Alternative Therapies and Health News

Numerous studies have confirmed that irregular bowel syndrome, heartburn and indigestion can rob you off your sleep. Experts also opine that it isn’t a rare problem with people. Infact, sleeplessness and indigestion go hand in hand. Though there aren’t strong arguments to support why indigestion leads to insomnia, experts believe that stomach pain is most likely to rob you off your sleep.

Experts opine that both indigestion and sleeplessness could be an outcome of a serious underlying Problem like depression, anxiety and/or other forms of emotional stress.

The survey which confirmed that indigestion could lead to disturbed sleep patterns in people brought to light a number of stomach problems like bloated stomach, gas, diarrhea and constipation which could all contribute well enough to snatch your sleep away.

Results of the Survey
Some disturbing results of the survey showed that among the 2269 people who responded to the survey, about 39% suffered from disturbed sleep patterns at least once in a month and about 6% the conditions of insomnia were terrible for them.

Additional results of the survey revealed that:

• 15% were said to wake up from their sleep only because of severe stomach pain
• About 15% claimed that their sleep was disturbed by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• About 10% were frequently suffering from indigestion
• About 13% were frequently suffering from heartburns

The strongest connection was observed to be between IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and lack of sleep.

Experts also revealed that people who have suffered more stress in their lives were more likely to experience uncomfortable conditions like – lack of sleep, heart burn and irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers stand by the assertion that further studies need to be done in order to establish a strong connection between intestinal problems and stress.

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Numerous studies suggest that “serotonin”, the “happy hormone” is responsible for boosting one’s mood and well-being. The World Health Organization for instance claims that there are as many as 121 million people worldwide who are facing depression at the hands of serotonin deficiency.

Anti-depressants like Prozac are designed to bring a balance in brain chemicals and for the brain to increase the level of serotonin. However, no such medication should be taken without a thorough medical examination and without consulting a doctor.

What is Serotonin?
Serotonin is a chemical produced in the brain which is meant to regulate the moods of a person. For example, anger, body temperature, sleep and appetite are all controlled by the levels of serotonin in one’s brain.

Experts opine that sufficient serotonin in the brain keeps us relaxed and feeling good. On the other hand, when the serotonin levels fall, people suffer from sudden bouts of irritation, anxiousness and depression.

What Causes the Deficiency of Serotonin?
Serotonin is acquired from an essential amino acid called “tryptophan”, which is not produced by the body. Dietary efforts can alone ensure sufficient levels of tryptophan in the body.

Other factors that can lead to the deficiency of serotonin are:

• Genetic factors
• Overworked immune system
• Brain damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption
• Long-term depression, stress or anxiety

Effects of Serotonin Deficiency
Serotonin deficiency can lead to the following:

• Migraine
• Eating disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Stress and anxiety
• Sleeplessness or insomnia
• Attention and memory problems
• Obesity
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Panic attacks

Treatment for Serotonin Deficiency
There are some drugs and therapies which can help manage or boost the levels of the happy hormone or serotonin in the brain like Prozac, cognitive or holistic behavioral therapy and more.

Some effective ways to boost the happy hormone are listed below:

• Tryptophan rich diet
• Avoid sugary foods and carbohydrates that can boost the blood sugar levels
• Vitamin B and C, magnesium and zinc intake can convert the tryptophan amino acid into serotonin
• Herbs such as burdock, ginseng, dandelion, etc can help boost the levels of serotonin in the brain
• Tablets such as 5-HTP or ‘hydroxy L-tryptophan’ can be taken to boost the levels of the happy hormone but with the consent of a doctor
• Acupuncture can be another way of relieving stress and boosting the levels of serotonin production in the brain with the help of tryptophan amino acid
• Yoga, tai chi, walking and other stretching exercises are ways to boost the serotonin levels in the brain
• Sunshine can also ensure sufficient serotonin levels in the brain that can keep you feeling rejuvenated, fresh and happy
• Snack on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, juices, rice cakes, etc
• Have plenty of water (about 8 glasses in a day)
• Drink herbal and dandelion tea at least once daily

As you can see, the most effective way to keep the serotonin or the happy hormone alive and bubbling in your brains would be to stick to suggested meal programs. Also try eating as much natural tryptophan that will enable the optimum production of serotonin to keep you happy and healthy through the days to come.

