Daily Health Bits

Use It (your body) or Lose It (your mind)!

2009-07-15T18:36:37Z

Fit Body, Fit Mind? Your Workout Makes You Smarter

So you want to be smarter? Then exercise your body together with your brain for overall better results. A study released in Scientific American, reports of the powerful link between physical activity and mental acuity. If you find yourself struggling to break through a mental block, try exercising to break down that barrier and get your mind fit as well as your body. There are three key concepts explained below that should help spur you to add consistent, moderate exercise to your daily regime. On a personal note, I have found that when I am struggling to overcome a mental block, I take a long walk or a hike in the nearby mountains and let my subconscious mind go to work. on the issue. This has proven incredibly beneficial; the only real problem is that I can lose myself to thought so much I can find myself exercising into my work time! A healthy body and health mind can be achieved at the same time, try it for yourself and reap the benefits.

*Below are the key concepts from the article.

Key Concepts

We are used to thinking of intelligence as largely a matter of genetic inheritance, but that is not the whole picture. What you do affects your mental well-being: staying physically and mentally active helps us stay sharp as we age.
Nevertheless, our personal efforts to bolster cognitive enhancement cannot forestall all declines in our cognitive performance.
What is especially surprising is the powerful link between physical activity and mental acuity. Staying fit helps us keep cognition more robust as well.
Sources:
Scientific American magazine
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=fit-body-fit-mind
by Derek Burreson

B.O......Uh Oh.

2009-07-07T17:44:29Z

During summer when we tend to be active in the heat, we can face problems of being a sweaty mess. That's one thing, but staving off B.O. is another. Discovering what causes B.O. in the first place may give us answers as to how to control it. Underarm odor in particular is not caused simply by perspiration. Perspiration by itself is generally odorless. Notice that the sweat on your face or other parts of the body doesn't really have a stench. When sweat is in a confined, damp area it decomposes and causes odor-causing bacteria to form. When this combines with the body's natural salt and uric acid, it can bring about odor. So, keeping perspiration at bay, and using a deodorant to "mask" the potential odors is the most common way to say "no to B.O."

by Cindy Burreson

It’s So Easy Being Green (Tea)

2009-07-06T18:42:19Z

Green Tea Could Delay Prostate Cancer: U.S. study

Green tea, a great alternative to the cup of java to get our morning started but here is some helpful information to its other benefits as well. In the great reference book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by Phyllis A. Balch, green tea is said to have *antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral health-enhancing properties.
According to a recent research article, it’s reported the active antioxidant compounds in green tea have shown to slow down the progression of prostate cancer. The testing is in its early stages but it looks promising. The article goes on to state that Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. The American Cancer Society projects prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 192,280 men and will kill 27,360 in 2009. These are some scary statistics, but it’s important to remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Whether you enjoy drinking your green tea or through supplements, it can be a healthful addition as part of an overall nutrition plan that includes multiple-antioxidants that can work synergistically to support the body.

Source:
(Reporting by I-Ching Ng; Editing by Maggie Fox and Eric Walsh)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090619/hl_nm/us_cancer_tea_1

* Though green tea has shown to have antioxidant properties, the FDA currently does not recognize it as an “antioxidant” for marketing and label claims.
by Derek Burreson

Do You Mean Drinking Red Wine Can Actually be Good for Me?

2009-07-03T19:53:27Z

Red Wine Compound Resveratrol Demonstrates Significant Health Benefits

If this is music to your ears, hold on; there’s a little more you should know before throwing caution to the wind.
Drinking in moderation has been shown to yield some health benefits, while drinking too much can cause a multitude of health problems. How does red wine have health benefits? It contains polyphenols including one called resveratrol that researchers have identified as having potent antioxidant benefits that act as free radical scavengers in the body. This is the basis of the “French Paradox” which is the observation that the French suffer a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease, despite having a diet rich in saturated fats, due to their higher consumption of red wine. There are many studies being conducted on the benefits of consuming moderate amounts of red wine, but confusion still remains with researchers on whether the health benefits extend to beer, white wine or distilled spirits. Resveratrol has shown to have antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties but only vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene are recognized “antioxidants” by the FDA. In addition to red wine, resveratrol can be found in non-alcoholic beverages and in supplement form as well.

by Derek Burreson

Is Botox Just the Beginning?

