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Monday, 27 January 2014
Sitting For Prolonged Periods Is Stalling Your Metabolic Machinery
Mood:
 cheeky
Topic: Health
There are serious consequences that result when the muscular engine sits on 'idle' and in long periods in sedentary positions. Prolonged sitting can lead to loss of shoulder motion, chronic pain, walking deficits, neck-related headaches, the inability to exercise, and can literally impede the ability to metabolize fat and sugar, potentially raising the risk for cardiovascular disease. A common misconception about good posture is that it can be maintained by only doing occasional strength training. Good posture is more than just sitting-up straight and holding your shoulders back, and if you don't have the muscle strength, you aren't going to be able to hold that posture for very long. By maintaining your strength and being consciously aware of your posture, you can maintain proper posture and mobility well into your elder years. Put simply, the danger in prolonged sitting is that it "stalls the metabolic machinery," as Dr James Levine professor of medicine stated. "The body has an exquisitely designed system for trafficking fuels such as carbohydrates and fats." According to Dr Levine, this "physiology of inactivity" results in a variety of immediate, undesirable effects. For instance, inactivity impedes the ability to metabolize fat and sugar and it also elevates triglycerides, potentially raising the risk for cardiovascular disease. Prolonged sitting weakens muscles, which can lead to back pain, arthritis and joint problems. Previous research has demonstrated that sitting for long periods suppresses lipase, an enzyme involved in fat metabolism that is produced only when leg muscles flex -- low levels are associated with heart disease and other illnesses. Sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone metabolism, also are affected, Dr Levine noted, adding that "these impact all aspects of physical and emotional states." Those who sit for long periods have a two fold increase in their risk of diabetes, heart disease and death. Importantly, associations were independent of the amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity undertaken, suggesting that even if an individual meets typical physical activity guidelines, their health may still be compromised if they sit for long periods of time throughout the day. Read More - preventdisease.com
Posted by mindpotion Network
at 00:01 CET
Updated: Monday, 27 January 2014 01:05 CET
Wednesday, 8 January 2014
Bad skin? Are you causing it yourself?
Mood:
 a-ok
Topic: Health
Having bad skin is something that millions of people deal with every single day, and for the most part, it's a very preventable condition. From adolescent breakouts to adult acne, there are varying degrees of having "bad skin," and most of the cases have to do with bad decisions. More recently, science has been able to shed light on possible catalysts for these conditions, and the data discovered has opened the eyes of many. From food choices and overall gut function to body product selection, the list is quite extensive. The diet and skin connection This is by far one of the most influential factors in relation to dealing with skin issues. Grains, sugar and processed foods have been repeatedly tied to acne and other skin conditions such as eczema. By now, there is no denying that one's diet has a direct correlation to the quality of his or her skin. By eliminating sugars, refined grains (gluten) and processed, preserved foods from the diet, an individual can have much success in the fight against bad skin - it has been scientifically proven. Yet, out of the many foods that can contribute to this problem, sugar has got to be the worst of them all. For those who don't already know, sugar leads to elevated insulin levels, which in turn can lead to the production of acne-producing bacteria. This is an overlooked area of dermatology within the modern medical system. Toxic cosmetics In the world of so-called "beauty products," people have become quite gullible and fall for a lot of scams - this is no surprise by now. What's important to realize is that chemically dense cosmetic products do not promote beauty or healthy skin - they just seem like they do. From lotions to various types of make up, most of these products are toxic and can cause serious skin (and health) problems for the consumer. The key is to make sure all skin and body products are of high quality with natural ingredients. Coconut oil as a daily lotion is a perfect example of something that is great to use instead of an item that is loaded with chemicals. Select pure, more natural skin products, and healthy skin will follow. Detoxifying your life The Western way of living is very toxic, and conditions such as acne are primarily disorders that plague those within the modernized world. By taking a more natural and organic path in life (foods and body products), these types of conditions can be dealt with more efficiently. It makes sense that the body shows signs of disease when it's constantly being filled with junk. Acne is one of the many signs that the body is not at ease with itself. Learn more: naturalnews.com
