Reverse Memory Loss

The baby boom generation is expected to bring a wave of new Alzheimer’s cases  Thus, the number of Americans with the memory-robbing disorder projected to triple over the next three decades. Many experts say that related healthcare costs could hit $1.5 trillion by 2050, unless new treatments are developed.

 

The good news: A half-dozen strategies have been proven to combat age-related mental declines and dementia.  These strategies may even slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, according to many of the nation’s leading mental-health specialists.

According to studies, we are basically developing dementia to some degree or another from age 40.  As people reach 40, we see lots of early dementia, loss of metabolism, loss of energy in the brain, and then people forget, their judgment’s impaired studies show.

 

These trends can be reversed by using a six-step strategy to maintain a healthy mind and body — a prescription for healthy living that research shows can reverse and even prevent age-related mental declines.

 

No. 1: Exercise. The first step is always to look at your weight - it turns out that obesity is very dementia causing. There are a lot of women that are thin, flabby — or what we call normal weight obesity. They have normal weight but they are still obese because they are not fit.  Thus, the basic rule is you really have to exercise an hour a day.

 

No. 2: Sleep: You have to sleep…seven hours every night.  Studies have shown that about 30 million Americans have chronic sleep problems, which increases the risk for heart disease, depression, and other serious health problems. Many resort to sleeping pills, which carry risks when taken long term. A better options is resorting to mild sleep-inducing alternatives like chamomile tea and managing stress.

 

No. 3: Mental function. Anxiety, depression, addictions, and other mental-health disorders can increase the risk for developing Alzheimer’s later in life, many studies show.  That is why it is critical to manage such conditions effectively with antidepressants, therapy, and other mental-health strategies.

 

No. 4: Early testing. It is recommended that you work with your doctor to determine your “baseline” cognitive abilities, memory, verbal IQ, and judgment skills.  A brain scan can also provide details on how well your brain is functioning.  In addition, you might consider memory games that you can find on the internet or your smart phone.

 

No. 5: Diet and nutrition: Eating a healthy diet is critical to maintaining your mental edge as you grow older.  I would suggest the Mediterranean diet (Mediterranean diet), drinking lots of green tea, and avoiding sugary high-carb processed foods as much as possible.

 

No. 6: Natural hormones. As we age, our levels of natural hormones decline.  That is why it is important to consider bio-identical hormone supplements, if you are deficient.

The Mediterranean Diet

 A true Mediterranean diet consists mainly of fruits and vegetables, seafood, olive oil, hearty grains, and more, in other words, foods that help fight against heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and cognitive decline.  It is a diet worth chasing; making the switch from pepperoni and cheese to fish and avocados may take some effort, but you could soon be on a path to a healthier and longer life.

The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid is based on the dietary traditions of Crete, Greece, and southern Italy circa 1960 at a time when the rates of chronic disease among populations there were among the lowest in the world, and adult life expectancy was among the highest, even though medial services were limited.

Aside from eating a diet consisting mainly of fresh and homegrown foods instead of processed goods, other vital elements to the Mediterranean diet are daily exercise, sharing meals with others, and fostering a deep appreciation for the pleasures of eating healthy and delicious foods.

Following a Mediterranean diet has many benefits, but there are still a lot of misconceptions on exactly how to take advantage of the lifestyle to lead a healthier, longer life.  The following are some myths and facts about the Mediterranean diet.

Myth 1: It costs a lot to eat this way.
Fact: If you are creating meals out of beans or lentils as your main source of protein, and sticking with mostly plants and whole grains, then the Mediterranean diet is less expensive than serving dishes of meat, cheese, and processed foods.

Myth 2: If one glass of wine is good for your heart, than three glasses is three times as healthy.
Fact: Moderate amounts of red wine (one drink a day for women; two for men) certainly has unique health benefits for your heart, but drinking too much has the opposite effect.  Anything more than two glasses of wine can actually be bad for your heart.

