0 Diabetes Prevention Tips

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which threatens most organs in the body. Excessive blood sugar levels cause disruption and damage to the inner lining of the vessels, resulting in loss of eyesight, kidney failure and cardiovascular disease.  Type 2 diabetes is a disease caused by poor diet and lifestyle.  Many people are unaware that diabetes does not necessarily need to lead to a life of declining health, and can be effectively prevented when lifestyle modifications are followed at an early age, and treated through an ultra low carbohydrate diet.

Check Post Meal Blood Sugar

Blood sugar levels after eating, know as postprandial, are the most indicative of the metabolic disorder which leads to diabetes.  Many medical professionals rely on fasting blood sugar readings to diagnose the disease, but after meal testing is the most effective method to test for diabetes.  This is because the surge in blood sugar after a meal is the most damaging to the body.  Aim to keep 1 hour readings below 140 mg/dl and 2 hour levels below 120 mg/dl.  Higher readings mean cellular damage and health decline as we age.

It will be necessary to cut most wheat, corn and oat based foods from the diet, as these are rapidly converted to glucose and immediately raise blood sugar to unacceptable levels.  Elimination of all fast, processed and convenience foods and sweets is essential.  The best diet includes raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean proteins and healthy fats.  Avoid fruit, as the sugars in many varieties will cause sugar levels to skyrocket.

Key Supplements Provide Help

Natural supplements have a modest effect on helping most people to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. Cinnamon and vinegar when consumed along with a healthy meal have been shown to help regulate blood glucose.  Additionally Alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10 and the minerals chromium, zinc and magnesium are essential in assisting blood glucose to naturally enter the cells for energy.  Supplements will not reduce blood sugar to normal readings without strict dietary changes, and it is necessary to monitor using a blood glucose meter to track the effect of natural foods and nutraceuticals along with a low carbohydrate diet.

Diabetes can be controlled using a sensible approach to diet, including a high proportion of calories from raw vegetables, nuts, seeds and lean protein sources.  Prevention is the key to averting the many complications which are a part of the disease.  Simple dietary changes when young allow the cellular machinery to function optimally, and make more dramatic changes later in life unnecessary.  Once diagnosed, diabetes can still be treated through ultra low carbohydrate dietary modification which has been shown to slow and even reverse much of the damaging effects of this disease.

0 Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention with Natural Lifestyle

No other disease stirs more fear than Alzheimer’s disease. This mind robbing affliction is presently the sixth leading cause of death in the US and rising at an alarming rate. Estimates are that by the year 2030 nearly 1 in 4 adults will be affected by this cruel form of dementia. At present there are no drugs or procedures which can treat or even effectively slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s possible to significantly lower your risk of developing this insidious disease by understanding the underlying causes and following a natural lifestyle with targeted nutritional supplementation.

Extreme Lifestyle Changes Trigger Dementia

Modern medicine has no explanation for the explosion of Alzheimer’s cases over the past half century. Before 1950, cases of senile dementia as it was called were virtually unknown. Something significantly changed since that time to alter the course of this disease, and many researchers point to diet, chemical and environmental toxic exposure and a sedentary lifestyle.

We weigh considerably more than we did just 20 years ago, our diet is pumped with artificial food substitutes, sugar and hydrogenated fats and we’re exposed to a never ending assault of chemical toxins in our air, household chemicals and cosmetics.

The Cause of Alzheimer’s Disease

Our body has an amazing capacity to adapt to the changing world around us, but we’ve challenged our ability to cope with toxic overload. The brain remains well protected from the outside world, but eventually our poor lifestyle penetrates the blood-brain barrier as our metabolism breaks down and blood sugar and insulin swing out of control.

Messenger chemicals used by our body to protect us become our enemy, causing proteins to clump together in the brain and inhibiting normal electrical signaling. Memory capacity is slowly reduced and the stage is set for Alzheimer’s’ disease.

Alzheimer’s Treatment Through Prevention and Targeted Supplementation

The only way to combat Alzheimer’s disease is to adopt a natural lifestyle which is free of foods which promote metabolic dysfunction and chemicals which slowly accumulate in the body until they initiate disease. Food manufacturers remove most of the nutrients in the processed foods we eat, leading to a critical shortage of vitamins and minerals that are required to perform the billions of cellular functions needed for life.

Information reported in Reuters from an Oxford University study provides amazing results which confirm the power of natural nutrients to our health. The study found that B vitamins were able to prevent brain shrinking by up to 50%, allowing participants to retain cognitive function compared to a second group receiving a placebo. B vitamins are known to be essential to proper brain function with folic acid, niacinamide and vitamins B6 and B12 proving critical to memory retention and brain volume.

