Chlorine in swimming pools causing disease, infections and cancer?

You are aware of the situations around us that may cause our families harm. While we make improvements in our diets and lifestyle, extending our reach to other potential issues is beneficial. Swimming in a pool, for example, may seem not only harmless but beneficial. After all, it provides exercise and bonding with family and friends. But, research indicates that chlorine can create DBPs (disinfection by products) – which can cause DNA damage and cancer.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that there are three ways for chemicals to enter the body. They are inhalation, digestion, and absorption. When it comes to swimming, the possibilities exist for all three.

While there are a wide variety of issues associated with swimming in a public, or even private pool, here we will focus on just one. Chlorine, a popular chemical used to kill bacteria in pools, can cause skin rashes, allergies and lung injuries.  Some studies on this chemical and its effects on humans should grab your attention – especially when you consider the increased risk of cancer due to chemical reactions generated by chlorine mixing with personal care products on your skin.

Chlorine can cause serious breathing issues and eye problems

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that prolonged contact with chlorine could be a factor in asthma as well as respiratory disease. The CDC has also connected it to epiglottitis – a potentially life-threatening inflammatory condition of the cartlidge ‘lid’ that covers the windpipe. This is due to the inhalation of the gas that chlorine emits. We’ve all “smelled” that chlorine pool aroma. It may even smell clean to us. Turns out, it could lead to respiratory disease or accentuate current respiratory problems.

Eye infections are another side-effect of chlorinated water. The chlorinated water can easily get into the eyes especially when someone keeps their eyes open while under water. But the risks don’t stop there. Swallowing too much chlorinated water can lead to liver or kidney problems and it gets worse. The sodium hypochlorite found in chlorine and other compounds that are similar have the potential to produce liver cancer.

The connection between chlorine exposure and the development of cancer

Water that has been chlorinated is being blamed for causing a higher percentage of skin cancers each year. If you are exposed to chlorinated water for an extended period, the chemical will produce a toxic substance that can produce a rash or other infection on the body.

The sun may be determined as the culprit but rarely it is blamed on chlorine. Another cancer connected to chlorinated water is colorectal cancer. This too, can happen when a person is overexposed to treated water. Trihalomethanes, a by-product of chlorine, are the main contributor to uninhibited cell growth within the colon.

How to protect yourself from the risks associated with chlorine

There are ways you can better protect yourself from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals associated with swimming pools, whether they are public or private. Obviously, the best way would be to avoid them – completely. But, for ‘pool lovers’ – here are a few healthy tips:

• Limit the swimming times for you and your family. Time at the pool can be relaxing and enjoyable but monitor how much time you and loved ones are spending in the chlorinated water.
• Rinse chlorinated pool water off of your body. Make sure you and your family showers before, during, and after swimming.
• Wearing protective eye goggles can help decrease the intake of chlorine into the eyes and the body. They can decrease the possibility of eye infections as the result of chlorine.

No matter how you view the threat of chlorine, you should understand that ingesting it is not good. You certainly want family members to enjoy their day at the pool, but they should be reminded to avoid swallowing chlorinated water.

Of course, chlorine in drinking water is a whole other topic but my best advice would be to use a water purifier that removes unwanted toxins from your water supply.

Unlike sea water which is briny and immediately unpleasant, some may not see pool water as much different than tap water – which, of course, is a big mistake. Make sure family members know not to swallow any amount of pool water.

One all natural way to make sure your family and friends are safe in your family pool is by using Sphagnum Moss. According to David Knighton, a surgeon and founder and CEO of Creative Water Solutions, the moss has been known to inhibit microbes.

The moss was used and tested in the Oxford Community Center located in St. Paul, MN. The director, Lynn Waldorf, says that the moss has saved the pool some $35,000 because they use less toxic chemicals and they had an increase in revenue because more swimmers attended the pool.

There are almost always natural solutions to everyday problems. And, best of all, there are ways to improve our lifestyles and health without toxic chemicals. Plus, there is no downside in your search for optimal health.

References:
http://gochemless.com/top-10-dangers-of-swimming-pool-chlorine
http://news.discovery.com/human/health/chlorinated-pools-swimming-cancer.htm
http://www.medicaldaily.com/toxic-water-asthma-and-other-health-dangers-swimming-chlorinated-pools-246927
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5636a1.htm
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/bathing/srwe2full.pdf?ua=1
http://news.discovery.com/earth/global-warming/swimming-pools-moss-green.htm

Every Herb Has a Story: Milk Thistle Health Benefits

by Randy Buresh

Isn’t it interesting that some of the most common so-called weeds may just be what we all need to be eating on a daily basis?

