Alternative Therapies and Health News

Yes, a pair of sunglasses can reduce your cravings for food and thereby curb your appetite say researchers from Japan. The Japanese company, Yemutai has designed special sunglasses that can actually help you lose weight by controlling your hunger pangs.

Like the inception of alternative therapies to promote weight loss like – weight loss pills, diets, etc, weight loss sunglasses have added to the need and efforts to control the obesity epidemic worldwide. The sunglass therapy is an innovative alternative that people can adopt very easily as it caters to lifestyle and fashion genres.

Researchers are of the opinion that weight loss sunglasses come without risks or side-effects unlike diet pills. This undoubtedly is the biggest advantage of the Japanese discovery.

How do Sunglasses Help in Losing Weight?
The sunglasses are made of blue glass which the researchers claim make the people see everything as blue. The idea of attaching “blue” color to the sunglasses began with the assertion made by the researchers that the color blue calms the appetite center in the brain. This in turn reduces your want for eating more and increases your want to eat less.

As of now, researchers claim that these sunglasses are available in the Japanese market and stores but are sure to become popular worldwide.

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Researchers from the University of Nottingham and the Washington School of Medicine are of the opinion that older women aren’t able to utilize proteins well to maintain muscles. About 29 men and women aged between 65-80 years were examined. In addition, women above 65 years were made to go on a strict diet that included proteins (meat and eggs) and engage in resistance exercises.

Results of the study showed that their male counterparts were able to store more proteins in their muscles and women did not build muscles. The researchers maintained that the inability of women to store proteins in the form of muscles could have come about due to hormonal changes with the onset of menopause.

Researchers opine that “oestrogens”, a group of steroid compounds which play a major role as the female sex hormone, declines with age. Oestrogens, also known as estrogens, are responsible for maintaining the density and thickness of the bones. Researchers believe that oestrogens can also help in preserving muscles which is disabled in the case of women because of the decline in oestrogens.

Young boys and girls did not show any difference in the muscle build-up. The research thereby revealed that metabolic changes occurred with the onset of menopause. However, the researchers also suggest that women begin gaining more fat earlier than men, that is, in their middle-ages.

Studies also reveal that people lose about 0.4% of their muscle mass every year after attaining the age of 50 and beyond. This leaves older people and especially older women more at a risk of developing fatal illnesses. Degenerating bones and muscles also contribute to reduced strength and make older people more immobile.

Older women find it harder to keep in shape because they suffer from more severe degenerating factors that occur during menopause like – declining oestrogens that cause bone decay and ineffective utilization of proteins to build muscles. Michael Rennie, a professor from the University of Nottingham says that older women should therefore focus on eating more proteins.

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Yes, you got it right – gobble down a few dark chocolates truffles to lose weight in a delightful way. The only challenge lying ahead of you is to make efforts to purchase them from the right grocery store as these kind of healthy chocolates are usually not sold in general grocery stores.

Dr. Keith Scott-Mumby, an internationally acclaimed expert in the field of diet and nutrition outlined the benefits of a complete chocolate diet. The expert claims that these dark chocolates are prepared from the beans of a cocao tree called the Theobroma Cacao.

How does a dark chocolate help in losing weight?
Dr. Scott is of the opinion that plant flavanoids (cocao tree) are known for their antioxidant properties. Therefore a dark chocolate bar can contain about 6 apples, 4 and a half cup of tea or 2 cups of red wine. As you can observe, dark chocolates can serve as an effective source of nutrients that will eventually help in weight reduction.

“The Doctor’s Chocolate”
Dr, Scott introduced “the doctors chocolate” into the market which was prepared without the harmful ingredients usually contained in normal chocolates. The main benefit of these dark chocolates Scott points out is – weight loss.

What quantities of “the doctor’s chocolate” help in weight loss?
The innovator also reveals that just 1-3 pieces of “the doctor’s chocolate” can suppress your hunger and reduce your cravings for junk food or fast food.

Benefits of eating “the Doctor’s Chocolate”

Some benefits of eating “the doctor’s chocolate” are listed here below:

• Keeps you away from unhealthy junk food
• Reduces hunger
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Gives you a satisfied feeling
• Contains a mere 20 calories in a piece
• Prepared from less sugar and milk and is therefore safe for diabetics
• Fat-free
• Prepared from natural ingredients and lacks additives, preservatives or coloring

These special chocolate truffles which have earned the name of “the doctor’s chocolate” are prepared from a sugar alcohol called “Xylotol”, which has been recognized by the FDA to be a safe non-sugar sweetener. Reports suggest that you could lose about 50 pounds by gobbling a few pieces of the dark doctor’s chocolates.