Diet and Nutrition for Brain Health

Our brain is a complicated network of neurons which must fire in perfect order to allow us to learn, form memories and function optimally. It is particularly sensitive to blood sugar swings and insulin which has become resistant, both controllable by eliminating sugar and ined carbohydrates from the diet. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds and organic meats which are supplied in their natural form, free of manmade contaminants and toxins known to deteriorate brain health.

Supplement with a high dose B vitamin complex specifically developed to support brain function, and don’t rely on inexpensive multi vitamins which provide little or no bio-available nutrients. Additional support is provided by the Omega-3 fat DHA, resveratrol, curcumin and grape seed extract. Lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by adopting a natural lifestyle and include targeted nutritional supplementation.

0 Five Step Alzheimers Prevention Plan

Five Step Alzheimers Prevention Plan - Maybe you forgot where you set your keys. It happens to everyone, right? But what about forgetting a good friend’s name? Or an important appointment? Left on its own, your brain actually begins to shrink when you hit midlife.

Whether you’ve had a family member who’s suffered from Alzheimer’s, you’re starting to notice your memory is not as sharp as it used to be, or you want to protect yourself for the future, it’s time to strengthen your brain. Research now shows that you can not only slow down brain shrinkage, but you can actually increase the size of our brain at any age. Here, Dr. Oz and renowned neurologist Dr. Majid Fotuhi reveal their memory cure – a miracle plan to help you prevent Alzheimer’s in just five simple steps.  

Brain Booster 1: DHA Supplement

If you’re only going to take one supplement, DHA is the one you need. DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid that makes up a significant portion of your brain tissue. Lower DHA levels are associated with a smaller brain size, so it’s important to supplement your natural DHA intake (which comes primarily from cold-water seafood). Taking a DHA supplement reduces inflammation, combats the plaque buildup associated with Alzheimer’s, and increases blood flow to your brain. In fact, studies have shown that taking 600mg of DHA supplement daily for 6 months boosts your brain so much that it functions as though it were 3 years younger!

Brain Booster 2: Brain Stimulating Switch-Ups

Just as it’s important to add variety to your physical exercise routine, adding variety to your daily mental routine cross-trains different muscles in your brain. Simple switch-ups, such as putting your watch on your opposite wrist, using your opposite hand while brushing your teeth, doing your hair and eating, and even writing backward activate brain regions that might otherwise go unstimulated. This stimulation can lower your risk of memory impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.  

Brain Booster 3: The 7-7-7 Stress-Busting Breath

We all know stress is bad for our health, but you may not have known it can be deadly when it comes to your brain. Stress is like poison for your hippocampus – the part of brain responsible for memory – as it leads to chronically high levels of the hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels can cause brain cell dysfunction, kill brain cells, and cause atrophy of the brain. Busting stress, theore, is vital to preserve your memory.Three times a day, close the door, remove your shoes and socks, and lower the lights. Breathe in for 7 seconds; hold it for another 7; then exhale for a final 7 seconds. Repeat the technique seven times to help “reset” your brain and get your cortisol levels under control. Research has shown that mindful relaxation techniques are associated with an increase in the size of your hippocampus in as little as 8 weeks.

Brain Booster 4: Tease Your Memory

While we may feel our memories just aren’t what they used to be, we actually have an innate ability to remember just about anything – so long as we train ourselves to use the right mechanisms. It may shock you, but you have the ability to memorize a list of 20 or 30 items, simply by forming big, important, or even silly associations with each item. For example, say you need to remember the word “baker.” If you think of a friend with the last name “Baker” you may have some success. If, however, you think of a bread baker, wearing a white hat and apron, doused in flour, surrounded by the aroma of freshly baked croissants, you won’t forget the word “baker” for days! You can do the same with a shopping list, a to-do chart, or just about anything, so long as you associate high-importance with all 20 items. Doing so will have a positive, expansive effect on your hippocampus, fighting off Alzheimers.

Brain Booster 5: Brain Push-Ups

Dr. Fotuhi believes push-ups – yes, just good old-fashioned push-ups – are the most important step to strengthening your “brain muscles” and preventing Alzheimer’s. Proper form, however, is key. Start on the floor, with your hands set at about a shoulder-width distance, angling your hands in a way that feels comfortable. Extend your legs, with your feet also in a comfortable position, generally shoulder-width apart or wider for more stability. Be sure your body is in one straight line from your head to your heels; avoid having your butt or belly either sagging or sticking up. Clenching your butt cheeks and tightening your abs will ensure you’ve engaged your core. Keeping your gaze forward, slowly lower until your elbows form a 90-degree angle, keeping your arms in tight to your body. Then, push yourself back up, still keeping your elbows tight and your core engaged. For additional support when first starting out, keep your knees bent on the floor and do modified push-ups. Either way, 7 push-ups or more a day will help stimulate blood flow to your brain and generate new brain cells, which is the most effective weapon in fighting cognitive disease.