I’ve mentioned many times that these plants grow and flourish on this earth not only to provide us with a source of food, but also as a means to heal our bodies. So the next time you see someone spraying an herbicide on dandelion, plantain, burdock or milk thistle, take a moment and think: Why are these plants so tough? Why do they keep coming back year after year? Why have these plants all been here for thousands of years? You can find these plants growing everywhere—even out of the cracks of cement on busy highways.

Milk thistle is medicinally valued for supporting healthy liver function.
Courtesy Randy Buresh

The “weed” I’m going to focus on today is milk thistle, as this herb has a long history of safe and effective medicinal use dating back thousands of years. Dioscorides, a first century Greek physician, gave milk thistlethe name Silybum marianum. Silybum relates to a number of edible thistles and marianum honors the symbolic associations to the Virgin Mary.

The part of the plant used in modern day herbal medicine is the seeds. Good quality seeds are black and shiny. This particular plant, native to the Mediterranean, was brought to the United States by the early settlers as a food source and also used for liver health.  Milk thistle is now found growing wild in most parts of the United States.

Numerous, very well-designed clinical trials have validated the therapeutic efficacy of milk thistle in improving and supporting healthy liver function. The German equivalent of the FDA considers milk thistle seeds as an acceptable treatment for liver health.

If you are taking a pharmaceutical drug, drinking a little too much, or have been exposed to environmental toxins, you may just want to provide that poor, overworked liver with a little nutritional support. Milk thistle is an excellent choice.  

http://www.motherearthliving.com/natural-health/every-herb-has-a-story-milk-thistle-health-benefits.aspx

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Bicycle Bottle System Condenses Humidity From Air Into Drinkable Water

by Lisa Winter The weight of water limits how much can be brought on a long bike ride. There isn’t always an option to stop and fill up from a clean stream or drinking fountain, but water could be obtained from a different source: the air. Austrian industrial design student Kristof Retezár has created Fontus: a prototype of a water bottle system that condenses humid air into clean, drinkable water. His design made him a finalist for the 2014 James Dyson Award.

 The Fontus attaches to the bicycle frame and consists of a condenser unit and a bottle for collection. There is a solar panel on top of the unit that powers the condenser. As the motion of the bike causes air to blow into a channel, the moist air is cooled, causing it to 
condense. The droplets roll back down the condensing unit, collecting in a water bottle mounted underneath. A filter is fixed onto the opening where the air comes through, preventing bugs or dirt from damaging the components or getting into the water. However, the filter isn’t effective at removing pollutants in the air, which could contaminate the water. Until another filter is added to correct this problem, it shouldn’t be used in an urban setting. Currently, the design is capable of producing a drop of water per minute, in air that is approximately 50% humidity with temperatures at least 20˚C (68˚F). Sadly, this means that it will take a considerable amount of time to produce enough water to drink. Retezár's home city of Vienna is not known for its humidity, so he was forced to conduct his experiments in his bathroom using steam from the shower. He predicts that areas with higher levels of humidity could produce as much as half a liter per hour. The technology behind the design does not only apply to keeping thirst quenched; it could potentially save lives. Over 780 million people on the planet do not have reliable access to clean water, and the problem is predicted to worsen with the changing climate. Condensing humidity into drinking water could be a way to help curb that increasing demand. Of course, this is not the first time a device has tried to draw the moisture out of humid air for drinking purposes. Warka Water towers in the Namib desert mimic beetles that drink the fog from the air. Eole Water uses wind turbines in the United Arab Emirates to cool air, condensing it into drinking water. Researchers in Peru have designed a billboard to condense humid air, dispensing the water at the bottom. While it isn’t particularly hard to condense humid air into drinking water, developing a system that is practical and cost-efficient on a large scale is the limiting factor. The price of each Fontus device would likely run between $25-40 each, though that number will hopefully go down as the device is developed further. Mass production will also help drive down costs, and Retezár is currently investigating crowdfunding options that would make a larger production order more feasible. [All images belong to Kristof Retezár, via HuffPo]
http://www.iflscience.com/technology/bicycle-bottle-system-condenses-humidity-air-drinkable-water

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How To Purify Your Lungs In 72 Hours?

