Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Listen To Your Heart

Your heart is supposed to race at certain times,
such as when you're in love.

But if it's always in overdrive, you could have a health problem. "A well-conditioned heart can pump more blood with each stroke, so the heart doesn't need to beat as many times per minute to circulate blood through the body," says Michael Huff, sports performance coordinator at Duke Sports Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.

A resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute is considered normal, though highly conditioned athletes may drop as low as 40, says David Berkoff, an assistant emergency medicine professor at Duke University.

A resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute is a potential problem. An elevated rate can be a sign of many things, such as heart disease, infection, and even arthritis. Some drugs, prescription and otherwise, can also raise your heart rate.

The best time to check your resting heart rate is first thing upon waking. Use the index and middle fingers of one hand to find your pulse along the wrist of the other hand, just below the base of your thumb. Count the beats for 15 seconds and then multiply by four.

If you don't have a stopwatch handy, just lie in bed and wait for the minute hand to change on your alarm clock. Then count your heart beats for a full minute (until the minute hand changes again). See your doctor if you consistently count 100 beats or more per minute.

Thanks for Good Food

Ah, Thanksgiving,
that day of the year when we eat so much
that we need a nap to make it through the day.


It's almost treasonous to suggest that people not indulge at least a little bit on this most feastly day. But there's a way to have your cake -- and pie and all those other Thanksgiving goodies -- and eat reasonably healthfully, too. Here's how:
  • Fowl Is Fair. If the choice is between glazed nitrate-cured ham or traditional big bird, opt for the poultry. Although the dark meat has higher fat content, it's also richer in iron and zinc, two important minerals most Americans don't get enough of. A smaller portion will take you farther nutritionally than an equal portion of white meat.
  • Stay On The Sides. Most of your holiday sides are where the nutrition action is -- at least when they're done right. Winter squash, such as butternut squash and pumpkin, is loaded with vitamin A as beta-carotene and other antioxidants to help prevent heart disease and cancer. They're also a good source of potassium and brimming with fiber. Fiber helps prevent a number of cancers while acting as a probiotic and feeding the helpful microorganisms in the digestive tract.
  • Stand By Your Yams (and Sweet Potatoes). Like the other yellow, orange, and gold root veggies, they have the vitamin A, calcium, potassium, and fiber. But they also are one of the best sources of food energy. According to Mark Anthony, Ph.D., a nutritional scientist at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, "Boiled or steamed sweet potatoes and yams are one of the healthiest foods people can eat. The low-heat cooking helps them retain more nutrients and provide the type of carbohydrates must suited for weight management and blood-sugar control."
  • Keep In the Red. Red fruits and vegetables are some of the best sources of vitamins and antioxidants. Berries contain proanthocyanidins that can prevent the adhesion of various bacteria associated with urinary tract infections, gum disease, and stomach ulcers.
  • Cut And Dried. Look to dried fruits -- dried plums, figs, raisins, and cherries -- for more than iron, zinc and other minerals. They have plenty of calcium, too. And of course, they're famous for fiber and potassium. You can make pies from most of them, add them to stuffing, sauces, and compotes, or eat them out of hand with nuts.

Turning the Table on Diabetes

Thirteen years ago, doctors diagnosed Sally Neal with impaired glucose tolerance, a condition now called pre-diabetes. The news didn't surprise the administrator at the University of California, San Diego. For much of her adult life, she battled being overweight and having high cholesterol and high blood pressure. She needed heart bypass surgery at age 33. "In 2001, I'm not sure why, something just clicked," the 58-year-old says. "I made the decision that I wanted to live."

Fitness and a healthy diet are a way of life now, and Sally is now trim at 138 pounds -- down from 210. More important, she lowered her blood sugar to normal levels and faces little risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the American Diabetes Association estimates that 41 million people in the United States, age 40 to 74, have pre-diabetes. Many don't realize it. Recent research shows that damage to the heart and circulatory system may occur during pre-diabetes and lead to increased risk of developing Alzheimer's later in life.

"This isn't an epidemic -- it's a catastrophe," says Dr. Robert Rizza, the ADA's president of medicine and science. "This is a major challenge to our nation's health."

A Preventable Problem

Most people gradually lose sensitivity to insulin -- the key blood-sugar-regulating hormone -- as they age, but few succumb to type 2 diabetes as long as they maintain a healthy diet and weight and exercise regularly.

