Usually business owners have few qualms about accepting cold, hard cash, butThe Guardian reports
that a vegetarian restaurant in Cambridge, England, is turning away £5
notes. Sharon Meijland, owner of the Rainbow Cafe, says she’s not
accepting those particular bills for a simple reason — the currency
isn’t vegetarian.
In September, the Bank of England released its new £5
notes into circulation. The money, printed on a special plastic polymer,
was touted for being
cleaner, more durable, and more difficult to counterfeit. But
vegetarians, vegans, and some religious groups have taken issue with the
new bills after the bank confirmed that trace amounts of animal fat are
used in the production of the polymer.
The BBC reports that a petition calling for a ban
of the notes featuring Winston Churchill’s face has received more than
100,000 signatures and members of the UK’s Sikh and Hindu communities
who abstain from meat for religious reasons have called the currency “extremely offensive.” Even “Meat is Murder” singer Morrissey chimed in on the matter, writing on a fan site:
If it had been revealed by the Bank of
England that the new British Five Pound note contained slices of cat or
dog, the country would be in an uproar. But because we have been trained
to accept the vicious slaughter of cows, sheep and pigs, the UK media
can only make light of the use of tallow in the new British fiver
because animal slaughter is thought to be outside of the human grasp and
concern.
For his part, the inventor of the polymer bank note has called the controversy
“absolutely stupid,” telling Australian radio station 2GB, “There’s
trivial amounts of [tallow] in there.” However, the Bank of England say
it’s treating the problem with the “utmost seriousness.” In a statement
the bank adds, that the £5 note maker “Innovia is now working
intensively with its supply chain and will keep the Bank informed on
progress towards potential solutions.”
Vegetarians and vegans are known to use petitions and protests to demand changes to menus and production practices. In April 2016, LA-based vegan restaurant Cafe Gratitude began getting bombarded with threats
after an old blog post about the owners’ decisions to raise and
slaughter animals on their private farm began circulating online. Irish
beer company Guinness was empowered to go vegan last year after customers petitioned the 258-year-old company to change its practices. Vegetarians have also attempted (unsuccessfully so far) to lobby In-N-Out to start offering veggie burgers.
Think about it. Your brain is always “on.” It takes care of your
thoughts and movements, your breathing and heartbeat, your senses — it
works hard 24/7, even while you’re asleep. This means your brain
requires a constant supply of fuel. That “fuel” comes from the foods you
eat — and what’s in that fuel makes all the difference. Put simply,
what you eat directly affects the structure and function of your brain
and, ultimately, your mood.
Like an expensive car, your brain functions best when it gets only
premium fuel. Eating high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins,
minerals, and antioxidants nourishes the brain and protects it from
oxidative stress — the “waste” (free radicals) produced when the body
uses oxygen, which can damage cells.
Unfortunately, just like an expensive car, your brain can be damaged
if you ingest anything other than premium fuel. If substances from
“low-premium” fuel (such as what you get from processed or refined
foods) get to the brain, it has little ability to get rid of them. Diets
high in refined sugars, for example, are harmful to the brain. In
addition to worsening your body’s regulation of insulin, they also
promote inflammation and oxidative stress. Multiple studies have found a
correlation between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain
function — and even a worsening of symptoms of mood disorders, such as
depression.
It makes sense. If your brain is deprived of good-quality nutrition,
or if free radicals or damaging inflammatory cells are circulating
within the brain’s enclosed space, further contributing to brain tissue
injury, consequences are to be expected. What’s interesting is that for
many years, the medical field did not fully acknowledge the connection
between mood and food.
Today, fortunately, the burgeoning field of nutritional psychiatry is
finding there are many consequences and correlations between not only
what you eat, how you feel, and how you ultimately behave, but also the
kinds of bacteria that live in your gut.
How the foods you eat affect how you feel
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep and
appetite, mediate moods, and inhibit pain. Since about 95% of your
serotonin is produced in your gastrointestinal tract, and your
gastrointestinal tract is lined with a hundred million nerve cells, or
neurons, it makes sense that the inner workings of your digestive system
don’t just help you digest food, but also guide your emotions. What’s
more, the function of these neurons — and the production of
neurotransmitters like serotonin — is highly influenced by the billions
of “good” bacteria that make up your intestinal microbiome. These
bacteria play an essential role in your health. They protect the lining
of your intestines and ensure they provide a strong barrier against
toxins and “bad” bacteria; they limit inflammation; they improve how
well you absorb nutrients from your food; and they activate neural
pathways that travel directly between the gut and the brain.
Studies have shown that when people take probiotics (supplements
containing the good bacteria), their anxiety levels, perception of
stress, and mental outlook improve, compared with people who did not
take probiotics. Other studies have compared “traditional” diets, like
the Mediterranean diet and the traditional Japanese diet, to a typical
“Western” diet and have shown that the risk of depression is 25% to 35%
lower in those who eat a traditional diet. Scientists account for this
difference because these traditional diets tend to be high in
vegetables, fruits, unprocessed grains, and fish and seafood, and to
contain only modest amounts of lean meats and dairy. They are also void
of processed and refined foods and sugars, which are staples of the
“Western” dietary pattern. In addition, many of these unprocessed foods
are fermented, and therefore act as natural probiotics. Fermentation
uses bacteria and yeast to convert sugar in food to carbon dioxide,
alcohol, and lactic acid. It is used to protect food from spoiling and
can add a pleasant taste and texture.
This may sound implausible to you, but the notion that good bacteria
not only influence what your gut digests and absorbs, but that they also
affect the degree of inflammation throughout your body, as well as your
mood and energy level, is gaining traction among researchers. The
results so far have been quite amazing.
What does this mean for you?
Start paying attention to how eating different foods makes you feel —
not just in the moment, but the next day. Try eating a “clean” diet for
two to three weeks — that means cutting out all processed foods and
sugar. Add fermented foods like kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, pickles, or
kombucha. You also might want to try going dairy-free — and some people
even feel that they feel better when their diets are grain-free. See how
you feel. Then slowly introduce foods back into your diet, one by one,
and see how you feel.
When my patients “go clean,” they cannot believe how much better they
feel both physically and emotionally, and how much worse they then feel
when they reintroduce the foods that are known to enhance inflammation.
Give it a try!
All of the tissues in our body need a near constant supply of oxygen
to maintain life. We maintain this oxygen delivery by the red cells in
our blood. These have an iron-containing protein called hemoglobin,
which is a perfect transporter for oxygen, in that it both picks up and
releases oxygen in an exact and targeted way.