Some people have lung problems even though they have never light a cigarette in their life, while other have been smoking for 40 years and their lungs work perfectly fine. All this depends on the person’s organism. In addition, we will present to you some advices on how to cleanse your lungs in three days.

Before you start the detoxification process you need to “throw away” all dairy products because your body needs to get rid of diary products’ toxins.

• The first day of the regime, drink a cup of herb tea before bedtime. It releases toxins in the intestine that can cause constipation. The lungs must not be overloaded with difficult work of any other part of the body during the purification.
• Squeeze 2 lemons in 300 ml of water before breakfast.
• Drink 300 ml of grapefruit juice. If you do not like the taste, you can always replace it with pineapple juice. These juices contain natural antioxidants that improve breathing systems.
• Drink 300 ml of carrot juice between breakfast and lunch. This juice will help you to alkalize your blood during the three-day cleansing.
• During lunch time you must drink 400 ml of juice rich in potassium. Potassium acts as cleansing tonic. Before going to bed make 400 ml of cranberry juice, which will help in the fight against bacteria in the lungs that can cause infections.

Body care and exercises

• A daily 20-minute hot bath will allow the body through sweating to lose more toxins.
• Put 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus in a bowl of hot water. Place your head over the bowl and cover yourselves with a towel. Inhale the steam until the water cools off.

Source:

http://worldtruth.tv/how-to-purify-your-lungs-in-72-hours/

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Milk Thistle Supports Liver Health and Prevents Cancer

By Sandeep Godiyal

Even when someone is healthy, the liver has a heavy workload, removing wastes and unwanted substances from the body and also performing important functions like helping to regulate blood sugar levels. That is why taking supplements like milk thistle, which support efficient liver function, is so important for overall health.

Milk thistle’s history of medicinal use goes back thousands of years and while it is native to the Mediterranean basin, it grows in many regions, allowing people from all over the globe to incorporate it into their traditional medicinal practices. It has long been valued as a tonic for not just the liver, but the kidneys and gallbladder as well and those who have history of liver problems, gallstones, etc., should read on to find out more about what this amazing herb can do.

Milk Thistle and Liver Health

Milk thistle’s active ingredient is called silymarin, a compound which was isolated back in 1986 and whose proven benefits led it to be approved for treatment of liver disease. Researchers believe that, in general, the reason that silymarin appears to be so useful for maintain hepatic health is due to its strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

One of the leading causes of liver disease is long-term overuse of alcohol. Overconsumption of alcoholic beverages greatly adds to the already heavy workload of the liver and can interfere with liver function and eventually add to cirrhosis, a condition in which part of the liver is replaced with scar tissue. Milk thistle, in several studies reported by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research, was shown to be able to help with mild to moderate forms of this condition.

Another common reason for liver damage is vital hepatitis, which attacks and inflames the liver and can often lead to permanent liver tissue damage. However, more than one study has shown that patients who have not responded to traditional treatments for this condition have been able to improve liver function with the use of milk thistle.  

Cancer Treatment with Milk Thistle

The silymarin in milk thistle also appears to be able to help treat more serious conditions like liver cancer or liver damage secondary to cancer treatment.

For example, a study which looked at the effects of milk thistle on children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia found that when the patient took milk thistle supplements, the incidence of liver toxicity from chemotherapy was greatly reduced. The milk thistle, however, did not interfere with the efficacy of the chemo treatment itself.

Researchers who study milk thistle, such as those from the University of Maryland who have looked at the benefits of silymarin for cancer treatment, believe that its anti-carcinogenic properties stem from the fact that it is able to reduce or stop the blood supply to the tumor or cancer cells, thus stopping their ability to proliferate and spread to other parts of the body.

In short, those with liver disorders such as cirrhosis, hepatitis or even liver cancer who do well to discuss the possible use of milk thistle in their medication regimens to help the liver regenerate and regain health function without the use of mainstream medical treatment.

http://blogs.naturalnews.com/milk-thistle-supports-liver-health-prevents-cancer/

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Will Artificial Ingredients Soon Be History?