"Those are the big two -- too much food and not enough exercise," says Dr. Athena Philis-Tsimikas at the Whittier Institute for Diabetes/Scripps Health in La Joolla, California. "The trend of obesity parallels the trend of diabetes."

Moderation is key for pre-diabetics, who should strive to control the portion sizes of the foods they eat. Keep calories from fat under 30% and calories from saturated fat under 10%. Don't worry about indulging in an occasional piece of pie or a glass of wine. Periodic visits with a dietitian can keep you motivated.

Experts also say there's no need to adopt a strenuous exercise program or pare off every extra pound. A major clinical trial conducted over three years and published in 2002 found that people with pre-diabetes who walked or did other exercise 30 minutes per day five times per week and lost 7% of total weight reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 58%. The lifestyle changes were nearly twice as effective as taking metformin, a glucose-regulating pill.

Get Screened

Thirstiness, frequent urination, and feeling tired can be warning signs of borderline diabetes, but most people who have it experience no symptoms. Take the accompanying quiz to find out if you are at risk. Family doctors and clinics can administer a simple fasting blood glucose test to confirm pre-diabetes, defined as a blood glucose number between 100 and 126. If your blood sugar is normal, it's still a good idea to check it every three years. If you have pre-diabetes, make lifestyle changes and check your blood sugar every year.

"If you take care of yourself, chances are you'll do just fine," Dr. Rizza says. "It's within your control."

"I can tell by the way I feel that I'm under control," says Sally Neal, whose example has inspired friends and coworkers to get off their sofas and get moving again. "It's very rewarding to have someone look at me now and think I can do it, too."

Are You At Risk?

Take this test to see if you are at risk for having diabetes. Write in the points next to each statement that is true for you. If a statement is not true, write a zero. Then add all the points to get your total score.

  1. My weight is equal to or above that listed in the accompanying weight chart. 5 points.
  2. I am under 65 years of age and I get little or no exercise during a usual day. 5 points.
  3. I am between 45 and 64 years of age. 5 points.
  4. I am 65 years old or older. 9 points.
  5. I am a woman who has had a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth. 1 point.
  6. I have a sister or brother with diabetes. 1 point.
  7. I have a parent with diabetes. 1 point.
TOTAL:
3-9 Points: You are probably at low risk for having diabetes now. But keep an eye on things, especially if you are Hispanic/Latino, African-American, American Indian, Asian-American, or Pacific Islander. You may be at higher risk in the future.

10 or More Points: You are at greater risk for having diabetes. Only your health care provider can determine if you have diabetes. At your next office visit, find out for sure.

New Drugs Offer Hope

Four new drugs are generating a lot of optimism among the 21 million Americans who have type 2 diabetes.

The irony of most existing diabetes treatments is that they tend to cause weight gain. Byetta, introduced by Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly last year, contributes to significant weight loss. Also, animal studies suggest that the injectable drug may even help the pancreas regrow the cells that produce insulin.

Taken as pills, Merck's Januvia and Galvus, from the Swiss drug firm Novartis, are expected to receive FDA approval soon. The drugs appear to have fewer side effects that an older class of diabetes drugs and work by raising the levels of a natural hormone that causes the pancreas to produce more insulin.

Injected insulin has been the time-honored treatment for late-stage diabetes and the most potent method of controlling blood sugar. Pfizer's new inhalable insulin, Exubera, promises to be a welcome alternative for some of the more than 5 million diabetics who have to inject insulin every day.

Wrist Bone Connections

Despite how the nursery school rhyme goes, it turns out the wrist bone isn't only connected to the arm bone. British researchers recently examined the medical records of over 640,000 patients and made an interesting discovery. Those people who had carpal tunnel syndrome were significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the coming years. If you have been bothered by carpal tunnel, it's a good idea to have your doctor keep a close eye on your blood sugar as well.

When Weight Becomes a Risk Factor

If you're a woman who weighs more than the amount listed for your height, you're at risk for diabetes.

4'10" - 129
4'11" - 133
5'0" - 138
5'1" - 143
5'2" - 147
5'3" - 152
5'4" - 157
5'5" - 162
5'6" - 167
5'7" - 172
5'8" - 177
5'9" - 182
5'10" - 188
5'11" - 193
6'0" - 199
6'1" - 204
6'2" - 210
6'3" - 216
6'4" - 221

Tame Allergies the Natural Way

Your runny nose and watery eyes
remind you every day that
allergy season isn't quite over yet.


