per day have not been associated with any greater benefits than more moderate intakes in the 1200-1500 mg per day range.
Value Calcium - it’s not just for bones anymore. The most abundant mineral in the body, calcium is most often associated with strong bones and teeth. After all, the body stores about 99% of its calcium in the skeleton. These calcium stores, however, are much more than idle calcium warehouses - they are actually a very active site of continuous mineral exchange between the bones and the blood. The bones continuously release calcium and other minerals into the circulation, where calcium may play a role in controlling blood pressure, easing PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and fighting colon cancer. Calcium is cheap, easily available and well tolerated as a supplement. Practically nobody consumes enough calcium in their daily diet, so calcium is one of the nutrients for which supplementation is highly recommended.
# Dosage The Daily Reference Intakes (DRI) recommend the following daily intakes for calcium: 1300 mg for ages 9-18 # 1000 mg for adults aged 19-50 # 1200 mg for older adults # 1500 mg for postmenopausal women not taking hormone replacement therapy

What’s in a Multivitamin?

2006-05-25T02:03:00.000-07:00

It’s easy to pop a vitamin every day. It’s one of the less labor intensive steps in taking care of your health. But do you know what’s going on inside that pill? All vitamins are definitely not created equal. This means that there’s a decent chance that the $4 bottle I bought from Trader Joe's might not stand up to a $30 bottle from a health food store, but it may also mean that the more expensive brand is all hype and no substance

Dr. Weil breaks down a few of the vitamins that every multi should have (visit his Self Healing Newsletter for more on essential vitamins):

Vitamin A. Avoid preformed vitamin A (retinol). Taking 5,000 IU of retinol — often listed as vitamin A palmitate or acetate — a day has been shown to increase the risk of losing bone density and breaking a hip. It may be difficult to find a multi without preformed A, so at least try to limit your intake: If the label reads "vitamin A as beta-carotene," that's okay. Beta-carotene and other carotenoids, which the body converts to vitamin A, won't harm your bones.

B vitamins. Your multi should have 50 mg each of most B vitamins, except for folic acid (at least 400 mcg) and B-12 (at least 50 mcg). If you’re taking a multi with only the “Daily Value” for most B vitamins, an additional B-50 B-complex supplement is necessary.

Vitamin D. Check for at least 400 IU of vitamin D, or 100 percent of the Daily Value. Weil also encourages everyone to supplement with at least 1,000 IU of D a day, the amount shown in recent studies to greatly reduce the risk of breast, colon, and ovarian cancers. If your multi provides only 400 IU, you should take an additional vitamin D supplement to make up the difference. Look for products with the D3 (cholecalciferol) form of vitamin D, which is more readily utilized than D2 (ergocalciferol).

Garnish This!

2006-05-25T02:01:00.000-07:00

Parsley is traditionally relegated to a mere garnish, but the herb has so much more to offer. Firstly, the leafy green is an excellent natural breath freshener. While mints and gum simply cover potent breath, parsley treats halitosis (or the aftermath of a garlicy dinner) from the inside out.

Parsley comes in several varieties — Italian and flat leaf are the most popular — and is also an excellent source of calcium, iron, and Vitamins A and C. Parsley is also known for its volatile oils — myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene — which may be linked to a the prevention of several cancers and also give the herb the title of "chemoprotective" food. Parsely can neutralize certain carcinogens ike the benzopyrenes that are part of cigarette smoke, charcoal grill smoke (see The Side Effects of BBQ), and the smoke produced by trash incinerators.

According to this month’s Natural Health, several studies have found that parsley may also reduce blood sugar in diabetics, prevent stomach ulcers and act as a diuretic.

Still Tired? Supplements Can Perk You Up

2006-05-25T01:59:00.000-07:00

Are you having one of those months — or years — when you just can't wake up? You're sleeping eight hours and eating right, but still can't shake that groggy feeling? There are lots of CAM therapies that can help to boost mental and physical energy and targeted supplementation is at the top of the list. There are vitamins and herbs can help you wake up. Among the best are:

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) Ginseng is packed with ginsenosides, which are thought to fight fatigue and stress. Recommended dose: 1–3 grams dried root powder in capsule or tablet form daily, or 3–5 ml tincture three times daily.

B vitamins Vitamin B plays a key role in energy production. Recommended dose: One or two B-vitamin capsules, once a day with meals. Don’t take your B vitamins at night as they can keep you awake.

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) A.K.A. Siberian ginseng, this herb can enchance mental acuity and physical endurance. Recommended dose: 2–3 grams dried root powder daily. Note: Eleuthero is typically taken for six to eight weeks, followed by a one- to two-week break before resuming.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) This herb helps boost endurance and adrenal function. Recommended dose: 100–400 mg standardized extract, twice daily.

Christopher Hobbs, a licensed acupuncturist and member of the American Herbalists Guild suggests starting with one herb before adding or switching to another.

Diagnosis: Serangan radikal bebas

2006-05-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

Gaya hidup serta tabiat makan yang kurang sihat mengakibatkan kerosakan pda struktur sel badan

RAMAI mengenali penyakit seperti kanser, jantung, diabetis dan artritis, tetapi kurang menyedari mengenai radikal bebas dan antioksidan, sedangkan ia adalah antara penyebab kepada masalah berkenaan.

Ini kerana, penyakit itu berpunca daripada peningkatan bilangan sel rosak dalam badan akibat serangan radikal bebas.

Naib Presiden Penyelidikan dan Pembangunan Global Pharmanex, sebuah cawangan Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc, Dr Carsten Smidt, berkata sel rosak yang semakin bertambah bilangannya mungkin menyebabkan penyakit kronik.

Di samping itu ia juga menyebabkan daya ketahanan yang lemah, malah mempercepatkan proses penuaan yang boleh membawa kepada penyakit seperti Alzheimer, Parkinson, artritis dan katarak, katanya dalam satu pertemuan di Kuala Lumpur, baru-baru ini.

Penyelidikan yang dijalankan mendapati, ada lebih 100 jenis penyakit dihidapi manusia berkait rapat dengan kerosakan sel badan akibat serangan radikal bebas.

Gaya hidup serta tabiat makan yang kurang sihat menyumbang kepada peningkatan tahap radikal bebas di dalam badan dan tahap yang tinggi ini boleh mengakibatkan kerosakan pada struktur sel badan.

Radikal bebas

Radikal bebas adalah molekul yang mengandungi sejumlah elektron ganjil dan berada dalam keadaan tidak aktif serta tidak stabil.

Bagi menstabilkannya, radikal bebas ini ‘mencuri’ elektron daripada sel sihat di dalam badan dan menjadikannya pasangan untuk elektron yang berjumlah ganjil.

Proses ‘mencuri’ serta melengkapkan elektron ini akan merangsang reaksi berantai yang boleh menyebabkan kerosakan sel dikenali sebagai pengoksidaan.

Kewujudan tahap radikal bebas yang tinggi di dalam badan boleh menyebabkan peningkatan serangan terhadap sel dan mengakibatkan kerosakan kepada sel seperti sel lipid, protein, dan juga DNA.

Kerosakan ini mengakibatkan sel badan hilang keupayaan untuk menyerap nutrien dan akhirnya mati.

Radikal bebas yang menyerang sel DNA mungkin menyebabkan perubahan gen yang akan diturunkan kepada generasi masa depan dan muncul semula sebagai kanser ataupun bentuk komplikasi kesihatan yang lain.

Dr Smidt berkata, kita tidak dapat mengelak daripada radikal bebas kerana badan secara semula jadi mengeluarkan unsur-unsur ini sewaktu pengeluaran tenaga di dalam mitokondria - struktur sel yang diibaratkan sebagai sebuah kilang tenaga yang bertindak untuk menukar makanan dan oksigen kepada tenaga.

Oleh itu, apa yang penting adalah sentiasa mengawasi tahap radikal bebas dengan mengimbangkan kandungan radikal bebas dan antioksidan di dalam badan.

Mengambil langkah proaktif untuk memahami dan meningkatkan tahap antioksidan di dalam badan akan memanfaatkan kesihatan seseorang, katanya.

Antioksidan

Antioksidan boleh diibaratkan sebagai ‘polis’ yang bertugas di dalam badan yang berfungsi ‘meneutralkan’ serangan radikal bebas dengan ‘menderma’ elektron untuk ‘dicuri’ oleh radikal bebas, sekali gus mengurangkan insiden ‘kecurian’ elektron daripada sel-sel sihat.

Sebagai barisan pertahanan pertama di dalam badan bagi meneutralkan serangan radikal bebas terhadap sel, antioksidan penting dalam memperlahankan proses penuaan serta memperbaiki kesihatan secara amnya.

Dr Smidt berkata, ada ratusan antioksidan yang wujud bersama-sama di dalam sistem pertahanan antioksidan badan.

Bagi mengekalkan jaringan antioksidan yang kuat dan efektif, pengambilan pelbagai jenis vitamin serta galian antioksidan melalui sekurang-kurangnya lima hingga 10 hidangan, terdiri daripada pelbagai jenis buah-buahan dan sayuran berwarna, bijirin lengkap serta kekacang setiap hari dapat membantu, katanya.

Bagi golongan berumur dan mereka yang tidak mampu mengambil jumlah buah-buahan dan sayuran disyorkan, ia boleh diganti dengan pengambilan produk makanan kesihatan tambahan antioksidan.

Apa pun, katanya, bagi mengelakkan lebihan dos bekalan vitamin seperti A, D atau E daripada sumber makanan dan juga produk kesihatan tambahan, dinasihatkan seseorang itu mendapatkan nasihat doktor atau ahli farmasi.

Dr Smidt berkata, selain diet makanan seimbang yang kaya dengan buah-buahan dan sayuran serta kekacang dan bijirin, amalkan juga senaman secara sederhana, terus menjalani kehidupan secara positif dan elakkan terdedah kepada sinaran cahaya matahari secara berlebihan juga elakkan merokok.

Ini bukan saja membantu mencegah kerosakan yang disebabkan radikal bebas, malah ia juga dapat meningkatkan kualiti hidup, katanya.

Mengukur tahap antioksidan

Tahap antioksidan boleh diukur melalui tahap antioksidan karotenoid di dalam badan yang mana ia memberi petunjuk sama ada diet seseorang itu kaya dengan buah-buahan dan sayuran, ataupun kaya dengan pemakanan tambahan, atau ia juga dapat memberi petunjuk kepada diet yang kurang dipengaruhi oleh kedua-dua faktor ini.

