How to Make Super Quick Yogurt Desserts

Sometimes it can be hard to turn down dessert when you go to a restaurant or a party. Unfortunately, the calories and fat from those little indulgences can really add up over time. One way to enjoy a sweet treat while still staying on course with your healthy eating plan is to substitute yogurt for those less healthy treats. Here are some ways to make quick yogurt desserts thatll leave you satisfied and guilt-free:

Quick yogurt desserts: Nuts and honey

One of the fastest ways to get your dessert fix is to sprinkle your favorite nuts and a spoonful of fresh honey into low-fat, unsweetened plain yogurt. If you want to avoid the carbohydrates in the honey, substitute a sugar-free maple syrup instead. This can be a quick and satisfying treat after a meal or a fast midday snack. With this sweet treat youll be getting healthy doses of probiotics, calcium, and protein without unnecessary calories and fat.

Quick yogurt desserts: Modified yogurt sundae

This is another quick and healthy yogurt treat for those moments when you need something sweet. Peel half of a banana, cut it into slices and place it in a bowl. Spoon on plain, low-fat and slivered, roasted almonds. Add a touch of sugar-free chocolate syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon. Healthy never tasted so good.

Quick yogurt desserts: Yogurt pudding

For a quick, fat-free pudding, add a container of yogurt to a package of Jello fat-free pudding mix in the flavor of your choice. Blend the two ingredients together in your blender. Add the fruit of your choice and blend again until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Top with a little fat-free whipped cream or topping.

Quick yogurt desserts: Yogurt cream sandwiches

Choose a low-fat and, preferably, sugar free cookie from your grocery store. Graham crackers work well for this although you can use any type of cookie youd like. While youre there, pick up a container of low-fat, sugar free frozen yogurt in vanilla. Place a scoop of frozen yogurt between the two cookies and freeze. Once frozen, youll have a healthy substitute for an ice cream sandwich. These make great summertime treats for kids and friends with a sweet tooth.

Quick yogurt desserts: Yogurt smoothies

With the right ingredients, a yogurt smoothie can serve as a healthy meal substitute. Start with the fresh fruits of your choice. Freeze the fruits to give added texture and consistency to your smoothie. Add plain, low-fat yogurt and skim milk and place it into the barrel of your blender. To make a yogurt smoothie into a meal, add a scoop of whey protein powder. Add ice and blend until smooth.

Next time youre at the grocery store, stock up on low-fat plain yogurt and keep it handy when you need something sweet in a hurry!

What Causes a Persistent Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs thats usually caused by a bacteria or virus, although fungi and protozoa can cause pneumonia too - particularly in people who have a poorly functioning immune system. Pneumonias are most commonly caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus or Mycoplasma (sometimes called walking pneumonia) and the symptoms will usually resolve with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Pneumonia usually shows up clearly on a chest x-ray as a patchy area called an infiltrate - and the x-ray will return to normal once the infection has been treated. However, in some cases, the chest x-ray continues to be abnormal even after treatment - giving rise to signs of a persistent pneumonia. What causes persistent, unresolved pneumonia?

Persistent Pneumonia on Chest X-Ray: What Does It Mean?

When most pneumonias are treated, the infiltrate on chest x-ray usually disappears after four weeks. In some cases, particularly in older people, it may take up to eight weeks for the chest x-ray to return to normal. Some types of pneumonia such as pneumonia caused by Streptococcus bacteria or Staph bacteria may take a little longer than four weeks to resolve. On the other hand, any time a chest x-ray doesnt clear within two months after pneumonia treatment, further evaluation is needed

Unresolved Pneumonia: If the Chest X-Ray Doesnt Clear

In some cases a persistent pneumonia will fail to resolve because theres an obstruction in the lung thats keeping the infection from being successfully cleared. This is of particular concern for people who smoke since lung cancer can cause a persistent lung infiltrate that doesnt go away after treatment. Another, not infrequent, cause is undiagnosed tuberculosis or a lung abscess from a more deep rooted infection.

Persistent Pneumonia: What Happens Next?

To look for the cause of an unresolved pneumonia, doctors usually take sputum cultures to check for unusual organisms such as fungi that may not have responded to treatment. A tuberculin skin test may also be done to rule out T.B. If these fail to show the cause, a doctor will usually order a CT scan of the chest to look for masses or tumors in the lungs that could keep the pneumonia from clearing up. Depending upon the results of the CT scan, further studies such as a bronchoscopy to look directly into the bronchial tubes may be needed.

Dealing with a Persistent Pneumonia: The Bottom Line?

Any time a pneumonia doesnt resolve on chest x-ray after two months, it needs further work-up, particularly in an older person or a smoker. An unresolved pneumonia can be a sign of a more serious lung problem. Dont ignore it.

References:

Merck Manual. Eighteenth Edition.

Red Tea Health Benefits: Can it Prevent Heart Disease?

The health benefits of tea are well publicized. Most of the studies have looked at the benefits of drinking green tea and to a lesser extent white tea. But theres a new tea on the block and it has some potential health properties, including the potential to lower the risk of heart disease. Its these apparent red tea health benefits that are causing the medical community to take notice. Red tea, often known as rooibos tea, is like green and black tea in that it contains antioxidants but comes from an entirely different plan known as Aspalathis linearis which grows at high elevations in South Africa. What are the health benefits of red tea and how might it help to lower your risk of heart disease?

Although red tea is a source of antioxidants, the antioxidants are different than the ones found in green, white, and black teas including lesser known free radical scavengers such as quercetin, aspalathax, rutin, and orientin, among others. Antioxidants have long been known for their ability to offset free radical damage to cells, potentially reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases including heart disease and cancer.

Although red tea health benefits relative to cancer have yet to be proven or extensively studied, a human trial was recently conducted on the health benefits of red tea as it relates to cardiovascular health. This study, conducted on forty participants, showed that drinking six cups of red tea daily for six weeks reduced the type of oxidative damage that could lead to the development of heart disease. It also demonstrated that short-term use of red tea was safe and resulted in no serious side effects related to the liver or kidneys. The results of this study illustrating red tea health benefits relating to the heart was published in the journal Heart Disease Weekly in September of 2008.

Because red tea is not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, it contains no caffeine and is essentially an herbal tea in contrast to the black, green, and white teas. This makes it safe for those who have caffeine sensitivity and for people who already have heart disease or hypertension and dont want the negative effects of caffeine on heart rate and blood pressure.

Despite the apparent health benefits of red tea illustrated in this study, more trials will need to be done to determine whether red tea health benefits are significant in terms of the general population. In the mean time, red tea appears to be safe when consumed in moderate quantities and is a good alternative to caffeine rich black, green, and white teas. It can be found in most natural food markets and health food stores.

Four Health Benefits of Eating Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese in one of the most versatile cheeses around, and with its soft texture and rather mild taste its an easy food for almost anyone to enjoy. This soft cheese earns its name from the fact that it was originally made in small cottages as a way to use leftover milk. In addition to being versatile, cottage cheese can be a nutritious addition to almost any diet. What are the health benefits of eating cottage cheese?

Health benefits of eating cottage cheese: Its low in calories and fat.