Though there are numerous studies which still suggest that alcohol is dangerous for the bones, there are some like these which claim that moderate alcohol consumption is essential for promoting bone health. Researchers go a step ahead in stating that a drink or two is not harmful but helpful in reducing the risks of osteoporosis in women and also in protecting the bones against fractures.

33 separate studies combined together have arrived at the conclusion that “moderate” drinking can help restore bone health by lowering the risks of hip fracture and lower bone mass.

Studies revealed that as against people who completely restricted themselves to alcohol consumption, those who did drink about half to one cup of alcohol in one day were reported to be 20% less prone to the risks of hip fractures. In addition, people who drank more than 2 drinks in one day were 39% more likely to suffer from hip fractures.

For women, moderate drinking implies one drink and less in one day while for men it implies two drinks and less in one day.

“Bones” are living and growing tissues. Bone mass is maintained through a process called “remodeling” which regulates the removal and replacement of bones. Experts opine that a number of things contribute to healthy building bones right from one’s childhood to adulthood.

Some healthy actions for healthy bone building include:

• Eating a balanced diet that includes calcium, vitamins and minerals
• Regular exercise and activity
• Protecting bones against injury or fall
• Limited alcohol consumption
• Avoiding excessive dieting
• Medical or professional help for building healthy bones

Healthy living is the “key” to better building bones.

A study conducted on women at London’s St. Thomas Hospital also reveals that women who took an average of 8 drinks in a week had denser bones than who consumed little. Though it was not ascertained that moderate alcohol consumption led to bone growth, it did reveal that moderate drinking contributed to greater mineral bone density.

Again, though some studies are very clear about excessive smoking and drinking affecting the bones, UK researchers claim that moderate drinking of beer can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis because of the high silicon contents which is required for bone formation.

Though experts are not certain about how alcohol consumption can affect bone density, some opine that hormones can explain. It is speculated that alcohol increases he circulation of estrogen which contribute in strong and healthy bones.

Researchers from Copenhagen (Denmark) are here to state that using mobile phones during pregnancy can lead to behavioral problems in children. Mothers-to-be who used cell phones at least 2-3 times per day were reported to give birth to children, who suffered from psychological problems, erratic and anti-social behavior and were hyperactive.

For the same study, about 13159 Danish children were examined who were born in the 1990s. One half of the mothers did not use mobile phones at all during pregnancy while the rest did to some extent.

The study revealed that using cell phones at least 2-3 times in a day could increase the risk of having children subject to behavioral problems by 54%. The risk seemed to increase to 80% when the children began using cell phones during their growing years. Exposure to mobile phone radiation has not yet been determined as the exact cause for such erratic and anti-social conduct in children.

Among the children who were reported to suffer from behavioral problems the following figures were arrived at:

• About 25% of them suffered from emotional problems
• 34% of them had problems relating to their peers
• About 35% were reported to be hyperactive
• About 49% had problems with their code of conduct

The Danish researchers admit that they haven’t made any conclusions on the basis of the radiation levels. However, it is but natural to assume that the regular use of mobile phones during and after pregnancy could be an indication of how a mother’s attention is divided between the new born baby (or the baby to be born) and the conversation over the phone thereby leading to the baby suffering from feelings of insecurity and rejection.

Numerous studies have revealed that unhappiness has a negative effect on health. While a recent study shows a delayed connection between stress and cardiovascular disease, the other shows a deep link between depression and atherosclerosis. Reports also suggest that the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases increased by 53% post 9/11.

Research also shows increasing wealth and opportunities in the West (including Europe and America) have led to decreased happiness levels. The power of super foods and exercises is only limited to making you physically fit but the key to a healthy mind is happiness, positivism and satisfaction.

Happiness Facts
Much to your belief there is something called the “science of happiness” which clearly enables you to look within yourself and address the issues which are destroying your happiness.

Some scientific facts about “happiness” are listed here below:

• Women remain unhappy till they reach the age of 50 years where men too catch up
• Disappointment leads to unhappiness
• Happiness is measurable
• Not even one thing can make us completely happy
• Strong social connections contribute towards happiness and well-being
• Excess wants leads to unhappiness
• Happiness is a magical experience
• Wealth doesn’t completely make one happy
• Tireless journeys from home to office and back make people stressed and anxious
• Happily married couples remain happy most of the time
• Yoga and meditation techniques can calm the mind
• Friendship and bonding calls for happiness
• The religious, pious and philosophers are much happier in life than others
• Caring for others and doing good for others leads to true happiness

Authors like Cohen Sheldon from the Carnegie Mellon University are of the opinion that emotions can directly influence health by means of affecting our lifestyle choices, functioning of the immune system and the nervous system. However, he asserts that further discovery and research is required for determining whether “emotions” can influence health or trigger an illness or disease instantly.