Will Artificial Ingredients Soon Be History? Kellogg The Latest Company To Nix Fake Foods

There is really no solid proof that artificial ingredients are harmful to our health — but consumers simply don’t enjoy eating things like yellow dye No. 6 and potassium bromate, which don’t sound like food at all. That’s why another company, Kellogg, has announced that it will no longer feature such mystery items in their food.

By 2018, Kellogg will remove artificial ingredients, including both colors and flavors, from all its cereal and snacks, NBC News reported. The company, which has fed the world Rice Krispies and Corn Flakes for 109 years, already boasts that 75 percent of its cereals don’t have fake colors, and more than half don’t contain synthetic flavors.

These will be ditched for more natural ingredients, ones consumers will recognize and feel safe eating. That’s simply what people want these days, edging farther and farther away from processed foods with mystery contents that seem more like chemicals than something that should be consumed.

Kellogg and General Mills both have seen their sales decline because of this trend. Kellogg has reacted with this promise to remove the offending chemicals, but also by making healthier products like granola and muesli.

And they’re not the only ones. Kellogg and many other companies have recognized this demand from health-conscious consumers and have responded with revamped menus that promise healthier products, Huffington Post added.

Chipotle has been dedicated to natural ingredients from the get go. They removed all GMOs from its products this year, and is trying to unveil a tortilla free of artificial ingredients and containing only whole wheat flour, water, oil, and salt.

Kraft has also bowed to public pressure. The dyes — much-maligned Yellow 5 and 6 — that give its macaroni and cheese is famous, yet disturbing, color, will be replaced with more natural dyes.

The fast-food chain famous for its bizarre offerings, Taco Bell, is jumping on the bandwagon, too. It plans to remove high fructose corn syrup and palm oil from its food by the end of this year, and artificial preservatives from the rest of its products by 2017.

Pizza Hut and Subway will do the same. The latter will soon offer turkey preserved with vinegar instead of propionic acid. Panera Bread released “The No No List,” or artificial ingredients getting the boot from its foods. It has also promised not to add certain additives to its products — ever.

Nestle will also make Hot Pockets and Tombstone pizzas, to name just two, healthier. Papa John’s will shell out $100 million to improve its foods, and Campbell Soup will do the same to its soups, cookies, and broths.

And like Kellogg, the people who brought us Cheerios and Trix, General Mills, will eliminate artificial ingredients from all its cereals. Unfortunately, that means blue and green crispies will be a thing of the past, because the company couldn’t find a suitable natural alternative.

But since consumers are gradually getting their healthy wishes granted, they’ll just have to accept some minor sacrifices. So far, insiders say that Kraft’s famous Mac and Cheese will still taste the same.

[Photo Courtesy Efired / Shutterstock]

Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/2310329/will-artificial-ingredients-soon-be-history-kellogg-the-latest-company-to-nix-fake-foods/#RSOeGVMU7XyrieuW.99
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Are You Tired of Being Tired? - Video

Are you tired of being tired and having no energy, want great workout routines to improve your health and fitness, need great vegan recipes, juices and smoothies plus more. Watch this video and learn how to start a healthy lifestyle and improve your health with Ankh Rah Ltd. We care about your health and nutrition whether its weight loss, detox, diet, fitness, illness or more we are here to help.

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Food as Medicine: Preventing and Treating the Most Dreaded Diseases with Diet

Every year I scour the world’s scholarly literature on clinical nutrition, pulling together what I find to be the most interesting, practical, and groundbreaking science on how to best feed ourselves and our families. I start with the thousands of papers published annually on nutrition (27,000 this year--a new record!) and, thanks to a crack team of volunteers (and now staff!), I'm able to whittle those down (to a mere 8,000 this year). They are then downloaded, categorized, read, analyzed, and churned into the few hundred short videos. This allows me to post new videos and articles every day, year-round, to NutritionFacts.org. This certainly makes the site unique. There’s no other science-based source for free daily updates on the latest discoveries in evidence-based nutrition. The problem is that the amount of information can be overwhelming.

Currently I have more than a thousand videos covering 1,931 nutrition topics. Where do you even begin? Many have expressed their appreciation for the breadth of material, but asked that I try to distill it into a coherent summary of how best to use diet to prevent and treat chronic disease. I took this feedback to heart and in 2012 developed Uprooting the Leading Causes of Death, which explored the role diet may play in preventing, arresting, and even reversing our top 15 killers. Not only did it rise to become one of the Top 10 Most Popular Videos of 2012, it remains my single most viewed video to date, watched over a million times (NutritionFacts.org is now up to more than 1.5 million hits a month!).