There is enough information online as to how and where you could find the doctor’s chocolate. So feast online and offline on the doctor’s chocolate when you feel the urge to do so without having to put on any more calories.

Caution: Read the labels well before purchasing a chocolate that reads sucralose or aspartame (chemical or synthetic sweeteners) that can disrupt your weight loss initiatives.

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Swedish researchers are of the opinion that rheumatoid arthritis sufferers can comfort their aching joints by eating a vegan diet. The researchers went onto explain that rheumatoid arthritis sufferers did not only have fewer swollen joints but the levels of antibodies also increased in their bodies. This in turn contributed in fighting the inflammation and discomfort at several joints.

Experts claim that a vegan diet also helps in fighting the risks of heart attacks and strokes by controlling the body mass index and the harmful LDL cholesterol levels. About 66 rheumatoid arthritis patients were examined under the Swedish study. 38 of them were put on a vegan diet and 28 on a non-vegan diet.

What did the vegan diet include?
The course meal for patients on the vegan diet included – fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Other foods that formed a part of their diet intake included corn, millet, sunflower seeds and rice.

What did the non-vegan diet include?
The non-vegan diet for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers included a diet rich in fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Whole grains were also included in their diets.

Researchers observed the patients for one year till which the anti-rheumatic therapy and medications continued.

Major Tools of the Study

Researchers used 3 major tools to determine whether a vegan diet could ease and comfort swollen and aching joints. The assertions of the study were based on the following criteria’s:

• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• LDL cholesterol levels
• Anti- phosphorylcholine antibodies

Results of the Study

The study revealed the following results:

• The vegan group of patients reported a reduced BMI from an average of 24.1 to 22.7 and hence weighed lower after the vegan diet
• The LDL cholesterol levels also reduced for the vegan group thereby reducing the risks of heart diseases
• The vegan group showed an increase in antibodies which helped in fighting the swollen and painful joints
• The vegan group also reported a decrease in the number of swollen joints from an average of 5.3 to 4.3

Dr. Peter Fisher, a rheumatologist from the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, expressed just one concern for the arthritis patients – malnutrition or under nutrition from a vegan diet.

This, he emphasized, would happen on account of the body being devoid of essential nutrients like – iron, Vitamin B12, calcium and omega 3 fatty acids which are an absolute must for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition, experts say that it requires a great deal of will power to shift to a vegan diet forever. Hence, the researchers are considering a follow-up on the study to leave no room for worry.

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Myths and doubts always circle around the birth of a child and the kind of diet a pregnant mother should follow. Ranging from relatives to friends, everyone can leave a pregnant mother panicking over what she eats and what she ought to be eating. Pregnant mothers should make themselves more aware today to get rid of the myths linked with pregnancy diet and nutrition.

Top 10 Pregnancy Diet Myths

Listed below are some myths commonly associated with pregnancy diet:

• Stay away from spicy foods and different varieties of food
• Avoid peanut butter as it could lead to allergic reactions
• Eat more because now the pregnant mother is eating for two
• Eat a low-carbohydrate diet and a high protein diet
• Salt makes you swell and is the prime reason for high blood pressure
• Intake of vitamins is more important than a moderate and healthy diet
• A low-fat diet can help you lose weight easily later
• Breastfeeding mothers should follow a special diet to produce more and enough milk for their babies
• If you eat less to control your weight, the baby absorbs the fat to make you look less bulkier
• Excess weight during pregnancy is an indicator of your health and calorie intake

So whether it is fats, multivitamin supplements, proteins or peanut butter, all foods should be eaten in moderate quantities. Don’t overeat with the notion of making your baby healthy and don’t eat too less with the idea of losing weight easily and more quickly.

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Harvard University researchers claim that mothers who ate fish during pregnancy contributed much to the intellectual development of babies. Tests to determine intellectual capacities were carried out on about 300 children at the age of 3 years. Kids born from mothers who ate a fish-filled diet during the second trimester of pregnancy were reported to beat the rest of the kids in the intelligent tests.

Eat Fish to Deliver Intelligent Babies
The study also revealed that, a fish diet (rich in omega-3 fatty acids), eaten more than twice every week, can increase the language and motor skills of kids. Harvard University researchers thereby emphasize that a pregnant mothers nutritional diet should certainly include fish.