As documented, personal wealth, successful relationships, successful careers and spirituality are the keys to happiness. Experts opine that people should start from nutritional alteration to improve their physical, mental and spiritual states.

It is believed that healthy eating habits can have an emotionally healing effect on the body. This makes us believe that happiness is a natural way of detoxifying the body from all the impurities or worries that may have accumulated over time.

Happiness has the power to make things easy for people which contributes to a stress-free life and hence a much healthier and longer life. Good health rests on our ability to do things which make us happy, satisfied and peaceful; so start now!

If you’re convinced that you’re selecting and eating the right foods, to keep lean, thin and beautiful, then you may have to reconsider your diet again. Experts opine that most people resort to unhealthy eating patterns which contribute to problems like obesity, diabetes and the like because they are always under the misconception of the food type and the impact they can have on the body.

So whether it is about eating all the wrong stuff or about eating nothing to lose weight, the result is miserable health. Pizzas, sugar-filled drinks, fatty snacks and fried foods are all major contributors to ill health and weight gain. Though kids below the age of 8 years do not always suffer from eating disorders, eventual weight gain in their childhood can force them to depend on quick loss diets or unhealthy diet patterns which ultimately prove very harmful for the body.

The American Psychiatric Association reports that about 1% of the late-adolescent women in America have been diagnosed with anorexia (low body weight with fear of gaining weight and body distortion) and 2% of the teens with Bulimia (repeated binge eating also referred to as purging).

Top 10 Unhealthy Fatty Facts You Must Know
Listed below are some 10 disturbing facts about health which throw light on the eating patterns and behavior of both children and adults in today’s society:

• The average weight of a 10 year old girl was 77 pounds (1963), now 88 pounds; the average weight of a 10 year old boy was 74 pounds, now 85 pounds.
• A 2006 study revealed that among 2000 children belonging to low-income groups from about 20 cities, every third child was found to be obese or overweight before the age of 4 years.
• Obesity is said to cause more medical complications and expenditure than smoking and drinking can says the Rand study (University of California, Los Angeles).
• A Harvard University study reveals that kids and teens consumed as much as 110-165 calories over a 10 year time span which means they gained as much as 58 pounds over this period.
• The United States Department of Agriculture claims that 2% of kids in the United States are eating healthy diets.
• A 2006 study shows that more than 250000 children below 6 years of age did not fulfill the weight standards for normal car seating arrangements.
• Studies also suggest that soft drinks consumption in 20 year-olds has increased by 300% in the United States.
• Reports suggest that 25% of vegetables consumed in the United States are in the form of French fries and chips.
• Reports also reveal that 25% of the American population believe in bingeing on fast food at least once daily.
• Finally, Americans are reported to be consuming 20% more calories than they did one generation ago which comes mainly from fats, sugar, oils, and grains.

It’s high time you realize what foods are healthy and which not. Children deserve a better life than to be sitting round screens or fast food joints. Encourage healthy eating patterns and exercises at home so that generations to come can be saved from the perils of obesity and other health complications that follow.

Dr Aurore Cote from the McGill University Health Center, Montreal (Canada) is of the opinion that prolonged sitting of infants less than one month old can cause sudden infant deaths. The study revealed that continuous sitting postures contributed to about 3% of the infant deaths.

The study which has been published in the archives of Disease in Childhood suggests that parents should take heed of not letting their kids sit too long on car seats, prams and other sitting devices.

Dr Cote and his colleagues suggest that earlier studies too have been prompt in proving that levels of oxygen in the bloodstream of an infant while sitting is maximum as compared to when the infant is laid down on a bed.

The study carried out by Dr Cote and his colleagues had much to do with a 10 year old review through the December month of 2000 in Quebec. Researchers tried to find reasons for the sudden unexplained infant deaths occurring in children between the phase of birth and 1 year. 99 infant deaths were reported to be on account of heart related problems and/or infections whereas about 409 infant deaths were still a mystery.