In 2013 I developed the sequel, More Than an Apple a Day, in which I explored the role diet could play in treating some of our most common conditions. I presented it around the country and it ended up #1 on our Top 10 Most Popular Videos of 2013. Then in 2014 I premiered the sequel-sequel, From Table to Able, in which I explored the role diet could play in treating some of our most disabling diseases, landing #1 on our Top 10 Most Popular Videos of 2014.

Every year I wonder how I'm going to top the year before. Knowing how popular these live presentations can be and hearing all the stories from folks about what a powerful impact they can have on people's lives, I put my all into this new 2015 one. I spent more time putting together this presentation than any other in my life.  It took me an entire month, and when you see it I think you'll appreciate why.

This year, I'm honored to bring you Food as Medicine, in which I go through our most dreaded diseases--but that's not even the best part! I'm really proud of what I put together for the ending. I spend the last 20 minutes or so (starting at 56:22) going through a thought experiment that I'm hoping everyone will find compelling. I think it may be my best presentation ever. You be the judge.

http://nutritionfacts.org/video/food-as-medicine/

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New Smart Helmets for Cyclists

Meet a new cycling crash helmet that comes with indicator lights on it...

Kirsten Howard

04 . 08 . 15

The cycling community is abuzz with talk of a new helmet that could be a game-changer for cyclists everywhere. 

The Lumos, described as “the ultimate bicycle helmet” by its inventor, Eu-wen Ding, has already quadrupled its Kickstarter goal and is designed to make cycling a genuinely safer experience for the wearer.

The helmet has a front headlight, front and rear-facing turn signals controlled using a wireless handlebar remote, a rear-facing warning light and an in-built accelerometer that can sense when the rider slows down, automatically turning on red rear brake lights.

It’s also water-resistant and rechargeable via USB, which could be very beneficial if you’re commuting.

Eu-wen Ding could be considered well-suited to the challenge of overhauling the bicycle safety system. He has a degree in mechanical engineering and has already successfully invented a special infant warmer for premature and low birth weight babies that is now used all over the world.

He was inspired to design the helmet after becoming fed up with the amount of lights and reflector accessories he and his friends had to strap on to even have a chance of being seen by drivers.

But the Lumos isn’t just about functionality. 

There are limited edition versions with hand-painted art, and one of the Kickstarter rewards even allows you to nab a helmet with your own Top Gun-style callsign - for when you’re on the highway to the danger zone...

http://mentalfloss.com/uk/travel/31896/smart-helmet-to-help-cyclists-stay-safe

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Science Has Proven That Group Meditation Literally Changes The World

Not a lot is truly understood about quantum physics, but one thing science is at least a little bit sure of is that mass meditation has quantum results on both the meditator and the world.

In 1978, researchers discovered what they call the Maharishi Effect. They discovered it when a group meditation of 7,000 people took place and they all meditated with the intention of having a positive effect on the city. They did this for 3 weeks. The results of that group meditation transformed the city’s crime rates, acts of violence, and death. There was an average reduction in all three by 16%. Impressive!

Since then, more than 50 studies have been conducted on the Maharishi effect with varied results. Most studies indicate the clear power of meditation to transform global life and patterns.

When the study was repeated in Wales, they got amazing results. In 1987 Merseyside had the third highest crime rate of the eleven largest Metropolitan Areas in England and Wales; by 1992 it had the lowest crime rate. 40% below levels predicted by the previous behaviour of the series. There were 255,000 less crimes in Merseyside from 1988 to 1992 than would have been expected had Merseyside continued to follow the national crime trend.”

These results truly are incredible. It’s wonderful to see meditation have such a profound effect. To add to this thought, David Edwards, a Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin says:

“I think the claim can be plausibly made that the potential impact of this research exceeds that of any other ongoing social or psychological research program. It has survived a broader array of statistical tests than most research in the field of conflict resolution. This work and the theory that informs it the most serious consideration by academics and policy makers alike.”

http://higherperspectives.com/group-meditation/

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New Eye Drops Can Dissolve Cataracts With No Need For Surgery

by Aamna Mohdin
photo credit: Paul Prescott/Shutterstock

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s lens and accounts for over half of all cases of blindness worldwide. Though cataracts can be effectively treated with surgery, it’s costly and requires trained surgeons. This is a problem for developing countries with poor health systems. Drug treatments have the potential to be a game changer in providing cheap and accessible treatment, but there are many hurdles. A new study that used eye drops to shrink cataracts in dogs may have made an important step in overcoming them.  