The average man has about 2 grams of iron in his blood cells at
any given time while women have about 1.6 grams. If the dietary iron
intake falls below daily needs and this storage amount goes down, the
ability to tolerate bursts of exercise will deteriorate. The reduction
in blood count related to having low iron stores (or other nutrient
deficiencies, including of vitamin B12, folate, copper, and vitamin A)
is called anemia.
Supports Energy Production
In addition to the key role iron plays in transporting oxygen to
tissues, it also is necessary to support proper metabolism for muscles
and other active organs. Almost all of the cells in our body burn
dietary calories to create energy through a process that requires iron.
When iron stores get low, this process gets compromised, and generalized
fatigue can occur.
This lag in energy production tends to occur earlier than changes
in blood cell production, so the muscle fatigue and changes in
concentration are likely to be noticeable long before laboratory testing
shows low blood cell production.
It’s fascinating how often we resist doing things we know are
good for us. I know I’m guilty of this, and many of you probably are
too.
Rationally we might know that going for a walk in the morning is a
great way to start our day, but somehow we still give in to that other
person inside us who would rather stay under the covers for an extra
half hour. Likewise, we know we could probably benefit from some form of
physical exercise, be it yoga, sports, or aerobics, but we push it off
to the side, push it off for another day. We’d all like to eat healthier
too, yet so many of us find it so much easier to reach for that sugary
muffin or extra cup of coffee than to make a nutrient packed green juice
or smoothie.
Why is that? Shouldn’t we want to do everything we can to ensure we
are living a healthy, mindful, and vibrant lifestyle? Sometimes we see
others doing it and think, I wish I could be like that. Well,
the great news is, you absolutely can! It’s just a matter of sticking to
it. It will be uncomfortable in the beginning, as all changes are,
but eventually it will become so natural to you and offer you so many
benefits that you will be excited to do it. It’s just a matter of
getting started.
1. Wake Up an Hour Earlier Every Day
Waking up an hour earlier in the morning can give you some precious
“me time.” It’s time where you can focus on yourself rather than the
needs of your kids, your partner, or even your pets. Use this hour to go
for a walk, meditate, plan out your day, or just drink your morning cup
of tea or coffee while being fully present in the moment. Perhaps you’d
like to do some light yoga or stretching, or even a sweatier workout at
the gym. Whatever you decide, find something that brings you joy and
give yourself that opportunity rather than rushing out the door every
morning.
2. Keep a Food Journal
Many of us feel like our diets are good enough already, but if you
are like me, you tend to only remember the healthy, nutritious choices
and leave out the more unhealthy ones, and then wonder why you aren’t
feeling tip top. Keeping track of what you eat is an effective way
to see what you are actually consuming on a day-to-day basis, and it
allows you to determine from there what you could eat more of and,
perhaps more importantly, what you could be consuming less of. This will
help you to incorporate more nutritious choices into your diet in the
future. And with apps like MyFitnessPal, for example, tracking your
meals has never been easier.
3. Track Your Spending
Sometimes it is easier to just put everything you buy on a credit
card and then, when the end of the month rolls around, just hope that
you have enough money to pay it all off. Unfortunately, we don’t always
have the money and that is a very easy way to end up in debt. And you
may not even realize exactly where it is that your money is going.
By keeping track of your spending, even for just a few months, you
are able to see where most of your money is going and how you can make
adjustments moving forward. You may find that a lot of your money is
going toward things you really don’t need, and this can be a great
wake-up call to stop the unnecessary spending in its tracks. Of course,
this may also help you to save more, which is always a good thing!
4. Question Everything
This one is important. Do not take the information that is presented
to you at face value. Question everything. If you see something on the
news but a little piece of you has some doubt, look into it further and
do your own research. Do not just believe everything you read, even if
it’s an article on Collective Evolution! Look into things further and
form your own opinion.
If you are having a discussion with someone whose views are different
from yours, do not just dismiss them as being wrong; delve deeper into
the conversation by asking questions to broaden your perspective. Always
keep an open mind.
5. Be Honest
This one is definitely very uncomfortable; as we all know, the truth hurts, right? Well, not only can this be one of the most uncomfortable things you have to do, but also the most valuable.
Are there people in your life that you need to say something to?
Chances are good there are, and likely more than one. To get the ball
rolling, write down a list of all the people to whom you have something
to say, whether it’s good or bad. Honestly write down what you feel you
need to convey to this person in a letter, and then actually give it to
them.
It is important to note how this experience affected you and the
other person. If you are speaking from your heart, I’d be willing to bet
it will be a positive experience for everyone involved.
6. Pick One Thing to Master at a Time
In our quest for self-betterment, we may think the best route to take
is to pick a thousand different things that interest us, start doing
them, and then only continue with what we like and feels good to us,
picking just one thing to focus on at a time can be more beneficial.
If you are constantly changing your interests, you’ll never see your
own internal progress. Pick just one thing at a time and get really good
at it before moving on to the next. This will allow you to actually
stick to a goal, track your progress, and appreciate how far you’ve
come.
7. Accomplish an Almost Impossible Goal
Is there something that you’ve always wanted to do in the back of
your mind, but dismissed as impossible? Now take a moment to
consider, it really impossible, or is it just going to take a lot of
hard work and effort to get there?
I’m guessing it’s the latter, in which case, consider setting and
achieving a goal that’s harder than anything you’ve ever done. It may be
uncomfortable, but most things we think of as impossible to achieve
really just require a little perseverance, dedication, and willpower.
According to Rizwan Aseem:
“You will have to use all your mental and physical strength to actually
get yourself to achieve this goal. But here’s the thing: Something very
cool happens in your mind, your physiology, your internal makeup when
you actually do this. You become invincible. You will be able to set any
goal for yourself and then achieve it.”
8. Practice Public Speaking
Surveys about our fears show that public speaking consistently ranks
at the top of the list, even before death, and I have certainly had my
fair share of horror stories in this realm. Realistically though, the
only way to gain confidence in this area is by practicing it regularly.
Maybe you don’t have a job that requires you to speak in public, but you
never know when the time might come when this skill could really come
in handy – that big speech at your best friend’s wedding, for example.
One fantastic way to practice this skill is to make some videos that
you share with your friends and family. After that you can move on to
less familiar faces. Consider telling a story in a group and asking
everyone to sit down and give you their undivided attention so that you
can practice effectively. Another great option is to join an improv
group in your community and really break out of your comfort zone!
