Natural Health Ezine » General Wellness

Symptoms Of Low Vitamin D Levels

Terrie — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:16:31 +0000

There are a massive amount of nutrients that people need in order to stay healthy. One of the more important vitamins that we need is vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for cell growth. Vitamin D helps to maintain the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, and also helps with the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Adequate amounts of calcium is essential for strong and healthy bones, as well as protecting again osteoporosis, cancer, hypertension, and many autoimmune problems.

There are two forms of Vitamin D that are essential to people. Vitamin D2, otherwise known as ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol. Vitamin D2 comes from plants whereas vitamin D3 comes from the human skin. The foods that you see in the grocery stores that say they are fortified with vitamin D are fortified with both types of the vitamin.

Symptoms Of Low Vitamin D Levels

There are many symptoms that can indicate low levels of vitamin D. These symptoms range from mild to severe.

Rickets
Osteomalacia
Brittle bones or loss of bone strength
Greater risk of developing cancers including lung, breast, colon, and ovarian cancer
A lower functioning immune system
Increased chance of getting asthma, colds, and the flu.
Certain types of depression (seasonal affective disorder)
Cavities and periodontal disease
Muscle fatigue
Body aches
Osteoporosis
High blood pressure
Cardiomyopathy
Heart failure
Multiple sclerosis

In early childhood, one of the first signs that a young person is not getting enough vitamin D is the development of a condition called rickets. Rickets causes the bones to get weaker and often causes the legs to give out under the pressure of the person’s weight. Rickets can cause a child’s legs to bow outward. Not only can rickets cause bowed legs, the condition can also have the same impact on the arms, causing them to bow at an odd angle.

A condition similar to rickets is osteomalacia. This deficiency disease affects older people, making their bones softer and more prone to breaks. The person’s overall skeletal structure weakens drastically.

Who Is At Risk For Low Vitamin D Levels?

As with any condition, certain people are more prone to have a vitamin D deficiency. These people include:

People who are obese
Elderly people
Infants who are exclusively breast fed
People who get a limited amount of sun exposure
People who live farther from the equator
Individuals with a dark complexion
People who have inflammatory bowel disease

How Do You Get The Right Amount Of Vitamin D?

It’s recommended that you get anywhere from 200 to 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D every day, depending on your age. Many Americans don’t get enough sunlight because of the potential threat of sun damage and skin cancer. The less sunlight we get, the lower our vitamin D levels get. Luckily there are solutions to get more vitamin D in our diets.

Sunlight: Vitamin D is sometimes known as the sunshine vitamin. There’s a chemical in the skin that turns into an active form of vitamin D when sunlight hits it. There are lots of opinions on how much sunlight is needed to get an adequate amount of vitamin D through sunlight. Typically, the amount ranges from 5 to 30 minutes, two to three times a week The best time for sun exposure is from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Foods: There are several foods you can add to your diet to boost your vitamin D levels. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, or tuna are good options. Fortified milk, eggs, and cod liver are other great addition to your diet.

Supplements: You can get vitamin D in supplemental form. This is probably the easiest way to boost the amount you get. In fact, if you were to get all of your vitamin D from drinking milk, you’d have to ultimately drink about one liter of milk per day. That’s a lot of milk. If you’re sensitive to sunlight, or you sunburn easily, you may not want to risk the amount of time in the sun it would take to get the recommended amount That’s why it’s important to get vitamin D from several other sources. Doctors suggest to get a supplement with both vitamin D and calcium, as the vitamin D helps the body to absorb the calcium easier.

Photo by bernat…

10 Good Foods For Prostate Health

Guest Author — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:40:03 +0000

An overlooked area for prostate health is diet and nutrition. Men go about their lives not thinking about how important it is to eat food for good prostate health. Eating a proper diet goes a long way in preventing prostate disease. This article will cover the importance of diet and nutrition for managing prostate health for men of all ages.