Secara amnya, kaedah ujian standard makmal semasa yang digunakan untuk mengukur tahap antioksidan dalam badan adalah ujian yang kurang popular kerana ia membabitkan pengambilan sampel darah.

Menyedari hakikat ini, Pharmanex membangunkan alat pengimbas antioksidan - Pharmanex® BioPhotonic Scanner.

Alat ini mempunyai teknologi berpaten yang membolehkan seseorang buat pertama kalinya, mengukur tahap antioksidan di dalam badan melalui kaedah yang tidak melukakan badan (tidak memerlukan jarum atau sampel darah) dan juga memberi keputusan dalam masa kira-kira tiga minit.

Dibangunkan sekumpulan doktor, jurutera serta ahli fizik dari Universiti Utah, Amerika, hasil penyelidikan selama 10 tahun, BioPhotonic Scanner berdasarkan kaedah optikal Raman Spektroskopi yang ditemui pada tahun 1930 oleh pemenang Hadiah Nobel, Sir C.V. Raman.

BioPhotonic Scanner mengaplikasikan undang-undang fizik dengan mengacukan cahaya laser biru berkuasa rendah ke tapak tangan seseorang untuk menyediakan keputusan tahap antioksidan badan dalam masa tiga minit.

Punca-punca Unsur Radikal Bebas

Dalaman (di dalam badan manusia)

* Sumber utama adalah daripada badan manusia ketika pengeluaran tenaga di dalam proses mitokondria

* Sewaktu proses metabolisme biasa bagi lemak, karbohidrat dan protein

* Tekanan - bahan kimia dan sesetengah hormon endokrin mewujudkan unsur-unsur radikal bebas

Luaran (di luar badan manusia)

* Pencemaran alam sekitar seperti jerebu dan asap kenderaan

* Asap rokok

* Bahan kimia toksik seperti racun makhluk perosak, racun serangga, bahan pengilat dan perabot

* Radiasi ultra ungu contohnya pendedahan terlalu lama kepada cahaya matahari dan pendedahan berlebihan kepada sinaran X.

* Kandungan lemak di dalam makanan diproses, makanan digoreng, makanan barbeku dan yang dibakar

* Makanan yang diawet

* Senaman berlebihan

Sumber-sumber Antioksidan

Antioksidan boleh diperoleh daripada diet yang kaya dengan buah-buahan dan sayuran, kekacang dan bijiran lengkap. Mengambil sekurang-kurangnya 5 hingga 10 hidangan yang terdiri daripada buah-buahan dan sayuran pelbagai warna setiap hari membantu meningkatkan tahap sistem pertahanan antioksidan badan.

Pelbagai jenis antioksidan perlu dimakan untuk memberikan badan penjagaan optima daripada serangan unsur-unsur radikal bebas. Sumber-sumber antioksidan termasuk:

Vitamin antioksidan
* Beta kerotina - lobak merah, oren, betik, labu
* Vitamin C - kebanyakan buah-buahan dan sayuran
* Vitamin E - minyak sayuran, kekacang

Galian tambahan
* Kuprum - cendawan, biji bunga matahari, ketam
* Selenium - telur, daging merah, ayam
* Zing - daging merah, kekacang
* Zat besi - Daging, makanan laut, kacang

Phytonutrien:
* Likopen - tomato dan produk berasaskan tomato
* Lutein - bayam, jagung, seleri, brokoli
* Flavonoid - brokoli, tomato, lemon
* Polifenol - teh hijau

Lain-lain
* Glutathion - asparagus, brokoli
* Koenzim Q10 - ikan, bayam, kekacang, soya

Pakar Kanak-kanak: Alahan punca sakit perut

2006-05-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

Istilah ‘sakit perut’ ialah satu huraian, bukan diagnosis. Dalam kegunaan biasa iaitu di kalangan bukan pengamal perubatan, ia bermaksud perasaan sakit yang timbul dari ulu hati hingga ke kawasan suprapubik (kawasan di atas tulang pubik).

Ia merangkumi segala masalah atau penyakit yang menyebabkan perasaan sakit di sekitar kawasan itu, sama ada penyakit organik (berkenaan dengan organ badan) dan yang tidak organik.

Hari ini, kita sudah mengetahui pelbagai penyakit organik yang berkaitan dengan sakit perut. Kita juga menyedari ramai kanak-kanak mempunyai intoleran terhadap sedikit rasa sakit tetapi ada juga kanak-kanak yang tidak terganggu dengan rasa sakit itu.

Sakit perut yang dialami mungkin sekejap-sekejap atau terus menerus.

Diagnosa yang dibuat bergantung kepada rekod perubatan penyakit daripada ibu bapa dan/atau anak-anak, pemeriksaan klinikal, ujian tertentu seperti ujian darah, radiologi, ujian-ujian khas gastrousus, pengujian terapeutik dan sebagainya.

Seringkali, kita boleh mengaitkan ciri-ciri tertentu simptom sakit perut itu dengan penyakitnya. Sungguhpun begitu, kadangkala anak mungkin mempunyai ciri-ciri lebih dari satu masalah atau penyakit. Contohnya, seorang anak mungkin mengalami simptom susah buang air besar di samping simptom perut berangin yang mungkin berpunca daripada alahan atau intoleran kepada makanan.

Berikutan itu, sejarah perubatan penyakit amat penting untuk mencapai diagnosa tepat terutama daripada ibu bapa jika anak-anak masih kecil dan tidak berkebolehan memberi huraian terperinci.

Istilah sakit gastrik sering digunakan untuk menghuraikan penyakit ulser peptik iaitu ulser di organ perut dan organ duodenum (bahagian pertama usus kecil). Bergantung kepada umur anak, penyakit ulser peptik boleh berpunca daripada ubat-ubatan seperti steroids dan ubat tahan sakit anti-inflamasi bukan steroid, dari ketegangan mental atau fizikal iaitu apabila mengalami penyakit tertentu seperti pelecuran (burns), kecederaan otak dan penyakit pada sistem lain di tubuh). Sakit gastrik juga boleh berpunca daripada jangkitan kuman ‘Helicobacter pylori’.

Jangkitan Helicobacter pylori pada se seorang dewasa lazimnya diperolehi pada zaman kanak-kanak. Secara kelaziman ia juga didapati lebih kerap dalam ahli keluarga dan dalam institusi di mana anak-anak hidup secara berdekatan satu sama lain.

Terdapat cukup bukti untuk mengaitkan jangkitan Helicobacter pylori dalam jangkamasa panjang dengan pembentukan barah perut di kalangan dewasa.

Kajian epidemiologik mengenai kaitan itu cukup untuk meyakinkan Persatuan Kesihatan Sedunia (WHO) untuk mengklasifikasikannya sebagai bakteria pertama yang boleh menyebabkan barah.

Sungguhpun demikian, soalan mengenai peranan H.pylori sebagai punca sakit perut di kalangan anak-anak dan remaja masih belum terjawab.

Gout penyakit kuno boleh menyerang bila-bila masa

2006-05-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

GOUT atau dirujuk sebagai “ancient disease” dan sudah diketahui kewujudannya sejak 1800. Kadar pesakit gout dianggarkan satu dalam 100 orang.

Meskipun gout seringnya dikaitkan dengan lelaki, tetapi perempuan juga terutama yang sudah putus haid berhadapan dengan masalah ini.

Ia membabitkan serangan serta-merta yang bukan saja menyebabkan kesakitan tetapi turut membengkak dan rasa panas di sendi. Selalunya ia membabitkan jari kaki yang besar tetapi juga ia boleh memberi kesan pada tumit, lutut, tapak kaki, buku lali dan jari kaki.

Gout terjadi kerana terhasilnya asid uric secara berlebihan. Asid uric terbentuk semula jadi dalam darah sebagai hasil pecahan produksi pelbagai proses kimia. Tetapi apabila buah pinggang tidak dapat membuang asid uric atau tubuh menghasilkan asid uric yang berlebihan ia akan terkumpul di sendi yang kemudiannya membuatkan ia membengkak. Tetapi ingat, gout mungkin terjadi sebagai tanda komplikasi penyakit yang lain juga.

Terkenal sebagai penyakit yang diwarisi, gout juga boleh disebabkan pengamalan gaya hidup yang kurang sihat seperti pengambilan minuman beralkohol yang berlebihan. Malahan ada sesetengah ubat-ubatan dan makanan merangsang peningkatan asid uric seperti makanan laut, kacang, roti manis dan ikan bilis.

GOUT bermula dengan sendi kaki (seperti ibu jari) yang menyebabkan rasa sakit, membengkak dan merah selain rasa kaku dan panas. Menyentuh atau bergerak akan menjadikannya sangat sakit. Simptom gout boleh terjadi dalam masa yang pantas (sehari) dengan serangan pertama biasanya terjadi waktu malam. Gout hanya menyerang sekali saja bagi sesetengah orang tetapi ia akan menyerang lagi beberapa bulan berikutnya.

Jangan biarkan ia tidak dirawat kerana kemungkinan untuk terjadinya kerosakan sendi dan ketidakupayaan untuk bergerak boleh terjadi.

Gout biasanya mudah dikesan menerusi pemeriksaan biasa. Biasanya doktor akan mengambil contoh cairan sendi dan cuba mengesan kehadiran kristal asid uric. Selain itu ujian darah juga dibuat untuk memastikan tahap asid uric dalam tubuh.

Walaupun bunyinya agak menakutkan gout sebenarnya boleh dikawal dengan mengubah gaya hidup. Kurangkan minuman beralkohol, hadkan pengambilan daging merah atau ikan yang tinggi purine dan kawal berat badan anda. Selain itu gout boleh dikawal dengan ubat-ubatan

Ada dua kategori ubat iaitu ubat-ubatan yang diberi ketika masih diserang gout dan ubat-ubatan untuk rawatan jangka panjang. Ubat seperti non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), colchicine dan cortisteroids diberikan semasa serangan terjadi. Ia akan mengawal bengkak dan kesakitan.

Rawatan jangka panjang pula membabitkan ubat-ubatan untuk mengawal tahap asid uric dalam darah dengan menyekat penghasilannya. Harus anda ketahui ubatan jenis ini membabitkan disiplin anda, sebaik ubat-ubatan seperti ini dihentikan, tahap asid uric akan kembali meningkat.

