Health

Sugar, Stay Away! It's Harming You!

And who among us doesn't love sweets? Majority of the population around the world are heavy consumers of sweets. Well, it has been published in numerous studies how too much sweets and sugar can harm one�s health. Well, let�s scrutinize sugar a little bit more. A lot of people nowadays prefer to use refined sugar because they say that it is �cleaner� than any other; but they don�t know they are voluntarily destroying their health in the process!

It is important to know that refined sugar has undergone so many processes that there�s hardly any nutrient left in it. This type of sugar that is used by many nowadays is stripped of any fiber, minerals, proteins, fats and enzymes. All you get is empty calories. As empty calories it is not of any use to our body. And it causes even more harm because the nutrients that are supposed to be used by the other cells are borrowed just to process these empty calories. This causes deficiency in the other cells, leading to their breakdown.

]]> The effects of using too much refined sugar are really scary. Too much of it can cause an over-acid reaction in the body. And once it can no longer be metabolized, it forms as poisonous residues that can build up in the brain and the nervous system. Too much sugar in the bloodstream also causes an imbalance in the brain and there is a big chance the person can have an unsound mind which can lead to erratic and even criminal behaviors. Well, just thinking about it makes me shiver. I think this is the most dangerous effect of ingesting too much refined sugar. Refined sugar also causes diseased gums and teeth because there are no more nutrients to nourish them. Some of the other effects are common knowledge already like hypoglycemia, diabetes, and gallstones.

Sugar has become almost like a drug that is used in almost everything that we eat. But it is already time to wake up and see the real score. If you use too much of this stuff you should be very afraid! Just think, it�s harming you and your family.

By Raissa

Lose the Smokes Gain the Pounds!

So you have decided to kick the filthy habit that is smoking? Good for you! But just when you thought you had escaped the tobacco you finding that your weight is beginning to increase and your consumption of food is on the rise! What do you do? Go back to the cigs and hope it fixes it? NO! There are ways to stop yourself gaining weight when you quit smoking you just gotta know what to do! Without going into the scientific details, smoking makes you burn more calories �along with your lungs- so when you stop your body is using up less of its energy. So what you have to do is keep yourself busy and away from the fooding!

]]> Every smoker has a routine of when they grab a fag so when it is that time of day occupy yourself! Go out for a jog or call a friend and have a nice chat, anything that makes you forget your hunger! When you do eat make sure it is a healthy snack that will fill your craving but not enlarge your belly. Water is key in eliminating hunger, it fills up your stomach and makes you feel like you never want to eat again! Keep a large bottle of water handy all the time. Hope this helps and good luck!

By Karim

Lab-Grown Meat Coming Soon According to PETA

Almost everything in terms of food nowadays comes in the processed form. We see them in supermarkets, packaged in microwavable containers. Well, I guess that is still better because they come from naturally-grown plants and animals. But if you were presented with meat that did not come from a naturally-grown animal would you eat it? How about a �test-tube grown� type of meat? Maybe it won�t be long now before you get to taste it. PETA or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is dangling prize money amounting to $1 million for the first person to develop a process to manufacture large amount of �in vitro meat� by 2012.

]]> Frankly, I�m against this idea. Some animals are created to serve as food for the people, right? That has been the way ever since the world began, so why change that?

I am an animal lover and I hate to see animals being cruelly treated. But this new announcement from PETA is too much if I may say so. Like I said, some domesticated animals are meant to be eaten so that balance in nature will be maintained. Maybe for these radical PETA activists it�s better to just let animals become extinct rather than let them suffer.

If you were asked, would you eat lab-grown meat? Yes or No?

A Doze of Cinnamon for Good Health

Your favorite ingredient, cinnamon, may serve for more than just making your favorite food palatable. It was found out in a new research that cinnamon can be a big help in curing Type 2 diabetes and maybe in the near future, even Alzheimer�s disease. A compound in cinnamon gives an effect just like insulin, only that, it goes about the task in a different way. The substance called MHCP found in cinnamon triggers the ability of fat cells of diabetic people to respond to insulin in order to get rid of excess glucose in the blood.

]]> This connection of cinnamon to Alzheimer�s is still an unexplored territory. But insulin plays a big part in the function of the brain receptors that are responsible for memory and learning. So, because of this there is a big likelihood that cinnamon can also help cure Alzheimer�s and even other forms of dementia.

Sure thing though, if you have Type 2 diabetes, a little doze of cinnamon would be a big help.

Bulging Tummy is Linked to Dementia in Later Life

Here�s another warning given to those who do not watch their weight. A study now says that having a bulging belly makes a person more at risk in having dementia at a later age. In the study made on 6, 583 adults, it was found out that those with huge abdominal fat are three times more prone to dementia as well as Alzheimer�s disease, later in their life. Just to be clear, dementia is a condition of the brain wherein the person is no longer able to remember or communicate properly. The amount of fat on the waist is found by means of the measurement called sagittal abdominal diameter or SAD. This is measured while the person is lying down. Now, if your SAD is more than 9.8 inches, then yours is already a huge tummy.