The vast majority of cataracts are age related, but some can develop the condition as a result of an injury or a genetic defect. Researchers became more interested in researching how this defect led to cataracts. Professor Kang Zhang, from the University of California San Diego, and his research team studied two families who had children born with cataracts, known as congenital cataracts.

They found that those with congenital cataracts had a mutation in the gene that produces a small molecule known as lanosterol. The healthy version of this molecule usually prevents cataract-causing proteins from clumping together. In the abnormal version of this molecule, however, cataract-causing proteins caused cloudiness in the eye’s lens.

Zhang and his research team went on to develop eye drops that contained lanosterol as a drug treatment for cataracts. To test whether the eye drops could reduce cataracts, researchers isolated lenses from rabbits that had cataracts and placed them in a lanosterol solution for six days. They found that this reduced cataract severity and increased lens clarity.

“We went on to test the effect of the eye drops in dogs with cataracts. We gave them eye drops twice a day for six weeks and found it had reduced the effect of cataract severity,” Zhang explains to IFLScience.

Eye drops dissolved cataracts in dogs. Image credit: Kang Zhang

The study, published in Nature, only lasted for a few months, so the cataracts are likely to have reoccurred after the drops stopped, Zhang says. He does, however, believe that the eye drops could play an important role in the prevention of cataracts in those showing early signs. The ultimate “goal” is to develop a cheap, effective drug that can be widely used in low-resource settings.

Dr Manuel Datiles, a senior investigator and attending ophthalmologist at the National Eye Institute in the National Institutes of Health, tells IFLScience that though eye drops have the potential to overcome a number of limitations of surgery, they won’t be able to replace it yet.

“You cannot compare the improvements shown in this study with surgery. With cataract surgery, you become 20 years old again; with this one the lens is cleared up, but your vision can still be murky,” he explains.

The study is quite important, Datiles says, as researchers have discovered that a gene in a certain clinical pathway related to cholesterol production caused cataracts. This is, however, only one of the many pathways that can be used to alleviate cataracts.

“There are other drops that do the same thing but use different pathways. This is why we need multifunctional anti-cataract agents that work together across multiple pathways to clear the lens,” Datiles says.

“There’s now scope to investigate how we can combine this drug with other ones to better improve treatment,” he adds.

According to Datiles, eye drops will become key in treating cataracts, as surgery will not be able to cope with the growing needs of the world’s aging population. There’s already a backlog in many developing countries as clinics cannot cope with the demand for surgeries and, as a result, many become blind, Datiles says.
http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/these-eye-drops-shrunk-cataracts-dogs

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Our Star Trek-Style Skin-Healing Technology Could Be The End Of Chronic Wounds

by Mark Bass

photo credit: We’ll soon have you fighting those Klingons again. Shutterstock

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The ability to quickly heal wounds is among the most appealing of all technologies imagined by science fiction. Perhaps most famously, doctors in Star Trek are able to patch up cuts and burns by instantly regenerating their patients' skin using a kind of medical ray gun. The injured crew of the Enterprise can return to action almost immediately instead of spending months recovering.

Such technology might seem like pure fantasy (as well as a useful plot device) but it might now be closer to reality than you think. My research group has just published work on the use of a small handheld ultrasonic emitter that accelerates tissue repair. This approach doesn’t provide the instant fix of Star Trek, but we found that healing times could be reduced by 30%. This both increases comfort for the patient and shortens how long the wound is susceptible to infection.

Where such technology really comes into its own is in the treatment of individuals who don’t heal well to start with. After the age of 30, our bodies' capacity to heal deteriorates – and by the time we are over 60 this deterioration becomes a real problem. Other risk factors that contribute to poor healing include diabetes, obesity and smoking. This means a large proportion of the population suffer healing delays, and that susceptibility to healing defects is escalating.

As healing deteriorates, injuries can result in chronic wounds that never heal because the damaged skin cells become dormant. Such wounds include bed sores, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers. Chronic wounds currently affect 200,000 UK patients and consume 2%-5% of annual healthcare spending worldwide. Thy are also incredibly painful and, in many cases, can only be resolved by amputation of the limb.