2009-06-30T18:56:27Z

Marijuana is often labeled as a "gateway" drug. It is considered a starter drug, that once a tolerance is achieved, many move on to more "serious" drugs. Botox has been considered the same with regard to the plastic surgery genre. Botox has become more commonplace, both for it's seeming benefits and it's considered low price. Despite the fact that it is the most toxic protein known, it is used world over in minute quantities to treat muscle spasms. Administered properly, it prevents a muscle from contracting for three to four months at a time, which makes it appealing for those with facial lines and such. But, what happens when the effects of Botox don't' seem enough anymore? Many are moving from Botox, to Restalyne, to full-on face lifts. As I've said before, I am for whatever makes you feel good about yourself, because YOU have to look at yourself in the mirror each day and one's perception of them self is reflected in all aspects of their life. However, there is something to be said for living a healthy life, and growing old gracefully.

By Cindy Burreson

Female Athletes Could be at Increased Health Risks

2009-06-03T14:33:44Z

By Cindy Burreson

Female athletes such as ballerinas or track participants could be at risk for several health problems such as low bone density and abnormal vascular function according to a new study. Because these athletes are exerting more energy, but not necessarily eating enough calories to support it or overstressing their bodies, they can develop eating disorders, dehydration, and the cessation of menstruation and other conditions which can lead to additional medical problems. In the study I read, done on a group of young ballerinas, thirty-six percent of the group had disordered eating habits and 77 percent were in a calorie deficit. Twenty-seven percent were currently amenorrheic, 23 percent had low bone mass density and nine percent were taking birth control. Arterial ultrasound measurements revealed that 64 percent had abnormal artery dilation in response to blood flow. It is a catch-22 that being athletic is seemingly healthy, but sometimes the things one does to their body to achieve overall success in athleticism is counterproductive. As a parent, if your children are involved in sports, encourage them to have healthy diets and exercise programs.

Source:

Medical College of Wisconsin. "Ballerinas And Female Athletes Share Quadruple Health Threats." ScienceDaily 31 May 2009. 3 June 2009 /releases/2009/05/090530094456.htm>.

Are You Waiting For The “Health Pill”?

2009-06-02T18:51:24Z

by Derek Burreson

A study of middle-aged and older Americans who eat right, exercise and keep their weight down has declined substantially in the past two decades. Only 26 percent of Americans ages 40 to 74 said they ate five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day -- down from 42 percent in 1988. When it came to exercise, 43 percent said they worked out at least 12 times per month, versus 53 percent in 1988.
If you fall into this category, what are you waiting for?
Our health is of the greatest importance, but we must make an effort to take responsibility to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Modern medicine has made incredible advances in treating sickness and disease, but our goal should be to do all we can to prevent or prolong it in the first place. Take an honest look at your health habits today then think about how that may affect you five, ten and even twenty years from now. How does your future look? If you’re not happy with the road you’re on, change it. Make small steps toward a healthier future and give yourself at least ninety days to let your new habits become part of your life style.
The prescription for health lies within you, don’t wait around for a health pill.

Source:
Fewer Americans Following A Healthy Lifestyle
http://health.yahoo.com/news/reuters/us_fewer_lifestyle.html

Anyone For a Spot of (Green) Tea?

2009-05-28T17:45:30Z

by Derek Burreson

Is coffee or tea a part of your morning ritual to get you going? According to researchers in Japan green tea has been found to be beneficial for your gum health. The antioxidants in the tea help reduce the inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria in the mouth.
Though I like to have a cup of java in the morning perhaps I will try a little spot of tea every now and then. So have some green tea and enjoy; your dentist may thank you.

Source:
Green Tea May protect Gums against Disease

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/NutraIngredients.com/Research/Green-tea-may-protect-gums-against-disease/?c=ysnBbfNQPrK93n%2FCvzoPCw%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily

Are We Going to Need a Prescription to Buy Cheerios?