Antara makanan yang harus dielakkan:

# Makanan laut; ikan, kerang, sardin dan ikan bilis
# Sayur-sayuran seperti asparagus, bunga kobis dan bayam
# Organ dalaman haiwan seperti paru, hati dan jantung
# Daging merah
# Cendawan
# Yis (roti putih, roti manis)

FAKTA: Golongan berisiko

# Mereka yang berusia 40 ke 50 tahun terdedah kepada gout tetapi gout juga boleh terjadi di kalangan mereka yang lebih muda.
# Memiliki sejarah keluarga yang berhadapan dengan gout
# Mereka yang mengamalkan gaya pemakanan yang tidak sihat
# Wanita putus haid
# Obesiti, diabetes dan hyperlipidemia atau mereka yang mengalami tekanan
# Mereka yang bermasalah dengan buah pinggang, darah tinggi, sakit jantung dan tahap kolesterol tinggi.

Angin ahmar boleh lumpuhkan badan

2006-05-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

PENYAKIT angin ahmar atau stroke, jika menyerang akan menyebabkan mangsa menjadi lemah, lumpuh sebelah badan atau keseluruhannya dan boleh membawa kepada kematian. Apa yang pasti serangan penyakit ini memang sukar diramal.

Ramai yang mengetahui kewujudan penyakit ini tetapi tidak ramai yang mengetahui sejauh mana ia boleh menyerang dan kekerapan serangannya terhadap mangsa. Faktor umum penyebab angin ahmar ialah apabila pembuluh darah diserang penyakit yang mengganggu pengaliran darah ke otak. Seterusnya bahagian tersebut akan terjejas dan berhenti berfungsi.

Serangan penyakit ini secara tiba-tiba membuatkan mangsa tidak mengalami sebarang tanda amaran kedatangan penyakit ini sehinggalah tiba waktunya dia mengalami rasa lemah-lemah dan lumpuh sebelah badan sama ada kiri atau kanan.

Lemah dan lumpuh akibat stroke ini akan menyebabkan mangsa mengalami kesukaran untuk bercakap atau kemungkinan kehilangan terus keupayaan bercakap atau dikenali sebagai aphasia. Antara masalah lain ialah kemungkinan berlakunya gangguan pada bahagian otak.

Apa pun, bukan semua jenis stroke akan menyebabkan lumpuh. Ini kerana gangguan saraf berlaku jauh daripada bahagian otak yang mengawal pergerakan. Bagaimanapun kes begini jarang berlaku dan hampir 85 peratus mangsa stroke akan mengalami masalah kekejangan saraf dan otot yang membawa kepada lumpuh sementara atau kekal.

Penyebab

SESETENGAH orang mempunyai risiko yang lebih tinggi untuk mendapat stroke berbanding yang lain. Golongan manakah yang mempunyai risiko yang tinggi untuk diserang stroke? Selain pesakit jantung, mereka yang menghidap penyakit diabetis, tekanan darah dan kolestrol tinggi serta seorang perokok adalah mereka yang paling berisiko untuk mendapat stroke.

Ramai beranggapan faktor keturunan sebagai punca penyakit stroke tetapi ternyata masih tidak ada sebarang bukti tentang faktor ini.

Sama seperti bahagian tubuh yang lain, otak harus menerima bekalan berterusan melalui pembuluh darah dan arteri. Jika salah satu daripada arteri tersumbat, bahagian otak yang tidak mendapat bekalan darah akan mati kerana tidak mendapat bekalan oksigen dan pemakanan otak yang biasanya dibawa bersama di dalam darah.

Adakalanya keadaan stroke menjadi semakin serius apabila pembuluh darah yang berselirat di otak menyebabkan ia berkait antara satu sama lain. Ini menjadikan bahagian otak yang tidak mati turut mengalami kerosakan disebabkan perkara itu.

Terjadinya pembuluh darah di otak yang pecah juga penyebab kepada serangan stroke. Apabila ini berlaku, darah akan mengalir dalam tekanan yang amat rendah hingga merosakkan bahagian saraf yang seharusnya menerima oksigen secukupnya.

Tanda serangan

SESETENGAH pesakit akan mengalami petanda dan amaran beberapa minggu atau bulan sebelum diserang stroke yang serius. Biasanya tanda-tanda ini termasuklah rasa lemah anggota badan (sebelah kiri atau kanan badan) dan pandangan mata yang beransur kabur.

Bagaimanapun kebanyakan pesakit tidak mengalami sebarang tanda amaran bagi membolehkan mereka menjalani rawatan.

Cuma yang mungkin dapat dirasai pesakit ialah apabila mereka dapati sebelah badan terasa sakit dan lemah sehingga membawa kepada lumpuh. Begitu juga dengan kehilangan keupayaan bercakap dan apabila bertutur semakin sukar difahami.

Rawatan pemulihan

BIASANYA rawatan bergantung kepada sejauh mana seriusnya kerosakan otak yang dialami pesakit. Bagi pesakit stroke mereka biasanya akan menjalani beberapa siri rawatan untuk memulihkan anggota yang lemah atau lumpuh.

Ada yang menggunakan rawatan tradisional termasuk terapi. Sonotron adalah rawatan tanpa menggunakan sebarang ubat-ubatan. Sebelum ini kaedah sonotron hanya digunakan untuk mereka yang menghidap sakit sendi dan otot. Alat ini dikatakan mampu mengurangkan rasa sakit dengan cepat hanya dengan sekali rawatan.

FAKTA
Angin ahmar

# Serangan angin ahmar berlaku secara tiba-tiba.
# Pesakit darah tinggi, kencing manis dan mengalami masalah kolestrol mudah terdedah angin ahmar.
# Rawatan fisiotrafi dilakukan kepada pesakit.
# Pembuluh darah yang pecah juga penyebab angin ahmar.

Diabetes ibu banyak penyakit

2006-05-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

KENCING manis yang tidak dirawat boleh disifatkan sebagai ibu segala penyakit. Kencing manis atau diabetes boleh menjadi punca penyakit lain seperti penyakit jantung, angin ahmar, penyakit kronik ginjal dan ulser kaki.

Walaupun tidak ada ubat boleh menyembuhkan diabetes tetapi ia boleh dikawal menerusi pengambilan ubat mengikut aturan. Selain itu amalan diet yang betul juga senaman membantu pesakit diabetes menikmati kehidupan berkualiti.

Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia menganggarkan 1.2 juta rakyat negara ini berhadapan dengan masalah ini. Ironinya separuh daripada angka itu tidak menyedari mereka mengalami masalah diabetes.

Dietitian Kanan, Pusat Perubatan Pantai, Bangsar, Kanimolli Arasu, berkata selepas didiagnosis dengan diabetes, paling penting ialah dengan mendisiplinkan diri untuk mematuhi diet khusus yang diberikan pakar pemakanan.

“Setiap pesakit diabetes memerlukan keperluan kalori berbeza. Biasanya pakar pemakanan akan memberi panduan diet mengikut keperluan kalori pesakit. Memang karbohidrat akan menaikkan tahap gula dalam darah tetapi ia tidak bermaksud, pesakit tidak boleh makan nasi. Nasi boleh dimakan tetapi mengikut sukatan,” katanya.

Bagaimanapun menjadi kelaziman, ada pesakit yang terlalu ekstrem menjaga diet hingga tidak langsung mengambil nasi dan menggantikannya dengan roti.

“Mereka fikir tidak ambil nasi boleh rendahkan kadar gula dalam darah. Jadi mereka ambil roti dengan mentega. Masalahnya roti dan mentega saja tidak mengenyangkan dan makan hingga lima keping roti. Lima keping roti lebih tinggi karbohidrat dari secawan nasi. Sepatutnya, jika mahu ganti nasi dengan roti, buatlah sandwich, letak timun atau tomato. Sandwich lebih mengenyangkan daripada roti,” katanya.

Sebaiknya, gunakan roti jagung yang mengandungi kandungan serat yang lebih tinggi daripada roti putih biasa. Jika mengambil nasi putih, pastikan ia diambil bersama ulam atau sayuran hijau kerana kandungan serat dalam sayur-sayuran akan mengurangkan peningkatan gula darah selepas makan. Begitu juga dengan nasi lemak. Lebih baik jika nasi lemak dimakan dengan sayur seperti timun, kangkung, kacang panjang dan kurangkan sambal yang dicampur gula.

Mungkin tidak ramai menyedari hubungan antara hormon dan makanan. Hormon mengatur hampir setiap perkara yang dilakukan tubuh individu. Bermula dengan mengawal paras gula dalam darah, hingga kepada perkara lain membabitkan mekanisma asas kesinambungan hidup seperti tekanan, ketakutan dan juga perasaan jatuh cinta!

Hormon juga penting untuk mengawal insulin. Ia dikenali sebagai hormon utama dalam metabolisme tubuh manusia kerana ia mengatur tekanan darah, pengeluaran kolestrol dan trigliserid dan penyimpanan lemak.

Apabila paras insulin terlalu tinggi, akan berlaku kekacauan metabolisme berikutan peningkatan tekanan darah, peningkatan kolestrol dan trigliserid disusuli dengan kencing manis dan obesiti. Diet yang salah juga membuatkan paras insulin anda tidak tentu hala.

Kanimolli berkata, diet untuk pesakit diabetes tidaklah berbeza dengan orang normal kerana setiap orang harus mengambil diet seimbang. Secara asas, pengambilan makanan haruslah rendah dengan lemak, gula dan garam, lebihkan buah-buahan dan sayur-sayuran.

Kebanyakan orang tahu, pengambilan makanan berasaskan karbohidrat akan meningkatkan tahap gula dalam darah. Begitupun ia tidak bermaksud anda tidak boleh langsung menikmati karbohidrat. Justeru jadikan indeks glisemik (GI) panduan dalam pengambilan makanan.

“Tetapi indeks glisemik ini kadang kala mengelirukan pesakit. Sebabnya, bukan semua makanan berasaskan karbohidrat cepat bertindak dengan gula dalam darah. Misalnya, 30 gram karbohidrat dalam bentuk roti tidak memberi kesan yang sama dengan 30 gram karbohidrat dalam bentuk pasta. Roti juga ada pelbagai dan memiliki skala glisemik berbeza,” katanya.