Super human Shutterstock

We have discovered that ultrasound treatments can reactivate dormant cells and therefore jump-start the healing process. This is actually reminiscent of another science fiction archetype, the instant healing superpower seen in films and TV shows such as X-Men and Heroes.

It is well established that embryos in the womb are capable of perfect, scar-free healing. And even in adults, organs such as the liver will regenerate. However at the point of birth, we lose much of our capacity to heal and those capabilities continue to deteriorate throughout our lives.

What the ultrasound treatment does is effectively turn back the clock and stimulate cells to perform the functions that they are capable of but have forgotten over time. Because it is jump-starting natural processes, such treatment is relatively risk-free – unlike many drug treatments that interfere with the chemical processes of the body and can lead to side effects.

Handheld healing University of Sheffield, Author provided

The ultrasound device works by inducing nano-vibrations in the membranes and surrounding environments of skin cells. Those vibrations cause channels to open on the surface of the cell that allow calcium to move across its membranes. Calcium is the signalling currency of the cell and the mineral’s movements across membranes control many of the cell’s functions.

In the case of ultrasound, the new position of the calcium within each cell gives it a defined front and back. This causes the cells to move towards the damage site, pulling the edges of the wound together and promoting healing.

We have demonstrated this effect in cells isolated from venous leg ulcer patients. More importantly, we have been able to reverse a number of healing defects caused by diabetes, age and congenital disorders, so that the treated wounds heal as quickly as young, healthy wounds. This means we will soon be in a position to prevent, and possibly reverse, the formation of chronic wounds.

The future looks even brighter. Our research suggests ultrasound therapy is likely to benefit a very broad range of patients. Clinical trials are needed to determine the technique’s limitations but could also reveal how the treatment could be improved further. One day – with a lot more investigation – it may even be possible to achieve the perfect, scar-free healing that we are capable of in the womb. So we cannot protect you from a Klingon attack but we might well be able to patch you up afterwards.

Mark Bass is Lecturer, Department of Biomedical Science at University of Sheffield.

http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/our-star-trek-style-skin-healing-technology-could-be-end-chronic-wounds

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Moringa Superfood Smoothie with Maca, Flax Seed and Tahini

by Christina

By Trinity Bourne | TrinitysKitchen.com

This smoothie is so incredibly delicious that I am enjoying it a few times a week at the moment. I started making up this particular blend to give myself a super infusion of nutrition. It contains some of the healthiest and nutritious plant-based foods on our planet.
Take for example moringa powder: it contains an impressive…

• 46 different antioxidants
• 18 amino acids (including all 9 essential amino acids)
• 10 times the vitamin A of carrots
• 15 times the potassium of bananas
• 17 times the calcium of cows milk
• 25 times the iron of spinach
  (Source: allthingsmoringa.com)

For more on the health benefits of moringa, check here:
Moringa – the superfood of superfoods

And then there’s maca…

Maca is an incredible plant, growing at extremely high altitudes (7000ft and above) in the Peruvian Mountains. It’s very hardy, with noteworthy adaptogenic properties. An adoptgen is something that helps you cope in stressful situations – physically, mentally and energetically. Maca is well known for supporting and regulating the endocrine system in both men and women. The endocrine system is responsible for healthy functioning of hormones (which are essential for regulation of energy levels, digestion, brain function, the nervous system, fertility and wellness in general). Many women have noticed that it helps to balance hormones, reducing menopausal and pre-menstrual symptoms, whilst men have observed that it helps support fertility and sexual functions.

Flax seeds to bring in a super dose of lignans and omega 3…

Flax seeds are a superb source of omega 3 essential fats (omega 3 has been shown to have healthy heart benefits). Flax seeds also contain up to a whopping 800 times more lignans than other plant foods. Lignans are not only known for their antioxidant properties, but they also have powerful estrogen qualities, making them very supportive for hormone health.

Blueberries and Raspberries are ‘super’ fruits…

Not only do these colourful berries taste delicious, they are full of antioxidants, vitamin C and beneficial phytonutrients. These nutrients have been shown to help support health, protect against cancer and heart disease and an have a massive of list of health affirming goodness; an excellent choice for a superfood smoothie (not to mention that gorgeous colour!).