Beneficial Prostate Foods

There are many different types of foods that benefit the prostate. Some foods that should be a regular part of your diet and their benefits are:

1. Broccoli

Evidence suggests broccoli has properties to block prostate cancer cells. The chemicals in broccoli are strong antioxidants and can even destroy free radicals that cause cancer. For the most health benefits, broccoli is best eaten raw or steamed with minimal cooking. Try to eat at least 3 servings a week.

2. Tomatoes

They are rich in lycopene, which is another strong antioxidant. Lycopene also has anti-cancer properties. Unlike broccoli, tomatoes are best cooked for better health benefits. 3-5 servings a week is a good diet plan.

3. Berries

Foods like strawberries & blueberries have strong antioxidant support and anti-inflammatory properties. They also have anti-cancer properties as well. A substance called “polyphenols” is the main beneficial ingredient in berries. Suggested serving should be 3-5 per week.

4. Nuts

Many different types of nuts including walnuts, pecans, macadamia, Brazil, and almonds are great prostate support foods. Nuts are rich in a compound called “selenium”. Selenium has been researched for slowing tumor growth and has
antioxidant powers. Consume at least 5-7 servings a week of various nuts.

5. Fish

This is rich in selenium, but also has zinc. Zinc is an important nutrient for prostate health. Zinc plays the role of strengthening the immune system and prevents unwanted cell growth. Salmon is a great fish source for prostate health. Try to eat fish at least twice per week.

6. Apples

This fruit is loaded with a compound called “quercetin”. Quercetin has very strong anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also an important bioflavonoid and antioxidant. Bioflavonoids are natural nutrients found in most fruits and vegetables. The apple peel supplies most of the benefits. The peel contains both quercetin & bioflavonoids. Apples should be eaten on a daily basis.

7. Watermelon

This is another food rich in lycopene. The red color of watermelon demonstrates the presence of lycopene. All red-colored fruits have some sort of lycopene presence. Watermelon or red-colored fruits should be eaten at 3-5 servings per week.

8. Soy-based foods

Foods like soybeans and raisins are rich in soy. Soy can protect and strengthen prostate tissue. Soy foods should be at 2 servings or more a week. But make sure it’s non-GMO and soy should always be eaten in it’s rawest form to get the full benefits.

9. Purified water

Water is very important to the body. Water is a natural cleanser. It will help keep the prostate flushed of unwanted toxins. Drink 6-10 cups of purified/bottled water daily.

10. Green tea

This beverage is rich in antioxidants. Green tea prevents the spread of cancer cells. Suggested intake of green tea is at least 4 cups daily.

Actually, all fruits and vegetables are good for the prostate. The above list is just a few foods that are beneficial to prostate health. Red (colored) fruits are particularly the best fruits to make a regular part of your diet.

Foods To Avoid Or Limit

While there is a long list of foods to have in your diet, there is also a list of foods to keep out of your diet. Below is a list of some of the foods to avoid/limit.

1. Dairy products

Avoid dairy products at all cost. Especially eggs and processed milk products. In numerous studies, dairy intake is linked to prostate cancer. Men who consume dairy products regularly have as much as a 40% higher risk of developing
prostate cancer.

2. Refined sugars

Avoid foods with added sugar. I say “added” here because a lot of foods have natural sugar like fruits & vegetables. Cancer cells thrive on sugar which can lead to cancer growth.

3. Red meats

Try to limit red meat intake. Red meat may have other health benefits, but for prostate health these foods are better left out of the diet. Red meats are loaded with fats and steroids. A diet high in fat intake is linked to prostate cancer. If you’re going to eat red meat then let it be very minimal.

4. Caffeine

Beverages like coffee and soft drinks are loaded with caffeine. This stimulant leads to damage of soft tissues like the prostate. Cut out or limit the consumption of caffeine.

5. Spicy foods

Foods such as chili and pepper can irritate the prostate. Don’t make spicy foods a regular part of your diet. However, certain spices can actually benefit the prostate like cayenne pepper and garlic.

The above list has just a few of the foods to avoid for maintaining prostate health. Of course, consult your doctor or nutrionist when devising a diet plan. There may be some foods that are harmful for the prostate, but necessary for other reasons. Also, try to purchase foods that are “organic” or “natural” for optimal health.