Tetapi GI boleh memberitahu anda, berapa cepat atau lambat setiap makanan meningkatkan tahap gula dalam darah. Justeru, ia mungkin boleh menjadi panduan untuk anda dalam pengambilan makanan.

Jika ingin menukar jenis karbohidrat, pertimbangkan tiga kategori makanan ini

# Makanan bergula seperti gula-gula, coklat, jam, biskut manis dan kek cepat dicerna dan ia menyebabkan kenaikan pantas gula dalam darah. Justeru, elakkan makanan begini.

# Pilih makanan berkanji seperti roti putih biskut kering yang mengambil masa untuk dicerna.

# Makanan berkanji yang berserat tinggi seperti roti gandum tulen, buah-buahan dan sayur-sayuran. Makanan begini mengambil masa lama untuk dihadam.

Kaitan sindrom metabolik dengan perut buncit

2006-05-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

JANGAN fikir buncit perkara biasa. Buncit di perut selalunya mengandungi banyak lemak dan mereka yang mengumpul lemak di perut berbanding di peha dan pinggul lebih berisiko untuk berhadapan dengan sindrom metabolik yang akan menyebabkan penyakit koronari arteri.

Menurut Dr Abdul Shatar Dahan, pakar dari Hospital Tawakal, Kuala Lumpur, sekitar 1988, sindrom metabolik ini dikenali sebagai sindrom X oleh seorang profesor di Universiti Perubatan Stanford. Tetapi kemudiannya ia dikenali sebagai sindrom metabolik yang pembentukannya banyak dipengaruhi cara hidup. Ia dikaitkan dengan kegemukan, diabetes awal, tahap kolesterol yang tinggi dan hypertension.

“Perlu diingat, sindrom metabolik bukannya satu penyakit tetapi ia adalah rangkaian ketidaktentuan metabolisme badan – termasuk darah tinggi, kadar insulin tinggi, terlebih berat badan dan tahap kolesterol luar biasa – yang akan menyebabkan anda berisiko untuk terdedah kepada diabetes, sakit jantung dan strok,” kata Dr Shatar.

Setiap satu darinya memiliki faktor risiko untuk penyakit lain dan akan menyebabkan pesakit berhadapan dengan masalah penyakit yang mengancam sepanjang usia.

Sindrom ini sudah menjadi kebiasaan ketika ini dan menjadi kelaziman. Di Amerika, ia menyerang setiap seorang daripada empat orang dan 40 peratus orang dewasa berusa 40 tahun ke atas berhadapan dengan sindrom metabolik, peningkatan 61 peratus dari abad lepas. Di Malaysia dianggarkan 30 peratus mereka yang berada dalam pertengahan usia berhadapan dengan sindrom metabolik.

“Sindrom metabolik sebenarnya tiada tanda-tanda khusus. Kerana itu ia sangat membimbangkan kerana ramai yang menghidap sindrom metabolik ini berasakan mereka sihat tanpa mempunyai apa-apa simptom. Oleh sebab itu mereka tidak menjaga kesihatan dan akhirnya mereka diancam diabetes dan sakit jantung,” katanya.

Bagaimanapun, anda haruslah rajin membuat pemeriksaan kesihatan dan berhati-hati jika anda memiliki tanda-tanda berikut:

1. Buncit
2. Tekanan darah tinggi
3. Satu atau lebih tahap kolesterol yang luar biasa - tahap lemak yang tinggi atau tahap kolesterol HDL (high-density lipoprotein) yang rendah atau dipanggil juga kolesterol baik.
4. Penolakan terhadap insulin, hormon yang membantu kitaran jumlah gula dalam tubuh

“Memiliki satu komponen sindrom metabolik bermakna anda mungkin memiliki komponen lain sindrom itu. Dan pada setiap satu komponen yang anda miliki, semakin ia berisiko kepada kesihatan anda,” kata Dr Shatar.

Katanya, pakar perubatan percaya, sindrom metabolik ini berlaku disebabkan penolakan kepada insulin - hormon yang dihasilkan pankreas yang membantu mengagihkan jumlah gula dalam tubuh. Secara normal, sistem pencernaan kita akan memecahkan makanan yang dimakan kepada glukos. kemudian tubuh menggunakan insulin untuk membekalkan glukos ke dalam sel, ia ditukarkan kepada tenaga untuk melancarkan proses tubuh.

Jika tubuh menolak tindakan insulin, glukos yang diproses rosak, tubuh akan bertindak dengan menghasilkan lebih dan lebih insulin dalam usaha membantu glukos masuk ke dalam sel. Insulin lebihan ini membantu menyeimbangkan tahap normal glukos untuk sementara tetapi sebenarnya pankreas tidak boleh menyelesaikan penolakan insulin. Jumlah glukos dalam tubuh akan membawa kepada diabetes tahap dua.

Sindrom metabolik akan terjadi sebelum itu. Tahap glukos dalam badan menjadi tinggi secara luar biasa tetapi tidak hingga diklasifikasikan sebagai diabetes tetapi cukup tinggi untuk membuatkan lebihan insulin dalam tubuh menyebabkan pesakit berhadapan dengan masalah kesihatan lain.

Tahap kolesterol dan triglycerides dalam salur darah mungkin bertambah menyebabkan kerosakan pada saluran koronari. Tahap insulin yang tinggi mungkin menyusahkan buah pinggang dalam usahanya memproses garam yang boleh meningkatkan tekanan darah.

“Penyebab penolakan insulin ini tidak dapat dipastikan tetapi ia membabitkan pelbagai faktor genetik dan alam sekitar. Doktor percaya sesetengah orang secara genetik mudah berhadapan dengan masalah penolakan insulin dan kecenderungan ini mungkin diwarisi. Tetapi jika anda mempunyai berat badan berlebihan dan tidak pula suka bersenam, ia juga penyumbang utama,” katanya.

Cancer death rate higher in nonsmoking men

2006-05-18T03:37:00.000-07:00

Study contradicts conventional wisdom about gender

Lung cancer isn't common in people who never smoked. But when they do get it, doctors have long thought that women were more likely to die than men. New research suggests the opposite.

Analyzing medical records of nearly 1 million people, American Cancer Society researchers reported Tuesday that men who never used cigarettes actually had slightly higher death rates from lung cancer than women who never smoked.

"The conventional wisdom ... is wrong," concluded Dr. Michael Thun, lead author of the report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

However, more black women who had never smoked died of lung cancer than their white counterparts.

Lung cancer is the world's and the United States' most common and deadliest malignancy. Smoking cigarettes is the main cause.

But about 15,000 of the deaths will occur in people who never used cigarettes. Other known causes: breathing secondhand smoke; exposure to radon and asbestos; smoking other tobacco products; and high-dose radiation.

The gender issue made headlines this spring when lung cancer claimed lifelong nonsmoker Dana Reeve, widow of "Superman" movie star Christopher Reeve.

Thun analyzed two cancer-prevention studies that tracked more than 940,000 Americans' health for 20 years.

Among never-smokers, the death rate from lung cancer per 100,000 people was 17.1 for men and 14.7 for women in the most recent of the two studies; the earlier study showed similar rates.

What's the root of the gender misconception?

Lung cancer usually strikes older people, and there are far more women than men over age 60 who have never smoked -- 16.2 million such women vs. just 6.4 million men. So doctors are caring for more female never-smokers, even though they're not at higher risk, Thun said.

Study: Certain arthritis drugs hike cancer risk

2006-05-18T03:35:00.000-07:00

Drug makers: Link to illnesses not proved

Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the risk of developing several kinds of cancer and double the risk of getting serious infections, a study led by the Mayo Clinic found.

The analysis builds on previous reports about the risks associated with Abbott Laboratories' Humira and Centocor's Remicade. But the earlier research focused mostly on one kind of cancer -- lymphoma -- and infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.

The new study found an apparent link to other cancers, too, including skin, gastrointestinal, breast and lung tumors. It also quantifies the risks and says high doses appear to be the riskiest.

While the drugs' packaging information mentions some of the risks, the manufacturers said the new study does not prove that the medication is at fault, and they said the research was flawed.

Study co-author Dr. Eric Matteson, a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist, stressed that the overall chances of developing cancer while using these drugs is still small. The researchers also noted that the medications' benefits include improving flexibility and range of movement, easing pain and increasing life expectancy, which arthritis can shorten.

In addition, the researchers noted that the risks for individual patients probably vary widely. Older, sicker people who have taken the drugs for several years probably face the highest risks, they said.

Still, the researchers said patients should be made aware of the dangers and told to seek medical help if they develop fevers, coughs or other symptoms of infection. They should also be sure to undergo the cancer screenings recommended for the general public, the researchers said.

Their study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association.

Matteson is working with Centocor in developing a new drug that works similarly, and he and co-author Dr. Tim Bongartz have been paid consultants to Abbott for unrelated work, but neither company funded the study. The Mayo Foundation sponsored the research.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2 million Americans, and involves a malfunctioning immune system that attacks joints throughout the body, causing pain, deformities and disability.

Dr. John Klippel, president of the Arthritis Foundation, said the study will probably not change doctors' minds, because scores of patients have benefited from the drugs. Remicade was approved in 1998, Humira in 2002.

More than a half-million patients have been treated with the two injectable drugs and a third similar medication, Enbrel, all of which block production of a protein linked with inflammation.

Enbrel was not included in the study because it differs at the molecular level, Matteson said. He said he is getting paid by Enbrel marketers Wyeth and Amgen to do a similar analysis on Enbrel alone.

Matteson's ties to Centocor and his work on Enbrel were among several omissions and errors included in disclosure statements that accompanied the study in JAMA.

He said the omissions were an office mistake. But in an unusual move, journal editors posted a correction Tuesday on JAMA's Web site revealing that they have asked the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine to investigate.

The editors cited "the nature and extensiveness of this incorrect and incomplete reporting."

The researchers analyzed data from nine studies comparing Humira or Remicade with placebos and pooled the results. There were 29 cancers in 3,493 patients who received at least one dose of either drug, compared with three cancers in 1,512 patients on placebos.

Serious infections occurred in 126 patients on drugs and 26 on placebos. They included pneumonia and cellulitis.

An Abbott spokesperson said the analysis "doesn't reflect all the data" on Humira and said the studies were too short to sufficiently monitor cancer incidence.