9. Incorporate Some Form of Meditation Daily
A lot of people brush off meditation or feel it is beyond them. I can’t make my thoughts stop,
they complain, and give up after a few tries. Luckily, this isn’t the
goal of mediation; as many of us know, it’s impossible to tell your
brain to stop thinking. What meditation aims to do is remove your
attachment to your thoughts, not the thoughts themselves. (And you don’t
need to be sitting cross-legged on the floor to do it, either.)
Meditation can be as simple as going for a walk, focusing on your
breathing, listening to some beautiful classical music or mantras, or
even drawing a picture — anything that offers you a break from the woes
and worries of day-to-day life can be a form of meditation. Consider
adding this practice into your daily routine.
Do you have any uncomfortable but necessary things that you would
like to add to this list? Please do so in the comments section below!
Much Love
Estrogen treatment after menopause increases the risk of new kidney damage, according to a study by Tulane University School of Medicine researchers published in the American Journal of Physiology--Renal Physiology.
Estrogen seems to protect against high blood pressure,
one cause of kidney damage. Since fewer premenopausal women have high
blood pressure than men of the same age, the study focused on a breed
of rats that mimic this gender-specific blood pressure difference to
determine the effects of long-term estrogen therapy on women.
Promoters of bio-identical hormones
claim that they are anti-aging, increase sex drive, prevent cancer
and have little to no risks or side effects. However, they
often are not safe and not natural.
The research team studied three groups of middle-aged rats
without ovaries, which simulates the low estrogen environment of
menopause. One group ("short-term") was given a short course of
estrogen. A second group ("long-term") received a longer regimen of
estrogen. The estrogen groups were compared to a control group that
did not receive hormones.
Researchers found that after the hormone treatments, the
long-term group had more damage to the tiny tubes that collect and
carry urine than the short-term and control groups. The rate at which
the kidneys filtered blood decreased, and creatinine levels and
protein in the urine (markers of impaired kidney function) increased
in the rats receiving long-term estrogen. The long-term group showed
more kidney damage in each marker than the short-term or control
groups.
"With women now living 30 years or more after menopause,
the big question is...how long is it ok to take estrogen?" says
senior author Dr. Sarah Lindsey, assistant professor of pharmacology
at Tulane School of Medicine. "Women who are concerned about the
long-term impact of estrogen should ask their doctor to monitor their
kidney health, especially if they have a history or family history of
kidney disease."
While many may feel stuck between harmful pharmaceuticals
and the harsh realities of non-medicated menopause, natural
alternatives are available.
PMS and menstrual troubles are often linked to specific hormone
imbalances. Especially for those with short cycles or short second phase
of their cycle (ovulation through start of menses), progesterone
can be the issue. Some people can add only a natural progesterone cream and see symptoms greatly reduce.
If you do use progesterone cream, do your own research and make sure you have a high quality brand such as Life Choice.
They formulated a cream with natural ingredients such as red
clover leaf, pomegranate and chastetree berry, make a great
alternative for natural hormone balance. For those who prefer
capsules to creams, there are products like Balanced Female capsules
that contain these ingredients, plus many more, such as black cohosh
root, false licorice root, and dong quai root.
Our smartphones are designed to emit a blue light in order to help us
read from the screen even in the sunniest days. Yet, this light is
being constantly released throughout the day from all our gadgets,
computers, and TVs.
Apparently, it makes our brain confused as it imitates the sun, and
it believes it is a day even at night. Therefore, it stops the
production of melatonin and the person experiences sleeping
difficulties.
This is the reason why experts recommend that you do not use any electronic devices a few hours before going to sleep.
Namely, a small organ located in the brain, the pineal gland, is the
one who produces melatonin, and works a couple of hours before going to
sleep. It has a photoreceptor known as Melanopsin, located in the retina
ganglion cells, and reacts to the blue light emit from these devices.
Numerous studies have shown that phone users before bedtime have
difficulties to fall asleep. Moreover, teenagers are even more prone to
these effects than adults, since the circadian rhythm shifts in
adolescent years and they stay more awake.
Dr. Martin Blank, from the Department of Physiology and Cellular
Biophysics Columbia University, formed a team of experts who appealed to
the UN about the detrimental effects of electromagnetic radiation from
phones or Wi-Fi.
The use of these devices can cause numerous side-effects, including
cancer. Unfortunately, even the smallest children nowadays grow up
surrounded by electronic devices, and the brain of a child gets 4 more
times radiation than an adult.
Furthermore, the Chinese even have a special name for the addiction to such electronics- an official clinical disorder.
They also have many rehab centers which isolate young people from
electronic devices in order to help them quit that addiction. Yet, the
effects of these centers are still not proven.
However, in order to help yourself, you should follow a few simple rules:
You should reduce the usage of electronics before bedtime, and turn
off all devices when going to sleep. You can read in bed instead.
You can try applications such as the f.lux, which changes the
screen’s display to be warm at night and bright during the day and thus
reduces the blue light impacts.
Medical research and numerous studies have found that turmeric
has a wide range of beneficial effects on health. Apparently, it is
also incredibly effective as it supports the health of the cardio system
and provides the same advantages as a workout.
It has a polyphenol known as curcumin which improves the function of the heart and reduces the risk of heart attacks after bypass surgeries by 50%.
One study involved 32 women in menopause and post menopause periods,
divided into three groups. The first group received curcumin, the second
exercised regularly, and the third group did nothing of the above.
The first group consumed the same diet as before, but also received 150mg of turmeric daily. The participants who exercised did aerobic 3 times weekly, and also walked and cycled.
The study lasted for 8 weeks, after which, the findings showed that
the blood vessels of the people in the first and second group were in
perfect condition.
Another study examined the effects of turmeric
on the workouts and stress tolerance in the case of post menopause
women with heart issues. Researchers found that the mixture of regular
workout and the use of turmeric reduces the ventricular issues.
Turmeric has been found to be effective in the treatment of over 600
health issues. It also provides amazing effects if combined with a
workout, but note that it cannot replace exercise completely.
Additionally, its use alleviates the pain and inflammation after a workout.
The
health benefits of raw, unprocessed honey are well known, but in
Australia, scientists recently made a startling discovery – that one
particular, obscure type of honey is capable of killing just about
everything scientists throw at it, including some of the worst bacteria
known to man.
The findings were published in the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (June 2009 edition), and
could hold special significance at a time when many of the world’s top
antibiotics are failing, especially against resistant “superbugs.”
The honey in question is known as manuka honey, which is produced in New Zealand and also goes by the name of jelly bush honey.