Myth 3: Eating large bowls of pasta and bread is the Mediterranean way.
Fact: Typically, Mediterraneans do NOT eat a heaping plate of pasta the way Americans do. Instead, pasta is usually a side dish with about a 1/2-cup to 1-cup serving size.  The rest of their plate consists of salads, vegetables, a small portion of meat, and perhaps one slice of bread.

Myth 4: If you follow the traditional Mediterranean diet then you will lose weight.
Fact: Those living on Greek islands do NOT enjoy good cardiovascular health just by eating differently; they walk up and down steep hills to tend to their garden and animals, often living off what they can grow themselves.  Physical labor plays a large role.

Myth 5: The Mediterranean diet is only about the food.
Fact: The food is a huge part of the diet, yes, but do NOT overlook the other ways the Mediterraneans life their lives.  When they sit down for a meal, they do NOT sit in front of a television or eat in a rush; they sit down for a relaxed, leisurely meal with others, which may be just as important for your health as what is on your plate.

A traditional Mediterranean diet consisting of large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish and olive oil, along with physical activity, reduces the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. More specifically:

Protecting against type 2 diabetes. A Mediterranean diet is rich in fiber, slowing down digestion and preventing huge swings in blood sugar.

Preventing heart disease and strokes. Refined breads, processed foods, and red meat are discouraged in a Mediterranean diet, and it encourages drinking red wine instead of hard liquor, which have all been linked to heart disease and stroke prevention.

Keeping you agile. The nutrients gained with a Mediterranean diet may reduce a senior’s risk of developing muscle weakness and other signs of frailty by about 70 percent.

Reducing risk of Alzheimer’s. Researchers speculate that the Mediterranean diet may improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels and overall blood vessel health.  All of the above factors may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Halving the risk of Parkinson’s disease. In a diet containing high levels of antioxidants that prevent cells from undergoing a damaging process called oxidative stress, the risk of Parkinson’s disease is also cut in half.

Increased longevity. When there is a reduction in developing heart disease or cancer, as in the case when you follow a Mediterranean diet, there is a 20% reduced risk of death at any age.

You can do it.  Research backing up the Mediterranean diet as a way to prevent vascular disease is NOT really that difficult to follow.  The Mediterranean diet includes generous quantities of olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish; limited portions of red meats or processed meats; and moderate amounts of cheese and wine.  So how can you make the switch?  Start with small steps, jump-starting your effort with these top five tips:

1. Sauté food in olive oil, not butter.
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables by having them as a snack, or adding them to other recipes.
3. Choose whole grains instead of refined breads and pastas.
4. Substitute fish for red meat at least twice per week.
5. Limit high-fat dairy by switching to skim or 1% milk from 2% or whole milk.

 

Are Flu Shots Harming Seniors

There seems to be a lot of talk regarding the flu shot.

 

Seniors are urged to get the flu shot by their doctors and pharmacists as well as by family and friends out of concern that a bout of flu could be fatal.  This has been going on for years.  Even when I was NOT a senior, the doctor's first question was, have you gotten your flu shot yet?  Today, many are asking the question if seniors should get the flu shot?   "Absolutely not," says holistic family physician Dr. David Brownstein. "The vaccine is basically worthless."

 

One of the main reasons the flu vaccine was developed was an attempt to protect seniors from dying from the illness, says Dr. Brownstein. "Seniors are the most vulnerable part of our population," he continues to say, "their immune systems just don't respond to the vaccine.

 

In addition, he says, "Since the government began keeping track, there has been no decrease in the numbers of flu cases in seniors even though about 80% of them are vaccinated. The same number of seniors die from the complications of flu as before, so that alone shows it's just not effective." 

 

A review of 75 studies found that flu vaccinating for seniors was ineffective at preventing flu complications.

 

In addition, the CDC announced as late as last week that the current flu vaccine is a poor match for the strain that is making people sick this season, but people are still being urged to get a flu shot.  Heck, that should give you confidence to go out and get the flu shot no matter what age you are! 

