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.