0 Swine Flu Symptoms and Prevention

What is Swine Flu ?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease that infects pigs. It is caused due to the infection by any one of several type of influenza A virus. This influenza is transmitted to human through direct contact with infected pig (zoonotic swine flu) but looking to the history and even recent outbreaks of swine influenza in USA and in India we know that this virus is transmitted from human to human as well. the most common swine influenza virus in human is H1N1 which is a subtype of influenza virus A. swine flu is highly contageous but it can be treated and prevented as well.

Swine Flu Symptoms 

The  swine flu  symptoms are same as seasonal flu but in many cases diarrhea, vomiting.

• Fever
• cough
• runny nose
• sore throat
• headache
• chills
• body ache
• fatigue

Apart from the above listed swine flu symptoms   there are other symptoms also which may lead to severe to lethal cases of swine flu.

• Severe abdominal or chest pain
• Sudden dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Excessive vomiting
• Confusion

Who is at high risk of Swine Flu ?

People having weakened immune system
People suffering from lung diseases
Those having chronic heart disease
Those having history of long term liver disease
If you have kidney disease you are at higher risk of getting infected by swine flu virus.

What is the difference between h1n1 virus / swine flu and seasonal flu ?

Swine Flu Symptoms - Prevention

The  swine flu symptoms and seasonal flu symptoms are almost same, in both conditions patient suffers fever, headaches, runny nose, sore throat, cough etc., however in h1n1 virus (swine flu) patient might experience respiratory problems, diarrhea and vomiting. H1N1 virus  can also worsen severe chronic diseases  like asthma and diabetes.

How to Prevent Swine Flu ?

By taking simple prevetive measures we can reduce the risk of catching the h1n1 virus.

Swine Flu Prevention:

• Avoid direct contact with infected human and pigs in order to prevent swine flu infection .
• Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or a respiratory mask while going out .
• Do not spit in public place.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or with alcohol based hand sanitizers frequently as swine flu virus can be spread by touching the contaminated (with the virus) humans and odjects.
• Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing. Use disposable napkins instead of bare palms or cloth napkins.
• If you are feeling the symptoms of swine flu then stop going to work and avoid public transport. check with your health care provider/doctor.
• Swine flu does not spread from consumption of pork products as virus is not transmitted through food.

Swine Flu in India

Unfortunately India also witnessed h1n1 2009 pandemics (swine flu pandemic).The first confirmed death due to swine flu in India was of 14 yrs old girl child from Pune.
On August 8, 2010 the Indian government reported there had been 1833 deaths from swine flu in the country.

Since then few more cases have also been detected after the pandemics.

In April 2012 approx. after three years of h1n1 pandemics in India,  two new cases of swine flu were detected in Vizag (aka Vishakhapatnam) a city located in Andhra Pradesh (a state in southern India).

If you or anyone in your family exhibit any of the above listed swine flu symptoms it becomes a mandate to get immediate medical advice.

0 Alzheimers Disease Prevention and Treatment

Alzheimers Disease cases have been rapidly increasing over the last half century, and are currently the seventh leading cause of death in America.  Alzheimers is the most common form of dementia and affects our ability to form memories, communicate and perform the most common daily tasks.  Fifty years ago, Alzheimers Disease was virtually unknown to medical science, yet today we see a skyrocketing incidence of this devastating affliction.  While there is a genetic component to the disease, it is largely the result of lifestyle, poor diet and environmental factors which cause systemic inflammation in the body.

Alzheimers Disease Caused by Brain Inflammation

The Standard American Diet is known to promote a low grade inflammation throughout the body, and is linked with heart disease, stroke and cancer.  We can add Alzheimers Disease to the list, as the brain is susceptible to the ravages of inflammatory chemicals which are released into the blood as a result of poor diet and environmental assault.

The disease is characterized by the accumulation of a protein known as beta amyloid which blocks communications between the neurons synapses.  Normally the brain is able to break down the amyloid plaques so they can be removed properly, but this function becomes limited as inflammation affects the normal plaque clearance process in the brain.  Alzheimers was a very rare condition prior to 1950.  Our diet did not include all the ined, processed and fried foods.  Meals were made at home from natural ingredients including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and we were not continually exposed to a barrage of unhealthy chemicals and pollutants in our homes and the environment.

Anti-Aging Formula Increases Brain Synapse Formation

Scientists have been working feverishly on drugs and natural nutraceuticals which may have an impact on the development and progression of Alzheimers Disease.  There are several drugs which have been approved for management of the disease, but they are at best palliative.  Recent studies have demonstrated that a specially formulated cocktail consisting of uridine, choline and the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA helped the brain to form new synapses for communication between neurons.  