Even four percent milk fat cottage cheese is low in calories with about 120 calories per serving, but you can also buy low fat and fat-free versions which only have around eighty calories. Standard cottage cheese has anywhere from four to six grams of fat, while the fat-free is completely free of fat, although fat-free may have added starches to compensate. Because cottage cheese is filling, a single serving of this low calorie food can be quite satisfying.

Health benefits of eating cottage cheese: Its high in protein.

No wonder body builders swear by this food. A single serving of cottage cheese has up to fifteen grams of protein, much of it in the form of casein, a slow digesting form of protein. Although not as high in protein as meat and poultry, its one of the best non-meat sources of protein around. The high protein content of cottage cheese and its high casein content make it a high satiety food so it reduces hunger for longer periods of time.

Health benefits of eating cottage cheese: Its low in carbohydrates.

Most cottage cheese is low in carbohydrates with carb contents ranging from three grams to six grams. The low fat versions are often higher in carbs since they have added starches.

Health benefits of eating cottage cheese: Its high in bone-building calcium

Calcium is important not only for building strong bones, but also for maintaining normal blood pressure. With around seventy grams per serving, cottage cheese can go a long ways towards meeting the daily calcium quota.

Dont forget about the versatility of cottage cheese. It can be used as a healthy, low fat substitute for other higher fat soft cheeses. When pureed in a blender, it can be a base for a heart healthy, but tasty dip. Simply sprinkle in some herbs and spices to add flavor. It makes a refreshing warm weather side dish or dessert when served with fruit. Use it instead of sour cream on baked potatoes or as a substitute for ricotta cheese in lasagna. Mix it with yogurt or puree it into a smoothie. It also tastes great as a side dish with just a little added seasoning. Youll find lots of other exciting ways to use this healthy, versatile food. Enjoy the health benefits of eating cottage cheese!

How to Slim Muscular Thighs

Muscular thighs are usually strong thighs - especially if youre an athlete whos spent many hours developing them. On the other hand, if youre no longer a competitive athlete, especially if youre a woman, you may want to slim down those perfectly developed thighs - so theyre a little less bulky. Whats the best way to slim muscular thighs?

Do You Really Have Too Muscular Thighs?

If youre still competing in athletics, keep in mind that muscular thighs increase your sports performance - especially if youre involved in sports such as soccer where leg power is essential. Make sure you no longer need the extra lower body strength before reducing the powerful thighs that have served you so well.

To Slim Muscular Thighs, Change Your Weight Training Strategy

To keep the thighs firm and toned, its important to do leg extensions, leg press, leg curls and squats, but focus on doing fewer reps using lighter weights. You goal should be twenty reps at fifty percent of your maximum rather than a few repetitions with a heavier weight. This will allow you to keep your thighs toned without building bulk. Once you get away from doing sets using heavy weights, your too muscular thigh muscles should slowly contract in size since theyre no longer being maximally challenged.

Slim Muscular Thighs with Endurance Exercise

Another way to keep the thighs toned while reducing bulk is to focus more on endurance training. Running is particularly effective for keeping thighs lean and non-bulky - especially if you run longer distances. When was the last time you saw a long distance runner with thighs that were too muscular?

Go for distance and dont try to be a sprinter. Sprinters have very developed thigh musculature- which youve probably already noticed. If you sprint, you wont lose bulk and could develop bigger thigh muscles if you sprint on a consistent basis. Go for longer distances and avoid running steep hills. Long distance running has the advantage of burning fat too.

Too Muscular Thighs?: It Could Be Genetics?

Some people are born with thighs that are naturally more muscular - which is why they excel in sports involving power. If you happen to be one of these people, keep in mind that youll probably never have the lean thighs of a supermodel. Instead of focusing on your limitations, spend more time doing strength building exercises for the upper body to balance your muscular thighs. Thin thighs arent always better.

The Bottom Line?

Its possible to slim down muscular thighs by altering your lower body workout and adding more endurance training - but keep in mind that genetics play a role too. Learn to appreciate the strong, beautiful thighs you have!

How to Turn Yogurt into a Superfood

A cup of yogurt is a great way to start the day - especially when you dont have time to cook breakfast. Its a good source of protein and calcium and has active bacterial cultures to help keep the intestinal tract healthy. On the downside, most commercials yogurts have too much sugar - particularly if theyre flavored. The best way to get the health benefits of yogurt is to buy plain, unsweetened yogurt and give it your own burst of flavor at home. By doing this you can create a more nutritious yogurt - and turn a plain cup of yogurt into a superfood.

How to Turn Nutritious Yogurt into a Superfood

Yogurt is already healthy without adding anything to it, but a few additions can make it even better. You can turn plain yogurt into any type of breakfast you want by changing you put in it. So why not make it even healthier?

Turn Yogurt into a Superfood by Adding Fruits

The fruit flavored yogurt you buy at the supermarket may contain more corn syrup than fruit; so skip the pre-flavored yogurt and flavor it yourself. Buy some fresh berries and puree them in a blender or food processor and then stir them into yogurt.

Blueberries are a good choice for turning yogurt into a superfood since theyre full of anthocyanins which help to boost memory. Cranberries are another good option since they help to protect against gum disease and urinary tract infections - and may also reduce the risk of cancer. You can use almost any fresh fruit to make a more nutritious yogurt at home. Vary your fruits according to whats in season.

Turn Nutritious Yogurt into a Superfood by Adding Nuts

Nuts are a good source of monounsaturated fats which lower the risk of heart disease. Some - like walnuts and flaxseeds - are a good source of ALA which is precursor to the heart healthy omega-3s. Theyre also a good way to get protein, fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium. Another bonus - theyre filling and satisfying. Grind up some flaxseed or chop up a handful of nuts and stir them into a cup of yogurt. This is a quick way to turn a plain cup of yogurt into a superfood.

Turn Yogurt into a Superfood by Adding Whole Grains

Add more fiber to your yogurt by stirring in whole grain cereals such as oatmeal, barley, or quinoa. These grains not only add fiber, but are a good source of some B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. Adding whole grains to yogurt also makes it more filling.

Dont forget you can also add cocoa powder for more flavor and anti-oxidant power. Why settle for ordinary yogurt when you can make it a superfood? Yogurt - its a good choice for breakfast.

The Risks of Eating Restaurant Guacamole and Salsa

Visit a Mexican restaurant and your waitress will almost surely bring a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa for dipping. When you receive your entree or salad, youll probably see a scoop of guacamole sauce made from avocados perched tantalizingly on the side. Before blindly dipping your tortilla chip into one of these colorful sauces, consider this statistic. Almost four percent of foodborne illnesses over a ten year period came from restaurant guacamole or salsa. When you eat these dips, you may get more than you bargained for - like a bad case of food poisoning.

Restaurant Salsa and Guacamole: A Common Cause of Foodborne Illness

According to results from the CDC, one in twenty cases of restaurant foodborne illness from 1998 to 2008 came from restaurant guacamole or salsa tainted with bacteria. Why the surprisingly high number? Salsa and guacamole dip sauces are made from ingredients such as tomatoes, peppers, avocadoes, and other uncooked offerings that are perfect set-ups for bacterial contamination. If they arent refrigerated properly, they become a Petri dish for unsavory bacteria such as Salmonella that cause foodborne illness. Mexican restaurant chains such as Taco Bell and Taco Johns have been the focus of lawsuits in the past relating to cases of foodborne illness.