Posted by mindpotion Network
at 00:01 CET
Updated: Wednesday, 8 January 2014 01:20 CET
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Eating for Happiness
Mood:
 chatty
Topic: Health
We are what we eat. As Hippocrates stated long ago, "Let food be thy medicine." Each day we have the choice to nourish our bodies with nutrient-dense foods or poison ourselves with processed, empty calories. Modern research has discovered what endemic cultures knew through their intrinsic wisdom, passed on from generation to generation. New researchers are discovering that traditional diets carry one key to happiness. Weston A. Price, in his meticulous 1930s research, observed that traditional groups knew what foods were needed to ensure the superior health of future generations. These people were happy and healthy. The indigenous groups went to great lengths to obtain foods providing the nutrients required for their optimal physical and mental health. This contrasts greatly with the American fast food culture of easy, processed foods. Real food versus processed Raw milk, cheese and butter from pastured animals fed an organic diet are superfoods, full of nutrients and life-giving properties. See NaturalNews.com. Likewise, meat and fat from pastured, organic-fed animals are far superior in nutrients compared to the meat from factory-farmed animals. Nutrients contained in pastured eggs with their rich orange yolks surpasses that found in factory eggs commonly found in our grocery stores. Organic vegetables and fruits contain higher amounts of vitamins compared to conventional produce. While there is a higher cost paid for better quality foods, this cost will most certainly be repaid and saved in reduced illness and improved health. For those with financial constraints, making simple changes such as replacing processed, boxed cereals with eggs or oatmeal for breakfast can improve health. One can buy butter instead of processed margarine and oils. Substituting fresh vegetables and fruits for chips and "junk food" can enhance nutrition. An excellent health food is home-made broth from meat or fish bones. 100 reasons to avoid processed foods In the book The Happiness Diet, health journalist Tyler Graham and physician Drew Ramsey provide 100 reasons to avoid processed foods. Reason #36 states: "The FDA allows nineteen maggots and seventy-four mites in a three-and-a-half-ounce can of mushrooms." Reason #45 states: "When you buy processed food, you help fund the ten billion dollars spent every year to market junk foods to kids. Since 1980, obesity has tripled among adolescents." #83 states: "Milk from factory-farmed cows treated with growth hormones often contains pus." Happiness foods According to The Happiness Diet, nutrients essential for mental health include vitamins B12, A, D and E, iodine, magnesium, cholesterol, calcium, fiber, folate, omega-3 and iron. Sources for these critical nutrients: shellfish, sardines, fish, fatty fish, wild salmon, liver, duck, dark chicken meat, grass-fed meat and milk, pastured eggs, egg yolk, cheese, yogurt, butter and lard from pastured animals, seaweed, potato skin, green leaves, whole grains, beans, black beans, black-eyes peas, lentils, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, walnuts, blackstrap molasses, mushrooms (exposed to sunlight), kale, cabbage, mustard, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, olives, swiss chard, beet, turnip and collard greens, and fruit. Graham and Ramsey cite research from well-known journals to support their dietary recommendations. Their dietary suggestions are remarkably similar to the nutrient-dense dietary principles discovered by Weston A. Price in his landmark study. Guidelines for better quality foods The following labels can assist in purchasing higher quality foods: U.S. grass-fed, naturally raised, humanely raised, fed an all-vegetarian diet, no rBGH, GMO-free, organic, wild Alaskan and fair-trade. Buying from a local, trusted farmer with no certifications is another good option. Recalling how our great-grandparents ate is one of the best guidelines. One of my favorite kitchen magnets states: "Try organic food...or as your grandparents called it, 'Food.'" Learn more: naturalnews.com
Posted by mindpotion Network
at 00:01 CET
Updated: Tuesday, 31 December 2013 01:19 CET
Sunday, 27 October 2013
Seven ways to bulletproof your immune system this winter
Mood:
 bright
Topic: Health
The immune system is where the rubber meets the road, and if you fail to get it in order, your health goes downhill. Start building your immune system by incorporating these seven things to help get you through the winter without wearing a surgical mask on a daily basis. Get grounded Grounding, which is simply putting your skin into direct contact with the surface of the Earth, has a host of benefits with one being to the immune system. Due to its overall anti-inflammatory effects and ability to regulate cortisol secretion, grounding eliminates two important factors that lower your immunity. If you can't access the Earth barefoot, consider using grounding technology. Find a good source of vitamin D If you live in an area with consistent sunlight, all you need to do is get out in the direct sunlight for 20-30 minutes a day. However, during