The research further revealed that 10 infant deaths among the unexplained group and 7 infant deaths among the explained died while infants were made to sit on the car seats or any other sitting device. However, other infant deaths occurred while the kids were lying down.

Researchers also pointed out that about 9.4% of the infants who died before the age of 1 year died while they were in a sitting position. In addition, older infants accounted for 2.4% of sudden infant deaths while sitting.

Dr Cote and his colleagues believe that sitting continuously for long hours could have led to the presence of airway or breathing problems which may ultimately caused sudden infant deaths. Researchers thereby advice all parents and caretakers to reduce the sitting time of infants less than a year old either on car seats or any other sitting devices to avoid premature death of infants.

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Sleep is very precious to health but research claims that one in three Irish people are getting less than 6 hours of sleep every night. About 500 people took part in this survey from Dublin, Galway, Cork and Limerick. The research also went onto to assert that about 32% of the Irish population aged between 26-45 years experience less than 3 hours of sleep each night and 23% getting the recommended amount of 8 hours sleep. In addition, the research also revealed that men were not getting half as much as the amount of sleep women were getting.

The revelations of the study also confirmed that older generation of people aged between 36-55 years were losing out on sleep than those aged between 26-35 years. This is a clear indication of the fact that people in their mid-careers earning the bread for other members of the family are the ones’ neglecting sleep to the maximum.

What are the Negative Impacts of Sleep Deprivation on Health?
The negative impacts of sleep deprivation on health are listed here below:

• Fatigue
• Disturbed state of mind
• Increases the risk of heart diseases
• Increases the risk of diabetes
• Increases the risk of obesity
• Increases Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Reduced concentration
• Decreasing social skills

Road safety authorities are also of the opinion that lack of sufficient sleep or drivers fatigue can cause up to 20% of the fatal crashes. Experts accept that modern life is demanding and hectic but if the body doesn’t get enough rest, it cannot fulfill the demands and challenges effectively.

Sleep is precious to everyone but in some cases people may not be able to give themselves the sleep due as a result of burdening responsibilities, harrowing schedules or timeless sleeping. Treating sleep as one of the most important daily chores or as one of your most prized possessions can save you from all mental and physical problems.

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Though numerous studies continue speculating about the dangers and benefits of sleeping less or sleeping more, there is also a cloud of sleep myths emerging. Dr Lisa Shives (medical director) from the Northshore Sleep Medicine, Evanston clearly makes a demarcation between what is true and what is not about sleeping patterns.

Top 7 Sleep Myths
Some sleep myths as perceived to be true by people are listed here below:

• One is not suffering from any sleep problem if he or she can fall asleep anywhere and at any time: Dr Shives opines that it is normal for people to take on an average about 10-20 minutes to fall asleep. Therefore, people who can fall asleep in less than 5 minutes genuinely suffer from some kind of sleep disorder.
• As we grow older, we require more sleep: This is completely not true says Dr Shives. She further explains that everyone needs the same and a minimum amount of sleep. Elderly people may have a problem getting enough sleep which can be dealt with special attention and treatment.
• Overweight men suffer from sleep apnea: This is not completely true because though men above 40 have a tendency to suffer from sleep apnea, reports from the American Sleep apnea Association suggests that 12 million Americans, of all ages suffer from sleep apnea.
• Alcohol or other beverages fetches you a good nights sleep: This is completely not true say experts because alcohol starts by making a person tired which ultimately is perceived as an effective reason for sound sleep. Instead, one can be disturbed with a fragmented pattern of sleep. Alcohol is also said to induce snoring and sleep apnea conditions.
• Going to bed early means you’re getting enough sleep: Experts believe that this is really not the case because a person gets best sleep in the first few hours of sleep. Thereby it is immaterial to connect the quality of sleep with how early or late you’ve slept.
• Teenagers sleeping late and getting up late is a sign of laziness: This again is not so true say experts but a physical condition in adolescents. Experts opine that the body naturally puts off the sleep-related hormone which in teenagers is released during the late hours of the day. So when people think of sleeping, teenagers think of waking up (source).
• The brain sleeps while we sleep: Experts opine that it is just the opposite as people perceive it to be. The brain works harder and controls major bodily functions while the body is at rest or sleeping like breathing, controlling the 2 sleep states (rapid eye movement sleep and the non-rapid eye movement sleep) – source.