Tom Schaible, Centocor vice president of medical affairs, said most of the analyzed studies used higher-than-recommended Remicade doses. "There's clearly a favorable benefits-risks ratio" with recommended doses, Schaible said.

Cholesterol treatment ingredient doesn't work, study says

2006-05-18T03:31:00.000-07:00

Substance included in some vitamin formulas

German research casts doubt on the effectiveness of a sugar cane-based ingredient sold as a cholesterol treatment in One-A-Day vitamins and other products marketed in dozens of countries.

The substance, called policosanol, worked no better than dummy pills in German adults with high levels of LDL cholesterol, the bad kind that can clog arteries and lead to heart problems.

Even in high doses, policosanol derived from Cuban sugar cane produced no meaningful changes in cholesterol levels during 12 weeks of treatment, said lead author Dr. Heiner Berthold of the German Medical Association's drug commission.

Most previous studies that reached the opposite conclusion were sponsored by a company founded by Cuba's National Center for Scientific Research to market policosanol, the German researchers said. The Cuban scientific center didn't respond to requests for comment.

The German study involving 143 people appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association.

Patients were randomly assigned to get policosanol in various doses or dummy pills for 12 weeks. There was no difference in the levels of LDL in volunteers in either group.

Berthold, executive secretary of the German Medical Association's drug commission, said his research doesn't rule out that policosanol might be effective in different ethnic groups or that other formulations might have different effects.

But he believes the product's claims have been overstated because there's no "mechanism of action" to explain how it might lower cholesterol.

Policosanol is a combination of alcohols that come from plant wax. Cuban sugar cane-based policosanol is sold in more than 40 countries, mostly as a cholesterol treatment, the researchers said. Other sources for the ingredient include wheat germ, rice, bran and beeswax. Policosanol products are widely available on the Internet and in stores.

Bayer Consumer Care uses sugar cane-based policosanol in its One-A-Day Cholesterol Plus vitamins and calls it "the leading complete multivitamin specially formulated with heart-supporting nutrients."

Bayer spokeswoman Tricia McKernan said the study "was not designed to address a claim that along with diet and exercise, policosanol can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range."

"Bayer makes only the latter claim, and agrees with the authors that consumers should always discuss their cardiovascular risk profile with their doctor," McKernan said.

Policosanol is marketed in Cuba as a natural medicine called PPG with purported benefits including lowering cholesterol levels, boosting energy and weight loss.

Juventud Rebelde, the Communist Youth newspaper, reported last year that about 250,000 people in Cuba take PPG and that it is exported to various other countries.

Andrew Shao, vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade group for dietary supplement makers, said the new research "is only one study" and not the final word on policosanol.

Nutritious, Delicious, and Bitter

2006-05-12T00:53:00.000-07:00

Why settle for the same bland greens when you can go bitter? Dark, bitter greens are not only big in flavor, but also have unique health benefits. While most greens are high in vitamins, bitter greens are particularly beneficial for digestive function. "[They] stimulate taste buds sensitive to bitter compounds," explains Keegan Sheridan, ND, of Beverly Hills, California. "In response, salivation [and] gastric acid secretion increase, and pancreatic enzymes are primed to respond when food enters the small intestine, helping to maximize food breakdown and speed waste elimination."

Look for these five when going green this spring:

Dandelion greens beat out old standbys broccoli and spinach in overall nutrition. They’re high in vitamins A and C as well as iron and calcium. Dandelion leaves are also a natural diuretic, increasing urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidneys.

Arugula is a special green. In addition to vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and fiber, arugula also contains isothiocyanates, which are powerful anticarcinogens that have been linked to the prevention of lung and esophagus cancers.

Stinging Nettle contains protein and minerals like iron, silica, and potassium. The greens are also recommended for pregnant and lactating women as they provide essential nutrients for healthy fetal development and breast-milk production.

[Note: Stinging nettle is aptly named. Wear gloves when handling and cook for a few minutes before eating.]

Chickweed is high in protein, fiber, and vitamin A, but you don’t have to toss it in a salad to reap its benefits. The greens can be applied topically to soothe skin ailments like puffy eyes, cuts, and burns.

Watercress Just one cup of raw chopped watercress contains 959 mg of vitamin A, more than 100 percent of the recommended daily intake. Like it’s cousin Arugula watercress is also rich in isothiocyanates.

Scientists find genes linked to heart attack risk

2006-05-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

A study covering more than 2,000 patients has identified two genes that are associated with an increased risk of an early heart attack, researchers said on Thursday.
Those with the genes had twice the risk of an early-onset heart attack as those without, according to the researchers from the University of California, San Francisco; Cleveland Clinic; Case Western Reserve University; Brigham Young University; and Celera Genomics, which partly funded the research.

The research linked one form of a gene known as VAMP8 to the early stages of blood-clot formation, which, when formed in the heart, can block oxygen and lead to a heart attack.

Another gene, HNRPUL1 was also found to be strongly associated with heart attack risk, although the nature of the connection was less clear.

Dr. John Kane, professor of medicine at University of California and co-author of the study, said the relatively large scale of the trial reduced the risk that the findings were the result of chance and potentially sets the stage for a diagnostic test that can predict which people are at greatest risk for a heart attack.

"A number of studies have identified genes linked to increased heart attack risk, but many of the studies have been so small that there has been a high risk of false positives," he said.

The aim of the research is to identify genetic differences that can predict for heart disease, create a screening diagnostic, and perhaps begin developing new drugs, Kane said. MZ

Satu kajian melindungi lebih 2,000 orang pesakit telah dikenali dua gen-gen bahawa dikaitkan dengan risiko yang meningkat untuk serangan jantung yang awal, penyelidik-penyelidik berkata pada Khamis.
Dengan demikian gen-gen telah dua kali risiko satu awal permulaan serangan jantung sebagai yang tanpa, mengikut pada penyelidik-penyelidik dari Universiti California, San Francisco; Klinik Cleveland; Hal Universiti Simpanan Barat; Brigham Universiti Muda; dan Celera Genomics, yang sebahagiannya dibiayai penyelidikan.

Penyelidikan disambungkan satu bentuk satu gen dikenali sebagai VAMP8 untuk peringkat-peringkat awal pembentukan darah beku, yang, bila dibentuk dalam hati, boleh menghalang oksigen dan plumbum untuk serangan jantung.

Gen yang lain, HNRPUL1 adalah juga kedapatan menjadi dengan kuat bersekutu dengan risiko serangan jantung, walaupun asal hubungan adalah kurang jelas.

Dr. John Kane, profesor perubatan di Universiti California dan pengarang bersama kajian, berkata skala yang relatifnya besar itu perbicaraan dikurangkan risiko yang penemuan adalah hasil secara kebetulan dan kemungkinan set-set peringkat untuk satu ujian diagnostik bahawa dapat meramalkan mana orang adalah di risiko paling besar untuk serangan jantung.

"Beberapa kajian telah dikenali gen-gen disambungkan untuk meningkatkan risiko serangan jantung, kecuali kebanyakan dari kajian-kajian telah juga kecil bahawa telah terdapat satu risiko tinggi positif palsu," beliau berkata.

Tujuan penyelidikan ialah untuk mengenalpasti genetik perbezaan-perbezaan bahawa dapat meramalkan untuk penyakit jantung, mewujudkan satu diagnosis pemeriksaan, dan barangkali mula dadah baru membangun, Kane berkata.

Type D personality boosts heart disease risk

2006-05-11T23:44:00.000-07:00

People with coronary heart disease and a type D personality -- a propensity to experience negative feelings - have a considerably increased risk of having a heart attack, needing heart surgery or dying from heart disease, according to Belgian and Dutch researchers.
As lead investigator Dr. Johan Denollet told Reuters Health, "type D personality was associated with a three-fold increased risk of new cardiac events...in cardiac patients, and this association could not be explained away by temporary changes in psychological stress levels."

Type D, he added, "is characterized not only by chronic negative emotions, but also by the tendency to inhibit self-expression while avoiding possible negative reactions from others. Type D patients perceive many types of social interaction as stressful and tend to hide their true feelings; this may result in the under-reporting of stress-related health problems."

In the American Journal of Cardiology, Denollet of University Hospital Antwerp and colleagues report the results of their 5-year follow-up study of 337 patients with coronary heart disease. The participants completed a psychological stress questionnaire and the Type D personality scale at the beginning of the study.

Over the study period there were 46 major adverse cardiac events. Of these, 8 were heart attacks and 4 were deaths.

Compared with other personality types, type D personality conferred a nearly fivefold risk of death or heart attack, regardless of disease severity.

Patient factors that predicted the risk of a major adverse cardiac event were a reduced pumping ability of the heart, not having coronary bypass surgery and having a type D personality, the investigators add. Psychological stress had less influence on risk.

Factors other than stress, such as type D personality, need to be explored so that more successful treatment strategies can be developed for high-risk patients, Denollet concluded. MZ

Orang dengan penyakit jantung koronari dan satu jenis personaliti D -- satu kecenderungan mengalami perasaan negatif - adalah satu risiko bertambahnya serangan jantung, memerlukan pembedahan jantung atau hampir mati dari penyakit jantung, menurut penyelidik-penyelidik Belgium dan Dutch.
Seperti plumbum penyiasat Dr. Johan Denollet memberitahu ,"jenis personaliti D adalah bersekutu dengan satu per tiga lipatan meningkatkan risiko bagi baru peristiwa-peristiwa jantung...di pesakit-pesakit jantung, dan persatuan ini tidak boleh diterangkan jauh oleh perubahan sementara dalam tekanan psikologi tingkat."

Jenis D, beliau menambah, "adalah menggambarkan sifat bukan sahaja oleh emosi negatif kronik, tetapi juga oleh kecenderungan untuk menyekat pernyataan kendiri manakala menghindari reaksi negatif yang mungkin dari orang-orang lain. Jenis pesakit-pesakit D melihat banyak jenis interaksi sosial sebagai tertekan dan menjaga untuk menyembunyikan perasaan sebenar mereka; ini mungkin menyebabkan dalam di bawah pelaporan

Dalam Jurnal Amerika Kardiologi, Denollet Hospital Universiti Antwerp dan teman-teman melaporkan keputusan 5-year mereka kajian susulan 337 orang pesakit dengan penyakit jantung koronari. Peserta-peserta siap satu soal selidik tekanan psikologi dan Jenis personaliti D meningkatkan di permulaan kajian.