As you can see, eating a healthy diet plays a very important role in prostate health. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Avoid fatty foods and drink plenty of purified water. Eating healthy is doing you and your prostate a big favor. You may not be thinking about it now, but giving your prostate the needed nutrients can certainly keep it from having a possible
problem in the future.

Tony Bowen is a freelance writer. He is currently a resident writer for Online Nursing Schools, which researches areas of nursing education, online nursing programs, and healthcare. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, fishing, hunting, sports, and video games.

Photo by spisharam – AWAY

What Is Juvenon? Does It Work?

Terrie — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:52:01 +0000

Whether you’re for or against taking supplements, sometimes they are necessary. If you track your food intake and track certain nutrients, you can figure out what you’re lacking. Not getting enough calcium? Take a calcium supplement. Not getting enough iron in your diet? There are iron supplements available to help with that. But what about energy supplements? Or supplements that can improve memory function and provide a more restful sleep? There is a supplement that can provide these benefits as well as other advantages. It’s called Juvenon. But does does Juvenon work?

What Is Juvenon?

Juvenon is a supplement pill that contains alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC). These two nutrients have been proven to slow aging on a cellular level and also to boost levels of mitrochondria in the body. Higher levels of michochondria means cells in the body have more energy. In Juvenon, the ALC and ALA nutrients are specifically balanced to provide certain benefits.

What Does Juvenon Do?

According to the Juvenon website, it states that the supplement can boost your energy, improve your memory and concentration, and improve your skin tone. Juvenon also protects against harmful oxidants.

What Are The Benefits Of Juvenon?

Some of the benefits that this supplement can provide include the following:

An increase in energy
Improvement in memory
Sharper mind
More restful sleep
Improvements in blood pressure
Younger looking skin
Shinier hair

What Are the Juvenon Ingredients?

Each tablet contains the following ingredients:

*Biotin (100 micrograms) – Biotin is vitamin B7 and is found in the yolks of eggs.
*Calcium (77 milligrams)
*Acetyl-L-Carnitine (500 milligrams) – ALC is an anti-oxidant ingredient.
*Alpha Lipoic Acid (200 milligrams) – ALA is another anti ingredient.
*Dicalcium phosphate – A packaging agent.
*Microcrystalline cellulose – Another packaging agent.
*Stearic acid – Packaging agent made from saturated animal fat.
*Silicon dioxide – A mineral packaging agent.
*Magnesium stearate – What binds the pill together.
*Hypromellose – A thickening agent.
*Croscarmellose sodium – A pill additive.
*Polydexterose – An artificial sweetener.
*Titanium dioxide – A pill coloring agent.
*Maltodextrin – Another sweetener.
*Talc – A tablet processing lubricant.
*Medium chain triglycerides – Vegetable oils.
*Peppermint oil – A masking agent to make the pill taste better.

This long list of ingredients is mainly made up of filler ingredients, lubricants, and preservatives. However, the bottle claims that Juvenon does not contain any preservatives or artificial colors. On the positive side the pills do not contain common allergens, dairy, or soy. Note it says “common allergens”, so there may still be a possibility of an allergic reaction. It’s recommended that a user take two tablets each day.

What Are The Cons Of Juvenon?

According to Dr. Ray Saheilian, Juvenon may actually cause harmful side effects. He states, “I have not seen any human studies that taking Juvenon or high dosages of acetyl-L-carnitine or alpha lipoic acid prolongs lifespan.” He goes on to say, “In my experience, high dosages of alpha lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine can disrupt sleep and ALA may even cause heart rhythm disturbances.” Dr. Saheilian also says that excessive amounts of ALC and ALA can cause insomnia and over-stimulation. Insomnia can result in the lack of deep sleep. A lack of deep sleep can actually speed up the aging process.

There are some other things to be aware of when it comes to Juvenon. There’s a warning label on the bottle in reference to sustaining energy level, promoting brain cell function, and supporting metabolic efficiency. The warning label states the following: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease”.