Why Are Restaurant Gaucamole and Salsa Such a Common Cause of Foodborne Illness?

Theyre made from raw ingredients that are hand chopped and diced - and are frequently made in large quantities. When theres bacterial contamination of an ingredient, it can easily be transmitted to the entire batch during the preparation process. Some restaurants dont refrigerate these freshly made sauces quickly enough - or at cold enough temperatures. Restaurant employees are often in a hurry to get the food ready and out on the table, which means they may not be using safe food preparation practices.

Is It Safe to Eat Restaurant Gaucamole and Salsa?

Ideally, its best to make it at home where you clean the raw ingredients yourself and ensure its properly refrigerated. If youre still tempted to dip your chips into restaurant salsa, check the sanitation reports for a restaurant online before eating a meal there. This doesnt guarantee you wont get sick, but it gives you a better idea of their sanitation practices. Take the time to do it. A little homework and undercover investigation could save you a few extra trips to the bathroom - or, worse, a trip to the hospital.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/news/20100712/salsa-guacamole-transmit-foodborne-illnesses

Garlic for Cholesterol Lowering: Does it Work?

For many years, its been thought that supplementing with garlic was a safe and natural way to lower elevated cholesterol levels. It was believed that sulfur-containing compounds found in garlic acted directly on the liver to decrease synthesis of cholesterol. In fact, this is a similar mechanism by which commonly used prescription medications such as statins lower elevated cholesterol levels. Although the action of garlic wasnt thought to be powerful enough to replace prescription strength cholesterol lowering medications, it was thought that reductions in cholesterol levels of from ten to fifteen percent were possible using supplemental garlic. Unfortunately, garlic for cholesterol lowering hasnt held up to scrutiny.

Recent evidence suggests that garlic supplementation is unlikely to be an effective natural means of lowering cholesterol levels. A study published in the February 2007 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine showed that neither raw garlic nor two different commonly used garlic supplements lowered cholesterol levels when given in doses of four grams per day for a period of six months. Neither was there any effect on triglyceride levels or HDL levels through supplementation with garlic. It was thought that the original conflicting study results on garlic for cholesterol lowering might have been due to differences in the form of garlic used, but this large study seems to dispute this possibility since both raw garlic and garlic supplements were used. Interestingly, some smaller studies continue to show that garlic has a modest effect on lowering lipid levels. Unfortunately, it appears that the question hasnt been completely laid to rest.

If you have elevated cholesterol and want to use garlic for cholesterol lowering what should you do? Even if garlic does have some mild cholesterol lowering effect, its unlikely to be sufficient to eliminate the need for prescription cholesterol medications if you have a markedly elevated cholesterol level. If your cholesterol levels are in the borderline high range and your doctor agrees that dietary treatment may be adequate, it makes sense to add raw garlic or a garlic supplement to your diet to determine its effects on your cholesterol level. Garlic is a safe supplement and is known to have other positive health benefits including antioxidant properties and, possibly, some ability to protect against bacterial infections. Even if garlic for cholesterol lowering doesnt improve your cholesterol problem, you may be benefiting from some of garlics other healthy properties.

Although garlic may not have potent cholesterol lowering properties, garlic is still a healthy food that should be a part of the average persons diet. Plus, it will add delicious flavor to all of your healthy meals.

Plant Based Proteins for Weight Loss: Does it Work?

There are a variety of health benefits to be gained from adding plant proteins to the diet. Plant proteins are generally lower in calories and fat than traditional meat sources. A diet high in meat, particularly red meat with its high saturated fat content, may increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. But, what about plant proteins for weight loss? A new study now suggests that a diet rich in plant based proteins may be an effective way to take off those excess pounds while lowering cholesterol levels at the same time.

This study which was published in Archives of Internal Medicine this month showed that participants who went on an "Eco-Atkins" diet for four weeks experienced significant weight loss. An Eco-Atkins diet is one that is low in carbohydrates and rich in plant based protein sources such as tofu, tempeh, beans, nuts, and gluten based "wheat meats". When compared to a group placed on a high carbohydrate, vegetarian diet consisting of whole grain foods, low-fat dairy, and eggs, the weight loss amounts were similar; but the group on the Eco-Atkins diet had greater reductions in total cholesterol. The Eco-Atkins participants also experienced greater elevations in HDL levels, the good cholesterol as well as a reduction in blood pressure.

Although larger studies are needed to confirm these findings, this study suggests that plant proteins for weight loss may have additional benefits that extend beyond simple weight control. A diet high in plant protein and low in total carbohydrates could have beneficial effects on the overall risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

The standard Atkins diet has been criticized for its strong focus on meat protein and fat. Although effective, experts are concerned about the long-term effects of a diet high in animal derived protein and fat. Use of plant proteins for weight loss could be an effective and safe way to control weight.

Another study that looked at plant proteins for weight loss using the Eco-Atkins diet showed that this diet also increased insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes. The Eco-Atkins diet still offers many of the advantages of the traditional Atkins diet such as reduced hunger and cravings. It appears that plant proteins also help to increase satiety. The Eco-Atkins diet also emphasizes healthy fats such as canola and olive oil for cooking which have additional heart healthy benefits.

Could plant proteins for weight loss in the form of an Eco-Atkins diet be the answer to healthy weight loss? Although more studies are needed, it looks promising.

How to Make Your Own Shampoo

Have you looked at the list of ingredients on a bottle of shampoo lately? Some of the ingredients routinely found in shampoo products are suspected of causing cancer; and methylisothiazoline, found in many popular, brand name shampoos has been shown to cause central nervous system damage in rats. Even baby shampoos contain low levels of dioxane and formaldehyde. Although organic shampoos are available, some so-called "organic brands" contain dioxanes, cancer causing substances which are allowed because theyre a by-product of the manufacturing process. One way to avoid these chemicals is to make your own shampoo, and its surprisingly easy to do. Its also more cost effective than purchasing over-priced store bought brands.

How to Make Your Own Shampoo

The simplest way to make your own shampoo is to buy a large bottle of liquid castile soap from your local natural food market. Castile soap is an all-natural cleaning agent made from olive oil. It contains no synthetic chemicals, carcinogens, or animal ingredients. When making your own shampoo, the objective is to use liquid castile shampoo as a shampoo base to which you add your own herbs and essential oils. The types of essentials oils you can use when making your own shampoo are almost limitless. Drops of rosemary oil can be added to give hair additional shine and body. Peppermint oil works well for oily hair, while lavender oil is ideal for dry, damaged hair. Spend some time researching the properties of essential oils before selecting ones to go in your homemade shampoo.

Once you have your ingredients, mix a half cup of castile shampoo with a half cup of water. Add a teaspoon of olive oil or almond oil and stir the ingredients well. Add several drops of your chosen essential oil to the mixture and mix until all ingredients are completely dissolved. Place into a glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark area until youre ready to shampoo your hair.

Make Your Own Shampoo: The Advantages

When you make your own shampoo using castile soap and essential oils, youll have a natural product free of synthetic chemicals, and youll be saving money at the same time. Castile soap based shampoo doesnt lather as well as traditional store bought shampoos which means its gentler to the hair and less likely to remove natural oils that nourish the hair and scalp. You can always change the essential oils you add to your homemade shampoo to meet the specific needs of your hair type. When you make your own shampoo, the savings can be significant, particularly if you buy castile soap in gallon jugs online. Enjoy making your own shampoo!