 

When you couple the lack of effectiveness with the mercury, formaldehyde and other toxins in the vaccine, seniors are the last people who should be getting the flu shot.  Mercury, I'm told, is in almost all flu vaccines given to seniors.  In addition, mercury is a potent neurotoxin and is linked to numerous neurological and immune system problems.

 

In reading up on the flu shot, I've learned that the flu vaccine can cause side effects including severe allergic reactions and that it has been liked with narcolepsy in children and an increased risk of Alzheimer's in seniors.  Maybe, there is a reason that I listen to my wife all these years (a retired nurse now).

 

In my opinion, as well as several doctors that I've spoken to, there is no doubt that the flu vaccine can lead to Alzheimer since many flu vaccines are preserved with mercury, as I said, and it is a known brain toxin.

 

Why is it that if you die or other serious side effects take place because of the flu shot, neither victims nor their families are allowed to file lawsuits for damages.  Is it because the United States government gives the manufacturers of vaccines complete immunity.

 

There are natural options that do a better job protecting against the flu and other viral illnesses, in my opinion, such as

 

• Diet. A healthy diet keeps the immune system strong, and eliminating white or refined sugar is a main key.

 

• Water. Drinking enough water keeps the immune system functioning.  Take your weight, divide by two, and the result is how many ounces of water you should drink every day.

 

• Vitamin A. Take 25,000 to 100,000 units a day for seven to ten days at the first sign of flu.

 

• Vitamin D. Take 6,000 to 10,000 units of vitamin D3 daily.

 

• Vitamin C. Take an average dose of 1,000 to 6,000 milligrams every day.  Heck, if thirsty, drink orange juice. 

 

I'm sure there are more natural ways to fight the flu, but the above are the most common and easy to obtain by seniors.

 

Cigarettes Cause One-Third of US Cancer Deaths Says Report

Despite large declines in smoking rates in America, cigarettes still cause about one-third of cancer deaths in the United States, according to a new study.  

The American Cancer Society wrote recently, "Our results indicate that cigarette smoking causes about three in 10 cancer deaths in the contemporary United States. Reducing smoking prevalence as rapidly as possible should be a top priority for U.S. public health efforts to prevent future cancer deaths"

The data for the new cancer death estimate does NOT include deaths from secondhand smoke.  In addition, it does NOT include deaths from other types of tobacco use such as cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco.  It does NOT matter to me since I think that all types of smoking is disgusting!

The study appears in the journal "Annals of Epidemiology".

 In the 1980s, a study concluded that 30% of all cancer deaths in the United States were caused by smoking.  Since that time, the only study conducted was the latest study done by researchers at the American Cancer Society recently.

 The researchers at the American Cancer Society said the rate of smoking-related cancer deaths in 2010 (people used in recent study) is higher than the rate three decades ago.  However, they noted that does NOT mean falling smoking rates have not helped reduce cancer deaths.

 Additional factors contributed to the higher rate in 2010.  Those factors include an increasing number of cancers known to be caused by smoking, rising lung cancer death rates among women smokers, and progress in reducing deaths from cancers caused by factors other than smoking, the researchers said.

Cholesterol And Your Child

 

High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The risk is higher in people who have a family history of heart disease, have diabetes, are overweight or obese, have unhealthy eating habits, are inactive, or who smoke. Talk with your doctor about whether your child or teen needs to be screened for high cholesterol.

How does the doctor know that my child has high cholesterol?

To test for high cholesterol, your doctor can do a blood test called a lipid panel. However, screening is usually not done unless there is a family history of high cholesterol or the child or teen has diabetes.

If your doctor recommends a lipid panel, talk to him or her about what levels are right for your child’s age and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics generally recommends the following levels for children and teens 2 to 19 years of age:

Total cholesterol (mg/dL)

Acceptable — less than 170
Borderline — 170-199
High — 200 or greater

LDL cholesterol (mg/dL)

Acceptable — less than 110
Borderline — 110-129
High — 130 or greater

What can I do to help prevent my child from having high blood cholesterol levels?