Does Juvenon Work?

Juvenon may work for a short time period. But, it may not be the best thing to use over an extended period. If you suffer from low energy or problems with sleep patterns, you may want to seek medical advice rather than taking Juvenon. However, Juvenon may be an option if you don’t normally have these issues and you just need a boost of energy for the day.

Based on what we uncovered in the ingredient list of Juvenon, it’s sort of hard to tell what to believe. It claims no artificial colors are added, yet it lists titanium dioxide which is a coloring agent. It also says it has no preservatives, yet we see packaging agents listed, such as silicon dioxide and dicalcium phosphate. We get conflicting statements, such as Juvenon providing a more restful sleep. According to Dr. Saheilian high levels of ALC and ALA can cause insomnia.

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide whether to take a supplement or not. It holds true that what works for one person may not work for another. If an energy supplement such as Juvenon works for you, great! However, based on the conflicting information, it may make you want to think twice about taking it.

The Many Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

NHE — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:59:25 +0000

This is a guest article from Nick Lewis.

Apple cider vinegar is one of those innocuous products that may be sitting in your cupboard gathering dust, despite containing a myriad of health uses and benefits. Yes, it can be used as a salad dressing or in a pickle sauce but it has also been touted as a folk remedy for nearly everything you can think of for decades at least.

In keeping with the current vogue for organic produce, it is more likely sold as organic apple cider vinegar and one would be advised to stick to these, as many apple cider vinegar products contain other ingredients that may actually diminish the health benefits to be garnered from using pure apple cider vinegar.

Among the many health uses its supporters lay claim to, apple cider vinegar is said to help with muscle cramps, hair loss, colds, flus, sinus congestion, dermatitis and weight loss. Various less verifiable claims have been made on its behalf over the years, and apple cider vinegar has been sold as a genuine ‘cure-all’ by more unscrupulous sellers for serious conditions.

It would be a shame if organic apple cider vinegar was tarnished by these salesmen as recent scientific research has verified many of the more sensible claims for the benefits of taking apple cider vinegar, and has thrown up some interesting, and perhaps unexpected benefits.

Apple cider vinegar first rose to prominence as a weight loss aid in the 1970s, but a recent study showed that taking apple cider vinegar before a meal can increase satiety levels, meaning that participants felt more satisfied following a meal, which could combat tendencies to over-eat, lending credence to this claim.

Another recent study has shown that organic apple cider vinegar can lower post-meal glucose spikes which may contribute to weight loss, but is perhaps more interesting for diabetics who may also benefits from taking apple cider vinegar before bed to lower morning glucose levels.

Organic apple cider vinegar is also touted by proponents of the alkaline/acid balance theory as a way of alkalinising the blood, thus contributing to overall general health. Supporters of this theory claim that an acidic blood PH level can lead to all sorts of negative health effects ranging from anxiety to sluggishness. Coupled with evidence that apple cider vinegar can help lower blood pressure and strong anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties and its use as a daily tonic seems sensible.

One word of warning though: pure apple cider vinegar is very strong, so it is advisable to dilute it before imbibing as it can lead to throat damage otherwise. Typically the advice is to mix 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into a full glass of water for a simple tonic, although there are many different recipes for apple cider vinegar drinks out there. Hippocrates himself is said to have prescribed apple cider vinegar with honey for many illnesses.

Health Benefits Of Exercise For Children

NHE — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:21:48 +0000

Obesity in the United States is a big issue. The amount of obese people is much greater today than it was only 30 years ago. For children, it’s the same. Between the years 1976-1980 and 2007-2008 obesity in preschool aged children went from 5% to 10%. During that same time span, the rate for 6 to 11 year old children went from 6.5% to 19.6%. And the rate increased in children aged 12 to 19 from 5% to 18.1%. That’s quite a jump. Entertainment is a lot different now than it was back in the 1970s and 1980s. Computers, gaming systems, and cell phones are the popular entertainment options for children now. In earlier times, it was popular to ride bicycles with friends, run around in the school playground, and play games of tag. Children today are not reaping all of the health benefits they could get from exercise. And there are loads of health benefits of exercise for children.