]]> The study emphasizes that the risk is placed more on the person having bulging tummies even though he or she has a healthy weight. It implies that fat on the waist does nothing good for the brain�s function. More study is needed in order to properly establish the connection on how obesity affects the proper function of the brain.

Premature Babies Face Long-Term Health Risks

A new study released today gives more insight into the real score about babies who are born prematurely. The data released is based on Norwegian data carried out by Norwegian and US researchers.
Premature babies are classified as those who were born before 37 weeks. The study said that these babies were likely to experience developmental and neurological problems. Also, according to the data it is the premature baby boys who are more likely to have low mortality rate than girls.

]]> And problems do not stop in infancy or childhood; their lives can be affected throughout. There is a great likelihood that some of them will not finish secondary school. And I think the worst thing is others may be unable to have children.

Nowadays, even though technology is already considerably advanced, many babies are still born prematurely. The cause of this incident is not properly understood. The likely culprit is poor diet and lifestyle. So, this new study hastens the need to discover the causes of premature birth so that necessary precaution can be observed by expectant mums for their babies to be born healthy.

Cell Phones May Cause Low Sperm Count

If you are a guy here�s news for you, and you should take this to heart because it�s based on facts. According to a recent study, frequent use of cell phone can affect your ability to father a child. I�m not kidding. This is actually the conclusion of the study made by experts from a Cleveland Clinic. In the study they made, they found out that men who use their cell phones for more than 4 hours a day has low sperm count and the slightest visible sperm. In order words, the more time you spend on your cell, the lesser the sperm count and the higher the amount of abnormal sperm.

]]> The study is pointing out that radiation coming from the cell phone is the culprit for the decreasing fertility in men. Putting your cell phone in near your body, in your pocket for instance, makes your body more susceptible to the radiation that may also harm the sperm. Aside from this study by the Cleveland Clinic, there have been studies of the same nature made other medical institutions over the years.

So, just a word of advice, don�t get too attached to you phone if you still have plans to go and multiply.

Source: Cleveland Clinic

Phthalates in Baby Products are Potentially Harmful

Parents should be warned that they could be putting their baby�s life at risk with the different baby products they expose them to. In a study recently released by the University of Washington, the researchers placed in their findings that a chemical called phthalates was found in the urine of 163 infants that were exposed to shampoo, lotion and powder. Although it is not yet proven that this chemical is doing harm to the infants, the researchers are still concerned on what might be the long term effect of these chemicals to them.

]]> However, in animal tests done, the results show that exposure to phthalates at a very young age can have grave effect on the male reproductive tract. The toxicity of the chemical can cause the lowering of the fetal testosterone. And it is not only the males. There are also records that show toxicity in the reproductive tract can cause onset of early puberty in females.

If you are wondering what exactly phthalates are, these are actually synthetic chemicals that are commonly found in materials found at home such as cosmetics, personal care products, PVC plastics, plastic toys, and other products with fragrance.

Further study needs to be done in order to establish phthalates degree of effect on infants� health. Even if this is so, it would be a good idea for parents to lessen their baby�s exposure to baby products and other materials containing phthalates.

Keep Your Hands Clean: Wash!

Cleanliness is still the best way in order to protect our health. This cleanliness can be achieved in a lot of ways. And one of the common advices is to wash your hands. It is true that our hand is the one that comes in contact with different materials that could also keep so many bacteria. But then maybe you�d be surprised to know that in hospitals not all medical workers practice regular hand washing. And it is for this reason that some infections spread. This was found out in a study made in some American hospitals. Some of the medical workers in some hospitals are remiss in washing up which sometimes result to the spread of infection. Due to this, hygiene experts are giving reminders for better hygiene practice.

]]> So, if you are in a hospital don�t let yourself, or your loved one, be a victim of poor hygiene. It would not hurt to be doubly cautious. If you think that your medical attendant has not washed his or her hands then don�t be afraid to tell them to wash it. But of course you have to do it in a nice manner so that the person concerned will not be offended. But whether inside or outside the medical institution, make sure to wash your hands.

Caffeine Linked to Miscarriage

If you want to have a healthy pregnancy, refrain from drinking too much coffee. Well, you probably know that caffeine is not good for pregnant women; however, a new study highlights this fact even more. Pregnant women who consume 200 milligrams of caffeine or 2 cups or more of coffee are more exposed to the danger of miscarriage. This finding is based on the study done by Dr. De-Kun Li of Kaiser Permanente Division of Research. In order to have a clearer connection between the caffeine and miscarriage, they closely studied 1,063 pregnant women who did not change their caffeine intake during the pregnancy. The link is with caffeine itself because the same miscarriage risk was seen in the intake of sodas, teas and chocolates that contain caffeine.