DHA is especially important for brain health, as more than half of the brain cell membranes are composed of the fat.  When DHA is in short supply in the blood, other inferior fats must be used for the construction process resulting in a cell which cannot function optimally.  Also important to the formula for synapse development in the brain are the B Vitamins, especially the B-12 derivative Methylcobalamin which provides the electrical charge that cause the synapse to fire.  This is an important finding for those wishing to prevent and even treat Alzheimers Disease since the more healthy synapses which exist in the brain, the better we can process, store and manipulate information and memories.

Targeted Supplements Inhibit Plaque Formation

The most exciting research involves two critical nutrients, which when combined have been shown to reduce the amount of beta amyloid plaque formation in the brain.  Resveratrol and Circumin when taken together can reduce plaque deposits.  While there is controversy as to whether beta amyloid protein is the cause or effect of Alzheimers Disease, there is little argument that clearing this sticky substance from the brain is the key to prevention and even treatment.  Resveratrol is an extract from the skins of red grapes which has the ability to break apart amyloid deposits.  Circumin is a natural component of the spice curry, and is a powerful antioxidant.  Working synergistically with Resveratrol, the two provide a powerful punch to plaque formation, and given their excellent safety record, should be a part of every dietary program to prevent Alzheimers Disease.

Lifestyle has been shown to be a key component in the development of Alzheimers Disease.  Diet and our environment have changed dramatically over the past decades, and are the primary cause of the rampant increase in the disease.  Drug manufacturers are working hard to find the magic bullet which will cure this disease, yet the best tools we have for prevention are realized by following a healthy diet, caul monitoring of the chemical environment to which we are subjected each day and supplementing with a targeted group of nutraceuticals which are essential to healthy brain function.

0 Cancer Prevention is Better than Cure

Cancer is perhaps the deadliest and most terrifying disease a person can have in our generation today. According to research, about 1500 people die of cancer each day, making it next to heart disease in rank. You can call it a silent killer, because it slowly eats away a person’s life. And although a huge development in the medical world has made treatment for cancer a lot easier, still, the best way to fight cancer is to stop it in its tracks. Preventing cancer is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, the best methods you can try to deal with it are usually free.

Studying your family history of the disease is one of the first things you need to do to find out whether your risks for cancer are high or not. Cancer can be hereditary, so if a certain type of cancer runs in the family, there’s a big chance you can acquire the disease as well. If this is the case, talk to your doctor and set up an appointment where you can be screened and tested for cancer risk.

If you are not a smoker or alcohol drinker, it would be best if you never start at all. But if you are, you might want to gradually cut the habit if you want to keep cancer at bay. Tobacco smoking and exposure to it is the greatest risk factor for lung cancer. It’s also responsible for other types of health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and even degenerative brain disease. Even if you don’t put a cigarette between your lips, as long as you’re in range of someone who’s smoking incessantly, you can still be putting yourself at risk.

Excessive intake of alcohol can also have the same impact to your health as smoking. In fact, almost 4% of cancer cases are attributed to alcohol drinking. According to one study, a person’s risk for cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus can be increased by alcohol and tobacco. Not only that, it is said to increase a person’s risk for liver, rectal, colon, and breast cancer as well. To prevent cancer altogether, start doing away with these two deadly habits as soon as possible.

Another thing you can do to stay away from cancer is to practice sun-safety. We thank the sun for various reasons, but while it can be a source of life and energy, it can also be the cause of skin cancer. For your information, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and millions of people in the US alone are diagnosed with it each year. It takes time for the signs of sun damage to appear in the skin but most of the damage done is a result of cumulative exposures to harmful UV rays. It’s not only by going to the beach that you can acquire sun damage. Even by just getting a sun tan from a tanning salon can put your skin’s health at risk.

To avoid sun damage, always wear sunscreen with SPF 15 protection or higher 30 minutes before you go outside each day. Try to wear clothes that will cover your arms and the back of our hands as well, because these are the spots where signs of sun damage usually appear. Bring an umbrella or wear a large hat to protect your face, and wear sunglasses for your eyes.

The kind of food that you eat also plays a major role when it comes to preventing or delaying the onset of diseases like cancer. Some of the food that you eat on a daily basis can actually increase your cancer risk. Such foods include processed meat, sweets, and foods rich in salt and preservatives. To fight cancer, include more foods that are rich in antioxidants in your daily menu. Antioxidants help reverse the damage done by free radicals in the body. They also help boost your immune system so that your body doesn’t easily succumb to cancer and other diseases.

Moreover, try to involve yourself in physical activities as much as you can. Even thirty minutes of brisk walking each day can cut down your risk for cancer by up to 80 percent! And get enough sleep and rest too. It is during sleep time that your body heals and repairs damaged cells and tissues.

Finally, don’t forget to visit your doctor once every three months and have a general checkup. Most cancers can be stopped when detected in their early stages.