Increased Strength

There are many ways that children can increase their strength ability. They don’t have to spend time in the gym. They can gain more strength by playing on a jungle gym at the park, climbing trees, performing headstands, or wrestling with friends. Increasing their strength through exercise (even playful exercise), will help speed up their metabolism, and tone their muscles.

Increased Endurance

The more aerobic activity a child gets, the more endurance they’ll gain. Fun ways to gain endurance as a child include swimming, basketball, bicycling, or running. Running in a game of tag is a great way to increase a child’s endurance. If the chaser gets close, the child being chased can give a burst of speed to get away. These “bursts” can become easier the more they’re performed. Having a large amount of endurance can result in an increased amount of energy. The more energy a child has, the more activities they’ll be able to do. If children have a high amount of endurance, they’ll actually seek out ways to actively use that stored energy.

Increased Flexibility

Having muscles that are flexible as a child is very important. By stretching every muscle in the body, children will have a better range of motion in their joints. If the muscles are not stretched, it may be difficult to do everyday activities, like tying one’s shoes. If they engage in active play, this will help the muscles stay limber, and become more flexible.

Overall Health

These are just a few ways a child can stay active. By staying active, children can decrease their level of stress. They will feel more confident about themselves. Exercising can lead to a better attention span, resulting in better performance at school. A healthy weight is maintained when a child exercises on a regular basis. Because children are exerting themselves during the day by exercising, they’ll be able to fall asleep faster, and have a better quality of sleep.

Many childhood diseases brought on by obesity can be avoided when children engage in everyday exercise. Plus, children who exercise regularly, will be less likely to develop health problems later in life. Children who are obese are at risk for high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. These diseases and conditions can be avoided when a child gets only one hour of physical activity each day. Parents should encourage their children to get outside and find an activity they enjoy. Invest in a bicycle for your child (and for you), and offer to go on a bike ride to the park. If you teach them about the health benefits of exercise for children, they’ll thank you for it.

Photo by radioflyer007

Why Are Beets Healthy?

NHE — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 09:35:57 +0000

Beets are one of those vegetables that have a bad reputation. They look odd, and when you mention them to some people, you get a grimace in return. They may look a little strange, but beets are packed with lots of benefits. Beets can be eaten raw, cooked, cold, or hot. You’ll gain the same benefits no matter how you consume them. What are the health benefits of eating beets?

Gives Energy

They’re a great source of energy due to their high carbohydrate count. Carbohydrates are often thought to be “bad”, but consuming appropriate amounts of carbohydrates keep your body running efficiently. Carbohydrates are essentially what fuels the body. Beets make an excellent food to eat before a workout. They provide the body with the fuel it will need to keep going. They would also be good to eat after a workout to replenish the energy that was used up. Incorporating beets into a meal before or after your workout will help to re-energize you.

Calcium & Iron

Beets contain many essential nutrients that promote good bodily health. These include calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and iron. Two of the nutrients that most people don’t get enough of are calcium and iron. There’s about 10% of the daily recommended amount of iron in one cup of boiled beets. You’ll also get about 3% of the daily recommended amount of calcium in one cup of boiled beets.

Helps During Pregnancy

Another essential vitamin found in beets is B vitamin folate. This vitamin is vital for normal tissue growth, A diet rich in folate is particularly important for pregnant women. Without enough folate during pregnancy, the spinal column of the infant doesn’t develop properly. Pregnant women should aim to get 400 micrograms of folate each day. One cup of boiled beets has 136 micrograms of folate.

Fights Cancer

Beets contain the pigment betacyanin that can help fight cancer. Studies have been done on beets and their relationship with cancer, and the results from these studies show that the vegetable can guard against colon cancer and stomach cancer. The red pigment of beets increases levels of anti-oxidant enzymes of the liver, and could promote detoxification within the liver, blood, and the intestines. Colonic CD 8 cells are able to find and remove abnormal cells. Beets can increase these colonic CD8 cells.