Atas masa kajian terdapat 46 mejar buruk peristiwa-peristiwa jantung. Bagi ini, 8 adalah serangan jantung dan 4 ada kematian.

Berbanding dengan personaliti lain jenis-jenis, jenis personaliti D dikurniakan satu risiko kematian yang hampir lima kali ganda atau serangan jantung, tanpa menghiraukan keparahan penyakit.

Pesakit faktor-faktor yang diramal risiko sesuatu peristiwa jantung yang utama dan buruk ialah a dikurangkan mengepam kebolehan hati, tidak mempunyai pembedahan pintasan koronari dan mempunyai satu jenis personaliti D, penyiasat-penyiasat menambah. Tekanan psikologi telah kurang pengaruh terhadap risiko.

Faktor-faktor selain daripada tekanan, seperti jenis personaliti D, perlu menjadi dijelajahi supaya rawatan lebih berjaya strategi-strategi boleh dibangunkan untuk risiko tinggi pesakit-pesakit, Denollet menyimpulkan.

Study: Estrogen use can raise breast cancer risk

2006-05-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

Women who take estrogen-only pills for at least 15 years run a markedly higher risk of developing breast cancer, according to a study of nearly 29,000 nurses. But no increased danger was found among those who took the hormone for less than 10 years.

Researchers said the findings should be reassuring for women who want to use estrogen for a short time to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Hormone supplements were once thought to help postmenopausal women postpone age-related ills. But the government's Women's Health Initiative study in 2002 contradicted those beliefs for estrogen-progestin supplements, finding an increased risk of breast cancer, strokes and heart attacks. That led millions of American women to stop taking supplements.

Later, a WHI study of estrogen alone -- an option only for women who have had a hysterectomy -- linked the supplements to strokes and memory problems. But it found that using estrogen alone for seven years does not raise the risk of breast cancer.

The new findings came from the less-rigorous but longer-running Nurses' Health Study, overseen by Harvard-affiliated researchers.

It found no increased risk of breast cancer in women who had taken estrogen for less than 10 years. But for women who had been on estrogen for at least 15 years, the risk of hormonally driven breast cancer (the most common type in the United States) climbed 48 percent. At the 20-year mark, the risk of any type of breast cancer rose 42 percent.

"This says at least for the shorter-term users, you don't need to panic" about breast cancer, said lead author Dr. Wendy Chen, an oncologist and epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. "But for the longer-term users, you need to think about why am I still taking estrogen for this long of time, and are there are alternatives I could take instead?"

The risk of breast cancer also appeared to rise between 10 and 15 years of use, but the increase was not statistically significant, the researchers said.

The study, published in Monday's Archives of Internal Medicine, involved 28,835 women who were postmenopausal, had had a hysterectomy and reported their estrogen use every two years. Just 3.2 percent of the women, or 934, developed breast cancer during the study.

The researchers said it is unclear how many American women are taking estrogen for 15 or 20 years, especially in light of the WHI findings and doctors' recommendation since then that women who want to use the pills take them for the shortest possible duration.

Dr. Carolyn D. Runowicz, president of the American Cancer Society, said a few women in her practice have chosen to remain on estrogen for a long time because they feel the improvement in their quality of life outweighs the risks.

Runowicz called the study reassuring for short-term estrogen use but also said it underscores the need for patients to regularly "justify every medication" they take with their doctors.

"Is it estrogen forever? That's what we thought in the 1970s," said Runowicz, director of the Cancer Center at the University of Connecticut Health Center, "but we've completely reversed our thinking on that."

Estrogen-alone supplements are given only to women who have had their uteruses removed, because the hormone can spur uterine cancer. Other women get estrogen plus progestin, to counteract the risk of uterine cancer.

The Women's Health Initiative was a clinical trial in which women were randomly assigned estrogen pills or placebos. Scientists consider that approach the gold standard. The new study relied on nurses who reported on their own health every two years.

Runowicz said nurses could differ somewhat from women in the general population -- perhaps they are healthier, for instance -- but she said she had no reason to doubt the validity of the data, especially because its conclusions regarding short-term estrogen use are backed up the WHI findings.

Wyeth, which produces the estrogen pill Premarin, considers the Nurse's Health Study a well-respected study and the most recent research a "fairly reasonable trial," said Dr. James Pickar, assistant vice president for clinical research and development.

Pickar said he sees the results as good news for women because they back up the WHI findings that found no increased breast cancer risk for short-term estrogen users.

"I think it's very important for women to talk to their physician and review on a regular basis whether they need to continue therapy," Pickar said. "Each patient has an individual risk profile that only they and their physician can evaluate."MZ

Wanita-wanita yang mengambil estrogen hanya pil-pil sekurang-kurangnya 15 tahun berlari satu risiko mendapat kanser payu dara yang dengan jelas lebih tinggi, menurut satu kajian hampir 29,000 orang jururawat. Tetapi tidak bahaya bertambah dijumpai di kalangan mereka yang mengambil hormon untuk kurang daripada 10 tahun.

Penyelidik-penyelidik berkata penemuan sepatutnya menenangkan untuk wanita-wanita yang mahu menggunakan estrogen untuk satu masa yang singkat untuk melepaskan gejala-gejala menopaus seperti panas pancar dan kekeringan faraj.

Menambah hormon adalah sekali berfikir untuk membantu selepas mati haid wanita-wanita menangguhkan umur berkaitan bencana. Tetapi kajian Inisiatif Kesihatan Wanita kerajaan pada 2002 menyangkal kepercayaan yang untuk estrogen progestin menambah, mencari pertambahan risiko kanser payu dara, membelai dan serangan jantung. Yang membawa berjuta dari wanita Amerika menghentikan mengambil menambah.

Kemudian, satu kajian WHI estrogen sendiri -- satu pilihan hanya untuk wanita-wanita yang mempunyai satu histerektomi -- disambungkan menambah untuk membelai dan masalah-masalah daya ingatan. Tetapi ia didapati bahawa menggunakan estrogen sendiri untuk tujuh tahun tidak menaikkan risiko kanser payu dara.

Penemuan baru datang dari kurang ketat tetapi lebih panjang berlari Kesihatan Jururawat-jururawat Kajian, mengawasi oleh Harvard-affiliated penyelidik-penyelidik.

Ia ditemui tidak pertambahan risiko mendapat kanser payu dara wanita pada yang telah mengambil estrogen untuk kurang daripada 10 tahun. Tetapi untuk wanita-wanita yang pernah menjadi di estrogen sekurang-kurangnya 15 tahun, risiko hormonally kanser payudara didorong (paling biasa itu masukkan Amerika Syarikat) memanjat 48 peratus. Di 20-year mark, risiko mana-mana jenis kanser payudara naik 42 peratus.

"Ini kata sedikit-sedikitnya untuk lebih pendek tempoh pengguna-pengguna, anda tidak perlu panik" mengenai kanser payu dara, berkata pengarang plumbum Dr. Wendy Chen, satu pakar onkologi dan ahli epidemiologi di Brigham dan Hospital Wanita dan Dana-Farber Cancer Institut di Boston. "Tetapi untuk lebih panjang tempoh pengguna-pengguna, anda perlu memikirkan tentang mengapa tidakkah saya sedang mengambil estrogen untuk ini panjang masa, dan adalah terdapat alternatif-alternatif saya boleh mengambil sebaliknya?"

Risiko kanser payu dara juga muncul untuk meningkat antara
antara 10 dan 15 bertahun menggunakan, tetapi peningkatan bukan penting secara statistik, penyelidik-penyelidik berkata.

Kajian, diterbitkan dalam Arkib Isnin Perubatan Dalaman, terlibat 28,835 orang wanita yang telah selepas mati haid, telah telah satu histerektomi dan dilaporkan mereka estrogen menggunakan setiap dua tahun. Hanya 3.2 peratus wanita, atau 934, kanser payudara maju sepanjang kajian.

Penyelidik-penyelidik berkata ia tidak jelas bagaimana banyak wanita Amerika mengambil estrogen untuk 15 atau 20 tahun, terutama berdasarkan WHI penemuan dan cadangan doktor-doktor kerana kemudiannya bahawa wanita yang mahu menggunakan pil-pil membawa mereka untuk tempoh mungkin paling pendek.

Dr. Carolyn D. Runowicz, presiden Persatuan Kanser Amerika, berkata beberapa wanita di amalannya telah dipilih untuk kekal di estrogen untuk waktu yang lama kerana mereka berasa pembaikan dalam kualiti kehidupan mereka lebih berat risiko-risiko.

Runowicz dipanggil kajian menenangkan untuk jangka pendek estrogen hanya menggunakan juga berkata ia menggarisbawahi perlukan pesakit-pesakit untuk kerap "menjustifikasikan setiap ubat" mereka mengambil dengan doktor-doktor mereka.

"Adakah estrogen selama-lamanya? Itulah apa yang kita berfikir dalam 1970s," berkata Runowicz, pengarah Pusat Kanser di Universiti Pusat Kesihatan Connecticut, "tetapi kita telah sepenuhnya terbalik pemikiran kita tentang itu."

Menambah Estrogen-alone diberikan cuma kepada wanita yang mempunyai rahim mereka dipindahkan, kerana hormon dapat menggalakkan kanser uterus. Wanita lain dapat estrogen plus progestin, untuk meredakan kanser uterus risiko.

Inisiatif Kesihatan Wanita adalah satu ujian klinikal dalam mana wanita adalah secara rambang ditugaskan estrogen pil-pil atau plasebo. Saintis-saintis menimbang yang pendekatan piawai emas. Kajian baru bergantung di jururawat-jururawat yang melaporkan tentang kesihatan sendiri mereka setiap dua tahun.

Runowicz berkata jururawat-jururawat mungkin berbeza agak daripada wanita-wanita di populasi umum -- mungkin mereka adalah lebih sihat, umpamanya -- tetapi dia berkata dia tidak mempunyai sebab untuk meragui kesahan data, terutamanya sebab kesimpulan-kesimpulannya mengenai jangka pendek estrogen menggunakan disokong WHI penemuan.