The honey has become so popular in the past few years that shortages
have been reported and fake products have been sold, leading New Zealand
manuka producers to seek trademark protection (similar to French
champagne or Scottish whiskey for example). It’s easy to see why now
that the secret is out about this honey’s incredible health benefits.
Manuka honey has a darker pigment than most traditional honey
Manuka Honey Kills MRSA, Other Superbugs
Manuka honey is created by bees foraging on the nectar of
Leptospermum Scoparium, the New Zealand manuka bush, as well as tea
trees native only to Australia and New Zealand.
In the aforementioned studies, Australian researchers found that the
honey killed every bacteria or pathogen it was tested on, according to a
report by The Australian. The honey can be applied topically to help fight against infections of the skin, cuts and insect bites, or taken internally.
The most exciting difference with the manuka honey that was
tested is that none of superbugs killed by the honey were able to build
up immunity, a common problem with today’s antibiotics.
“New antibiotics tend to have short shelf lives, as the bacteria they
attack quickly become resistant,” said Dr. Dee Carter of the University
of Sydney’s School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences. “Many large
pharmaceutical companies have abandoned antibiotic production because of
the difficulty of recovering costs. Developing effective alternatives
could therefore save many lives.”
According to Dr. Carter the manuka honey contains
a compound called methyglyoxal, that combines with other unknown
compounds to cause “multi-system failure” that destroys the bacteria.
Where to Find Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is now sold in health food stores and online, although
the supply levels have fluctuated in recent years and fake honey scams
have been documented. When looking for manuka honey it is best to look
for one that is UMF certified.
The term UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, which is the
phytochemical property derived from the manuka bushes that gives it its
unique properties. This term is regulated by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association of New Zealand and a handful of certified manuka products can be found on Amazon.com.
The brand Comvita manuka honey is
available on Amazon and is UMF certified. One particular customer on
Amazon said that it this type of honey helped to erase their MRSA:
I had done a fair amount of research
when a friend of ours got MRSA, and then, unfortunately, I got it too.,
said user JoshuaOne9 on Amazon. Thankfully, I had already done the
research so I knew exactly what to do. As soon as I saw the red bump
(thinking the first day that it was a mosquito bite) I scratched it, but
the second day I realized that it had to be something else. My husband
immediately knew what it was since we had been dealing with our friend’s
case of MRSA. I got my hands on this Manuka honey and put on the area
of skin that was affected and then it is very important that you cover
it with a bandaid. Within hours I felt relief and within a few days it
was completely gone…
While further research needs to be done, it’s safe to say that manuka honey shows
plenty of promise in defeating one of the biggest health challenges
faced by humanity in the 21st century, and this research should not be
taken lightly. This article is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to treat, diagnose or prevent disease. Consult a licensed
naturopathic doctor before making any major changes to your diet or
lifestyle.
Sciatica
is the intense pain caused by the irritation or compression of the
sciatic nerve. It is debilitating and severe and usually affects one
side of the body, from the lower back, through the buttocks, to the back
of one leg.
Despite the pain, it also causes weakness and numbness in the leg and
toes, burning sensation in the leg, tingling, and difficulties both, to
stand up and sit down.
Its most common cause is herniated or slipped disc. Yet, sciatica
may also result from spinal injury or infection, degenerative disc
disease, pregnancy, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, and isthmic
spondylolisthesis.
There are numerous different treatments for this painful condition,
but in most cases, the pain is relieved only temporarily. Also, the
steroid injections which are often used cause severe adverse effects.
On the other hand, the pressure and inflammation caused by the irritated sciatic nerve can also be soothed using natural homemade remedies.
In most cases, their application, combined with proper rest, gives effects in 6 weeks. These are the 10 best home remedies for sciatica: Turmeric
Turmeric is extremely effective in the treatment of sciatica pain as it has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Its active ingredient, curcumin reduces the pain and soothes the
inflammation. You should boil a cup of milk, add a teaspoon of turmeric,
and if you want, you can also add a small cinnamon stick and honey for
taste. Drink this a few times daily.
You can also take turmeric supplements, 250-300 milligrams 3 times
daily for several weeks. Yet, note that you should not use turmeric is
you take diabetes medication, blood thinners, or gallstones. Acupuncture
Acupuncture efficiently relaxes the muscles and treats the pain. It
stimulates certain points of the body and thus triggers the central
nervous system, which releases chemicals which accelerate the recovery
and change the perception of pain.
According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Traditional
Chinese Medicine, warmed acupuncture with heated needles effectively
relieves sciatica pain. The study involved 30 participants, and even 17
of them were completely cured of sciatica pain after the treatment. Massage
The massage therapy can effectively treat sciatica pain and also
supports the healing of the body, especially if the cause is a muscle
spasm. It will release the tension, improve the range of motion, and
stimulate blood circulation.
You can use St John’s Wort’s oil which has powerful anti-inflammatory
properties and soothes sciatica inflammation and pain. Massage the
painful areas 2-3 times daily.
As the pain starts in the lower back and stretches along the thighs
and buttocks, it is often related to the trigger points in the gluteus
minimus and medius muscles, so a trigger-point massage at least once a
day will provide great relief.
Additionally, you can mix a cup of sesame oil and 3 tablespoons of
nutmeg powder, heat the mixture, leave it to cool, and use it for
massaging. Repeat 2-3 times a week. Hot or Cold Compresses
The treatments with hot and cold compresses provide great relief in
this case, as the cold numbs the pain and reduces the swelling around
the sciatic nerve, while the heat relaxes the muscle which may cause the
pressure on the nerve.
You can also combine the two and start with a hot and finish with a cold treatment.
For best effects, use a steamed towel for the hot compress. Apply the
compress on the area and leave it to act for 15-20 minutes. Repeat on 2
hours for a quick pain relief.
However, you should not try this treatment if you have circulatory issues. Capsaicin Cream
The active ingredient in cayenne pepper, capsaicin, naturally
relieves pain as it helps deplete the substance P levels (a
neurotransmitter that transports the signals for pain). Prepare an
ointment or cream with 0.025% to 0.075% capsaicin and apply on the
affected area 3-4 times daily for a week.
Remember to avoid its application on a broken skin, as it may result in a burning sensation. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds have potent anti-inflammatory properties which can be
of great help in the case of sciatica, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.
This is how to prepare the helpful fenugreek seeds poultice: Grind the
seeds and add them to a cup of milk. Then, boil the mixture until it
gets mushy.