Protects Against Heart Disease

Studies have shown that beets can help protect the body from developing heart disease. Beets are able to help lower both the bad type of cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. This is due to the amounts of folate that are found in beets. They can also promote good health toward the gall bladder, and the colon.

Strong Bones

Healthy bones not only require calcium, they also require magnesium. Magnesium promotes bone production and helps the bones to maintain their stability and strength. Because of their high levels of magnesium, beets are great for anyone who has osteoporosis. Eating beets regularly could even prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Beets contain a metabolite of choline, called betanine, which can help reduce joint inflammation. Not only does this help people with osteoporosis, but it helps people suffering from arthritis as well.

Good For Your Brain

Certain cognitive disorders, such as senile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented by anti-oxidants. Vegetables that have dark skins, like the beet, have high levels of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants help to avert free radicals that can damage cells, including those cells located in the brain. Due to the anti-oxidants present, beets are a great food to help stave off the aging process, and help you to feel and look younger.

With all of the health benefits of eating beets, it’s a wonder why this vegetable gets strange looks from people. This strange looking vegetable can help with many health issues and can leave you feeling healthier longer.

Photo by Darwin Bell

An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

NHE — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:46:54 +0000

Apples are one of the most common and popular fruits in people’s diets today. This juicy piece of fruit can be made into many delicious snacks. Deserts such as candied apples, apple pie, or a cut up apple with cinnamon sprinkled on it. No matter how you eat them, apples are just plain delicious. Most everyone has heard the old adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Is this just an old proverb parents tell their children to get them to eat apples, or can it really prevent frequent doctor visits? There are quite a lot of health benefits of eating an apple a day.

Fiber and Pectin

One medium sized apple contains only 80 calories and provides five grams of fiber. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive tract. Consuming enough fiber allows food to travel more easily through the digestive system. Pectin, a type of soluble fiber, is present in the skin of the apple. Pectin helps prevent cancer by blocking the development of a certain type of protein that is found in all stages of cancer. Pectin has also been linked with being able to lower cholesterol levels. This link was discovered back in the 1960s when tests were conducted by European scientists. The study concluded that people with high levels of cholesterol benefited greatly by eating several apples during the allotted time. Apples not only lowers total cholesterol, but they raise the good cholesterol (HDL) and lower the bad cholesterol (LDL). The results suggest that people who eat two apples every day can lower their cholesterol by 16%.

Antioxidants

Apples have large amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids, which are types of antioxidants. Antioxidants helps to stave off the effects of premature aging. Various oxidants, or free radicals, can penetrate our bodies and cause aging signs to show up earlier than normal. These oxidants can be due to stress, sun exposure, pollution, smoking, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy foods. Cells that have already been damaged by free radicals can be repaired with antioxidants.

Healthy Bones

The flavanoids found in apples also provide bone protection. A certain type of flavanoid, called phloridzin, was discovered by French researchers, that is only present in the apple. Phloridzin may help to protect women who are in post menopause from developing osteoporosis. It may help to increase the density of the bones as well, along with another component called boron.

Helps with Asthma

There’s a link between eating apples and asthma too. A study was conducted where children who had asthma drank apple juice every day. As a result, the children had less wheezing than other children that drank apple juice just one time every month. In another study, women who ate a lot of apples during the time they were pregnant, gave birth to children with a lower risks of getting asthma.

Prevents Cancer

Eating apples regularly could help to prevent cancers such as lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer. Various studies have shown a lower percentage of these cancers in people who ate apples regularly and those that didn’t. The study on lung cancer for example, showed those people who ate a lot of apples split their chances of getting lung cancer in half. This is believed to be due to an abundant amounts of naringin and quercetin flavanoids, found in apples. This study was comprised of 10,000 people.