Wyeth, yang mengeluarkan estrogen pil Premarin, pertimbangkan Kajian Kesihatan Jururawat satu baik dihormati kajian dan penyelidikan paling terbaru satu "perbicaraan agak munasabah," berkata Dr. James Pickar, penolong naib presiden untuk penyelidikan klinikal dan pembangunan.

Pickar berkata beliau lihat keputusan-keputusan berita sebagai baik untuk wanita kerana mereka menyokong WHI penemuan yang kedapatan risiko kanser payudara yang tidak bertambah untuk jangka pendek estrogen pengguna-pengguna.

"Saya fikir ia amat penting untuk wanita-wanita untuk bercakap untuk doktor dan kajian semula mereka pada asas biasa sama ada mereka perlu terus terapi," Pickar berkata. "Setiap pesakit mempunyai satu orang individu profil risiko bahawa hanya mereka dan doktor mereka dapat menilai."

Study finds how grapefruit juice affects drugs

2006-05-11T23:34:00.000-07:00

U.S. researchers said they have identified the compound in grapefruit juice that affects how some drugs are absorbed in the body and said on Tuesday it might be used to help lower dosages for some patients.

Grapefruit juice is known for its effects on drug metabolism and is avoided by some patients while other deliberately take their drugs with the juice.

The reason is an intestinal enzyme called CYP3A, which partially destroys drugs as they are absorbed. Grapefruit juice, like no other fruit juice, interferes with CYP3A, so the body ends up absorbing more of the drug.

Dr. Paul Watkins of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and colleagues say they have identified the substance in grapefruit juice that is responsible -- furanocoumarin.

"It should now be possible to market the furanocoumarin-free grapefruit juice to patients who would otherwise need to avoid grapefruit," Watkins said in a statement.

"In addition, it should be possible to screen new foods for the potential for drug interactions by determining whether they contain furanocoumarins," Watkins said.

"Finally, it may be possible to add furanocoumarins to formulations of certain drugs that tend to be poorly or erratically absorbed to improve their oral delivery."

To test the theory that furanocoumarin was the responsible compound, Watkins and colleagues filtered it out grapefruit juice, which they discovered was then less bitter but otherwise unaltered.

Then they tested 18 men and women taking various drugs on a regular basis including aspirin and birth control pills.

Each fasted in the hospital and got a single dose of the blood pressure drug felopidine, sold under the brand name Plendil, along with either normal grapefruit juice, furanocoumarin-free juice or orange juice.

They then ate and drank normally and blood was taken regularly all day.

In each volunteer, the normal grapefruit juice made between 6 percent to 230 percent more Plendil available in the blood, the researchers reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The furanocoumarin-free grapefruit juice and orange juice had no such effect, they reported. -- MZ

Penyelidik-penyelidik amerika syarikat berkata mereka telah dikenali kompaun dalam jus grapefruit bahawa menjejaskan bagaimana beberapa dadah adalah diserap ke dalam badan dan berkata pada hari Selasa ia boleh digunakan untuk membantu sukatan lebih rendah untuk beberapa pesakit.

Jus grapefruit dikenali untuk kesan-kesannya di metabolisme drug dan adalah dielak oleh beberapa pesakit lain sedang perlahan-lahan mengambil dadah-dadah mereka dengan jus.

Alasan adalah satu enzim yang usus dipanggil CYP3A, yang sebahagiannya membinasa dadah sebagai mereka adalah diserap. Jus grapefruit, sama tidak buah lain jus, campur tangan dengan CYP3A, agar badan berakhir mengasyikkan lebih dadah.

Dr. Paul Watkins Universiti Utara Carolina di Chapel Hill dan teman-teman berkata mereka telah dikenali bahan dalam jus grapefruit iaitu bertanggungjawab -- furanokumarin.

"Ia perlu kini menjadi mungkin bagi memasarkan furanokumarin bebas jus grapefruit untuk pesakit-pesakit yang akan kalau perlu mengelak limau gedang," Watkins berkata dalam satu kenyataan.

"Di samping itu, ia harus boleh untuk menapis makanan baru untuk potensi untuk interaksi dadah oleh penentu sama ada mereka mengandungi furanocoumarins," Watkins berkata.

"Akhirnya, ia mungkin boleh jadi bagi menambah furanocoumarins untuk perumusan bagi dadah tertentu bahawa cenderung tak sihat atau tidak tentu arah diserapkan untuk meningkatkan penghantaran yang lisan mereka."

Bagi menguji teori yang furanokumarin adalah kompaun bertanggungjawab, Watkins dan teman-teman disaring ia keluar jus grapefruit, yang mereka ditemui kemudiannya kurang pahit tetapi kalau tidak berubah.

Kemudian mereka teruji 18 orang manusia dan wanita-wanita mengambil pelbagai dadah di satu asas biasa termasuk aspirin dan pengawalan kelahiran pil-pil.

Setiap berpuasa dalam hospital dan mendapat satu dos yang tunggal tekanan darah dadah felopidine, dijual dibawah jenama Plendil, bersama dengan jus grapefruit sama ada biasa, furanokumarin bebas jus atau jus oren.

Mereka kemudiannya makan dan minum dengan biasanya dan darah telah dibawa kerap sepanjang hari.

Dalam sukarela setiap, jus grapefruit biasa dibuat di antara 6 peratus untuk 230 peratus lebih Plendil didapati di darah, penyelidik-penyelidik dilaporkan dalam Jurnal Amerika Pemakanan Perubatan. Furanokumarin bebas jus grapefruit dan jus oren telah tidak kesan seperti, mereka dilaporkan. –

Oxidative Stress

2006-05-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

Even though the average life expectancy in the United States has increased dramatically during this past century, our quality of life due to chronic degenerative disease has taken a major hit. We are essentially "living too short and dying too long". Most of us can simply look forward to suffering and dying from heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s dementia, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, macular degeneration, and the list goes on and on, unless we literally attack the underlying cause of all of these diseases—oxidative stress.

How long do you expect to live? Now envision what your last twenty years will look like. I can assure you my patients today are not as concerned with the number of years in their lives as they are the quality of life in those years. Who wants to live to a ripe old age if he or she cannot even recognize close family members because of Alzheimer’s dementia? Who looks forward to a decade or two of suffering severe joint or back pain due to degenerative arthritis?

One of my close friends told me recently that he simply wants to live until he dies. Is this your desire? It certainly is mine. That is why I recommend preventative rather than post-problem medicine--empowering people to avoid getting major diseases in the first place. Over the past seven years, I have changed my approach. I now strongly encourage and support my patients in taking a three-fold approach to health: eating well, practicing a consistent exercise program, and daily consuming high-quality nutritional supplements. I now use medication as a last resort—not as my first choice.

Do you fear growing old? Have you accepted chronic disease or pain as a given in your future? Are you willing to make necessary life changes to ensure your health? I believe a full and abundant physical life does not need to start slipping away at age forty. Each year of your life can be your very best. But first you must understand the war that is waging within every one of our bodies.

Oxygen is essential for life itself. But did you know it is also inherently dangerous to our existence? I call this the "dark-side" of oxygen. And as a result, we are essentially rusting both inside and out. The same process that causes a cut apple to turn brown or iron to rust is the cause of all the chronic degenerative diseases we fear and even the aging process itself.

Consider the aging of our skin. Oxidative stress is the cause of wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. The next time you are with a large gathering of people of different ages, observe closely the change you see in people’s skin. Aging is a process we all take for granted, but when you look more closely, and compare a baby’s face, to that of a grandparent’s, the effects of our largest organ being exposed to all the pollutants in the air, sunlight, and cigarette smoke is baffling. This aging of the skin is an outward manifestation of "oxidative stress," which is occurring within every cell in your body.

Over the past 7 years, I have reviewed well over 2,000 medical and scientific studies in regards to nutritional supplements and their affect on your health. These studies appearing in medical journals like the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association, British Lancet, and Annuals of Internal Medicine report that beyond any doubt the "root" cause of well over 70 chronic degenerative diseases is "oxidative stress." These are the "who’s who" of diseases we all fear and want to avoid; diseases like heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s dementia, macular degeneration, lupus, MS, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue. "So what," you may be wondering, "is ‘oxidative stress’?"

Within every cell of the body is a furnace called the mitochondria. As oxygen is utilized within the furnace of the cell to create energy and life itself, occasionally a charged oxygen molecule is created, called a "free radical." This free radical has at least one unpaired electron in its outer orbit essentially giving it an electrical charge. If this free radical is not readily neutralized by an antioxidant it can go on to create more volatile free radicals, damage the cell wall, vessel wall, proteins, fats, and even the DNA nucleus of our cells. Chemically this reaction has been shown to be so volatile that it actually causes bursts of light within our bodies!

Imagine yourself in front of a crackling fireplace and I’ll give you the best illustration I have to explain the process of oxidation. The fire burns safely and beautifully most of the time, but on occasion out pops a hot cinder that lands on your carpet and burns a little hole in it. One cinder by itself doesn’t pose much of a threat; but if this sparking and popping continues month after month, year after year, you will have a pretty "ratty" carpet in front of your fireplace.

The fireplace represents the furnace of the cell (the mitochondria), the cinder is the charged "free radical," and the carpet is your body. Whichever part of your body receives the most free radical damage will be the first to wear out and potentially cause one of these degenerative diseases. If it’s your arteries, you could develop a heart attack or stroke. If it is your brain, you could develop Alzheimer’s dementia or Parkinson’s disease. If it’s your joints, you could develop arthritis.

Through biochemical research we’re learning that we are not defenseless against this attack on our body by free radicals. Antioxidants are like the glass doors or fine-wire mesh we place in front of our fireplace. The sparks are still going to fly but our carpet will then be protected. As you begin to imagine the war that is taking place within every cell in your body, you can envision the two opposing forces: the enemy--free radicals; and your allies--antioxidants and their supporting nutrients.

Living a healthy life becomes a matter of balance. You must have enough antioxidants available to readily neutralize the number of free radicals your body produces. If you don’t, "oxidative stress" will occur. When this oxidative stress is allowed to persist over a prolonged period of time, you will most likely develop a serious chronic degenerative disease.

Each of us must ask, "Am I getting enough antioxidants from my diet to protect myself from this onslaught of free radicals or do I need to be taking nutritional supplements?" This is the question that I’ve had to ask myself as I have spent countless hours researching medical literature. You see I was taught in medical school that you don’t need supplements—that you can get everything you need from a good, healthy diet. And this is what I told my patients for years. I was wrong.