And you've probably tried much of what the drugstore has to offer. What you may not know is that there are proven natural remedies to squelch your symptoms.
  • Butterbur (Petasites Hydridus). Several studies confirm this European herb's ability to ease hay fever symptoms. In two studies, Swiss researchers examined 460 people, and confirmed that butterbur was as effective as popular over-the-counter remedies for calming allergies. The herb contains compounds that inhibit production of leukotrienes, which help trigger inflammation when you're exposed to allergens. What to take: Petadolex, available in health food stores. Follow label directions.
  • Nettle (Urtica Dioica). This herb's leaves contain compounds which inhibit inflammation, although researchers aren't exactly sure how they work. In one study, 58% of those who took nettle said it relieved their symptoms, compared to 37% of those who took a sugar pill. What to take: Freeze-dried nettle leaf capsules, available in health food stores. Follow label directions.
  • Homeopathy. The practitioners of this 200-year-old medical system believe that a tiny dose of a substance that, in normal amounts, causes symptoms in a healthy person, will quell those same symptoms in a sick person. Researchers at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona, gave a homeopathic blend of highly diluted local pollens or a placebo to 40 people with moderate to severe seasonal allergies. After four weeks, symptoms of those who took the homeopathic remedy had improved significantly. What to take: Dolimed spray by Dolisos. Call (800) 365-4767 for a retailer near you. Or consult a homeopath for a tailor-made cure. See homeopathic.org for more info.
  • Probiotics are "good" bacteria that already live in your body. They can help reduce allergy symptoms by clinging to and strengthening the lining of nasal passages, which prevent invading pollens and allergens from entering your system. You can supplement your body's probiotic colonies by eating yogurt containing live, active cultures. What to take: Stony Field Farm French Vanilla nonfat yogurt is one of several brands that have live cultures. Or you can take probiotic supplements to augment your own supply of these beneficial microorganisms. Good brands include RGarden's Inner Garden Flora. See rgarden.net/nutrition for more info.

DNA Home Health Tests?

I was astounded when I found people are buying DNA home health testing kits from various web sites, mail-order companies and other sources. These health kits claim to warn people of disease risks, such as cancer and osteoporosis.

A congressional report warns buyers not to put their faith or dollars in do-it-yourself health testing kits. Another report found that many outfits gave misleading or meaningless information, and little guidance about dangers.

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating the people selling these kits. For more information, see www.FDA.gov.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Better Beef

Free-roaming, grass-fed cows are happier -- and they're healthier for you, too, as they are fed no grains, unnatural supplements, growth hormones, or antibiotics.

A March 2006 report by the nonprofit Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) found that grass-fed beef can have up to 50% less fat than conventionally produced beef, and it often has higher levels of EPA, DHA, and ALA omega-3 fats, as well. UCS says that EPA and DHA may reduce the risk of heart disease, and ALA may reduce the risk of heart attacks.

To find companies that sell grass-fed beef, visit the Tallgrass Beef Company at www.tallgrassbeef.com.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Letter from Maribel K. on Fiber & Water

On September 17, 2006, Maribel K. wrote:

Hi Karen - Maribel K. writing. I'm enjoying your website.

I have diabetes for more than 40 years - am using an insulin pump. My diabetes is in better control than ever and praise to the Lord! I will be 82 next week - continue to be very active. I was to China 7 times - teaching six summers. My last tour was 2004. Feb. '06 I traveled to Australia/New Zealand. My biggest problem is that my feet are very narrow and I have a problem getting sturdy firm shoes for stable walking.

I eat 1/2 cup oatmeal every morning.
I eat 1/2 Fiber One before bedtime - Please analyze for me.

I have constipation problems off and on - more on than off.
I started to add oat bran to my cereal. I'm not sure how much is ok. I feel it is helping.

Any advice for me?

I have a Nikken Pimag Aqua Power Express water purifier/acid remover on my counter top. Any comments on this machine? I love it!

I wait to hear from you,
Maribel K.

Well, Maribel, I went to the grocery store (Albertsons) and checked out the Fiber One cereal. Actually, they had two types of Fiber One, the plain one and the Fiber One Honey Clusters.