I would say that the old proverb “An apple a day can keep the doctor away” is true. With all of the health benefits of eating an apple a day, it’s no wonder that this saying has been passed down from generation to generation. Apples are very easy to come by, and are cheap. It should be no problem at all to stock up on these juicy fruits and start taking advantage of the benefits they provide.

Food Storage And BPA – Which Containers Are Best?

Terrie — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:22:12 +0000

I bet you don’t think twice about the type of food storage you use. It’s not usually something that causes a lot of people to think twice about. However, more and more stories are coming about on the news regarding plastic water bottles leaching substances into the drinking water. We all know that water bottles from the store are made from plastic. And what are most food storage containers made from? That’s right….plastic. The substance in question is a chemical called bisphenol A, or BPA for short. Here, we’ll take a look at what BPA is and figure out which containers are best for storing food.

What Exactly Is BPA?

BPA is a chemical substance produced in massive quantities that is used in the manufacturing of epoxy and polycarbonate plastics. Epoxy resins are made into lacquers that coat metal objects. Products with epoxy resins include bottle tops, food cans, and water supply pipes. Products that include polycarbonate plastics are water bottles, baby bottles, and some food and drink packages. These coatings of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics are used to prevent corrosion and bacterial contamination.

How BPA Can Get Into The Body?

People get the majority of their BPA intake through drinks and food. BPA can seep into the foods we eat from the “protective” epoxy resin coatings that cover food cans, and on certain types of tableware. Babies and infants consume BPA through their bottles that are coated with epoxy resins. When the coatings are made, some bits and pieces of the molecule don’t form correctly, and they can leach into food and drinks. This leaching action can be sped up by microwaving food storage containers. The molecules can also break down with age and leach into food that way. It’s best to replace these types of food storage containers often and avoid microwaving them. It’s best to avoid putting them in the dish washer because this can speed up the break down rate of these molecules.

What Can BPA Do To You?

Although BPA testing hasn’t been done on humans, several studies have been done on animals. BPA can show up in the blood and in the urine. The results of these tests have shown that very low amounts of BPA can increase the risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer, and Type II Diabetes

We only get very small doses of BPA every day, but as time goes by, those small doses can add up. The results of the animal testings should be a warning sign. If these diseases are popping up in animals through BPA exposure, then they could probably pop up in humans as well.

How To Tell If Containers Have BPA?

Give the container a squeeze. If the plastic is pliable, it probably doesn’t have BPA in it. If it’s hard, it most likely contains BPA. Look at the bottom of the container and check the number located there. If the number is 7, it means it has BPA.

Which Containers Are Best

So, what storage containers are best to use? Look for labels on the packages that say “BPA Free”. Any containers that are labeled as “BPA Free” will be safe. You can also opt to use glass bowls with BPA Free lids. More environmentally friendly products are coming out for the specific use of food storage, such as storage bags. These bags come in all shapes and sizes and are made organically.

Food storage and BPA concerns are real, and it’s best to take care when picking out containers to store leftover food. There are healthier alternatives out there, and it may be in your best interest to look around and find them.

Health Benefits Of Running

NHE — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:19:37 +0000

One of the most effective ways to work out is to take up running. There is no exercise equipment needed other than a good pair of running shoes. This form of exercise does not require a specific time of day to be accomplished. It can be done whenever a person chooses to do it. The benefits of running are many, including benefits for both the body and for the mind.

Running to lose weight

Perhaps one of the best health benefits of running is it is an excellent way to lose weight. Running burns more calories than other forms of cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise is the only way to burn off excess body fat. It has been proven that running can help slow down the aging process. In people who run regularly, there is less muscle and bone loss than in people who do not run. The human growth hormone that keeps people young is activated when a person starts to run.

It is recommended for people who suffer from osteoporosis, hypertension, and diabetes to run a few miles every day. This will help combat these diseases, as it releases endorphins that can help people relax. People who are at risk of heart attacks are advised to run, because it will strengthen the heart, lower the blood pressure, and it will maintain the elasticity of arteries. Running regularly also helps to raise good (HDL) cholesterol, promotes the use of 50% of the long capacity that normally goes unused, and also reduces the chance of blood clots from forming. Regularly taking part in running can have a positive impact on the immune system. It causes a higher count of lymphocytes in the blood.