2009-05-22T18:13:26Z

by Derek Burreson

The FDA blasts the cereal maker, General Mills, because of their claim that Cheerios can “lower cholesterol 10 Percent in a month” which makes it a drug. The agency has been increasingly clamping down on many companies that connect their products with treating, curing or preventing diseases.
The advertising and labeling guidelines for natural products are very specific by the agency although it may seem that every health malady now falls under the guise of a “disease”. General Mills may not have thought that “lowering cholesterol 10 percent” fell under the category of a disease claim, but the health products industry has not been helped by companies that have made wild disease claims about their products that prompted the FDA to crack down.
More than likely the cereal maker will have to modify their message a little to come into alignment with the labeling laws and everything will be fine. No prescription needed to eat your daily bowl of Cheerios.

Source:
http://wcbstv.com/health/cheerios.general.mills.2.1007986.html

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

2009-05-22T17:52:32Z

by Cindy Burreson

But....we may also scream at it's effects on our waistline! Ice cream is a seemingly logical treat in the summer months, but have you ever really taken a look at your favorite ice cream's nutritional contents (or lack thereof)? Don't be fooled by key marketing words like "organic, healthy ingredients, hormone-free, dairy-free", etc. Just because an ice cream is ANY of those things, doesn't mean it isn't full of fat and calories. For example, half a cup of the ever popular "Chubby Hubby" by Ben & Jerry's, contains over 1/3 of your RDA fat intake. Eat too much of that this summer, and you could be wearing a sash bearing that title! Many ice creams contain the equivalent of eating an entire fast food meal, so be aware of what you are consuming. An alternative to traditional ice creams is making homemade Popsicles using fresh fruit juices; they cool you off and are better for you!!!

Don't Get Bombed at Prom

2009-05-21T18:45:13Z

by Cindy Burreson

Prom season is upon us; a time when parents get excited about finding the "perfect dress" for their daughter, helping pick out and instruct their son on how to pin the corsage without drawing blood, and helping arrange for transportation and such. It is also a time of worry for parents with the increasing number of teenagers engaging in drinking, sexual activity and drugs. I remember when I went to prom (ions ago, of course), I was a very good girl. I wasn't involved in ANY of those things, but it was definitely a night of peer pressure from both my date and friends. So, how, as a parent can you set your mind at ease that your teenager will "behave"? The only thing you can do is teach them right from wrong. The main reason I DIDN'T do those things is because I didn't want to disappoint my mom, but more importantly, my mom taught me the repercussions of those actions. I read an article today that talked about just that- rather than lecturing your kid, "Use Science to Convince Teens a Sober Prom is Better". They suggest some things to remind your teenager with regard to alcohol consumption and how it can ruin prom: 1) Not remembering- this is an important time of their lives and imbibing in alcohol can impair their memories or even cause them to blackout. 2) Doing things they may not want to do- explain that alcohol can impair their judgment causing them to indulge in risky behaviors they may ordinarily avoid. It impairs their ability to reason and weigh options. 3) Fighting- research shows that teens who drink are often more violent than those who don't. Fighting or damaging property may land you in trouble with the law, let alone with your peers. 4) Sickness- the repercussions of drinking may not only be felt that evening, but in the days to follow. Alcohol poisoning is a very real possibility and can lead to death. Another side note, is the fact that with impaired judgment, one may be inclined to drive under the influence which could put you, your guests, and others at risk, as well as land you in jail or dead. All of this may sound extreme, but it's the truth and it's not worth one night of trying to "be cool".

Source: Sober Prom Is Better." ScienceDaily 21 May 2009. 21 May 2009 /releases/2009/05/090520140410.htm>.

Free Radical Cell Death Switch Identified: Molecular pathway may contribute to age related diseases

2009-05-13T21:55:51Z

by Derek Burreson

Oxidative stress on our cells have been shown to be a major factor of many non-germ caused diseases or as they have been called - age related diseases. An article I came across in Science Daily website reports on a Harvard Medical School study about this oxidative stress in our cells that can cause a build-up of damaging excess free radicals. There have been many studies about the effects of this cellular damage, but what I found quite interesting in the article was the fact that their conclusion seemed to be that these findings may “pave the way for new drugs and diagnostic strategies”. Our bodies produce free radicals through our cells conversion of oxygen to energy and we combat these with antioxidants, (think of vitamins C, E and beta carotene to be the most recognized) but excess free radicals can damage our cells over time and this is where many problems can be found.
Are drugs needed to mimic the processes of natural antioxidants? That’s an individual choice to be made, but it takes many years of research and millions of dollars to bring a new drug to market. For now I will stick to an antioxidant rich diet and supplementation to give my body the tools to help combat cellular free radical damage.

