The dangers of consuming soda

The more children drink soda the less they drink water, 100% juice or milk. Soda dehydrates the body so there is a constant thirst but the more soda you drink the less your taste buds will crave the water your body is needing. The facts are in and the adds are very geared toward teenagers and they are drinking it in (no pun intended).
Soda's are the root cause of headaches, ADHD, ADD, cavities, obesity and huge health problems not only in our children but in adults. Soda used to be for special events only and the health implications were minimal. However those numbers are flipping and soda is the drink of choice. Is it any wonder we are seeing such an increase in childhood onset diabetes? Heart problems in those between 40-50 rather than in your 70's? Pilots have been taken off the docket to fly if they have consumed diet soda due to the seizures that were being seen.
The list of side affects from diet soda is even longer that it's sugary counter part. Migraines, seizures, tumors, memory loss, tremors, and the list goes on an on. The FDA says that only a small percentage of our population are affected by the artificial sweetener, especially those who have a PKU problem. That is a condition where your body does not use proteins properly. Do you know if you are one of those who could have a pre-existing health problem that is exacerbated by the use of these sugar substitutes? Most patients who come in with these problems had no idea that they were at risk until they have major diseases to deal through.
The answer is simple and very inexpensive! DRINK WATER and set a great example for your children while you save your self thousands in medical bills down the road.

Herbal remedies

Herbs have been used as medicines for thousands of years. In fact, many of the pharmaceutical products sold today are synthetic chemicals based on herbal extracts. Herbal medicines may contain a whole plant, parts of plants, or extracts of either one or a combination of plants. Many people prefer to use herbal medicines because in many cases they give beneficial effects without the side effects caused by many pharmaceutical drugs.
In the western world, in the last 10-20 years, there has been a tremendous growth in the interest in herbal medicines and more natural and less toxic therapies have become increasingly popular. Scientific researchers have also produced a large amount of information on the use of plants and plant substances as medical agents. Much of this information provides scientific validation for the uses of plants which have been known to healers for thousands of years.
While herbs are, in many cases, free of the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, they must be used appropriately. Many herbs have potent effects and may also interact with other medications you may be taking. It is always wise to check on these interactions if you plan to take herbal medicines, especially if you are pregnant or have a chronic medical problem. These are some of the basic remedies for cold and flu symptoms. There are little to no side effects associated with these particular vitamins, minerals and herbs.

Zinc is one of the immune boosters your body can use if you are dealing with a cold or flu bug. Large amounts of zinc may impair copper absorption and reduce your ability to taste sweet and salt. If you were to take large doses of zinc for long periods of time a copper deficiency can lead to heart disease.
Echinacea stimulates the immune system, helps in tissue healing and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer effects. Echinacea should not be used for prolonged periods of time as your system will develop a resistance to the herb.
Astragalus strengthens the digestion and stimulates the immune system. It also aids adrenal gland function, acts as a diuretic and dilates blood vessels. Astragalus should not be used in cases of acute infections or fevers.
Cayenne contains carotene molecules which have powerful antioxidant effects. It aids in digestion, improves circulation and lowers cholesterol and blood fat levels. Applied topically it acts as a pain reliever. High doses on an empty stomach can cause gut irritation and eventually ulcers in susceptible people.
Garlic is an antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Boosts immune function and limits free radical damage to blood fats. Taking garlic at the onset of a sore throat is an ally in fighting infection. The only side effect of garlic is that your friends may keep their distance as the stronger the garlic the more bacteria fighting properties it has.
Goldenseal prevents bacteria from attaching to cells, stimulates the immune system, and lowers fevers. It can be used to treat respiratory infections and as a mouthwash and to treat skin infections. Goldenseal should not be used in pregnancy or in cases of high blood pressure.
Horseradish root stimulates blood circulation and has antibiotic action. It can be used externally and internally, to treat lung and urinary infections, and rheumatic conditions. Take care using it externally as it can blister the skin. Anyone with low thyroid function or taking thyroxin should avoid horseradish.
Sage is anti-microbial, astringent and anti-inflammatory actions. Sage is used to treat colds, sore throats and indigestion. It should not be used during pregnancy.
These are some of the main herbs that are used to treat symptoms of colds and flu. Vitamin C is also very beneficial in lessening the effects of a cold. You can take 3,000 -4,000 mg per day but should build up slowly and go back down gradually. Taking too much Vitamin C too quickly can cause problems with the kidneys and can cause diarrhea. Many studies have been done on the benefits of C by increasing the production of B and T cells and other white blood cells, including those that destroy foreign micro-organisms. It also increases interferon levels and antibody responses and has antiviral and antibacterial effects. These effects lead to improved resistance against infections.

