Sunday, January 30, 2011

Cardiovascular Disease And The Role Of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

By Lee Cole

DHA supplements are certainly something you need to consider, if you're interested in avoiding cardiovascular disease. DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid, and it's one of the many omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3's are essential to good heath. Although DHA is the most prevalent fatty acid in the brain, it's also seen to play a large role in avoiding cardiovascular disease. Not only DHA plays this role, but all omega-3 fatty acids are important when it concerns your heart health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cholesterol

One diet that is high in omega-3's is the Mediterranean diet. Individuals who follow this diet are apt to have high HDL, or "good" cholesterol. One reason is the Mediterranean diet has a fair amount of fish in it. This is further held up by the fact that Eskimos also are apt to have high HDL cholesterol. They also eat a lot of cold water, fatty fish. These fish tend to be very high in omega-3 fatty acids. You might not want to eat halibut or tuna every day, but you can take fish oil supplements. Numerous studies have shown that these supplements reduce triglyceride levels. In addition to fish, walnuts are recognized to be high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Blood Pressure

There have been several studies which have shown that diets high in omega-3's or even fish-oil supplements, can lower high blood pressure. You don't want to self-medicate, however. High Blood Pressure is a serious condition. Make sure you get your doctor's approval before you do anything.

Coronary Disease and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

It's been shown time and time again that diets low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (this includes omega-3 efas) help prevent heart disease. There is a lot of clinial evidence that fish-oil, which is high in EPA and DHA (two types of omega-3 essential fatty acids) help reduce instances of heart problems and cardiac event. In addition, fish oil has been shown to have a very good positive effect on lowering triglycerides, risk of death from heart disease, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms. Fish-oil has also been proven to help mitigate and treat hardening of the arteries through slowing the development of plaque and blood clots.

In other words, fish oil, which contains considerable amounts of EPA and DHA, is really healthy for you. Since with DHA you get a double whammy effect of helping your heart and brain, you probably want to consider DHA supplements in what you eat. As in all things medical, talk to your doctor first.



Lee Cole is a real health and exercise enthusiast! To learn more about dha-supplements take a look at Lee's blog, http://atlantaseomktg.wordpress.com

Monday, January 24, 2011

The 4 Best Foods To Boost Your Immune System

By Angel Rose

The season of getting colds and flu is eminent this time of year; and the busiest at that. If you're a workaholic, there isn't any spare time in your busy schedule to get sick. So how can you cure or prevent getting these dreaded colds and flu without compromising any of your planned events? Since prevention is better than cure you have to find ways of combating these bacteria by increasing your immune system.

1.Vitamin D. Many researches have shown that unwanted and toxic cells like bacterias in the body are being combated by Vitamin D. Although there is not enough evidence for this theory, it is still a helpful vitamin that can reduce infection and improve immunity. If you're not a pill-drinker you can also get a dose of this supplement from fatty fishes and fortified milk products.

2.Probiotics. Usually, these probiotics are found in certain juices, soy, and fermented and unfermented milk. These "good" bacteria can actually suppress the growth of "bad" bacteria and can activate the immune system to fight off diseases, as such it is a good idea to consume probiotic-fortified products once in a while. In having these, you get to hit two birds with one stone. You get healthy food and you are getting a healthy body.

3.Soluble Dietary fiber. Soluble fibers are abundant in citrus fruits, apples, carrots, bean and oats which are delicious and at the same time helps fight inflammation. Although insoluble fibers are also necessary for your health, it doesn't have the same impact on immunity as does the soluble fiber.

4.Green Tea Extract. This herbal tea contains a large amount of polyphenol which is a potent plant antioxidant. According to research, polyphenol contains certain components that can help boost the body's immune system. The downside of this product though is its taste. Its bitter taste doesn't appeal to a large number of people as such they are seldom being drunk. You can maximize the benefits of green tea and reduce its bitterness just by steeping the herbal product no more than a minute or two in just-below-boiling water. This way you'll get the nutrients you need without being disgusted by it.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Breast Cancer Detection - Alternatives To Mammograms

By Angelina Grove

First and foremost, we must avoid all forms of medical radiation. They are damaging to our health. Prevention is also very important and must be thought of. Research has found that something as simple as supplementing with Vitamin D can slash the risk of cancers by 77%. Vitamin D can be attained by natural exposure to sunshine (don't use sunscreens) as well as cod liver oil. Another product that helps in the fight against developing breast cancer is flax oil, flax lignans and flax meal. Your lifestyle must be closely monitored. If you are diagnosed with cancer, a change in lifestyle is the only factor that has been scientifically proven to extend the average life span of women with breast cancer. That positive change in lifestyle helps to boost the immune system and stops feeding cancer cells. You must stop feeding those cancer cells what they thrive on, including all dairy products (even fat-free), beef, pork, lamb, veal, all sugars, all processed foods, flour, alcohol and tobacco. Of course, it's best to avoid these foods prior to being diagnosed with the disease. This subject of prevention maintenance alone consists of enough information for another article.