Help your child maintain a healthy weight by teaching him or her to make good choices about diet and exercise.

Offer your child at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and other foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as whole grains and fish. Encourage your child to avoid saturated and trans fats, which can raise cholesterol levels. Also limit overall cholesterol intake.

You also can help your child form healthy habits regarding exercise and activity. Encourage your child to choose activities he or she enjoys. Involve the whole family in active time, such as walking, bike riding, bowling and more. Limit screen time (the time your child spends watching TV, or playing video or computer games).

If your child or teen’s cholesterol levels are high and healthy eating and exercise do NOT lower them, especially if he or she has diabetes or is overweight or obese, your family doctor may consider prescribing a cholesterol-lowering medicine. Not all medicines are safe for use in children so do not offer your child cholesterol-lowering medicine that isn’t specifically prescribed to him or her.

10 BENEFITS JUICING LEMONS

The recipe is really simple – a cup of warm water (not hot) and the juice from half of a lemon.
10 BENEFITS JUICING LEMONS

 Lemons are the topic of the day. I always loved the taste of lemons, especially in my green juices.

1. Antibacterial

When you ingest lemon juice the acid from the lemon juice acts as a antibacterial force inside your stomach.

You can also use lemons to clean your cutting boards and counters.

2. Vitamin C

Besides boosting your immune system, vitamin C helps destroy H. pylori, which is a type of bacteria in your stomach. H. pylori is being research for it’s ability to cause stomach ulcers.

Here is a great stomach and gut tonic. This will help you go to the restroom and it will help your stomach fight off any unwanted bacteria like H. pylori. The tonic includes: 1 cup of warm water, 1/2 lemon (juiced), 1 teaspoon of ground flaxseed.

3. Alkalize the Body

Believe it or not but lemon are alkalizing for the body. Many people think since lemons are sour they are actually acidic inside your body. Inside your body lemons don’t act acidic, instead they have alkalizing properties that keep your pH balance.

It’s best to start your day with warm water and lemon juice.

4. Liver Cleanser

Lemons help stimulate your liver and helps flush out toxins like uric acid and also liquefies the bile. This is part of the reason why lemons are used as a great cleanser.

5. Vitamin P

Vitamin P is a flavonoids. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radials associated with cellular damage and aging. Flavonoids also help reduce inflammation.

 6. Anti-cancer Properties

Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer properties like limonine which slows the growth of tumors.

 7. Protection Against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative disease that occurs with aging. Foods rich in vitamin C helps protect agains inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

 8. Cleans You Out and Aids in Digestion

Lemon juice like most fresh vegetable juices contain pectin fiber. Pectin fiber is a type of water soluble fiber that helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Another great thing about pectin is that it keeps you feeling full and reduces cravings.

 9. Natural Diuretic

Lemon juice and warm water also help increase the rate of urination. This is great because toxins and other harmful substances are pushed out of your body, leaving your body in a alkaline state.

 10. Hydration of Lymph System

Warm water and lemon juice supports the immune system by hydrating and replacing fluids lost by your body. When your body is deprived of water, you can definitely feel the side effects, which include: feeling tired, sluggish, decreased immune function, constipation, lack of energy, low/high blood pressure, lack of sleep, lack of mental clarity and feeling stressed just to name a few.

Is Fluoride Dangerous

Did you know, that the average tube of toothpaste has enough fluoride to kill a child. Yet fluoride is enthusiastically hailed in ads as a dental savior.

 

It is praised by many dentists and governmental agencies.  However, fluoride toothpaste must carry a poison warning and directions to seek medical attention if more than the recommended amount is ingested.

 

While fluoride is credited with helping prevent cavities, the naturally occurring mineral is dividing the medical community and prompting governmental review of how much is too much.