Foods to prevent cancer

We hear more and more from the medical world that the foods that you eat do not make much difference in preventing illness however studies are constantly coming out of those who have healed their bodies from cancer and other debilitating diseases by changing their eating habits. Here is a list of the top ten foods to help fight and prevent cancer.

1. Garlic - Garlic contains a number of compounds that can protect against cancer, especially that of the skin, colon, and lungs.
2. Dark Leafy Greens- Greens are rich sources of antioxidants called carotinoids. These scavenge dangerous free radicals from the body before they can promote cancer growth.
3. Grapes - Grapes (and red wine) contain the chemical resveratrol, which is a very potent antioxidant that can prevent cell damage before it begins.
4. Green Tea - The flavonoids in green tea have been shown to slow or prevent the development of several types of cancer including colon, liver, breast, and prostate.
5. Tomatoes - The compound lycopene, (which is most easily absorbed from cooked tomatoes) has been shown to prevent prostate cancer, as well as cancer of the breast, lung, and stomach.
6. Blueberries - Of all the berries blueberries are the richest in cancer fighting compounds. They are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer.
7. Flaxseeds- Flax contains lignans, which can have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. The omega-3 fatty acids can also help protect against colon cancer.
8. Mushrooms - Many mushrooms contain compounds that can help the body fight cancer and build the immune system as well.
9. Cruciferous Vegetables - Vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain strong antioxidants that may help decrease cancer risk.
10. Whole Grains - Whole grains contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds including antioxidants, fiber, and phytoestrogens. These can help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer.

Of course eliminating soda and replacing it with purified water with lemon to alkalize the body will make a huge difference. Cutting out white sugar, bleached flour and processed foods go along way to strengthen and boost your immune system.

Alzheimer's and Dementia

So much is coming at us as to how to know whether or not you are more susceptible to certain illnesses. While genetics can play a big role in diseases, more and more we are seeing that poor nutrition and eating habits are the biggest culprit of robbing us of our health. We start the drug cycle and getting out is very difficult. Trying some more natural approaches may help you more in this fight than anything. Starting there first and giving it time to work can keep you off the slippery slope of declining health. Research, research, research! Do not just take everything your doctor has to say as fact. Proactive rather than reactive can be your best defense. This is a great article on night time sleep aids that has been helpful to many.

Your Drugs May Give You Dementia

Maybe you think a diagnosis of dementia is your worst nightmare, but I’d argue that even more gruesome is the possibility of being told you have dementia, when in fact one simple step could reverse it quite simply. "Pseudodementia" is far more common than you’d guess... and the cause can often be found in your medicine cabinet.

Sam Gandy, MD, PhD, professor of neurology and psychiatry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, sees many elderly patients who seem to be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other forms of dementia... but may not be. He told me he believes as many as 10% of those 65 and older believed to have dementia may actually be experiencing side effects from medication.

Sleeping pills are a common culprit. A good night’s sleep often becomes increasingly elusive for aging men and women, leading doctors, sympathetic to their plight, to prescribe drugs such as zolpidem (Ambien). These drugs trigger mental and physical lethargy -- that’s why they work -- but in some people that state of mind and body carries over to the next day and impairs function, says Dr. Gandy. It’s not just prescriptions, either -- over-the-counter sleep-aids, which seem as innocent as popping a vitamin, can also cause this problem. OTC sleep-aids (including brands like Unisom Sleep Tabs, Tylenol PM and Nytol Quickcap caplets) contain antihistamines, virtually all of which can cause dementia-like symptoms.

Yet another common type of drug prescribed in elderly to promote sleep and/or calm nerves are tranquilizers in the benzodiazepine class. This includes lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium) and many more. Occasional use is okay, Dr. Gandy says, but when people take such medications often, they can build up in the system, leading to dementia-type symptoms. Dr. Gandy says if you are going to take a "benzo," look for one with a short half-life such as Ativan or Xanax rather than, say, Valium, which lingers much longer in the body, thus making accumulation more likely.

BEYOND SLEEPING PILLS -- WHAT ELSE?