Tuna Fish Speeds Intellectual Development in Babies
Professor Emily Oken, who led the study, also reported that mothers who ate more than 2 weekly serves of tuna fish gave birth to children who performed far better in the developmental tests.

Type of Fish Can Influence the Intellectual Capacities of Babies
The researchers clarified further on their discovery by stating that the type of fish could also influence the intellectual development in babies. For instance, high levels of mercury which is found in some kinds of fish led to poor performance by some kids.

A second and more thorough research on the same study made the Harvard researchers claim that only those fish which were rich in omega-3 fatty acids like – tuna or sardines contributed to the healthy development of intellectual properties in children. The efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for neurological development has already been recognized by earlier studies.

This current revelation goes a long way in refuting earlier claims that suggested that a fish diet contained toxic chemicals. Harvard University researchers have turned the tables on them to prove that a fish (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) diet can form an important part of a pregnant mother’s diet to deliver intelligent babies.

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Researchers have been prompt again to arrive at a cure for children’ sleep disorders. The study which is published in the Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery explains that adenotonsillectomy (removal of tonsils and adenoids) rid children off their breathing problems during sleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Experts claim that about 11% children can develop sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea that is related to obstructed airflow which leads to interrupted breathing pauses while a child is asleep.

Adenotonsillectomy Clears the Symptoms of Sleep Disorders
In addition, many researchers have highlighted the outcomes of sleep disorders which are related to symptoms like bedwetting, headaches, daytime sleeping, learning and attention disabilities, hyperactivity and impulsive nature of children. Researchers claim that a surgery to remove the adenoids and tonsils can contribute much in giving the children an uninterrupted sleep.

The University of Kansas School of Medicine Study
A team of researchers from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City observed about 117 children. Parents were required to fill-up a questionnaire regarding the child’s behavior and sleeping patterns.

Results of the Study
A follow-up on about 71 children revealed that behavioral problems and problems related to sleep disorders like breathing difficulties, etc were reduced after the surgery. Children also seem to have reported better behavior, less impulsivity and better learning and attention abilities at school or otherwise.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Health System also assert that children sleep and behave better after a tonsillectomy operation.

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Much to your belief, sleep disorders in children can make them hyperactive in future. Snoring which is one of the most common symptom of a disturbed sleep is also predicted to lead to hyperactivity in children later.

Researchers from the American Sleep Apnea Association reveal that about 1-3% of children aged between 2 years to 5 suffer from sleep apnea. The researchers assert the need to pay attention to such unfavorable sleeping patterns in children as could lead to severe cardiovascular problems which are related to hyperactivity like – behavior problems and learning or attention problems in the future.

Obstructive sleep apnea or disordered breathing is the most common sleep disorder in children. Some other clues or symptoms of sleep apnea are listed below:

• Regular pauses in breathing
• Snoring
• Mouth breathing rather than nose breathing
• Kicking of the legs while sleeping
• Perspiring heavily in sleep
• Early morning headaches
• Irritability
• Difficulty getting up in the morning

Pediatric specialists like Dr Homsi from the Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center claims that sleep disorders make children hyperactive, deter their learning capabilities and also make them very unproductive in school.

Ronald Chervin, director of the University of Michigan Health System Sleep Disorders Laboratory also asserts that snoring and other symptoms of sleep disorders results in hyperactivity and less attention in children. Additional resources claim that impulsive behavior also becomes more predominant in children who suffer disturbed sleeping patterns.

Sleep disorders like sleep apnea can therefore lead to – hyperactivity, attention/learning disabilities and impulsive behavior in children if not taken care of as early as a child suffers from such unhealthy sleeping patterns and sleepiness during the day.

For instance, a study published in the journal “Sleep” explains that sleep apnea, daytime sleepiness and snoring can be related to hyperactivity and attention problems in kids within a period of 4 years (source).

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Evidence received from millions of doctors and parents reveal that allergies can disturb the sleeping patterns of a child. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America claims that allergies are a chronic problem of the young.

About 29% of the responses received from a survey reveal that children suffering from allergies stay awake all night. In addition, about 40% of the parents conveyed that nasal allergies like allergic rhinitis affected the performance of kids in school.

Allergic rhinitis and nocturnal wheeze are two major conditions that lead to lack of sleep in children and adults alike.