 

Did you know that more than half of this country’s community water supplies have added fluoride.  Many experts are calling for a change, demanding that levels for fluoride in water supplies be lowered because of concern over fluorosis, a condition marked by white lines or spots on teeth caused by too much fluoride.

 

It has bee said, that almost half of U.S. adolescents have fluorosis.  However, the risks may reach much further than cosmetic mottling of tooth enamel.

 

Studies have shown that fluoridation of the water supply is associated with an increase of certain cancers and causes thyroid problems.

 

While critics of fluoride, at one time, were once considered a fringe group, they are now finding themselves gaining a voice in mainstream medical circles.

 

A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an agency that I feel has over regulated American live and needs to be defunded, found that long-term high intake of fluoride can increase the risk of brittle bones, fractures, and bone abnormalities.  Other studies that have been conducted recently have suggested that excessive levels of fluoride may be linked to neurotoxicity, hormone problems, and cancer.

 

Beyond the contentious debate over whether fluoride leads to serious health concerns is the fact that many people doubt whether fluoride even helps improve the cavity rate of adults.

 

Phone your local water utility can tell you whether your water supply has added fluoride.  If it does use fluorida, consider a home filtration system that removes it.  Remember, NOT all filtration systems eliminate fluoride.  Make sure that you purchase a reverse osmosis filtration.

NEW STUDY: Grape Seed Extract Fights Cancer

Since Biblical times, moderate wine consumption has been recommended for its supposed health benefits.  Some imbibers even say “Good health!” as they raise their glasses in cheery toasts before their first sips.

 

A recent study, published in the medical journal Plos One, demonstrates for the first time that grape seed extract is a wonder supplement in the fight against cancer.  In addition, it also reduces chemotherapy’s painful side effects.

 

The researchers say adding grape seed extract to chemotherapy is a new approach to bowel cancer treatment, enhancing chemotherapy’s cancer-beating effects and reducing intestinal damage.

 

If you do NOT know, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer in the United States.  Only lung cancer is more deadly.

 

Grape seed extract is commonly sold at health food stores, drugstores, and supermarkets. It is also widely available on the Internet.

 

Capsules rather than powder are “the preferred way to take grape seed extract because (they are) more tolerable  due to (powder’s) astringent taste and unappealing brownish red color,” says Dr. Amy Cheah, a medical science researcher at the school of agriculture, food and wine at Australia’s University of Adelaide, who led the cancer study.

 

Rich in vitamin E, flavonoids, and a powerful nutrient called linoleic acid, grape seed extract  has no side effects and is usually taken because of its “antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties and to promote cardiovascular health,” says Dr. Cheah

 

More research will be done to discover whether grape seed extract works as well with other types of cancer.  

 

“This is the first study showing that grape seed extract can enhance the potency of one of the major chemotherapy drugs in its action against colon cancer cells,” said Dr. Cheah.

 

In addition, grape seed extract has been know as a mighty weapon against varicose veins.  Like garlic, grape seed extract also improves blood flow and stops your blood from clumping and clotting.

 

Now the Australian study has found that grape seed extract led to a 55% decrease in chemotherapy-induced inflammation and a 26% increase in chemotherapy’s ability to kill cancer cells.

 

In addition to the above, the researchers found no side effects on healthy intestinal tissue from the use of grape seed extract in high concentrations.

 

The team’s conclusion, as reported in Plos One: “Grape seed extract may represent a new therapeutic option to decrease the symptoms of intestinal mucositis [inflammation and ulceration] while concurrently impacting on the viability of colon cancer cells.”

 

Grape seed extract is fairly new to the U.S., however, it has been used for years in Europe to treat a number of diseases.  In addition, herbal expects have for years recommended taking 50 mg a day.

 

Research has shown that it is beneficial for a number of heart conditions also, including high cholesterol.  As I've said above grape seed extract has also been used to treat chronic venous insufficiency for poor circulation and eye disease related to diabetes.