Dr Shives from the Northshore Sleep Medicine also brings a significant issue forward by stating that many children are not diagnosed properly for sleep disorders. Instead, they are simply put on stimulants. In addition, insomnia may not necessarily be a final diagnosis but also a symptom of conditions like the Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome or Pickwickian Syndrome (combination of obesity, falling oxygen levels in the bloodstream and increasing carbon dioxide during sleep).

The Harvard Men’s Health Watch in its May review is peculating some connection between optimism and better health. Though a series of studies have suggested that optimists lead a better life than pessimists do, the standing verdict is that optimism does lead to a healthier life.

Studies reveal that optimism influences health in a positive way. For example, one study reported that optimistic coronary bypass patients were half the time less likely to be re-hospitalized than those who were pessimist patients. In addition, pessimist patients were 3 times more vulnerable to developing high blood pressure.

People with positive feelings were also said to have normal blood pressure levels. Pessimistic men are considered to be more likely to developing heart diseases says another study. Though all these studies glorify the presence of optimism as the key player in improving the quality of life in people, it works very much the opposite way. For example, healthy people can see things more positively as those who are ill and suffering from fatal diseases.

To neutralize this argument, scientists made other observations with regard to the medical conditions of people. They confirmed that an illness did not destroy the advantages of optimism.

One benefit of optimism has been explained to be “behavioral”. For example, if one is ill and optimistic, he or she leads a healthier and longer life because the person very consciously adapts to healthier lifestyles, establishes better social networks and hence gets better attention and treatment.

Finally, genes or hereditary factors could also play an important role in influencing elements of optimism in people. In the same way, it is genes again which determine health and longevity of a person. The Harvard Men’s Health Watch claim that further studies are required to support the fact that optimism can lead to a healthier life as other mechanisms could be involved in promoting the same.

From uncomfortable seating arrangements to poor filtered air, your workplace maybe giving your mind and body a stressful time. The eyes undoubtedly are most strained because of constant staring at the computer screens.

An ophthalmology study suggests that the computer users are open to eye risks like – tired eyes, redness and burning eyes which can lead to what is called “blurred” vision or “double” vision. The study also emphasized that computer user’s blink up to 60% less while gazing at their computer screens which leads to dry-eye symptoms.

Some ways to protect your eyes at work:

• Look away from the screen every now and then and stare at an object for at least 30 minutes
• If you feel that your eyes are really strained then apply eye drops sparingly and after consulting a doctor
• Protective eyeshades or eye glasses for a person who uses reading glasses and works for more than an hour in front of computer screens

Eye injuries or conditions are not only a result of staring continuously at computer screens but often the result of working under hazardous conditions. For instance, most of the eye injuries are caused due to – moving objects, dust particles, tools, chemicals, harmful radiation, smoke, poisonous gases, welding light, electrical arcs, etc.

For people working under dangerous conditions, protective eye wear is absolutely essential. Other options include – welding helmets, face shields, full-face respirators or goggles.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor statistics claims that about 800000 Americans suffer from eye injuries at work every year. The best way to defend yourself is to assess the dangers at work, wear eye protection and try eliminating the risks before starting your work.

Red foods like cherry juice is said to relieve joint pains says scientific evidence. About 46 million which accounts to one in five adults are diagnosed with arthritis every year and this figure is reported to increase by 40% by 2030. Celebrating the “National Arthritis Month” this May, scientists latest endeavor is to discover alternative ways to manage arthritis conditions.

Researchers from the University of Michigan are of the opinion that tart cherries do not only relieve joint pains but also help in reducing the inflammation at joints. Scientists further explain that is the property of “anthocyanins” present in tart cherries which actually help in reducing the swelling at joints.

Reports collected from other studies also reveal that foods rich in antioxidants can help reduce nitric oxide levels which are commonly associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. About 27 million people in America are said to be suffering from osteoarthritis after having attained the age of 45 years.

With the growing prevalence of arthritis with the aging American population, consumers are frantically agreeing to resort to cherry juice. A survey revealed that a whopping 81% agreed to add cherries in their regular diet.

Cherries are an easy option to deal with the symptoms of arthritis say experts. As it can be a painful and debilitating experience for many, the choice of tossing cherries in cereals or smoothies can help reduce inflammation and pain at joints.

Cherries are always available in dry, frozen or juice forms. The recommended serve is half cup (dry cherries), one cup (frozen cherries), 8 ounces or 2 tablespoons full of (cherry juice).