What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is also referred to as “hay fever”. This condition is marked by swollen nasal passages which is caused by allergens like dust mites and pollen grains, etc.

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Some typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:

• Nasal congestion
• Post-nasal drip

What is Nocturnal Wheeze?
Some allergens have the capacity to induce wheezing in the lungs. This is majorly caused by the narrowing down of the bronchiole tubes which carry air to the lungs. Shrinking passages cause heavy wheezing and can also increase the intensity of asthma attacks in children and adults.

How do Allergic Conditions Disturb Sleep?

Allergic rhinitis and nocturnal wheeze can disturb your child’s sleep on account of the following reasons:

• Blocked nasal passages make breathing difficult
• Breathing from the mouth make the lips and throat dry
• Inflammation followed by pain can disturb your child’s sleep
• Snoring can also lead to sudden breaks in your child’s sleep
• Nasal congestion can make your child stop breathing in repeated intervals

Ways to Overcome Sleeping Disturbances

Some preventive measures to reduce sleep disturbances caused due to allergies are listed below:

• Make your home dust-free – pillows, sheets, mattresses, etc
• Change the water of humidifiers
• Vacuum clean your furniture and carpets
• Eliminate foods your child maybe allergic to
• Use anti-decongestants to clear the nasal passages of your child
• Antihistamines can be used to control the symptoms of an allergy as well

Consult a physician or doctor for dealing with the symptoms of an allergy. As parents, you can do your best by providing a clean and safe environment for your child to sleep in so that allergies do not keep depriving them of their sleep.

Source: Allergies Keeping You Awake?

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Yes, a study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that watermelon and green tea can prevent prostate cancer. All you would need to do is alter your diet to include watermelons and green tea to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer in when cancer develops in a gland called the prostate which is located in the male reproductive system. Some typical symptoms of prostate cancer are erectile dysfunction and difficulties in urination. Prostate cancer is considered to spread quickly to all parts of the body and can even affect the bones and lymph nodes.

Green Tea to Prevent Prostrate Cancer
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer reveals that the polyphenols contained in green tea check the growth and spread of tumor cells. At the same time, polyphenols also retard the blood vessels that promote prostate cancer.

Benefits of Green Tea Polyphenols for Prostate Cancer

Some benefits of green tea are listed below:

• Reduce insulin-like growth factors that are associated with prostate cancer
• Polyphenols destroy cancerous cells
• Reduce the effects of compounds that promote the growth of cancerous cells
• Reduces the growth of vascular endothelial growth factor which aids the development of cells that carry nutrients to the tumors

All research focus around a flavonoid called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which researchers believe checks the spread and growth of tumors. Japanese researchers assert that risks of prostate cancer can be reduced by 3 to 8 years if people drink 10 cups of green tea daily.

Watermelon to Prevent Prostrate Cancer

Researchers also emphasize that lycopene-laden fruits like watermelon, papaya and tomatoes help prevent prostate cancer. Experts explain that lycopene fall under the category of compounds called the carotenoids that are said to contain antioxidant properties that can clear the body off all impurities.

Studies also revealed that cooked tomato increases the absorption of lycopene which makes tomato an effective source for lycopene. Dr. Edward Giovannucci from the Harvard Medical School examined about 47, 000 males. With a marginal daily intake of tomatoes, the men recorded a 45% drop for those who ate at least 10 serves of tomato-based foods.

Experts opine that a daily 5-time serving of fruits that includes watermelons and tomatoes can reduce the risks of prostate cancer significantly. Reports suggest that about 230,000 people were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005 and about 30,000 witnessed deaths from the same disease.

Experts have made relentless efforts to reduce the risks of prostate cancer, a painful and life-threatening disease. Watermelons and green tea fall under those persistent efforts to provide the best remedies to prevent prostate cancer.

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Researchers are trying to document the early development of children in relation to diseases. For instance, Australian researchers are of the opinion that girls are growing faster than their age which is quiet distinct from the way they way they carry themselves, wear their appearance and suffer health consequences before time.

Fashion Luring Early Growth of Children
Researchers are still wondering whether girls or children growing up faster are a result of the changing trends and how the young and the old are learning to adorn themselves in an extensive way.

The United States and Australian researchers maintain that early signs of puberty are becoming more prevalent among girls than boys. In Australia it seems to be an unstoppable phenomenon.