Does Drinking Soft Drinks Increase the Risk of Skin Cancer?

Drinking soft drinks is not only unhealthy because of the high fructose corn syrup they contain - but their high phosphate content is also a problem. According to a new study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, too many dietary phosphates cause skin cancers to grow faster - and soft drinks are one of the biggest sources of phosphates in the American diet.

Dietary Phosphates and Skin Cancer: Is It a Problem?

In this study mice were given either a high or low phosphate diet after having a cancer causing chemical applied to their skin. Researchers found that the mice that ate the high phosphate diet developed more pre-cancerous tumors than the mice on a diet low in phosphates. The mice that ate the high phosphate diet took in around 1,800 milligrams of phosphate a day -an amount thats only a little more than the amount the average American gets in their diet each day -particularly if they drink soft drinks.

What are Good Sources of Dietary Phosphates?

Phosphates are found in many foods - in the form of phosphorus - with meat and dairy being good sources - and phosphates are added to many processed meats and baked goods. Theyre also found in some personal care products such as toothpaste. One of the biggest sources of dietary phosphates comes from drinking soft drinks. Soft drink consumption has tripled since the 1970s, so its not surprising that people are getting more phosphates than ever before.

Phosphorus is an important mineral thats vital for making ATP - the bodys energy source - and is a component of cell membranes. Its also involved in a variety of other reactions in the body. On the other hand, too many dietary phosphates increase the risk of osteoporosis by lowering calcium levels. Now, it appears that phosphates could also fuel the growth of skin cancer.

Can Drinking Soft Drinks Lead to Other Cancers?

The researchers in this study are quick to add that lowering dietary phosphates may reduce the risk of skin cancer - but that may not be the only cancer thats affected by phosphates. Korean researchers found that phosphates also increase the growth rate of lung tumors in mice.

How to Lower Dietary Phosphates

One of the best ways to reduce dietary phosphates is to stop drinking soft drinks. Soft drinks have no nutritional value and are bad for the bones as well as the waistline. Eating less processed and packaged foods will also help to reduce exposure to phosphates.

The Bottom Line?

Phosphorus is important for a healthy body, but too much dietary phosphate could pose a problem. The best solution? Lay off the soft drinks.

References:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100323111557.htm

An Unexpected Risk of Nighttime Snacking

Do you enjoy eating late at night? Some people do most of their eating after 6:00 P.M. - whether it be nighttime snacking while watching late night T.V. or a chilly bowl of ice cream enjoyed at midnight. Unfortunately, nocturnal snacking could earn you some extra time in a dental chair. A new study shows that nighttime eating is associated with tooth loss.

Eating Late at Night and Loss of Teeth: Is There an Association?

In a study published in the journal Eating Behaviors, researchers looked at the eating habits of 2,217 middle-aged men and women. Men and women who ate twenty-five percent or more of their calories after dinner were classified as nighttime eaters. Some people in this group not only ate before bedtime, but woke up to eat a late night snack. What did this study show? Nighttime eating was associated with a higher overall risk for tooth loss.

The higher risk of loss of teeth seen in the men and women in this study didnt vary based on the type of food they ate - and researchers took into account other factors that could have altered the results such as age, smoking, and their overall diet. It seems that nocturnal eating, in and of itself, is a risk factor for tooth loss.

Why Does Nighttime Eating Increase the Risk of Tooth Loss?

Professor Damien Walmsley, a consultant for the British Dental Association, believes the culprit is the lower saliva flow that occurs during the evening hours. Saliva not only has natural anti-bacterial properties, but also neutralizes the enamel destroying acid formed by mouth bacteria - and even helps to re-mineralize teeth. People who have dry mouth and produce less saliva are at a higher risk for loss of teeth. Nighttime snacking after cleaning your teeth before bedtime could be particularly problematic since theres less protective saliva.

How to Prevent Loss of Teeth

The key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums is to limit nighttime snacking - especially nibbling after brushing. The only thing thats safe to eat or drink after brushing your teeth is a glass of water. Anything else will "stick" and be food for hungry mouth bacteria. Also, avoid eating too many snacks late in the day when saliva production is dwindling. Dont forget to brush and floss every night prior to bedtime - brushing alone isnt enough if you value the long term health of your teeth and gums.

The Bottom Line?

What you eat and when not only affects your overall health, but your dental health as well. Dont let nighttime eating take a toll on your teeth - or you could end up with dentures.

References:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/190581.php

A Blood Test that Determines Your Risk of Kidney Disease?

The earlier a disease is diagnosed - the rosier the prognosis. Even better is to be able to determine whos at high risk for a certain disease years - before it strikes. With this knowledge, a high risk person could potentially take preventative measures that may ward off ever getting the disease. A good example is kidney disease. Up until now, doctors havent had a good way to tell whos going to have kidney problems later in life unless a person has a condition, such as hypertension or diabetes, which predisposes them to it. Now, there may be a way to predict the risk of kidney disease years before the kidneys start to fail - by using a single blood test.

Can a Blood Test Determine the Risk of Kidney Disease?

Researchers recently discovered that three biomarkers in the blood may be useful for predicting a persons risk of kidney disease. Using data from the Framingham Offspring Study, they found that homocysteine, aldosterone, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) can identify people at higher risk for chronic kidney disease. Levels of these biomarkers can be determined by drawing a single blood sample and sending it to the lab for analysis.

Homocysteine levels are sometimes checked to evaluate a persons risk of heart disease - although levels need to be considered in conjunction with other cardiac risk factors. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, which helps to regulate sodium and potassium by the kidney. BNP is a protein used to diagnose congestive heart failure - and it helps to relax blood vessels and causes the kidneys to excrete more salt and water. Taken together, these three biomarkers offer additional information that doctors could use to better understand a patients risk of kidney disease.

Current Blood Tests Pick Up Chronic Kidney Disease Later

Currently, blood tests to diagnose chronic kidney disease only detect it once damage has already occurred and kidney function is declining. The two best ways to do this are to check levels of BUN and creatinine. Early disease of the kidneys can also be picked up by rising levels of protein in the urine. This newer biomarker test would alert doctors of the potential for kidney problems years before damage is done.

Biomarkers to Determine the Risk of Kidney Disease: The Bottom Line?

Expect to see more research on these biomarkers for kidney disease risk. They could provide valuable information that would allow kidney problems to be picked up before the kidneys are damaged.

References:

Eureakalert.org. "Simple blood test helps predict chronic kidney disease"

The EBV Virus and Cancer

Viruses play a role in causing some types of cancer. One common virus called Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, is believed to cause some types of lymph node cancer, or lymphomas, and some autoimmune diseases as well. Surprisingly, this virus affects many people and most people who have a healthy immune system dont experience serious symptoms from it. But because of its potential to cause cancer, scientists are eager to know more about this ubiquitous virus. Now, they believe theyve uncovered a pathway that cells use to keep the Epstein-Barr virus, from causing cellular changes that lead to cancer when it infects a cell.

EBV Virus and Cancer

Nine out of ten people are infected with the EBV virus at some point in their lifetime, making it a very common virus. Fortunately, when this happens, the majority of people dont develop serious symptoms. Children usually have a very mild illness, while teenagers experience a classic case of mononucleosis. Its possible for someone infected with the Epstein-Barr virus to have no symptoms at all and not even know theyve been infected. Most people develop immunity to the virus once theyre exposed.