Psychological Benefits of Running

Along with the many physical health benefits of running, there are also many positive psychological benefits. Through the act of running, it can relieve psychological stress that builds up on a person’s mind. Through the release of endorphins, a feeling of happiness and satisfaction is felt. There is a sense of accomplishment every time a running goal is met. For every mile achieved it can boost a person’s confidence. Seeing results such as weight loss through the act of running is also a confidence booster. A person can gain more and more confidence when they realize their efforts through running is having a positive impact in their physical appearance.

Running helps depression

People who suffer from depression are often urged to take up running, as this has been proven to be a successful form of treatment. Running has also been used as a treatment for helping people who have addictions of any type. The feeling a person experiences after a run is described as an intense exhilaration, and can often replace a person’s addiction to a substance. This type of euphoria is the cause of the release of beta endorphin hormones.

People who are diagnosed with depression (natural cures for depression) often feel less fatigued, less depressed, and less tense after they have gone for a run. It is also been said that running can promote concentration, and leave people feeling more focused. People who run often feel more determined and have a better chance of finishing what they start.

The health benefits of running are many, and can be of help to just about anyone. This is a great form of exercise due to the fact that it can help both the body and mind.

Photo by ex_magician

10 Steps to Better Sleep

Guest Author — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:17:49 +0000

This article was written by Matt Sawyer. Matt is a Sports Science graduate (BA, MSc) and runs a health store and has recently opened Pharmas.

Tired of waking up feeling like you haven’t even been to sleep? Groggy, headachy, and like your get-up-and-go got-up-and-went? Good sleep is part of living an overall healthy lifestyle. Here are ten easy steps to follow, ten no-nonsense steps to better sleep.

Shake your booty. During the day, make sure you get at least a mild amount of exercise. The optimum amount is 30 minutes a day, and can include walking, jogging, dancing with your two-year old, or raking leaves. The more you move during the day, the more your body is ready to settle in to rest at night.
Stay on top of that food pyramid. Good nutrition, including lots of fruits and vegetables, and little fat and sugar, keeps your body healthy. Eating a huge fat-laden dinner is a recipe for disaster come bedtime.
Have a night snack. A light snack at least an hour before bedtime with a little protein and a little bit of carbohydrate, such as a slice of turkey on one piece of whole wheat bread, is a good choice. A whole bag of tortilla chips with salsa is not a good thing to have in your belly when you try to sleep.
Ditch the caffeine. If you like coffee, tea, or cola with your TV at night, make sure it’s the decaf version. It’s easy today to find your favorite tea and soda in a decaf variety, so make the switch. If you’re really susceptible to caffeine, don’t drink it after lunch time.
Turn off the idiot box. Speaking of the TV, turn it off at least half an hour before you try to sleep. Many people think they need the television to get to sleep, but the physical attributes of TV—sound, color and movement—are stimulating, and don’t allow your body to calm itself.
Quiet time. A bedtime routine such as your snack, a warm drink, and some quiet time for prayer or meditation helps your body prepare for sleep.
Bedtime routine. Remember when you, or your kids, were little, how a warm bath, and a bedtime story was a familiar routine that helped you sleep? The same is true for grown-ups. If you’re one of those people who get rejuvenated by a shower though, relegate it to the morning.
Get comfy. Your room should be a retreat. Indulge yourself in soft comfortable sheets, and if possible, purchase a good quality mattress. If you can’t afford that, try a nice mattress topper.
Cool it. Turn your thermostat down about an hour before you go to bed. Humans sleep better in a cool environment. Use a down quilt or electric blanket if you get cold easily, but keep the room air cool.
No-play zone. Reserve your bed for sleep only. Don’t read, don’t watch TV, and don’t flop on the bed and talk to your BFF. Train your body that bed is for sleeping only. (Well, a little marital recreation is allowed.)

What are your tips to getting better sleep?

Photo by craigmdennis