In regards to methods of testing for early detection, there are several alternative options to mammography. Unfortunately, our medical institutions and the large organizations dedicated to fighting breast cancer are not doing their part to educate the general public on these safer, more effective alternatives.

Aside from self-examination techniques and physical exams by a doctor, one such excellent alternative is breast thermography. Thermography is a non invasive method that does not require radiation, any painful compression, or intravenous injection. Thermography uses digital infrared imaging to measure the temperature differences within the breast. Not only is Thermography safer, but it appears to be much more accurate than mammograms. Although Thermography has been around since the 60's, it wasn't until 1982 when the FDA had approved them and they became more reliable. For more information about Thermography, visit BreastThermography.com

Another better alternative to mammograms are MRI's (Magnetic resonance imaging). This method is far more superior to mammograms in the early detection of breast cancer. But I find it rather strange that something so superior and safer is considered to be useful only after undergoing a dangerous mammogram or biopsy. Even The American Cancer Society admits that MRI's are superior yet they choose to reserve if for higher risk scenarios. They claim that it's more expensive thus not as readily covered by most insurance plans. Hmm, with all that money being raised for research and free mammograms, wouldn't you think that a big chunk of that would be better spent on safer alternatives such as MRI's and Thermography?

Always remember that information is power and that you must do all that you can to seek out that information so that you can be intelligently informed before making a decision that may negatively affect your health. We should never accept that one person or a major organization has the final say in how we should be diagnosed or treated. Settling on the status-quo and accepting procedures and medicines that are doing more harm than good is unacceptable and we must do what we can to encourage the health-care industry to research better methods and accept the safer alternatives that currently exist!

This is part two in a two part series of articles on mammograms. The complete article can be found at www.anthonynunes.net/monthly_article/mammograms.html.



After curing his Joint Pain and Chronic Fatigue using natural methods, Anthony Nunes decided to create http://www.anthonynunes.net a free website that helps people get on the natural path to self healing.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

How Nutrition Can Affect Cardiovascular Health

By Jim Duffy

The last decade has seen deaths related to cardiovascular causes drop by 40% and deaths related to stroke drop by 35%. Yet there are only 16% fewer smokers and less than 3% fewer people defined as obese. There are two things that affect overall cardiovascular health - behavior and factors. Defining both and finding a good personal level between each are the keys to good cardiovascular health.

Behaviors

There are a number of behaviors that the American Heart Association deems important for good cardiovascular health, including exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, getting the proper amount of exercise, and avoiding smoking.

Factors

Good cardiovascular factors include keeping your blood pressure at an optimal level, as well as keeping a decent blood sugar and cholesterol level. The AHA has set a range these numbers should remain between, and it's best when it can be done without medication.

Organizations like the American Heart Association, the American Diabetic Association, and the American Cancer Association used to focus solely on their individual diseases, but they have recently come to realize that is not enough. Central to keeping disease away is the concept of keeping healthy overall. There are many behaviors that help not only cardiovascular health, but every part of the body, for both adults and children, including:

(Not) Smoking

- Adults: If you are a smoker, quit as soon as possible. The sooner you quit, the better your health will be in the long run. It doesn't take long for your lungs to return to their old level of functionality, which means less chance of not only lung disease, but heart disease.

- Children: If you never start, you'll never have to quit - and quitting smoking is one of the most difficult things to do.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

- Adults:
The American Heart Association has guidelines on what a healthy weight is for every person. This weight should be maintained by a balanced, healthy diet, not a fad diet or the latest thing that takes off a lot of weight at once (which will only return once the fad ends). These diets can often be dangerous, because they provide too much of some nutrients while eschewing others, ending up with most of the weight loss being loss of water weight. The best way to lose weight is slowly and steadily, using a sensible diet.

- Children: Activity is the goal for children. There should be an hour, at least, of physical activity each day. And, of course, a healthy diet is ideal. Each day should also include a period where there are no televisions, computers, or video games.

Diet

- Adults: Abundant fruits and vegetables are important, as is completely avoiding fried foods. Cut down on salt and try to eat only healthy fats. Your protein sources should be lean meat and plant sources. When it comes to plain-based proteins, soy is the only one considered complete.

- Children: Do not force children to clean their plates and give them portions that are smaller.