 

Word of caution: grape seed extract may interact with some blood thinners and NSAID painkillers such as aspirin, so check with your doctor if you take any of these medications and willing to take grape seed extract.

 

 

 

Depression Linked to Vitamin D Deficiency

Recent research at the University of Georgia College of Education, shows that people who struggle with depression may have a vitamin D deficiency.  As you might know, depression usually intensifies during winter months.   Thus, many are worried that we might have more people depress in the coming months.

Vitamin D is produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight.  Thus, summer months.
  

Researcher Alan Stewart said a review of more than 100 articles and found a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and seasonal depression.

Vitamin D, which has been nicknamed the “sunshine vitamin”, is also involved in the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine within the brain, both chemicals linked to depression, according to the researchers.
  

"Seasonal affective disorder is believed to affect up to 10 percent of the population, depending upon geographical location, and is a type of depression related to changes in season," said Stewart.  Alan Stewart went on to say, "People with SAD have the same symptoms every year, starting in fall and continuing through the winter months."

 

Infection Prevention Tips For Staying Healthy

There are a number of ways to prevent infection and to stay healthy.  However, the main ways are listed in thus article.

1.  Hand Hygiene

Most infections are spread by picking up germs on our hands from contact with other people or by touching contaminated surfaces.  This is probably the number 1 cause of spreading infections.  Thus, clean, healthy, intact skin is the best barrier against infection.  One of the best ways to stay healthy is to wash or decontaminate your hands.  "Hand hygiene" describes either hand washing or decontaminating hands. Washing hands removes the germs from your hands.  Decontaminating kills the germs on your hands with the use of alcohol-based hand rubs (commonly found in stores now a days).  If your hands are visibly dirty, wash away the dirt.  Otherwise, decontamination is a convenient way to kill the germs.

When should I perform hand hygiene?

• Before you eat
• Before and during food preparation, especially when handling meat, eggs or poultry
• Before applying makeup
• Before handling contact lenses
• Before treating a cut or wound
• Before and after caring for someone who is ill
• After using the restroom
• After changing diapers
• After you sneeze or cough
• After touching animals and pets
• And anytime your hands are visibly dirty.

How do I wash my hands well?

• Wet hands with water that is a comfortable temperature
• Apply soap and rub hands together for at least 20 seconds
• Be sure to cover all surfaces, especially under nails, around rings, your thumbs and around your wrists
• Rinse hands well
• Dry your hands with a paper towel or clean cloth towel
• Use the towel to turn off the faucets.

How do I use alcohol-based hand rubs?

• Apply a quarter-sized amount to one hand
• Rub your hands together until they are dry, making sure that you cover all surfaces of your hands (do not rinse your hands).

2.  Cover your cough

Another common thing that people do is NOT cover when coughing.  Many respiratory diseases can be spread person-to-person by respiratory droplets.

How do I prevent spreading a respiratory infection to others?

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing
• If a tissue is not available, sneeze or cough into your sleeve to contain the droplets (do NOT sneeze or cough into your hands)
• Clean hands with soap and water or decontaminate hands with an alcohol-based hand rub
• Stay home if you are ill.

Keep your immunizations up-to-date

Vaccines are not just for children!  Adults need to be vaccinated against infectious diseases too.  Each year, over 40,000 adults die in the United States from a vaccine-preventable disease.

What vaccines do I need?

• Get your flu shot every year.  Flu viruses change slightly each year so it is important to get vaccinated every year, beginning in October and through the season, which lasts until May

Take antibiotics correctly and only when necessary

• Antibiotics work for bacterial infections but do not work for viral infections
• Do NOT insist that your healthcare provider give you antibiotics if you do NOT need them
• If you need an antibiotic, take them as exactly as your healthcare provider prescribed them and finish all of the medicine
• Do NOT take someone else's antibiotics or give yours to someone else.