Obesity and Early Puberty
Julie Quinlivan, a professor from the Notre Dame University, Sydney claims that girls are witnessing an early development especially when they become obese. For example, reports suggest that girls obese at the age of 3 in the United Sates are more likely to attain puberty before their tenth birthday.

Researchers are asserting time and gain that obesity is one risk factor arising for early puberty. Countries like the United Sates are said to suffer the impacts of early puberty and obesity as reports suggest that half of the girls in the United States develop enlarged breasts by the age of 10 and about 14% of them at the age of 8-9 years old.

Dangers Associated with Early Development

Some of the dangers related to early puberty are listed below:

• Researchers opine that girls entering puberty before their age are more at a risk of developing breast cancer
• Researchers are also of the opinion that children developing faster than their age are also inclined to more shorter in height
• Children entering early puberty have also been associated with advanced sexual dynamics when young

Improved Nutrition and Disease Control
Experts emphasize that improving nutrition and combating illnesses have influenced the drop in the puberty age from 17 or 18 in the West to an average of 12.8 years today. Theories from evolutionary biology suggest that a healthy body signals early development.

Australia, researchers assert has already managed to stabilize the onset of puberty but countries like China, the age for puberty is till falling owing to the improved health and nutrition levels.

Dr Sandra Steingraber, a United States biologist claims that this drop in the puberty age is taking such a rampant pace that girls are experiencing breast development much before the final stage of puberty which is menstruation or monthly periods.

Early Puberty Influenced by Heavy Birth Weights
An Australian study which was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that the birth weight also influences the onset of puberty in children. For example, the smaller a baby and the faster she or he gains weight in early childhood, the more chances of early puberty.

Other Factors for Early Puberty

Some other related factors that lead to early puberty are listed below:

• Body fat that triggers hormonal changes which can affect puberty and menstruation
• Parental conflicts
• Father absenteeism
• Persistent sexuality in society
• Tea tree oil and lavender is reported to boost early puberty in boys

Researchers have also seen that girls living with their step-fathers attain puberty faster than those living with their biological parents. As things become more apparent and clear we can see that puberty is highly tricky. The environment and early experiences are however very much responsible for the early blooming of a girl.

Consult a doctor if a boy attains puberty before the age of 9 years and a girl who attains puberty before the age of 8 years.

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Some experts are here to state that white bread and a sugar-filled breakfast like cereals, etc can cause cancer. The Sydney scientists have made a dangerous discovery that those diet foods which have a high GI (Glycemic Index) and that which are burnt more easily by the body can be cancerous.

How does GI measure the risk of cancer?

Experts are of the opinion that the glycemic index measures how different types of food affect the sugar levels in the body, as compared to a healthier and lower GI diet food that is lost more slowly by the body.

Nutrition experts from the University of Sydney analyzed about 37 diet studies which were based on 2 million people across the globe. The experts tried to establish the effects of high GI diets on people.

Results of the study

This study arrived on some dangerous consequences of high GI diet foods on health. For instance, the following outcomes of eating high GI diet foods were revealed:

• High GI diet foods can increase the risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease
• High GI diet foods were also said to cause gall bladder stones and some types of cancers
• High GI diet foods cause spikes in the blood glucose which in turn increases the insulin levels and boosts the grow of an additional substance named by them as “insulin-like growth factor one”.
• Both the increasing insulin levels and the substance were established as significant risks for developing cancer

Caryl Nowson, a professor from the Deakin University, Melbourne further emphasized that high GI diets actually contained high fat and sugar levels. On the other hand, such foods were lacking in fiber. She asserts that these factors could contribute to the development of cancer in people.

The professor went a step ahead to explain that a well-balanced diet can alone prevent the intake of high GI foods. For example, foods rich in fiber and scarce in fats and sugar can help ward off heart diseases, diabetes, gall bladder stones or cancer for that matter.

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Yes, providing further clarity to your doubts, alcohol whether taken in small amounts or large can lead to high blood pressure levels. For ages, studies have been refuting the other with one claiming that binge drinking can lead to high blood pressure levels, while the other claims that moderate drinking has cardiovascular benefits. As the arguments continue, it is important for you to know that too much of anything is harmful.

Alcohol Boosts Systolic Pressure

A new study which was published in the PLoS (Public Library of Science) Medicine reveals that people who drank more often or regularly, had a higher systolic pressure of 7 mmHg. Experts explain that normal blood pressure levels are below 120/80 mmHg and the successive increase in systolic and diastolic pressure is observed in the latter dangerous stages – pre-hypertension, stage 1 hypertension and then the stage 2 hypertension.