The combination of all the ingredients in this smoothie make it deliciously nutritious…

Check out your local healthfood store for organic moringa powder.
Alternatively if you can’t find any locally, then check out these Amazon links here:

Moringa Powder (UK) – 150g http://amzn.to/highqualitymoringa

Moringa Superfood Smoothie with maca, flax seed and tahini

Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

A superfood smoothie with moringa powder, maca, flax seed and organic berries. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Absolutely delicious.

Author: Trinity Bourne

Recipe type: Smoothie

Cuisine: Breakfast

Serves: 1 glass

Ingredients

• 200ml rice milk (3/4 cup)
• l large banana
• 60g frozen blueberries (1/2 cup)
• 60g fresh raspberries (1/2 cup)
• 1 heaped teaspoon moringa powder
• 1 heaped teaspoon ground flax seed
• 1 heaped teaspoon maca
• 1 heaped teaspoon tahini

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients together in a jug for blending.
2. Blend until creamy smoothie.
3. Sprinkle with a little extra ground flax or fresh berries (optional).
4. Best served immediately.

 Enjoy!

http://consciouslifenews.com/moringa-superfood-smoothie-maca-flax-seed-tahini/1192141/

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CARROT TOP PESTO

I hate to waste food. There are a million reasons why everyone should hate wasting food, and food waste is a serious topic for so many (including me). But I’m not going to dig into any of those serious reasons here because, one, I bet you know all of them already and, two, Carrot Top Pesto is meant to be all light and airy and not at all serious. In fact, I make Carrot Top Pesto most weeks as a way to play with my food.

Since I hate to waste food, I play an unspoken game with myself each week. It’s called “How Can I Use Up All The Perishables In The Fridge Before I Refill It!” GO! Alright, the title needs work but it could for sure be a game show. It probably is a game show and, considering the vigor with which I approach this game, I should get myself on that show pronto.

I play this game seven days a week, three times a day. At breakfast, I toss swiss chard stems and random farm fruit into my smoothies. I make a huge kitchen-sink-style salad for lunch, that brims with whatever is hiding out in the crisper, cuddled up with a fried egg. And every night’s dinner showcases every other vegetables until I’m left with no produce in the fridge.

Carrot Top Pesto came to life the moment I nibbled on the fluffy, frond-like ends. Too pretty to ignore, they are fresh and green tasting, almost herbal or tea-like in taste. Meaning, you definitely know they came from the ground, in a good way.

I tame a little of the herbiness by adding a handful of basil leaves. Then lots of nuts, garlic, and lemon juice bring it to life. In my version, I add pine nuts but you can replace that with pistachios, pecans, or almonds; I’ve used all three with uniquely stunning results. When I visited Ireland’s Ballymaloe Cookery School in May, I met April Bloomfield who cooked from her latest cookbook, A Girl and Her Greens. She used walnuts and parmesan cheese in a very delicious version.

Whatever you end up tossing into your pesto, be mindful of the carrot stems. The fluffy tips are light and playful but as you look further down, the thick stems are snappy and a little rough. Do yourself this favor and exclude the rough parts.

After a quick whiz, your pesto emerges brilliantly green. It’s not a fussy food gift. It’s the sort I keep in the back of my fridge for a week or two’s worth of meals – dollop some into a taco or whisk some with more lemon juice and olive oil for a quick dressing. And don’t forget the old standby of tossing with strands of hot pasta. I love to make Carrot Top Pesto omelettes, too, by adding a tablespoon in just before I fold over the eggs.

When gifting Carrot Top Pesto, tuck a jar beside the bunch of carrots from which you stole those fronds. They get to be back together again and you’re gifting an instant dish, because carrots roasted in this pesto, oh my gosh. Let me know how else you use it, okay?!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups tightly packed carrot tops (leafy parts, exclude thick stems)
• 1/2 cup tightly packed basil leaves
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves (or 5 garlic scapes)
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor. Whiz for 30 seconds and check the texture. I prefer a chunky pesto and typically stop there. If you prefer a very smooth pesto, whiz for 1 to 2 minutes.

MATERIALS

• 1 clean jar
• 1 rubber band
• 1 scrap of paper

DIRECTIONS

1. Fill clean jar with pesto. Wipe rim and seal.
2. Place a rubber band around the neck of filled jar.
3. Write label on scrap of paper and tuck it in between rubber band and jar.

http://eatboutique.com/2015/08/02/carrot-top-pesto/

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