People who have weakened immune systems when theyre infected with EBV virus arent so fortunate. They can develop more serious symptoms including cancers such as lymphomas and hairy cell leukemia. The HBV virus also increases the risk of some autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and SLE.

Epstein-Barr Virus and Cancer

Scientists recently discovered two enzymes called kinases that prevent uncontrolled growth of cells after theyre infected with the EBV virus. When they blocked the action of these cell protective kinases, EBV infected cells were able to grow uncontrollably and turn into cancer.

Theyre hoping treatments can eventually be developed to ensure that these kinases are able to do their job of protecting cells against cancer caused by viruses such as the EBV virus. Its possible that this treatment could be used to prevent other types of cancers caused by viruses such as the human papillomavirus, which is associated with cervical cancer.

EBV Virus and Cancer: The Bottom Line?

According to this research, cells have natural enzymes that help to protect them from being taken over by a virus and forced to divide uncontrollably leading to a cancer. Hopefully, more research will show how the action of these kinases can be enhanced to help protect people infected with the EBV virus againstcancer.

References:

Eurekalert.org. "Scientists Decode Secrets of a Very Common Virus That Can Cause Cancer"

A Natural Way to Reduce Fat Absorption?

Diet pills are not a safe way to lose weight - but there could be a diet pill alternative on the horizon. A new study shows that alginate - a natural fiber found in seaweed - could help overweight people reduce fat absorption naturally - without using dangerous diet pills. Could the answer to obesity come from the sea?

What is Alginate?

Alginate is a polysaccharide thats found in certain types of seaweed - most notably sea kelp. Alginates are used in the food industry to add firmness to foods such as puddings and ice cream - and it also has a natural laxative effect. Kelp alginates are a good source of iodine - a mineral thats essential for healthy thyroid function.

Can Using Alginate Reduce Fat Absorption?

Researchers tested the ability of alginate - along with sixty other types of natural fiber - to reduce fat absorption using an artificial gut. An artificial gut is a manmade model of a working stomach and intestines that replicates the natural activity of a normal digestive system. When alginate was tested in this natural gut it not only reduced fat absorption, but it did it better than many diet pills currently sold for weight loss.

Of course, using alginate only in an artificial gut isnt enough to say its safe for human use. Further testing will be needed to ensure its safety as a natural diet pill alternative for reducing fat absorption. Interestingly, alginate is used in Germany as a weight loss aid and has been a big commercial success. Alginate diet supplements are already being sold by some online sites.

Is Using Alginates a Good Diet Pill Alternative?

Researchers are hoping to add alginate to foods such as bread and yogurt as a natural way to reduce fat absorption - but only after further testing is done to make sure its safe for longer term use. Its already passed initial taste tests and consumers cant detect any difference between foods that contain alginate and ones that dont. Preliminarily, it appears to be safe and may even have additional health benefits for improving digestive health.

Using Alginates to Reduce Fat Absorption: The Bottom Line?

Alginates wont replace the need to exercise and eat a healthy diet, but if they prove to be safe, they could be beneficial for some overweight people - but only as an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle. Diet pills in any form are usually not the answer - only a healthy lifestyle will keep the weight off for good.

References:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/183252.php

Alzheimers Disease Genetics: Youre More Likely to Get it from Mom

Alzheimers disease is the most common cause of dementia - and one of the most challenging diseases a person and their family must face. Researchers already know that people who have close family members, particularly a mother, father, sister or brother with this progressive brain disease are more likely to get it themselves, but environmental factors play a role too.

Alzheimers Disease Genetics: Youre More Likely to Get It From Your Mom

According to a study published in the journal Neurology, youre more likely to "get" Alzheimers disease from your mother rather as opposed to your father.

How did researchers reach this conclusion? After following 53 healthy seniors for two years while doing cognitive testing and brain imaging, they found that seniors who had a mother with the disease had more brain shrinkage over the 2 year period than those who had a father with Alzheimers dementia. So mom may have more influence over your Alzheimers disease risk than good, old dad, at least according to this study.

The Most Common Cause of Dementia Isnt Completely Understood

This is not to say youre destined to get the disease if your mother had it, because lifestyle has an impact on Alzheimers disease genetics too. There is a form of the disease called early-onset Alzheimers disease thats strongly inherited. People who inherit the gene for this more aggressive form of the disease develop Alzheimers dementia much earlier in life, usually before the age of 60 - and sometimes as young as age 30. Sadly, most people with the gene will eventually get the disease.

Most cases of Alzheimers disease are of the late-onset type. This type of Alzheimers dementia has been linked with a gene on chromosome 19 called the apolipoprotein E gene. People with this gene dont necessarily develop Alzheimers disease. There is a blood test to detect it although having the gene doesnt tell you whether youll get Alzheimers disease - only that youre at higher risk.

The Bottom Line?

As you can see, Alzheimers disease genetics arent completely understood, and this new piece of the puzzle makes the issue even more complex. But even if you have a mother who has late-onset Alzheimers disease, it doesnt necessarily mean youll get it too. But to reduce your risk, lose weight if youre obese, stop smoking and get aerobic exercise daily. Keep your mind active and develop a strong social network. These small lifestyle changes may help ward off this all-too-common brain disease.

References:

Eurekalert.org. "More Evidence That Alzheimers Disease May Be Inherited From Your Mother"

National Institute for Aging. "Alzheimers Fact Sheet"

Merck Manual. Eighteenth edition. 2006.

Do Skin Facials Work for Treating Blackheads?

Blackheads are a frequent problem for people who have oily, acne-prone skin. One of the most common methods for treating blackheads is salon and home facials. Do facials for blackheads help the problem or are they a waste of time and money?

What is a Blackhead?

Blackheads form when skin follicles become filled with a substance called sebum - an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. When sebum is exposed to air, an oxidation reaction occurs which causes the sebum to darken in color - giving the characteristic appearance of blackheads - which resemble tiny black dots clustered in oily areas of the face. Understandably, most people dislike the appearance of these "bumps" and often over cleanse in a misguided attempt to get rid of them. Unfortunately, this usually leads to more oil production which makes the problem worse.

Skin Facials for Blackheads: Are They Effective?

Getting regular facials for blackheads isnt a bad thing - although it may not completely solve the problem. Facials help to exfoliate the dead cells on the surface of the skin which contributes to clogged pores. Steaming before exfoliating enhances the effect of a facial by opening the pores and making them more receptive to exfoliation.

Some estheticians and doctors manually extract the sebum from blackheads during a facial using a metal instrument called a comedo extractor. This improves the appearance of problem skin immediately, but should only be done by someone who has experience since theres a risk of scarring and infection.

Skin Facials for Blackheads May Not Be Enough

Skin facials and exfoliation have definite benefits when it comes to treating blackheads and blemish prone skin, but they arent the complete answer for most people. Most people need a little extra help to get blackhead free skin - such as the use of comedolytics.