the winter months, it can become increasingly difficult for people further north to access the sun's rays on a consistent basis. In this case, take a liquid vitamin D supplement for those months of little-to-no sunshine then check into that sunny holiday and stock up on the beach. Vitamin D is critical for overall immune function. Take liposomal vitamin C Vitamin C is a commonly known immune booster and is a product typically stocked up on with the winter season approaching. This family favorite has now become even more effective with the introduction of liposomal vitamin C. This formulation utilizes consistent 150mm sized liposomes, which facilitates greater absorption of the vitamin C in the formula. It's one thing to take immune-boosting supplements, and its often quite another to absorb them. Liposomal vitamin C helps address both factors. Consume medicinal mushrooms
In recent years, scientists have been studying the benefits of medicinal mushrooms on the immune system and have found the key to be connected to their beta-glucan content. Beta-glucans have been known by scientists as "biological response modifiers" that bind to the surface of immune cells, which gives them better coordination in their attack. This compound also activates certain immune cells, such as T-cells, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells and cytokines interleukin 1 and 2. This helps strengthen the immune response to microbial invaders. Go hard on the garlic Garlic has been long known for its potent antibacterial, viral and fungal properties, which strengthens the gastrointestinal and immune systems. Making it a part of your food preparation and incorporating it into a tea with lemon and raw honey will give your immune system some more back up. Get fermenting Fermented vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and probiotics, which are all significant factors in strengthening your immune system. A well-mineralized and balanced inner ecology will go a long way in keeping you from getting sick this winter. Get enough rest An often underestimated factor for boosting your immune system is getting enough rest, and at the premiere times of the day. Since the majority of your energy goes to repair and rejuvenation during sleep, it is one of the most important things to do correctly. This means getting to bed before 11pm to facilitate deep sleep in the early hours of the morning (when the best repair takes place) and allowing at least 7 to 8 hours of solid, relatively uninterrupted sleep (taking no more than 5 minutes to get back to sleep if you wake up). Incorporating these seven things this winter will give you enhanced immunity to keep you from becoming a victim of a bacterial or viral infection. Learn more: naturalnews.com
Posted by mindpotion Network
at 00:01 MEST
Updated: Sunday, 27 October 2013 02:33 MEST
Saturday, 19 October 2013
Sweating Can Actually Fight off Infection and Illness
Mood:
chatty
Topic: Health
Some people like to sweat, and some people just hate it. Those who sometimes enjoy sweating seek out saunas and intense workouts that will help them “break” a sweat, encouraging the release of toxins and a simultaneous release of stress. Others, on the other hand, try to prevent perspiration at every turn by blasting the air conditioning in their vehicles on beautifully warm days and coating on the chemically produced anti-perspirants. But, sweat-haters may want to take heed—recent research has shown that sweat can help us in more ways than one, actually working to keep us healthy while fighting bacteria and fungi. Antibiotic in Sweat Found to Fend off Bacteria According to researchers from across Europe, a protein found on human skin and activated when we sweat is able to kill harmful microbes and even fight those that are resistant to traditional antibiotics. Known as Dermcidin, the protein becomes active when it encounters slightly acidic and salty environments—sweat being the perfect solution. Once activated, it funnels harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungus through its structure, destroying the cells in “fractions of a second,” according to Medical News Today. This, the researchers say, could offer the key to more effective antibiotics in the future, if they can develop those that would mimic the structure and action of dermcidin. Read more: naturalsociety.com
Posted by mindpotion Network
at 00:01 MEST
Updated: Saturday, 19 October 2013 02:10 MEST
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
The health tests that just leave you sick with worry
Mood:
cheeky
Topic: Health