The study was led by Sarah Lewis and was mainly carried out in Japan because the ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) gene variant was observed to be more common there. The study was used a sampled evidence for suggesting that men in common witnessed high blood pressure levels with high or moderate alcohol intake. Women did not form a part of this study as it was seen that they drank way to less to their male counterparts.

The study scrutinized about already five published studies and tried to associate blood pressure with a gene variant enzyme ALDH2. Researchers explained that this gene variant enzyme functioned in a way to remove alcohol from the body.

Results from the study revealed that those men who drank regularly or often were more likely to high blood pressure than men who drank less. This study therefore refutes yet again the stand maintained by some studies that moderate drinking leads to cardiovascular benefits. In addition, moderate drinking has also not reached any confirmed definition.

Moderate and Heavy Drinking Linked with Hypertension

British researchers also assert that genetic mutation has a lot to do with alcohol consumption and thereby affect blood pressure levels too. Instead, the researchers went one step ahead by emphasizing that people who drank regularly and heavily were more likely to be in any of the stages of hypertension.

The researchers established that people with a genetic mutation drank smaller amounts and hence reported lower blood pressure levels. At the same time, people without a genetic mutation, who drank at least 3 drinks a day, reported soaring blood pressure levels.

Source: Alcohol intake increases risk of high blood pressure; and more

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Researchers from the John Hopkins Epilepsy Center and others claim that a ketogenic diet can help control epilepsy seizures in children. This treatment for controlling epileptic convulsions was discovered in the early 1920’s and since then has been reported to be very effective.

What is a ketogenic diet?

Experts explain that a ketogenic diet is a carbohydrate-free diet that contains a calculated proportion of high fats and proteins. In other words, the ketogenic diet is one which forces the body to use more fat than carbohydrate to produce energy.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is an uncontrolled condition of repeated convulsions that occurs without any specified irritants. Studies suggest that about 50 million people suffer from epilepsy worldwide. Epilepsy is such a condition which cannot be cured but controlled with the help of drugs. Surgery is sometimes recommended for complicated cases.

How does a ketogenic diet help in controlling epilepsy convulsions?

Though it is not yet ascertained as to how and why the ketogenic diet helps in controlling epilepsy seizures, the diet has proven to be effective. The ketogenic diet was side-tracked for a while due to the birth of new drugs. However, in 1990’s, the ketogenic diet sprung back as an effective remedy for controlling convulsions.

Children suffering from refractory epilepsy respond well to the ketogenic diet treatment. The ketogenic diet mainly constitutes fatty food like – peanut butter, creams, etc. It is a very unique diet that limits the intake of fluids, vegetables, bread, fruits and pasta.

The ketogenic diet needs to be taken under the careful supervision of a physician or dietician. Every meal should be carefully served to an epileptic child. Even the slightest of diversions in the quantities can reduce the effects of a ketogenic diet for controlling convulsions.

How is the ketogenic diet brought to effect?

Children requiring the ketogenic diet have to go on a day and night fast before starting the diet. The ketogenic diet is slowly introduced so that the body is able to withstand the sudden change. Children generally feel weak during the initial days and hence need to be hospitalized and need regular assistance and monitoring.

Side-effects of the Ketogenic Diet Treatment

Though the treatment is considered to be very effective, there are a couple of side-effects associated with the ketogenic diet for epilepsy:

• Behavioral changes
• Children’s growth rates are checked
• Kidney stones
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Constipation

Since a child or person is under the careful assistance and observation of a doctor, the side effects can be also be dealt with effectively. Experts maintain that the treatment may vary from person to person. In addition, since the ketogenic diet is weakening for an individual, both adult and child, vitamins and mineral supplements should also be taken.

Source

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Low carbohydrate, more commonly known as the low-carb diet is generally recommended for reducing body weight. Instead, a diet rich in fats and proteins is often suggested. Researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin however claim that low-carb diets may not be that healthy for the heart as low-fat diets are.

A test called the “brachial flow-mediated dilation” was conducted to establish the effects of diet on the health and condition of arteries. An ultrasound was carried out to show how an artery in the arm dilates to allow blood flow which is pumped by a blood pressure cuff.

Results of the study showed that low-carb diets are richer in fat contents, proteins and saturated fats as compared to low-fat diets. The American Heart Association further explained that while on the one hand, low-carb diets help in losing weight and reducing blood pressure, the high fat levels can prove to be unhealthy for the heart as compared to low-fat diets.