Comedolytics are skin care products that help to open up clogged pores and reduce the number of blackheads. They include products that contain salicylic acid - a weak acid which loosens old skin cells that block pores. In severe cases, prescription retinoid found in Retina-A - prescribed by a doctor - may be needed. These products are safe and effective, although Retina-A causes skin irritation when its first used. Products containing salicylic acid are available at most drugstores. An example is Nozema Anti-Acne Gel and Pads.

Skin Facials for Blackheads: The Bottom Line?

Skin facials for blackheads can be helpful for treating blackheads, but most people need to add a product containing salicylic acid to get the best results.

References:

Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice. Leslie Baumann, M.D. 2002

Do Abdominal Training Devices Really Work?

You see the smiling face of the girl with the beautifully toned abs smiling back at your from the glossy page of the ad touting the latest abdominal exercise gadget. The ad promises you a similar set of abs in just four weeks. Sound too good to be true? Just how do those fancy and sometimes costly abdominal training devices stack up against traditional abdominal exercises? What are the best abdominal exercises for building a set of six pack abs?

It would certainly be gratifying if an abdominal gadget could be purchased that would make abdominal training both fun and effective, but the reality is it takes hard work and focus to build toned abs and the best abdominal exercises in the world wont work if they arent done regularly.

Interestingly enough, a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research compared a variety of abdominal training aids with the old standby, the tedious, but effective abdominal crunch to determine the best abdominal exercises for building stronger abs. The abdominal training devices they looked at included the Perfect Abs Roller, the Ab Swing, Six Second Abs, Ab Scissor, and the Torso Tuck. To get an idea how each training aid compared to the traditional abdominal crunch, they measured the muscle activity in the rectus abdominus and external oblique muscles during activity.

What were the results of this interesting study? They found the muscle activity in the abdominal muscles was higher when performing a traditional abdominal crunch than it was with any of the fancy abdominal training devices. These results are supported by previous studies that show that the traditional abdominal crunch is more effective than abdominal training aids.

So, are you wasting your money purchasing an abdominal training device? While it appears you can get comparable and even superior results doing traditional abdominal crunchs, you have to be willing to do this exercise on a consistent basis to see results. If crunches are difficult for you to perform, youre probably not going to devote the time and effort needed to mold an impressive set of abs. If an abdominal training aid makes it easier for you to stick with your ab sculpting routine, it may be worth purchasing one despite the results of this study.

When considering the best abdominal exercises to sculpt abs, remember you also need to engage in a regular calorie burning activity to reduce body fat so you can see those freshly sculpted abdominal muscles. Even if you sculpt them, they wont show if theyre covered by a layer of fat.

The good news is if youre looking for sculpted abs, you dont need fancy gadgets or abdominal training devices. The solution may be as simple as pulling out an exercise mat and doing some power crunches.

Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis: Why They May Not Be Safe Long Term

Are you taking a bisphosphate medication such as Fosamax or Actonel for osteoporosis? Bisphosphonates have become a popular treatment for this common bone disease that affects so many post-menopausal women (and some men). Up until now, many doctors have kept women on bisphophonates for osteoporosis for long periods of time, but new medical research shows that this may not be beneficial and could even lead to additional bone related problems.

How Do Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis Work?

These medications work by attaching themselves to bone tissue where theyre taken up by osteoclasts - cells that normally break down bone during natural bone turnover. This causes the osteoclasts to be destroyed so that less future bone will be broken down. Because these medications attach to the bone and remain there, there may not be additional benefit to taking them long-term - in fact, it may be harmful.

How Could Taking Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis Be Harmful Long-Term?

According to information published in Prescribers Letter, these medications slow down the rate with which bone is broken down and replaced. This allows small areas of microdamage gained from every day wear and tear on the bones to build up and go unrepaired. These tiny micro breaks in the bone accumulate over time leading to loss of bone integrity.

How Long is It Safe to Stay on Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis?

The new literature suggests that if youre at low risk for bone fractures, you may not need to be on bisphosphanates for longer than five years. At this point, your doctor could follow you with bone density studies to make sure youre not losing additional bone mass. If so, you could be placed back on the medication. This wouldnt apply to women at high risk of bone fracture who may need to stay on the medication longer term.

Keep in mind these are medications that build up in the bone and its unclear what long-term effects this could have on bone function. Five years should allow enough time for most women at low risk for bone fractures to get the benefits of bisphophonates without the harmful effects.

Taking Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis: The Bottom Line?

If youre taking a bisphosphanate medication to treat osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about your risk of developing bone fractures. If its low and youve been on a bisphophonate for at least five years, it may be appropriate to stop the medications and have bone density studies done every two years to make sure your bone density isnt declining. Of course you should always consult with your doctor. Dont stop these medications without your doctors knowledge.

References:

Prescribers Letter. December 2009. pages 68-69.

Can Taking CLA Supplements Help Asthmatics?

Asthma is a condition where the airways "clamp down" and become inflamed when exposed to environmental factors such as animal dander, dust, and pollen. Fortunately, there are prescription asthma inhalers that can help asthmatics, but it would be better to keep the hyperactive airways from narrowing in the first place. According to a new study published in Clinical and Experimental Allergy, taking CLA, a natural supplement found in some foods, may help asthmatics naturally - by reducing the inflammation and airway narrowing that leads to the unpleasant breathing difficulties asthmatics experience.

Can Taking CLA Help Asthmatics?

In this study, researchers gave twenty young overweight asthmatics 4.5 grams of CLA or a placebo for three months. At the end of the three month period, the group taking CLA had less airway hyper-reactivity, better exercise tolerance, and fewer asthma symptoms. As a bonus, the asthmatics taking CLA also had a lower BMI (body mass index). This isnt surprising since some studies show CLA promotes fat loss - which means CLA could be of benefit to asthmatics that are overweight or obese.

What is CLA?

CLA, or conjugated linoleic acid, is a fatty acid found naturally in meat and dairy products. Its present in greatest quantities in grassfed animals. Much of the CLA is removed from meat and dairy products when low fat meat and dairy products are produced - so low-fat meat and dairy products arent a good source. Some studies also show that CLA has anti-cancer benefits.

Can Taking CLA Supplements Help Asthmatics?

Although this study is small, it was a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study which makes the results more credible. On the other hand, its difficult to draw conclusions about the benefits of taking CLA until larger studies are carried out.

Is Taking CLA Risky?

There are concerns about the long-term effects of taking CLA supplements. Some studies show it worsens insulin resistance in diabetics, which could make it more difficult to control blood sugars. It also raises levels of c-reactive protein, a marker for heart disease. Its not clear whether it actually increases the risk of heart disease.

CLA to Reduce Asthma Symptoms: The Bottom Line

Taking CLA supplements may help asthmatics, particularly ones who are overweight, but larger studies are needed before it can be recommended. Getting CLA naturally from grassfed beef and dairy products is the safest route until more is known.

References:

http://www.nutraingredients.com/content/view/print/312738
British Journal of Nutrition (2005), 94: 791-795

Nine Ways to Use Vinegar for Laundry & Fabric Care

Vinegar is one of the most versatile of all condiments in the kitchen. But why restrict its use just to the kitchen? It can also be an excellent aid for laundry and clothing care. Youll discover so many ways to use vinegar for fabric care that youll end up buying an extra bottle for the laundry room. Here are some of the ways that vinegar can be used for care of your clothes and laundry:

Use vinegar to remove lint.

Simply add about a half cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine to remove lint from your laundry.