Source:

Harvard Medical School (2006, June 2). Free Radical Cell Death Switch Identified: Molecular Pathway May Contribute To Age Related Diseases.
ScienceDaily http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060601220956.htm

Supplements: Are they really necessary?

2009-05-08T21:22:54Z

by Derek Burreson

I came across this article today that I wanted to share that asks if supplements are really necessary. The argument seems to be that if we eat a well a balanced diet, we don’t really need them. The article states that supplements help to bridge the nutritional gap from what our bodies require on a daily basis for proper growth, structure and function and the nutrients we are receiving. In no way should supplements act as replacements for proper nutrition but we should all strive for a healthy balance in our diet. As we put increased demands on our bodies, we will require more nutrients for our biochemical machine to operate properly and supplements are part of that role.

Source:
Nutraingredients
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Industry/Supplements-Time-to-change-the-nay-saying-record?nocount

Vitamin D, what you should know

2009-05-07T19:27:03Z

by Derek Burreson

Vitamin D is an important nutrient for our bodies but how do we get enough and where does it come from? It is classed as a fat-soluble vitamin but also has properties as a hormone as well. Adequate amounts in the body are necessary for the absorption and utilization of both calcium and phosphorous. It is important for the development of our bones and teeth, especially for children. It protects against muscle weakness and involved in the regulation of the heartbeat as well as many other important functions. According to the book of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, usually exposure of the face and arms to the sun for fifteen minutes three times a week is an effective way to ensure you are getting enough. But dark skinned people (because the skin pigment blocks the sunlight) and those living in the upper third of the continental United States experience little or no sunshine during the winter months causing their bodies makes little or no vitamin D at all, meaning that dietary supplements and fortified foods are seen by many as the best way to boost intakes of vitamin D. Perhaps vitamin D deficiency and “cabin fever” are related…not quite the same, but interesting to think about.
Not all vitamin D is the same and it is available in several forms. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) comes from food sources, D3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesized in the skin in response to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays: and vitamin D5 is a synthetic. Of the three, vitamin D3 is considered the natural form and the most active.
Here is another study (click here to read article) of vitamin D and an ever growing body of science supporting the benefits of maintaining healthy levels.
Our bodies need the nutritional tools to function properly and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels can go a long way toward your preventive maintenance routine.

Sources:
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Volume 179, Pages 765-771, doi: 10.1164/rccm.200808-1361OC
“Serum Vitamin D Levels and Markers of Severity of Childhood Asthma in Costa Rica”
Authors: J.M. Brehm, J.C. Celedon, M.E. Soto-Quiros, L. Avila, G.M. Hunninghake, E. Forno, D. Laskey, J.S. Sylvia, B.W. Hollis, S.T. Weiss, A.A. Litonjua

Prescription for Nutritional Healing: Fourth Edition, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

CoQ10: Some helpful nutritional information beyond heart health

2009-05-06T21:58:51Z

by Derek Burreson

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is fat-soluble vitamin-like substance produced by the human body and present in every cell that serves several key enzymatic steps in the production of energy necessary for the basic functioning within the cell. CoQ10 levels are reported to decrease with age and to be low in patients with some chronic diseases. Some prescription drugs may also lower CoQ10 levels.
It is naturally present in small amounts in a wide variety of foods but is particularly high in organ meats such as heart, liver and kidney, as well as beef, soy oil, sardines, mackerel, and peanuts. Levels of CoQ10 in the body can also be increased by taking CoQ10 supplements. It is known to be highly concentrated in heart muscle cells due to the high energy requirements of this cell type.
Heart health certainly is a main focal point of supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), but the antioxidant and protective effects of this nutrient may benefit other areas of your health. As always, I encourage you to eat a wide variety of foods in your daily diet that will help you to get the nutrients necessary for your body to perform properly, though this is easier said than done.

Sources:
National Institute of health:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-coenzymeq10.html

Natural Products Marketplace:
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/551/coq10--beyond-heart-health.html