]]> So how does caffeine lead to miscarriage? Well, according to various researches done, caffeine puts a strain on the fetus� undeveloped metabolism. On top of that, caffeine also decreases blood flow to the placenta.

This news should serve as a warning to would-be mothers. It will not hurt to give up coffee and other caffeinated drinks even for 9 months right? That�s just a tiny bit of sacrifice.

Breastfeeding May Help Prevent Certain Allergies

There�s a slogan being shown on TV that states �Breastfeeding is Still Best for Babies�. And do you know that this is not merely lip service because there really are lots of benefits that can be gained from breastfeeding your baby. One important thing that will benefit your baby a lot is the finding that breastfeeding may help protect against certain allergies or what they call as atopic disease. Based on the US health guideline, breastfeeding your baby exclusively for four months can help prevent the onset of atopic disease. This includes asthma, eczema and reactions to food.

]]> So with the babies� well-being in mind, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published a policy regarding breastfeeding for four months, at the very least. This is even more recommended for those whose families have a history of various allergy problems.

AAP highlighted the increased occurrences of allergic diseases, allergies to food and skin conditions in children. It is not only the genes that contribute to these conditions but also the environment as well as the nutritional routine. Though further study is still needed really establish that breastfeeding is sure-proof way of preventing atopic diseases, following AAP�s policy wouldn�t be such a bad idea. Aside from that benefit, breastfeeding will also be a great bonding time for baby and mommy.

Boost Blood Flow: Eat Garlic

Love the taste of garlic? Well, aside from satisfying your palate, this herb might be doing more for your health. Although previous studies have pointed out that garlic helps keep up good health, a recent research by the University of Alabama at Birmingham found out that eating a good supply of garlic increases the supply of hydrogen sulfide in the body. Now what is hydrogen sulfide and what does it do for the body? Simple. This works like an antioxidant, which promotes improved flow of blood.

]]> This benefit of acting like an antioxidant helps guard a person from harmful diseases like cancer of the breast, prostrate as well as colon. It may also do the heart a world of god. But you must also be warned that excessive supply of hydrogen sulfide can be poisonous. Prescribed amount is two medium-sized garlic in a day. But there are even some countries that eat as much as 8 cloves a day. Wow! I can�t even chew a single piece of raw garlic. But to keep yourself healthy, would you?

Nature Vs Chemicals

I was always one for the antibiotics until I discovered what a mess you can get yourself into when you overuse them. As a result I found myself on the internet searching �Natural Home Remedies� and what I found was astounding. It turns out that there is a whole other field of medicines that lies in our kitchen cupboards and so many of us are oblivious as to its existence. These natural remedies can be extremely effective, cheap and have no side effect because there are no chemicals involved.

]]> On the other hand chemical medicines are sometimes faster in solving problems. So, the conclusion? A fusion of nature and technology, use your over the counter medicines in collaboration with the products of Mother Nature for optimum results! I have come to find, from experience, that by at least attempting to use natural remedies before medication you avoid a lot of complications.

By Karim

Honey is Good for Kids Cough

Cold and cough can be a great hassle on grown ups. On my part, I can never sleep well when I have them. So what more if the one who suffers from it is the child? When a child gets a cough the usual remedy is over the counter cough syrup or some other. But as parents you probably know that these medicines are sometimes not good for them, especially for the very young ones. A study states that one good alternative for your kid�s cough is no other than honey. Yes honey! A teaspoon of this delicious brew can bring a soothing effect on your child�s throat. But there�s a warning though, honey should not be administered to children below 1 year old because of the threat of botulism.

]]> The findings that honey helps ease cough is based on a research conducted with 105 children who had respiratory infections. Some were given medicine that contains dextromethorphan, honey while others had over the counter medicines and placebo. When the results of the experiment came out honey is ranked as the most effective reliever, dextromethorphan following second and last was the placebo.

So the next time your child has a cough why not try honey.

City Women More at Risk of Breast Cancer

After reading this article some women might think about changing their lifestyle or maybe just their location if they want to be less at risk of breast cancer. In a study made by Cancer Research UK, the researchers found out that women who live in urban areas or in the city are more at risk of breast cancer. Why? City life is more stressful and women are more physically active, thus, these can make women more prone to the disease. These two factors can double the chances of getting the disease in their older years.

]]> The odds of obtaining the disease is even more increased with the fact that women in the city do not set aside time for regular breast screening. So it is very important for women, especially those in the city to undergo breast examination on a prescribed timetable.

Aside from women who live in the city, those who drink, don�t breastfeed, eat fatty diet, ingest hormone and has history of the disease are the ones more prone to the disease.