Prevent your clothing from bleeding in the laundry.

To prevent your brightly colored clothing from bleeding during the wash cycle, soak them in full strength vinegar for 12 minutes before washing them.

Remove the smell of cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoke.

To eliminate smoking odors from clothing, fill your bathtub with warm water. Add a full cup of vinegar to water and soak your clothing for ten minutes.

Make your sweaters smell better.

If youve had your sweaters in storage and they have that stale smell, wash them and then rinse them in a half vinegar, half water mixture. This should eliminate any lingering odors. This is a laundry care tip that might help you to prevent a cleaning bill.

Use vinegar to remove stubborn stains.

Apply vinegar to a damp washcloth. Use a rubbing motion on tough stains such as ketchup, coffee, or mustard. Launder as usual.

Use vinegar as a fabric softener.

Replace your regular fabric softener with a half cup of vinegar added to the rinse cycle of your washer. It works just as well as your fabric softener for laundry care and costs a lot less.

Prolong the life of your nylon hose.

Nylon hose can be expensive. Prolong their life by adding a teaspoon of vinegar to the rinse water after you hand wash them.

Use vinegar to clean leather.

Mix one part vinegar with two parts of linseed oil and use it to clean your leather items and keep them supple. Rub the mixture gently in to the leather and allow it to set for several hours. Follow up by buffing the leather.

Remove perspiration marks from clothing.

Mix a quarter cup of vinegar with one cup of water. Apply this solution to perspiration stained areas of your clothing. Rinse thoroughly. You can also remove stains left by deodorant rubbing the area superficially with vinegar and washing as usual.

In most cases, white vinegar will work best for laundry, clothing, and fabric care. Why not get a large bottle of white vinegar and have it available when youre washing laundry? Its an inexpensive way to keep your clothing and laundry in tip top condition.

Gain Lean Body Mass with Branched Chain Amino Acids?

Are you trying to gain lean body mass and build more muscle definition? Spending hours at the gym will only take you so far - nutrition counts too. To get ripples, you have to get adequate amounts of dietary protein - although most weightlifters only need about 1.7 milligrams per kilogram of body weight - even if theyre lifting hard. On the other hand, type of protein may be important too. Theres recently been more focus on branched chain amino acids for building lean body mass. Do they work?

What are Branched Chain Amino Acids?

Branched chain amino acids or BCAAs consist of three amino acids - valine, isoleucine, and leucine. These amino acids are "essential" meaning the body cant produce them - so they have to come from diet. Because these amino acids are incorporated into muscle tissue, if there arent enough of them, the body breaks down muscle tissue to get them. You can easily see how this would be counterproductive to building lean body mass. Experts also believe that supplying the body with branched chain amino acids after a workout boosts muscle development and makes it easier for a person to get the defined muscles they joined the gym for in the first place.

Can BCAAs Help a Person Gain Lean Body Mass?

There hasnt been a lot of research into this issue, but branched chain amino acids do help to prevent muscle breakdown in people who take part in endurance exercises such as long distance running. Ever notice how long distance runners look so long and lean with little muscle definition? This is because long periods of endurance training causes muscle breakdown - to supply the body with more fuel. Providing the body with branched chain amino acids helps to prevent the type of muscle loss thats commonly seen in long distance runners.

Do Branched Chain Amino Acids Have Other Benefits?

Some experts claim that they boost energy and help athletes achieve better focus and mental clarity. Studies show they may also be helpful for treating victims of chronic wasting diseases where muscle tissue is broken down.

Should You Use Branched Chain Amino Acids to Gain Lean Body Mass?

If youre a long distance runner or doing heavy weightlifting, adding more branched chain amino acids to your diet may help to preserve muscle tissue. On the other hand, theres no reason to go above the recommended amount of protein since this could be harmful to the kidneys if sustained over a long period of time. Make sure youre getting enough protein and branched chain amino acids - but dont overdo it.

References:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_4_18/ai_84153446/

Does a Microwave Kill Bacteria?

Few people want to experience a bad case of food poisoning. Sure, it could give you a few days off from work, but who wants to spend it on the toilet? The solution? Keep food poisoning at bay by practicing safe food handling. Some people turn to their microwave to do this, assuming that a microwave oven zaps food hard enough to destroy the bacteria that cause food poisoning. Is this true? Does a microwave kill bacteria?

Does a Microwave Kill Bacteria: How Do Microwaves Work?

Microwaves use electromagnetic radiation, similar to very high frequency radio waves, to alter the charge of molecules, which causes them to move and rotate. This movement generates heat which warms up the food or water. As you might expect the longer the food or liquid remains in the microwave oven, the more it will heat up.

Can Microwaves Kill Germs: An Informal Experiment

An informal experiment was carried out on The Straight Dope website using pizza samples and Petri dishes to grow bacteria. Pizza samples were allowed to set out in the open air where they were exposed to bacteria for four hours. Samples from the pizza were then plated on Petri dishes after they had been microwaved for various periods of time.

The results? In this case, thirty minutes in the microwave didnt kill a significant number of the bacteria, whereas sixty seconds killed most - but not all - of the bacteria that had landed on the pizza. Their informal conclusion? It takes at least two minutes in the microwave to kill germs. There are downsides. Two minutes in a microwave could destroy the flavor and texture of some foods.

Does a Microwave Kill Bacteria: Another Perspective

According to research published in The American Journal of Epidemiology and discussed in the New York Times, even five minutes in the microwave may not be enough to kill bacteria that cause food poisoning. At a buffet, six people came down with a bad case of foodborne illness after eating a mixture of chicken and vegetables that had been placed in the microwave for a five full minutes. Apparently, this wasnt enough.

The problem is this. Microwave ovens dont raise the temperature of foods uniformly " and they often leave under-heated areas where bacteria can grow and produce toxins. This spells bad news for the person unfortunate enough to bite into one of those "cold pockets" teeming with bacteria.

Do Microwaves Kill Bacteria: The Bottom Line?

Dont count on your microwave to kill bacteria that could cause a nasty case of food poisoning. You could end up disappointed - and ill.

References:

New York Times. "The Claim: Microwave Ovens Kill Bacteria in Food"
The Straight Dope. "Do Microwave Ovens Kill Bacteria?"

The Health Benefits of Wakame Seaweed

More and more people are making the commitment to healthier eating and are trying to add more fruits and vegetables to their diets. One of the advantages of living in America is the ready access to food from a variety of cultures. One diet thats lauded for its health value is the Japanese diet. The Japanese have one of the longest life spans in the world as well as low rates of obesity and chronic disease. One Japanese food thats received interest because of its potential health value is wakame seaweed. Although not typically part of the mainstream American diet, the Japanese enjoy this vegetable frequently. Its been a favorite for awhile with the natural food crowd in America and interest in this healthy vegetable is growing. What are the health benefits of wakame seaweed?

The Health Benefits of Wakame Seaweed

Wakame seaweed is high in a variety of minerals and nutrients which are a product of its kelp content. This vegetable is extremely low in calories with only about five calories per serving with minimal fat. Although high in sodium, its a good source of other minerals including magnesium, iodine, calcium, and iron. Its also high in vitamins A, C, E, and K as well as folate and riboflavin. Its also a source of lignans which are thought to play a role in preventing certain types of cancer, particularly breast cancer. In fact, a study published in the journal Cancer Science in 2005 demonstrated that wakame seaweed effectively suppressed growth of breast tumors in rats.