Afterward, apply it on the painful area and leave it to act for a few hours. Repeat every day. White Willow Bark
The bark of white willow has potent pain-soothing, analgesic, and
anti-inflammatory properties, due to the olic glycosides with salicin it
contains. You should take 120 milligrams of white willow supplement or
240 milligrams of salicin daily for 2-3 weeks. Valerian Root
The Valerian root soothes chronic nerve pain and treats sciatica pain
due to a muscle spasm. It contains volatile oils which lower the
tension and relax the muscles.
Due to its favorable effects, it can be used as a sleeping aid. You
can take this herb in the form of supplements, 150 milligrams 3 times
daily for 2-3 weeks, or drink it as tea.
Just add a teaspoon of dried valerian root in a cup of boiled water,
leave it to steep for 10 minutes, and drink it several times a week. Exercises
Sciatica pain can be significantly reduced with regular exercise and
physical activity. You should exercise regularly in order to strengthen
the muscles of the abdomen and the back, in order to accelerate the
recovery process.
The following exercise “knee to chest stretch’ will soothe the
irritation of the sciatic nerve and enhance the flexibility of the lower
back.
Start in a lying position, with the legs stretched and hip-width
apart legs. Relax the upper part of the body, and bend the knee upwards
while inhaling.
Then, move the thigh towards the chest while keeping the hands
clasped behind it. Remember to keep the legs flat on the ground. Hold in
this position for 20 seconds and breathe deeply.
Afterward, lower the legs carefully. Repeat the same with the other
leg for 3-5 times. Make sure you do the exercise for about 3-5 minutes
with both legs.
You can also benefit a lot from some yoga stretches like the cat-cow
pose and the pigeon pose. Also, try spinal decompression exercises. Yet,
always consult your doctor before doing any of these exercises. Spinal Manipulation
The chiropractic care is one of the most efficient ways to treat the
pain in the back and neck. Many different techniques include short and
rapid thrusts in the chiropractic spinal manipulation in order to
relieve the irritation of the nerve which causes the other symptoms and
the inflammation.
A study conducted in 2010 and published in the Journal of
Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that 60 percent of
the participants suffering from this condition experienced the same
relief due to the spinal manipulation as if a surgical intervention was
performed. Additional Tips:
Quit smoking as it promotes disc degeneration
Your mattress should be neither too soft nor too firm
Avoid making sudden movements
You should take vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium supplements
After a consultation with your doctor, try other herbal remedies,
such as the alcohol-based extract made from the parijat (harshiangar)
leaves (1); 1,500 to 2,000 mg twice a day of devil’s claw (avoid it in
the case of peptic ulcer).
Practice proper lifting techniques with a straight back and bent knees
Proper body posture will reduce the pressure on the lower back
Regular exercise can be of great help, but do not perform any intense exercises
The hallucinogen found in "magic mushrooms" can considerably reduce the
depression and anxiety felt by patients who have terminal or advanced
cancer, according to new research published in two studies.
Both studies showed that just a single dose of psilocybin
— a hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushroom species — could
reduce psychological distress in cancer patients, and that this effect
was immediate and long-lasting. Participants who took psilocybin
reported reductions in their depression and anxiety just one day after
taking the drug, and the effects of that one dose lasted for the next
six months in up to 80 percent of participants in both studies.
"The cloud of doom seemed to just lift," Sherry Marcy, a participant in
one of the studies, said at a news conference held Wednesday (Nov. 30).
"I got back in touch with my family and kids, and my wonder at life,"
said Marcy, who was diagnosed with life-threatening endometrial cancer
in 2010. "Before, I was sitting alone at home, and I couldn't move …
This study made a huge difference, and it's persisted."
If the new findings are confirmed by future studies with more people,
psilocybin therapy might become a new option for treating cancer
patients with depression and anxiety, the researchers said. These
psychiatric conditions affect up to 40 percent of cancer patients.
"A life-threatening cancer diagnosis can be psychologically
challenging, with anxiety and depression as very common symptoms," study
researcher Roland Griffiths, a professor of behavioral biology at the
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said in a statement.
"People with this kind of existential anxiety often feel hopeless and
are worried about the meaning of life and what happens upon death."
The new findings have the "potential to transform care for patients
with cancer-related psychological distress," said study researcher Dr.
Stephen Ross, a psychiatrist and the director of substance abuse
services at New York University Langone Medical Center.
It's important to note that the patients in the study took psilocybin
while being supervised by trained staff, and their blood pressure and
mood were closely monitored during the treatment session. The
researchers do not recommend that people take the drug outside of a
research setting.
The drug can also have side effects: In the study, some participants
experienced elevated blood pressure and heart rate, headaches, nausea,
vomiting, and temporary anxiety and paranoia during the treatment
session. However, in the new studies, no serious side effects were
attributed to the drug.
Hallucinogenic drugs
Psychiatric research on hallucinogens, including LSD, was conducted in
the 1950s through the 1970s. However, this research was stopped in the
early '70s after psilocybin was classified as a Schedule I drug,
meaning the drug became illegal and was not considered to have any
medical benefits.
But over the past decade, there has been a renewed interest in studying
the drug, as the cultural taboo against hallucinogens has declined.
(Researchers still need to get special federal approval to study the
drug.) And several studies published in recent years have suggested that
psilocybin could provide benefits to patients with cancer-related psychological distress or patients with depression who haven't benefited from other treatments.
The new studies were conducted at NYU and Johns Hopkins. Both studies
were small; the NYU study involved 29 patients, and the John Hopkins
study involved 51 patients. In both studies, the patients were randomly
assigned to take either psilocybin or a placebo at an initial session,
and then to receive the opposite treatment at a second sessionfive to
seven weeks later, so all of the participants eventually
took psilocybin. The participants in the NYU study also received
psychotherapy in addition to the psilocybin treatment.
In both studies, the psilocybin treatment was much more effective than
the placebo. For example, in the NYU study, 83 percent of the
participants met the criteria for a reduction in depression symptoms seven weeks after they took psilocybin, compared with just 14 percent of those who had taken the placebo.
The participants also reported that their quality of life improved,
that their life felt more meaningful and that they felt less anxiety
about death. In the John Hopkins study, 67 percent of the participants
said their experience with psilocybin was one of the top five meaningful
experiences in their lives, and about 70 percent said the experience
was one of their top five spiritually significant lifetime events.
Future research
If these results are confirmed in future studies of large and diverse
groups of people, "then the classification of psilocybin as a Schedule I
drug should be challenged," Dr. Craig Blinderman, director of the Adult
Palliative Medicine Service at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia
University Medical Center, wrote in a commentary accompanying the study.