Since balance is the key, we need to look closely at the individual players that are at war within. The number of free radicals you produce each and every day is never the same. All the pollutants in our air, food, and water dramatically increase the number of free radicals we produce. Enormous stress, excessive exercise, cigarette smoke, sunlight, radiation, and every drug prescribed greatly increases the number of free radicals produced in the body. In fact, there has never been a generation on this planet subjected to more oxidative stress than this present one. We are literally under attack from our polluted environment, stressful lifestyles, and over-medicated society.

This ongoing attack is depriving us of our most precious gift—our health. But God did not leave us defenseless against this onslaught by free radicals. In fact, we actually have our own army of antioxidants, which are able to neutralize free radicals and render them harmless. In generations past, these defense systems were sufficient. Unfortunately this is no longer the case. Our bodies’ defense systems need additional allies.

Most antioxidants come from vegetables and fruit. This creates a gap in our protection, because our foods have become significantly depleted in their content of antioxidants and supporting minerals as a result of mineral depletion in our soils, green harvesting, cold storage, foods that are highly processed, our poor food choices and food preparation.

At a time when we are under the heaviest attack from the environment around us, our natural defense systems are becoming overwhelmed and depleted. We must do all we can to rebuild our antioxidant systems with a healthy diet, but too you need to learn how complete and balanced nutritional supplementation with high quality supplements is our best hope in winning this war within and protecting our health.

Cellular Nutrition

We have no choice but to live in our present environment. Our bodies are affronted daily by excessive production of free radicals caused by our polluted environment, stressful lifestyles, and over-medicated society. Though we can certainly reduce the amount of free radicals our bodies produce by: not smoking, decreasing stress levels, and avoiding toxic chemicals, most of our bodies are still unable to fight the overwhelming daily attack on the natural defense system. Remember balance is the key--we need enough antioxidants available to neutralize the free radicals produced.

Over the past 50 years, nutritional medicine and supplementation has focused on replenishing a nutritional deficiency. Countless hours and dollars have been spent trying to determine exactly which nutrients our bodies are depleted of. Blood tests, urine tests, hair samples, muscle testing, and more have been conducted in an attempt to determine which nutrients we need to supplement. However, we have been aiming at the wrong target. The presenting problem is not a nutritional deficiency, but rather, underlying oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has now been shown beyond any shadow of doubt via medical research to be the root cause of over 70 chronic degenerative diseases. Diseases like heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s dementia, macular degeneration, lupus, MS, and the list goes on and on.

Because oxidative stress is our concern rather than specific nutritional deficiencies, we must determine what is the best approach to preventing or controlling oxidative stress. This is accomplished by bolstering one’s natural defenses through cellular nutrition.

Cellular nutrition is simply providing ALL nutrients to the cell at optimal levels. This allows the cell to determine what it actually does and does not need. I don’t have to worry about determining which nutrients the cell is deficient in. I simply provide all of the important nutrients at optimal levels--those levels shown to provide a health benefit in the medical literature. Any nutritional deficiencies will be automatically corrected over the next few months by this approach and all the other vital nutrients will be brought up to their optimal levels as well.

Cellular nutrition is providing the body with all the antioxidants along with the supporting B vitamins and antioxidant minerals at optimal levels. This is "preventive medicine" at its best because we can literally attack the disease process at its core by preventing oxidative stress from occurring.

You may be wondering if we can control oxidative stress by simply improving our diet and eating more fruits and vegetables. This is definitely a good start. By simply eating 7 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day you can decrease the risk of heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s dementia, and cancer, two to three fold. We certainly want to supplement a good diet—not a bad diet. However, even if you eat a great diet you can barely obtain the RDA level of all essential nutrients. Medical studies have shown that less than 1% of the American population accomplishes this on a consistent basis.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA):

Research studies reveal standards of recommended daily allowance (RDA’s) have absolutely nothing to do with chronic degenerative diseases. RDA’s were developed to avoid what are known as acute deficiency diseases like scurvy (deficiency of vitamin C), rickets (deficiency of vitamin D), and pellagra (deficiency of niacin). In other words, if you consumed the RDAs for vitamin C, vitamin D, and niacin, you would not develop any of these illnesses.

Admittedly, the RDA’s have done their job—how many people do you know suffer from these diseases? RDA’s first developed in the 1920’s and 1930’s. The list of nutrients included in the RDAs grew over the next two decades and in the early 1950s, the definition of RDAs expanded to include the amounts of nutrients needed for normal growth. Despite the fact that RDAs have proved useful, most physicians and laypeople tend to assign more meaning to RDA standards than they should.

After researching medical literature on the topic of oxidative stress and the amount of nutrients needed to prevent it, I found the optimal levels of nutrients known to provide health benefits are significantly greater those suggested by RDA levels. For example, the optimal level of vitamin E is 400 IU. The RDA is only 10 to 30 IU. That being the case, you may consider eating 400 IU of vitamin E. You would only need to eat 33 heads of spinach, or 27 pounds of butter; 80 avocados will do, or an alternative 5 pounds of wheat germ each and every day to obtain that level of vitamin E.

Similarly, the optimal level of vitamin C is approximately 1200 to 2000 mg daily, while the RDA is only 60 mg. To eat the optimal levels of vitamin would need to consume 18 oranges, or 17 kiwifruit, or 160 apples. Put in this perspective, it becomes clear that the only way to obtain these levels of nutrients is to supplement our diet. And this requires more than a generic multiple vitamin. One-a-day multiple vitamins are primarily based on RDA levels, thus providing no measurable health benefits. Significantly more potent supplements are needed each day to provide the optimal levels to provide cellular nutrition. I will discuss more specific details in How to Choose a Quality Supplement.

The "Magic Bullet" Approach

Most scientific studies done on nutritional supplements are approached in the traditional way of testing drugs—hoping to discover a "magic bullet". A disease is isolated and targeted by one specific drug. The pharmaceutical results of that drug are then measured.

Research trials have been similarly conducted for nutritional supplements. For example, calcium and vitamin D have been tested for their effects on osteoporosis; vitamin E for heart disease, magnesium for irregular heartbeats or selenium to reduce the risk of cancer.

One problem remains, however: vitamins such as C, D and E are not drugs. They are natural nutrients that our bodies get from our foods. The various antioxidants and supporting nutrients work on different types of free radicals and in different parts of the body. Vitamin E is the best antioxidant within the cell membrane. Vitamin C is most effective within the plasma. Glutathione is works most efficiently within the cell itself. Literally dozens of antioxidants are at work in various parts of the body and are effective against particular types of free radicals. They work together—synergistically-- to control oxidative stress. This means that 1 plus 1 does not equal 2, but 8 or 10. Medical research separates these nutrients out and tries to study their individual effect. The amazing fact remains that the overwhelming majority of studies actually does show a health benefit with even an individual nutrient. However, since oxidative stress is the underlying problem we must concern ourselves with, it is important to realize that all of these nutrients work together—synergy.

Vitamin C actually replenishes vitamin E and intracellular glutathione so it can be used over and over again. Alpha lipoic acid also regenerates vitamin E and glutathione. In addition, these antioxidants need optimal levels of the B vitamins—folic acid, vitamin B1, B2, B6, and B12—in order to perform at optimal levels. They also need the so-called antioxidant minerals such as: selenium, manganese, copper, and zinc to do their job right. If you have all the glutathione in the world available but are depleted in selenium, which glutathione needs to work, there will be very little health benefit.

When all of the necessary nutrients are provided to the cell in a complete and balanced nutritional supplement, the combined effect is phenomenal. The potency of these nutrients in optimizing our body’s natural antioxidant, immune, and repair systems is certainly possible. Oxidative stress can be controlled and our health will be protected.

I also apply these principles for my patients who are already suffering from a major chronic degenerative disease. I provide them with the same basic cellular nutrition I recommend for all my patients and then I add additional potent antioxidants to the regime tailored to each specific disease. When physicians take advantage of the most tremendous healing asset, the host--our bodies, and support it rather than denying its importance in the healing process, amazing clinical improvement is possible.

Cellular nutrition is about health, not disease. "Attacking" the root cause of chronic degenerative disease is true preventive medicine. By applying these same principles, you who are in good health can decrease the risk of developing these chronic degenerative diseases.

Diabetes raises early death risk

2006-05-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Younger people with Type 2 diabetes are three times more likely to die early than those of the same age without the disease, a study suggests.

A study of 264,000 patients in the journal of Diabetic Medicine found those with the disease were twice as likely to die early than those without.

Patients with Type 2 diabetes aged 35 to 54 were three times as likely to die early as non-sufferers of the same age.

Type 2 Diabetes tends develop in later life and is linked to obesity and diet.

Charity Diabetes UK said the results of the study published in the journal Diabetic Medicine were "shocking".

It develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance).

Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed at a much earlier age and occurs when the body cannot make any insulin at all.

Type 2 diabetes is treated with lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, weight loss and increased physical activity.

But the condition is progressive and tablets and/or insulin may also be required to achieve normal blood glucose levels.

Both types lead to associated conditions such as heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, nerve damage leading to amputations and blindness.

Some view Type 2 diabetes as a milder form of the disease because patients do not necessarily have to have insulin injections.

'Younger and younger'

But research author Henrietta Mulnier of Surrey University said data like this showed it was just as dangerous.

Her team compared information from GPs' records in the UK on deaths from all causes between January 1992 and October 1999.

"We did expect that people with Type 2 diabetes would have a higher risk of dying earlier rather than later," she said.

She added that the findings would have an impact on how decisions on how to deal with the disease and provide health care are made.

"With people being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes younger and younger, the figures are going to get worse.

"We really do need to focus on early detection and treatment."

Douglas Smallwood, chief executive at Diabetes UK, said the results were shocking but people with diabetes had to be made aware of the seriousness of the condition.

Healthy lives

"Diabetes deaths are predicted to rise by 25% over the next decade."

But he said that many of the deaths would have been needless.

"However, the risk of complications leading to death can be reduced if people with diabetes get the care they need to manage their condition.

"There is no reason why people with diabetes cannot live long and healthy lives," he added.

It is thought that there up to three quarters of a million people with Type 2 diabetes in the UK who have not been diagnosed.

The longer patients have the condition, the more likely they are to develop complications which can be deadly.