Another area of interest relating to the health benefits of wakame seaweed is its role in promoting weight loss. A study carried out in Japan and presented at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society in September of 2008 showed that an ingredient found in this vegetable known as fucoxanthin promoted weight loss in rate by increasing the rate at which fat is broken down. The rats who received the wakame seaweed lost up to ten percent of their body weight. Although studies have yet to be conducted on humans, researchers are optimistic.

How to Get the Health Benefits of Wakame Seaweed

For a food so low in calories, the health benefits of wakame seaweed are impressive. With a taste somewhat similar to spinach, this is a versatile vegetable that can be added to soups and salads, giving them a slightly salty flavor. It can also be enjoyed on its own with a little rice vinegar. Wakame in its dry form can be purchased in packages at most health food stores and natural food markets. Rehydration is as simple as adding water.

Why not consider adding some healthy wakame seaweed to your diet?

How to Get Started Hiking in the Desert

Hiking in the desert can be an exciting experience if well planned. Desert hiking gives you an opportunity to see an unparalleled variety of exotic plants and animals while enjoying spectacular scenery that you wont see anywhere else. Obviously, when hiking in such a hot, dry environment, there are a variety of safety issues to take into consideration to make your hike as pleasant and safe as possible. Here are some safety precautions to consider before hiking in the desert:

Take more water than you think youll need.

Hiking in the desert can be deceiving. With the dry heat, your sweat evaporates quite rapidly and you may feel relatively comfortable despite the fact youre rapidly losing water through sweating. For this reason, dehydration can become a problem before you even realize it. However much water you think youre going to need, take more. Keep in mind that you can lose over a quart of water in a single hour when youre hiking in such a hot, dry environment. Obviously, youre going to want to take several quarts with you at the very least. Itll also be important to be aware of how much water you have relative to the distance youll be hiking. Your first priority is not to run out of water in the desert.

Dress for the sun and heat.

After ensuring that you have an adequate water supply, you want to be sure your face and body are protected from the direct sunlight that beats down on you as you journey through the desert. A sunblock with as high of an SPF as possible that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is mandatory for areas exposed to sunlight. Dress in light colored, loose, cotton clothing that covers your arms and legs. This will provide extra protection against the sun while allowing your skin to breathe and release heat. Having your arms and legs covered will also protect your skin from potential insect bites. You may also want to consider wearing a wide brimmed straw hat and U.V. protective sunglasses.

Other safety measures

When hiking in the desert, try to avoid times when the sun is directly overhead. Go early in the morning or in the late afternoon. If youre a newcomer to desert hiking, start out with short trips and be sure to take along a companion. Before your start out on your journey, tell a trusted person exactly where youre going and what time you should be home. If you dont return home by a certain time, have them call for assistance. Common sense measures like this could save your life.

Hiking in the desert can be educational and a source of relaxation if you take proper precautions. Be safe and enjoy your hike!

Dizziness After Standing Quickly: Should You Be Concerned?

When you stand up quickly do you occasionally feel dizzy or lightheaded? This symptom, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is more common than you might think. What causes dizziness after standing and should you be concerned?

When you bend over or squat for any period of time, blood pools in the veins of the legs causing the veins to stretch slightly due to the presence of the pooled blood. When this happens, your body senses the lower blood volume in the upper body through receptors located in the arteries and sends a message to your heart to speed up its pace to help circulate the blood to the upper body, particularly the brain. At the same time, the arteries constrict which helps to propel the blood back to your brain as well as the rest of your body.

When dizziness after standing or orthostatic hypotension occurs, its usually because this reflex mechanism isnt working as efficiently as it should. This can occur for a variety of reasons. It more commonly occurs in warm weather when youre more likely to be dehydrated from not drinking enough liquids. Its also more common after taking certain drugs, particularly blood pressure medication. Inadequate nutrition, hunger, and low blood sugar can also increase the risk of experiencing dizziness after standing.

Should you be concerned if you have orthostatic hypotension or experience dizziness after standing? If this symptom occurs infrequently theres probably no cause for concern as this is a common symptom and usually doesnt indicate a serious medical problem. If youre on medications, you may want to check with your doctor to see if they could be contributing to the problem. If you find that dizziness after standing is a frequent occurrence, youll want to check with your doctor to rule out an underlying medical condition.

When you visit your doctor, its likely hell check your blood pressure lying down and again after you stand up. If a large difference is seen between the two values, orthostatic hypotension is confirmed. Your doctor can then proceed to rule out medical reasons for this condition, starting with lab studies.

In some cases no cause for orthostatic hypotension will be found. In these situations, its usually recommended that precautions be taken to avoid dizziness after standing. These may include adjustment of medications, the use of salt containing beverages such as Gatorade, lower extremity support hose to promote blood return to the upper body, and getting up more slowly to avoid an extreme drop in blood pressure. In some cases, medications will be needed.

The bottom line? Dizziness after standing occurs in most people at one time or another, but if you experience this symptom frequently, its important to bevaluated by your doctor.

Does Eating Animal Protein Increase the Risk of IBD?

Over 1.4 million people suffer with inflammatory bowel disease, a group of diseases more commonly known as IBD. IBD is a term used to describe two conditions - ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease - both of which involve inflammation of the intestines. These diseases are believed to be autoimmune in nature although no one knows exactly what triggers the autoimmune response and the cascade of events that leads to inflammation.

As might be expected, diet and environmental exposures is believed to play a role in the risk of IBD. Now, a new study shows that the risk of these diseases may be greater in people who have a high intake of meat and animal protein. Should people with IBD or at high risk for the disease reduce their meat intake?

IBD and Diet: Is Eating Animal Protein a Risk Factor?

Researchers in France followed more than 60,000 French women between the ages of forty and sixty-five for ten years. During this time, the women filled out questionnaires about their diet every two years to quantify their intake of fat, carbohydrates, and protein.

The results? Women with the highest intakes of meat and animal protein were three times more likely to get inflammatory bowel disease compared to women who ate less animal-based protein. The researchers were careful to control for other factors such as smoking that could have altered the results.

Intake of Meat and IBD: What Types of Protein Increases the Risk?

Women who ate meat and fish were at higher risk for inflammatory bowel disease in this study, but no increased risk of IBD was seen with a diet rich in eggs or dairy products. Why meat boosts the risk of IBD isnt known. Experts hypothesize that digestion of meat may create breakdown products that lead to bowel inflammation - or that large amounts of animal protein alters the numbers of good bacteria in the colon which may be protective against IBD.

Diet and IBD: Is Eating Animal Protein Bad for IBD Sufferers?

More studies are needed to look at meat intake and how it affects IBD - and those at risk for this disease. Keep in mind that the women in this study ate a large amount of protein with most of them exceeding the recommended daily requirement. Whether or not animal protein at more typical levels affects the risk of IBD needs further research.

Until then, its best for IBD sufferers and those at high risk to avoid exceeding the recommended daily protein intake of 0.8 milligrams per kilogram of body weight until more is known. Getting protein from vegetarian sources and from dairy and eggs may be a better option than eating large quantities of meat and fish. Talk to your doctor about this.

References:

Family Practice News. June 1, 2010. page 41.