Blinderman was not involved in the research.
A confirmation of the new findings "would represent a treatment
modality unlike anything in psychiatry — a rapid and sustained reduction
in depression and anxiety with a single dose of a psychoactive compound," Blinderman said.
Although the findings are promising, "they also reveal large gaps in
our knowledge that warrant further research," Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman,
chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University College
of Physicians and Surgeons, and Dr. Daniel Shalev, a resident physician
at Columbia, wrote in a second commentary. For example, the optimal
dose of the drug and how frequently it should be administered are still
not known, Lieberman and Shalev said. Researchers also don't know
exactly how psilocybin works to reduce anxiety and depression.
The researchers are planning a follow-up study with several hundred
participants to see if they can replicate the results of the two new
studies, Ross said.
The studies and commentaries were published in the Dec. 1 issue of the Journal of Psychopharmacology. Original article on Live Science
Numerous experts claim that this fruit is the most potent cancer-fighter on the planet, and it is completely natural!
What’s best, it has been found that it is 10,000 times more powerful than any of the other conventional cancer treatments.
Unfortunately, the miraculous properties of this fruit have been kept
a secret by the pharmaceutical companies, as they can reduce their
profits, and they would no longer sell their products and medicines.
This fruit is known as Guanabana or soursop
and is a low-growing tree. Its fruits are sweet and large, and can be
consumed raw, or are used in the production of pastries, drinks, etc.
The tree can be planted in the yard, and its juice can effectively prevent cancer. Also, it is important to note that the soursop does not cause any of the negative side-effects of chemotherapy.
It is believed to be extremely useful in the case of cancer, but it also provides various other health benefits.
It is a broad spectrum antibiotic and has powerful antiparasitic and
antifungal properties. Soursop can effectively treat nervous disorders,
stress, depression, and regulates blood pressure levels.
In the last five decades, more than 20 lab tests have shown that the
extract of soursop effectively kills cancer cells in the case of 12
types of cancer, including pancreatic, ovarian, colon, breast, and
prostate cancer.
The miraculous components of this fruit inhibit the growth of cancer
cells 10,000 times more efficiently than Adriamycin, which is a popular
chemotherapeutic agent.
Furthermore, the most important thing about its activity is that it
does not affect healthy ones, but destroys cancer cells only, unlike the
conventional cancer treatments.
A form of rheumatic disease, arthritis is characterized
by inflammation and loss of function in some parts of the body.
Osteoarthritis damages cartilage, joints, and bones, and is the most
common type of arthritis, affecting over 27 million Americans.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another form of arthritis that attacks the
synovial lining of joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss
of function.
Of course, if you have arthritis, we don’t have to tell you how
disabling the pain can be. The good news is that an increasingly large
body of research has suggested that making dietary changes could help alleviate the chronic pain associated with this disease.
Foods play a significant part in a multitude of chronic conditions,
and the pain that’s accompanied by those conditions. Inflammation has a
fairly significant role in many different health issues, particularly
those that end in “itis,” which means inflammation. While pain
medications can help reduce suffering, they can also be addictive, often
producing unwanted side effects, and, typically failing to eliminate
the root cause of the pain.
But just as what you eat can contribute to your pain, certain foods
have the ability to relieve pain that’s accompanied by inflammation,
with the ability to block pain signals, fight inflammation, and even
heal underlying disease.
By avoiding unhealthy foods that contribute to inflammation, like
fast food, processed foods such as packaged baked goods, lunch meats,
potato chips and so on, and adding these foods to your diet, odds are
you’ll start enjoying relief soon.
1. Ginger
A 2012 study out of Denmark, published in the journal Arthritis,
compared ginger extract to the common drugs cortisone and ibuprofen for
the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They found
that when people suffering from the aches and pains of these conditions
added ginger to their diet, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling,
and stiffness for up to 63 percent of the study participants within two
months. The researchers credited ginger’s potent compounds known as
gingerols, which prevent the production of hormones that trigger pain.
The pain-relieving effects of ginger can be enjoyed whether it’s
eaten raw or heated. In fact, studies have found that it works as well
as, and even better than ibuprofen. One of the easiest ways to take
advantage of its incredible benefits is to enjoy it fresh as a tea. Just
slice up four or five pieces of the fresh root and steep in boiling
water for 5 to 10 minutes. If you don’t have access to hot water, you
can even chew on a piece of raw ginger after peeling it for pain relief.
Try this Homemade Ginger Ale recipe to relieve your arthritis pain.
2. Hot Peppers
Hot peppers, like cayenne peppers, contain a substance known as
capsaicin which has been found to trigger the release of endorphins.
These “happy hormones,” as they’re often called, not only make you feel
good, but they help to lessen many forms of chronic pain.
Capsaicin releases a chemical known as “substance P,’ which is also
released when the body sustains an injury. It signals the nervous system
that you’ve been injured, causing an initial burning sensation followed
by a lessening of pain in the area after time.
Add hot peppers to your meals more often, or you can add a half
teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper to a glass of water – aim to drink a
glass each day.
3. Cherries
Cherries are not only juicy and delicious, and they contain compounds
known as anthocyanins – the substance responsible for their rich ruby
color. These powerful antioxidants offer a double whammy when it comes
to relieving pain. They block inflammation and inhibit pain enzymes
similar to the way nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and aspirin work.
In fact, one study found that those who ate a bowl of cherries in the
morning were able to reduce a significant marker of inflammation by 25
percent. Another study discovered runners who drank 12 ounces of tart
cherry juice twice a day for seven days before a run, endured less
muscle pain compared to those who did not.
4. Garlic
Garlic may leave you with some slightly funky breath, but it not only
adds flavor to meals, but it also offers powerful anti-inflammatory
properties to help ease the pain and swelling of arthritis. It also
contains potent antioxidant compounds that contribute to strengthening
the immune system, essential for those suffering from any type of
chronic condition.
To get the most benefits from garlic, eat it raw rather than cooked. You can add some chopped or minced garlic to a salad, homemade salsa or other dips for a healthy, pain fighting kick.
Try this delicious Spinach & Garlic dip!
5. Beets
Beets have an earthy flavor, but they become sweet when cooked and
are incredibly nutritious, loaded with folate and fiber. Betanin is what
gives them their rich, red color, and this phytochemical known to boost
immunity is also a potent anti-inflammatory that can help reduce inflammation and relieve the pain of arthritis.