The Basics of a Healthy Diet

All food is composed of a combination of the three macro-nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Any healthy diet will include all three. The good carbohydrates are complex carbohydrates. The fats should also come from healthy sources. Protein can be derived from both plants and animals, but any animal-based sources of protein should be lean. Protein supplements can be a great part of a heart-healthy diet. The recommendation of the American Heart Association is that about 35% of most diets should be protein, with most of the rest devoted to carbohydrates.

Animal-Based Sources of Protein

Animal-based proteins are considered complete, since they have all eight of the essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce. The best sources are the lean ones like turkey and chicken. Eggs and low-fat dairy foods are another excellent source for protein. Red meat, however, should be limited in the diet.

Plant-Based Sources of Protein

Virtually all plant-based sources of protein are incomplete, with soy being the only exception. Soy is the only one to have all eight essential amino acids. Vegetarians and vegans can still get all the proteins necessary by eating combinations of these foods.

Protein Supplements

Protein supplements come in many forms, including protein powders, bars, and liquid protein supplement shots. These are all made from natural sources of protein, either plant or animal-based, which means you will have to make good choices. They all contain different amounts of protein, but some have extra fats or sugars which should be avoided.

Whey

Whey protein is produced as a byproduct of cheese production. Whey protein powder has two basic varieties: the cheaper concentrate (containing about 30% to 85% protein) and the more expensive isolate (containing 90%) protein. Whey protein isolate has a smaller lactose content, which means it can be used by most lactose intolerant people.

Soy

Just two servings of soy protein each day can lower the level of blood cholesterol by as much as nine points. It can also lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of a heart attack. Soy also comes in both concentrated and isolated forms and is easy to digest. Vegans and vegetarians can take soy protein without any problems.

Egg

Egg protein comes from the white of the egg, which is a perfect protein. This is the standard by which all other forms of protein are judged.

Rice

These proteins come from brown rice and have all eight of the essential amino acids, making it complete. Rice is also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for anyone who has food allergies or food sensitivities. Vegans and vegetarians can also use rice protein without compromising.

Profect

Profect is a liquid protein supplement shot. Only 2.9 fluid ounces in size, it only contains 100 calories, no fat, and no carbohydrates. It contains 25 grams of protein and helps to suppress the appetite while providing a good deal of the protein you will need for the day.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates have gotten a bad reputation over the last several years, but the truth is that carbohydrates are a large part of a healthy diet - or at least this is the case with complex carbohydrates. Foods like whole great breads and pastas, certain fruits and vegetables, and other such foods are high in complex carbohydrates. On the other hand, simple carbohydrates are not healthy at all.

Fats

There are even healthy fats that should be a part of a healthy diet. These should be about 20% of the calories you consume every day. Things like fatty fish, olive oil, and avocados are high in healthy fats.



Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein drinks for cancer patients. You can learn more at http://www.protica.com

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

How To Successfully Treat Snoring

By Mariah Smith

It is not unnatural to snore and many of us end up snoring either intermittently or on a regular basis. Nevertheless, when it has a bad impact on the quality of sleep, snoring becomes detrimental to health. This adversely affects the daily routine of the individual and can lead to numerous health issues and make the individual prone to bouts of irritation.

Despite the popular belief that there is no complete cure for snoring, there are a lot of cures that reduce snoring to a considerable extent. Treatments for dealing with snoring consist of a lot of home-based methods besides the medicinal and surgical treatments that have been found to be highly successful.

Choice of a snoring treatment depends on the way in which you snore - if your mouth remains shut or open while you snore and whether it occurs only when you sleep in a certain position. People who are not severe snorers can resolve their problem with some lifestyle changes, but regular snorers may require medical or surgical treatments. Lifestyle modifications include lowering weight, avoiding certain types of food and beverages like alcohol , and other changes like sleeping in a particular position with the head slightly raised and clearing your nasal passage regularly.

If these lifestyle changes are not successful in resolving your snoring habit then you have to approach a physician. Doctors can recommend a number of alternatives including use of a mechanical device whose purpose is to send puffs of air to a mask that is strapped on the face when sleeping. Nasal strips are another highly recommended method to ensure that you do not breathe through your mouth. Yet another treatment is usage of dental aids like mouth guards, which ensure continuous breathing and reduced snoring.

Lastly, there are a few surgical treatments available for snoring. These procedures involve removing tissues that create blockage and correcting the problems if any in the nasal area. Pillar procedure is one such surgical treatment for snoring, which involves placing tiny implants on the soft palate, and is quite effective.



Discover more about the latest snoring treatment at http://www.entsinus.com