So you've received a letter inviting you for screening - for bowel cancer, perhaps, or breast cancer - or your doctor says he needs to check you for the early signs of dementia. But will these actually help you, or could they end up doing more harm than good? For while screening can be life-saving, it can also cause anxiety, false positives and lead to tests and treatments - with side-effects - you might never have needed. All screening programmes - even those approved by the UK National Screening Committee (the official body that assesses which screening is worth offering) - are a mixture of pros and cons. The problem I find, as a GP, is that the official literature about these programmes highlights potential gains far more than possible downsides. This is a highly contentious subject. Certain screening programmes, such as breast screening, cause enormous rifts in the medical community, with some doctors saying that it doesn't work and proponents vehemently disagreeing. So where does that leave you, the patient? First, you need to be clear what screening is. Screening tests are done only where there are no symptoms of disease. So if you have a worrying lump or abnormal bleeding, you need to go to your GP for appropriate diagnostic tests. Unfortunately, every so often I hear about someone who knows she has a lump, for instance, but has waited patiently for a breast screening appointment (all women aged between 50 and 73 are invited for a routine three-yearly mammogram). This isn't the right kind of appointment. What these women need is not just the mammogram they will get with the screening, but usually an ultrasound and biopsy. It's also important to understand that not all the tests the NHS is offering have been validated by the UK National Screening Committee. These experts look at the evidence for screening - just because it sounds sensible to test for diseases before you know you have them, often, when the research is done, the screening just doesn't work. Read more: dailymail.co.uk
Posted by mindpotion Network
at 00:01 MEST
Updated: Wednesday, 25 September 2013 12:12 MEST
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Mind-Blowing Experiment - with David Wolfe
Mood:
bright
Topic: Health
Filmed LIVE at the Longevity Now® Conference 2012
Posted by mindpotion Network
at 00:01 MEST
Updated: Saturday, 27 July 2013 01:46 MEST
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Four Huge Benefits of Exercising Outdoors
Mood:
 happy
Topic: Health
To be sure, exercising outdoors during the winter months in many parts of the country is not easy. Snow, sleet and rain, combined with lower winter temperatures, make it difficult if not impossible to work out in a natural environment, but if you can, you should because it's much better for you in the long run if you do. "While the allure of the gym - climate-controlled, convenient and predictable - is obvious, especially in winter, emerging science suggests there are benefits to exercising outdoors that can't be replicated on a treadmill, a recumbent bicycle or a track," says The New York Times' Health Blog. Running outside is much better for your fitness levels. For one thing, you don't run the same inside, on a treadmill, as you do outside, on the ground. Your stride is different, your speed tends to be different (which is to say you tend to run more slowly on a treadmill) so your calorie burn and overall endurance levels take a hit. When you run outdoors, you flex your ankles differently - you have to, because the contour of the terrain is varied, whereas on a treadmill, if you don't increase the angle, it's the same. Also, when running outside, you can often find yourself running downhill, "a movement that isn't easily done on a treadmill and that stresses muscles differently than running on flat or uphill terrain," the Times said. And again, studies by the National Institutes of Health found that when running on a treadmill, you expend less energy to go the same distance than if you were running outside. (Tip: If you have to run indoors on a treadmill, bump up the incline to one percent; the NIH says that level more closely resembles running outside). Cycling outdoors is also more of a workout. Riding a cycling machine in a gym, even if you crank up the resistance, is just not the same as riding a real bike along a real trail that has its ups and downs, for many of the same reasons running outside is better than running on a treadmill, experts say. According to the NIH, while "the difference between road and laboratory cycling speeds was found to be minimal for small individuals...larger riders would appear to benefit from the fixed resistance in the laboratory compared with the progressively increasing drag due to increased body size that would be experienced in the field." The larger your body mass, the more wind resistance and, of course, the tougher the ride (which is a good thing if you're trying to achieve fitness and endurance). You just feel better when you're exercising outdoors. Researchers have shown that those who work out in nature not only achieve better results physically but a) tend to stick with their workout regimen longer; and b) have much better mental fitness and endurance as well. Volunteers for a number of recent exercise studies were asked to go for two walks for the same amount of time or distance; one inside on a treadmill and the other outside. "In virtually all of the studies," the Times reported, "the volunteers reported enjoying the outside activity more and, on subsequent psychological tests, scored significantly higher on measures of vitality, enthusiasm, pleasure and self-esteem and lower on tension, depression and fatigue after they walked outside." If you work out in natural surroundings, you'll stick with it longer. Several studies have shown that part of the reason why you become more fit if you exercise outside is because shunning the confines of a temperature-and-environment-controlled gym will make you stick with working out longer, and that you will want to exercise more often. "It's still a lot of speculation at this point, but if you're having trouble sticking to an exercise routine it might be worthwhile to move those activities outdoors," writes Thorin Klososki at the health blog LifeHacker.com. Learn more: naturalnews.com