If you don’t like beets even when they’re cooked, peel the skin off and then add them to a smoothie or a homemade juice, which helps to reduce that earthy taste.
6. Wild-Caught Salmon
Multiple studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent
or reduce inflammation, and lessen arthritis symptoms like pain and
swelling. Wild-caught salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3. When
you eat a high ratio of omega-6 fats (found in snack foods, corn, meat
and sunflower oil among others) to omega-3 fats, COX-2 enzymes that
cause joint inflammation are more active, according to research from the
Center for Genetics, Nutrition, and Health.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli
is an excellent addition to the diet of anyone who wants to improve
their health, but it’s really a must for arthritis suffers as it
contains a high level of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
that work to lower oxidation stress, chronic bottle inflammation and
ultimately, ease pain.
8. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil
is loaded with heart-healthy fats, as well as oleocanthal, which has
properties similar to non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. In fact,
researchers found that oleocanthal prevents the production of
pro-inflammatory COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes – the same way ibuprofen works.
A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry researched
the benefits of oleocanthal specifically for rheumatoid arthritis and
discovered that it had a significant impact on both chronic inflammation
and acute inflammatory processes.
9. Blueberries
Blueberries contain a particularly potent anti-inflammatory compound
known as quercetin, a phytonutrient that helps to fight excess
inflammation, therefore, reducing the pain of arthritis. Foods with a
high level of quercetin like blueberries can help manage many different
types of inflammatory conditions in addition to arthritis, like chronic
fatigue, allergies, and even heart disease.
Here’s a great recipe to help you include blueberries in your diet.
10. Oranges
Oranges, as just about everyone knows, are exceptionally rich in vitamin C, and a study published
in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that intake of this
vitamin was linked to a 30 percent lower risk of developing rheumatoid
arthritis.
11. Bok Choy
Bok choy, or Chinese cabbage, is filled with vitamins, minerals, and
antioxidants – in fact, more than 70 antioxidant substances have been
found in this versatile veggie, including hydroxycinnamic acid, which
are known to battle against free radicals and reduce inflammation. It
ranks as one of the Whole Foods top vitamin K-rich foods, which has been
shown to help regulate the body’s inflammatory responses.
12. Green Tea
Green tea is loaded with polyphenols, antioxidants known to help lower inflammation and slow the destruction of cartilage destruction. Research has also revealed that green tea
has a substance called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which can
block the production of molecules that cause joint damage in people with
rheumatoid arthritis.
13. Grapefruit
Grapefruits, like oranges, are filled with vitamin C, which, as
noted, has been shown it studies to help prevent inflammatory arthritis
and help those with osteoarthritis maintain healthy joints.
Two great ingredients in a Ceviche to help you with your arthritis!
14. Beans
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, beans are a must-eat, if you don’t
consume them already. They’re packed with fiber, which helps to lower C-reactive protein
(CRP), a substance produced by the liver that increases in the presence
of inflammation in the body. An elevated CRP level is considered to be a
non-specific “marker” for the disease. They’re also an excellent, and
cheap, the source of protein and are rich in iron, zinc, folic acid,
potassium, and magnesium.
15. Strawberries
Strawberries are loaded with anthocyanidins, powerful antioxidants
that are responsible for the fruit’s reddish hue, as well as the color
of foods like cherries, raspberries, grapes and eggplant.
Research, including a Harvard School of Public Health study,
has found that those who consume more strawberries tend to have lower
CRP levels. While that particular study was focused on heart health,
experts believe it has implications for people living with arthritis too
as anthocyanidins may help reduce inflammation.
16. Carrots
Carrots contain beta-cryptoxanthin, a powerful antioxidant in the
carotenoid family. Similar to beta-carotene, which is also found in
carrots, this antioxidant is converted to vitamin A in the body, and may
even help prevent arthritis.
In 2004, researchers from the University of Manchester in
the United Kingdom discovered that those who ate more foods containing
beta-cryptoxanthin were better protected against arthritis.
17. Celery
Celery is great to munch on when you want something healthy to keep
your hands and mouth busy to prevent giving into cravings for treats,
and it also offers outstanding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
abilities to help lower inflammation and battle bacterial infections
too.
18. Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables are filled with a
substance known as sulforaphane, which helps to slow cartilage damage in
joints due to osteoarthritis, according to a 2013 study out of the United Kingdom. Brussel sprouts make a great addition to a stir-fry or a salad.
19. Turmeric
Turmeric
is one of the best-researched substances for fighting inflammation,
thanks to a compound it contains known as curcumin. Of course, turmeric
is not a food, but a spice. Still, you can use it liberally in all types
of dishes, particularly curries, to help manage the pain of arthritis.
A review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences
reported that “curcumin could be beneficial in the management of
chronic inflammatory-related joint disease,” though the study authors
cautioned that there is a lack of data regarding safety and side
effects. At the same time, keep in mind that it’s been used for
centuries in India for helping to battle all types of inflammatory
conditions, including arthritis.
20. Pineapple
Pineapple is helpful for people living with arthritis for a couple of reasons.
First, it contains a digestive enzyme known as bromelain.
After being used for decades as part of an anti-inflammatory foods
protocol, bromelain has been scientifically found to have
immune-modulating abilities, which means that it helps regulate the
immune response that often creates excess, unnecessary inflammation.
Secondly, pineapple contains a high level of vitamin C, which, again,
contributes to
Secondly, pineapple contains a high level of vitamin C, which, again,
contributes to preventing inflammatory arthritis and help those with
osteoarthritis maintain healthy joints.
Here’s a delicious way to include pineapple in your diet to help with your arthritis – Pineapple Date Bars!
21. Bananas
Bananas are fabulous food to take on the go, offering lots of
nutrition as well as helping to fuel the body’s energy needs. If you’re
trying to tackle that arthritis pain, however, they’re a lot more than
fabulous – they’re a superfood.
They may be famous for their high level of potassium, but they also
contain plenty of other vitamins and minerals that the body can’t be
without for long. That includes folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, all
of which help to fight against arthritis pain, keeping symptoms to a
minimum.
22. Mangos
While mangos usually can’t be found all year round, but when they’re
in season, be sure to pick a few up, as they can work wonders in
supporting the body’s many systems, and ensuring that you don’t suffer
from as much arthritis pain. That’s due to the high number of
antioxidants they contain, like vitamin E and vitamin C. Their orange
color is a giveaway that they’re also filled with
Their orange color is a giveaway that they’re also filled with
beta-carotene, which can help prevent arthritis from getting worse. You
can eat ripe mangos as they are, toss them into a stir-fry to add a
sweet flavor, or make a fruit salad.
23. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are also orange, so you guessed it, they also contain
beta carotene that important antioxidant that can help keep your
arthritis from worsening. They’re also packed with other antioxidants,
vitamins, minerals and fiber. To squeeze more of them into your diet,
try substituting sweet potatoes for white potatoes whenever you can.
24. Walnuts
Walnuts have the highest amount of omega-3s of any other nut, and studies have demonstrated that they lower CRP, that marker of inflammation associated with an increased risk of arthritis as well as cardiovascular disease.
Eating them regularly can not only help reduce the pain of arthritis,
it contributes to relax the blood vessels, lessening stress on the
heart and reducing blood pressure. Bring some with you to work to snack
on when hunger pangs hit, or combine them with other nutritious foods to
make a meal.
25. Apples
Apples are an outstanding source of iron and a variety of vitamins.
The fruit’s iron content helps in the formation of hemoglobin in the
blood to improve its oxygen carrying capacity, which in turn helps to
lower inflammation in the joints due to arthritis. Consume them on their
own, as juice or in a salad, but whatever you do, be sure to eat them
regularly to maximize arthritis pain relief.
26. Lentils
Lentils are an excellent food that should regularly be consumed by
anyone who has arthritis. They not only help to relieve pain, they help
you feel fuller longer to reduce the chances of overeating, but they
also aid in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Try to purchase them raw and
cook them as you’ll use them for maximum benefits.
27. Shrimp
Provided you don’t have a shellfish allergy, shrimp and other types
of shellfish are great for managing arthritis symptoms. They contain
helpful omega-3 fatty acids as well as selenium, which is especially
notable for battling arthritis pain. Shrimp also packs a punch when it
comes to protein, and provides vitamins and minerals like B12, niacin,
zinc and iron as well.
This versatile food can be eaten on its own, dipped into sauces or used in all sorts of recipes.
28. Spinach
Spinach offers multiple benefits to people with arthritis, thanks to
its numerous flavonoid compounds which offer anti-inflammatory
properties. It also contains lots of healthy fiber, calcium and vitamin
K, which has been shown to help regulate the body’s inflammatory
responses.
Raw baby spinach makes a great base for a nutritious salad, but you can add spinach leaves to scrambled eggs or even as a topping for a pizza.
29. Almonds
Almonds are one of the top nuts when it comes to fiber, and they also
contain healthy fats, a combination that’s known to help support weight loss.
A handful makes the ideal snack when hunger hits and you’re unable to
enjoy a full meal. Research has found that its monounsaturated fats may
help lower some markers of inflammation, including CRP, and almonds are
also rich in vitamin E.
In addition to an in-between meal snack, you can add them to a variety of dishes for an extra crunch.
30. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are juicy, delicious, versatile, and, especially effective
when it comes to relieving arthritis pain, thanks to its lycopene
content, which has been found to reduce pain associated with
inflammation. While tomatoes are healthy raw, arthritis sufferers should
enjoy them cooked, as cooking releases the lycopene.
Here are a few more tips on how to ease and relieve arthritis pain:
Men who use prescription testosterone may face an increased risk of
blood clots in the first six months of using the hormone, a new study
from the United Kingdom finds.
The researchers analyzed information from more than 19,000 men in the U.K. who were diagnosed with a blood clot
between 2001 and 2013. For comparison, the study also included more
than 900,000 men in the U.K. who had not been diagnosed with a blood
clot during that time period.
The results showed that the men using testosterone had a 63 percent
higher risk of blood clots in the first six months of therapy than the
men who had never used testosterone. But after six months, this increase
in risk disappeared, the researchers found.
Although some previous studies have suggested that testosterone
treatments increase the risk of "venous thromboembolism," or blood
clots, other studies have failed to find a link. The reason for the
discrepancy could be that the previous studies didn't look at the timing
and duration of testosterone therapy, the new study's researchers said.
"Our study suggests a transient increase in the risk of venous
thromboembolism that peaks during the first three to six months and
declines gradually thereafter," the researchers wrote
in the Nov. 30 issue of the journal The BMJ. "Overlooking the timing
and duration of testosterone use in previous studies could have masked
the association" between testosterone use and blood clots, they said.
In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in testosterone prescriptions,
including a 10-fold increase in the United States and a 40-fold
increase in Canada from 2000 to 2011, the researchers said. This rise is
likely due to an increase in testosterone prescriptions to treat sexual
dysfunction or low energy, they said. Such treatments for "low T" are
controversial.
In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and its Canadian
equivalent, Health Canada, started requiring testosterone products to
carry warnings about the risk of blood clots. The new findings provide
support for these warnings, but also show that the increased risk of
blood clots is temporary, the researchers said. Earlier this year, the
FDA announced that prescription testosterone will also carry a warning
about the risk of serious side effects linked with the abuse of testosterone, such as heart attacks, strokes and depression.
The researchers noted that the absolute risk of a blood clot in the men
in the study who were using testosterone was still relatively small:
There were about 10 extra cases of blood clots per 10,000 men per year
linked to testosterone. In the general male U.K. population, there are
normally about 16 cases per 10,000 people per year.
In addition, the study found only an association, not a
cause-and-effect relationship, between testosterone use and an increased
risk of blood clots; it does not prove that the testosterone causes
blood clots. Future research is needed to confirm the findings, the
researchers said.
The food we consume has a huge impact on our overall health, so
we need to extra cautious about what we eat. We should make healthier
food choices, avoid foods rich in chemicals, as well as too much sugar,
cholesterol, or fat.
However, there is another threat coming, as apparently, plastic rice is the newest Chinese trend!
This fake rice is being made of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and a
synthetic resin, or plastic. The mixture of these ingredients forms
grains which are similar to rice.
Therefore, you need to know how to recognize it, and the following tips will help you:
The fake rice will form a thick layer on top of the water when cooking.
Real rice will sink in a glass of water, while this fake one will float.
This fake rice will burn like plastic, and the flame will emit a plastic aroma.
If the cooker rice molds when put on the counter for a few days, it is not fake, as the fake rice does not form mold.
The following video will give you the opportunity to see the results of these tests in action:
The
health benefits of raw, unprocessed honey are well known, but in
Australia, scientists recently made a startling discovery – that one
particular, obscure type of honey is capable of killing just about
everything scientists throw at it, including some of the worst bacteria
known to man.