Researchers also went onto reveal that low-carb diets have a significantly lower “folic acid” which works as an antioxidant to lower the levels of homocysteine (amino acid) in the body. Interestingly, homocysteine is linked with strokes and heart diseases.

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Researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) claim that moderate wine drinking can defuse heart problems. This research team was headed by Dr. Dana E. King, an associate professor from the Department of Family Medicine. About 7,697 men and women were observed as part of the study. Over a period of 10 years, about 6% of them began to drink.

In the next 4 years, the researchers compared the results of these new drinkers with regular non-drinkers. Reports published in the American Journal Medicine shows that there was a 38% drop in the cardiovascular diseases for those who began drinking among the volunteers.

Another important result of the study showed that 10.7% of the volunteers who did not take up drinking suffered from a heart disease or stroke, whereas only 6.9% of the moderate drinkers suffered from the same. The women drank one drink per day and the men took 2 drinks per day.

How does limited/moderate drinking lead to a healthy heart?

New drinkers reported the following benefits from drinking wine on a monitored basis:

• Lower LDL cholesterol levels that block arteries
• Higher HDL cholesterol levels that prevent the clogging up of arteries
• Low blood pressure levels

Many studies like the above have shown that light or moderate drinking can give you a healthy heart. Researchers have also warned people not to start drinking with the excuse or objective of preventing heart ailments.

Researchers from the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre of the Toronto General Hospital for instance also claimed that just one drink of wine can dilate or relax the heart and two drinks can disrupt all good that was done.

Wine Better than Beer, Liquor, etc

There is also a marked difference in the benefit one gains from wine drinking and other forms of alcohol drinking. The MUSC study reveals that wine-drinkers had a 68% benefit of fewer cardiovascular events whereas on the other hand, liquor, beer or mixed drinking had a 21% benefit of reduced cardiovascular events.

Binge Drinking is Dangerous

The MUSC study also revealed the reverse consequences of binge drinking. For instance, King revealed that the volunteers who became heavy drinkers within 6 years were 42% more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases. So take just one drink of wine daily to prevent all heart aches.

Caution: Dr. Dana through the research warns people suffering from gastric ulcers, liver disease and depression to avoid drinking altogether.

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Women shoulder great responsibilities. This is certainly not to say that men don’t but the graph is much higher when it comes to women. So whether it is emotional or physical crisis women have found more serene ways to face situations.

Believe it or not women require better nutrition and health to sustain all that they endure. Though kids and men alike would benefit from a healthy diet, there are some specific requirements or musts for a woman to survive fit and healthy.

5 Food-Musts for Women

Some essential nutrients that should be included in a woman’s diet are listed below:

• Beans: About 20 grams is recommended as a daily intake of fiber. However, half cup, which is about quarter of what is recommended, can be eaten everyday. Experts assert that beans are good for the heart. In addition, beans are inexpensive and less fatty. Available in varieties – soya beans, kidney beans, etc can form a colorful part of your salad dressings or greens.
• Flax Seeds and Flax Seed Oil: Flax is abundant in Omega-3 fatty acids which are recommended to protect the heart. Flax contains lignans, an important fiber to fulfill the digestive needs of the body. Flax can be included in your salad or ground and taken as a cereal.
• Iron: Women may lose a lot of blood through menstruation and need to be compensated for the same. Instead of taking iron pills and capsules include iron in your diet. For example, green leafy vegetables, lentils and dark poultry are some rich sources of iron.
• Beta: Beta-carotenes are nothing but natural chemicals that form a part of the cartenoid family apart from carrots. Mangoes, oranges, sweet potato, papaya and pumpkin are some which contain the beat-carotenes. These chemicals are naturally converted to vitamin A by the body. Beta-carotenes are also helpful in preventing beast cancer.
• Kale: Kale belongs to the cabbage family. Kale is a rich source of folate which is a water soluble vitamin present naturally in different kinds of food. Women are recommended to have at least 400 mg of kale everyday. Kale deficiency in women can prove to be a major hurdle in pregnancy which can lead to nueraltube defects in the child.

It’s never too late to mend things. Start boosting your energy levels and fitness now by taking these supplements in the most natural and fresh forms. Remember what is natural is safe and what you look is what you eat. So pick up the right veggies and ingredients when you go for grocery shopping again.

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