Posted by mindpotion Network
at 00:01 MEST
Updated: Wednesday, 17 July 2013 01:22 MEST
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Discover the habits of exceedingly healthy people
Mood:
 special
Topic: Health
Ever marvel over friends, family members or colleagues who never seem to get sick? They breeze through flu epidemics, office stomach bugs and colds totally unscathed. It truly makes you wonder: Is there a secret to outstanding health in the middle of the coughing, sneezing and miserably ill masses? Absolutely. But you may be surprised as to the reasons. Seven compelling healthy habits In the general scheme of life, there really isn't a magic bullet to great health, although there are certain habits that resilient individuals tend to adopt. Some may be familiar, others a bit more unexpected. Quality rest Robust people normally do not burn the midnight oil. Good sleep each night is the foundation for keeping the immune system in top form. Going to bed before 10 p.m. and eliminating exposure to light (especially from computer screens) encourages melatonin production -- fostering sound and rejuvenating rest. A nutrient-dense diet Not surprisingly, those who avoid sickness almost always consume high quality food, rich in vitamin C and zinc. In the same way, limited sugar intake is also common. Since refined sugar suppresses the immune system, avoiding it makes sense. People who have strong health generally do not live off frappuccinos or candy bars. In return, they are rewarded with exceptional vitality. Massage, yoga and acupressure Stress is the bane of health which silently destroys the immune system. Studies have shown that people who frequently get sick are often the most stressed. Health savvy individuals realize that maintain well-being, stress needs to be managed. Massage is a good option. It lowers blood pressure and anxiety -- effectively reducing tension and stress. Likewise for yoga. Acupressure is another technique known to boost immune response. One point on the body is particularly important -- the thymus. This gland plays a crucial role in the functioning of the immune and lymphatic systems. To stimulate, gently tap the sternum with your index finger 50 times in the morning and evening. Cold baths While most of us cringe at the thought of a cold bath, especially in the heart of winter, research confirms that an icy dip significantly boosts the activity of white blood cells -- thereby destroying invading bacteria, viruses and harmful pathogens. Cold showers help to support this defensive process as well. Those who are the most resilient to illness also have a tendency to use cold water to invigorate the system. A positive attitude Never underestimate the power of a sunny outlook. A study at the University of Kentucky found that participants who have an optimistic attitude demonstrated heightened cell-mediated immunity. When optimism dropped, so did immune response. As it turns out, the most hardy people also have a tendency to look at the bright side of life. If you need an infusion of positivity, a gratitude journal is a good place to start. Further tips on how to cultivate a grateful orientation can be found here. Really, there is no need to succumb to all the nasty bugs this season. Armed with these seven habits, you too can be exceedingly robust, resilient and the envy of all those who are sniffling and sneezing away. Learn more: naturalnews.com
Posted by mindpotion Network
at 00:01 MEST
Updated: Sunday, 30 June 2013 01:42 MEST
Thursday, 20 June 2013
Being neurotic can be GOOD for your health after all
Mood:
 energetic
Topic: Health
Neurotics are often told they will worry themselves into an early grave, but they may have the last laugh after all after scientists found the character trait could be good for your health. Researchers made the surprising discovery while conducting research into how personality traits may influence underlying biology and predict harmful conditions. Neuroticism is usually marked by being moody, nervous, and a worrier, and has been linked to hostility, depression, and excessive drinking and smoking. Researchers had therefore assumed that neurotics would display the highest levels of a biomarker for inflammation and chronic disease, but they were surprised to find they displayed the lowest levels. Study leader Dr Nicholas Turiano, from the University of Rochester Medical Center, said the result suggested there are a large number of people who are both neurotic and conscientious. He said: 'These people are likely to weigh the consequences of their actions, and therefore their level of neuroticism coupled with conscientiousness probably stops them from engaging in risky behaviors.' Read more: dailymail.co.uk
Posted by mindpotion Network
at 00:01 MEST
Updated: Thursday, 20 June 2013 01:38 MEST
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