Still other drugs used to treat frequent medical problems in the elderly can slow cognition. These include some beta blocker drugs, prescribed for a wide variety of problems such as high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, migraine, angina and glaucoma. Also, anticholinergic drugs are a problem -- these are prescribed to treat Parkinson’s disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), some gastrointestinal problems, urine retention and more. Although some studies seem to have shown that statin drugs -- the world’s top-selling pharmaceuticals, prescribed to lower cholesterol levels -- help prevent dementia, there is considerable anecdotal evidence of people developing dementia symptoms after taking them -- with symptoms then vanishing when they stop the drug. Drugs are often life-savers, but not all that much is known about what happens in the body when they are used over long periods, and most especially in combination with other medications. This is one of the most important reasons why it is smart to take as few medications as possible.

Yet another frequent cause of pseudodementia is not a drug, but rather depression -- a condition that is particularly complicated in the elderly, says Dr. Gandy, because they tend to isolate themselves and often their depression symptoms closely resemble early-stage dementia. In fact, he told me he has had experiences of trying to set up a clinical trial for Alzheimer’s Disease, only to discover that candidates referred by their physicians actually suffered clinical depression, not AD at all. Treating these patients with antidepressants also improved their cognition, Dr. Gandy said.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

The resounding message is that no one should be quick to accept a diagnosis of dementia as the cause of memory loss and/or confusion, especially in an elderly individual. Call your doctor if you develop memory problems soon after starting a new drug. Have your doctor scrutinize all medications to see if one or the combination might be causing the symptoms. Be sure your pharmacist has a complete list of all medications taken, especially if they aren’t all filled at the same pharmacy. If it turns out that one or several of the drugs you take could be the cause, Dr. Gandy advises working out a plan with your doctor to withdraw from the drug or drugs for a month or so to see if symptoms change. Finally, be very careful about any sleep aids, whether OTC or prescription.

Source(s):

Sam Gandy, MD, PhD, professor of neurology and psychiatry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Making your everyday staple items from scratch

Baking your own breads and cookies are very economical. The best part is the satisfaction of you and your family being able to say "we did this ourselves". Knowing the ingredients are simply sugar, flour, eggs, salt, leavening agent, not a list as long as my arm most of which are unpronounceable! If you can't say it don't eat it was the motto of Bryer's ice-cream and it is a good one. We have many great bulk food stores in our area that will help us to get our basics at a good cost. Pine Grove bulk foods in Howard, Oak Hill, Hill Crest bulk and natural foods and Crystal Valley in the Penn Yan area. There are many more out there, these are the ones that I am familiar with. The savings are huge especially for baked goods and making your own mayonnaise is so simple and much better tasting. Again knowing that there are not all of the chemicals and preservatives in your food gives you an upper hand on your families health. Find these recipes Food for Thought web page at www.fln.org. Enjoy yourself as you and your family experiment with some new and different taste treats. Bon Appetit'

Foods that heal!

Flax seed is the number one anti-inflammatory used in the ground form. Grinding the seeds with a coffee grinder releases the omega-3's to lubricate joints and reduce inflammation. Ginger is commonly used for bloating, nausea and motion sickness. Cinnamon is a sugar regulator, lowers cholesterol and the aroma helps your memory. Almonds alleviate food cravings, lower cholesterol are high in fiber and vitamin E. Garlic is a natural blood thinner and antibiotic. Honey is great for energy, helps allergies and boosts your immune system. Apples lower cholesterol, are good for weight loss and anti-cancer. Apple cider vinegar has a long list of uses. With all the digestion problems present today this is one of the best resources to settle stomach acid and help you to digest properly. Potatoes and avocados are high in potassium which helps fight cramping in your legs. These are just a few benefits from eating whole foods. Check it out for yourself by searching, health benefits of, and type in the food you are wanting more info on. You will be amazed at the many medicinal foods that are at your fingertips for much less than the cost of a prescription drug. The results may take more time but your patience and persistence will pay off with a healthy mind and body for you and your family.

Protection from food borne illness

There is so much talk these days of food borne illnesses and we need to know how to protect ourselves. Making sure that we are thoroughly washing after visiting the restroom in restaurants is vital. So much is passed on from door handles and the exchange of money. Before you sit down to eat take time to wash or use a good anti-bacterial product.
When washing fruits and vegetables before eating soak them in fresh squeezed lemon juice and toss in rind and all or you can use a good organic cleaner such as Basic-H from Shaklee. If you do not know a Shaklee distributor you can call Lois Saxton at 607-776-4737 and she can get the product for you. This cleaner takes off the waxy coating that is on most store bought produce. Under that coating are the sprays and bacteria that can cause the upset stomach. Simple precautions such as these and taking good enzymes can help you avoid the health risks of improper handling of the foods you eat. For some basic enzyme products go to www.puritan.com and type in enzymes. There you will find one that is right for you.