Fiber One - serving size: 1/2 cup; fiber per serving - 14 grams; calibration - 200
Fiber One Honey Clusters - serving size: 1-1/4 cup; fiber per serving - 14 grams; calibration - 150

You didn't state what type of oatmeal you eat, so I calibrated a couple of them also:

Quaker Oats (old fashioned & quick oats) - serving size: 1/2 cup; fiber per serving - 4 grams; calibration - 200
Albertsons (old fashioned & quick oats) - serving size: 1/2 cup; fiber per serving - 4 grams; calibration - 400

Why is there such a difference in calibration when the items are labeled identically? My only guess is the Albertsons brand is fresher and the Quaker Oats brand has been sitting on the shelf longer.

For your age, Maribel, you should be ingesting at least 25 grams of fiber per day. I personally feel you should go over that amount, perhaps up to 35 grams per day. In your oatmeal and Fiber One, you're getting 18 grams of fiber.... only 7 more to go! Easy to do... 1/2 cup of kidney beans will give you 6 grams of fiber... 1/2 cup of pinto beans will give you 9 grams of fiber. One whole wheat tortilla or 2 corn tortillas will give you 4 grams of fiber.

Most high-fiber foods contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, but in different proportions. Choose a variety of high-fiber foods (vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products) in order to get enough of both soluble and insoluble fiber daily. Both types of fiber are important because they have different health benefits.

Insoluble fiber produces the tough, chewy texture of wheat bran, whole grains, and vegetables. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin are insoluble fibers. Eating foods containing insoluble fiber is important for proper bowel function and can reduce symptoms of chronic constipation, diverticular disease, and hemorrhoids.

Soluble fiber includes pectin and gum and is found in oats, dry beans and peas, and some fruits and vegetables. Some studies indicate that foods containing soluble fiber may help reduce blood cholesterol levels in some people.

The Nikken water purifier is a great product to use to get high quality drinking water. I know of a similar water purifier that has a larger capacity and is less expensive, but I shall comment on that at a later date.

What would kick up that water a few notches would be to turn it into hexagonal shape. If you think your water is good now, you'll *really* feel it then! I highly recommend the Vitalizer Plus to do this. Learn more about it at http://www.water-plus-resources.info. I've turned really good drinking water (calibration - 500) into really great water (calibration - 950) by using the Vitalizer Plus.

Using biokinesiology, food & product calibration is on a scale of 1 to 1,000 with a high number being more strengthening to the body and 200 being neutral (neither strengthens nor weakens).

The results above are not a recommendation or condemnation, approval or disapproval of any product. They are simply results of a calibration test that indicates the strength (or energy level, if you will) of any food or drink. Even though higher numbers of the calibration test indicate a better or stronger product to promote good health, it is best if individuals take into consideration their particular body chemistry (e.g., allergies, current medications, etc.) before utilizing that item.

If you have a product or food you would like me to calibrate, send me an email. If it is an item found in stores (local to me are WalMart, Smart & Final, Northgate, Stater Brothers, Albertsons), let me know what the item(s) is/are and I will report the results in this blog. If it is an item that is not found in stores, you must send that item to me. If you want that item returned, be sure to send funds or postage to cover the cost of return shipping.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Consider Storing Food Now

by Dr. James Howenstine, MD

There are many good reasons to obtain food supplies now. The United States has become a net importer of food for the first time in its history. Remember also that the major foods grown and exported by the U.S. are GMO wheat, corn and soy which are very deleterious to human health.....

To read the rest of Dr. Howenstine's article, go to:
http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james50.htm


Dr. James A. Howenstine is a board certified specialist in internal medicine who spent 34 years caring for office and hospital patients. After 4 years of personal study he became convinced that natural products are safer, more effective, and less expensive than pharmaceutical drugs.


Editor's note: I've known for years that natural products are safe, more effective, and less expensive than pharmaceutical drugs. I think way down deep, we all know that. However, because of propaganda from the media via drug companies' in-your-face advertisements and the "I want it now" thinking of today's society, the general public is not altogether willing to search for and wait for the positive results natural products can and do offer in promoting and achieving good health. It's very refreshing to know there are certified medical specialists who are more concerned about their patients' health than the mighty dollar.

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Fun Fiber Facts

A breakfast of whole grains can supply
a third of the daily dietary fiber
you need to keep, er, moving.


I admit, it's not a glamorous subject, but it does involve a function that every one of us has in common.

Maybe it's because many of us are uncomfortable discussing this particular bodily function that many of us have problems with it.

According to a National Health Interview Survey, close to 5 million people in the United States say they are constipated most or all of the time. Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the country, resulting in about 3 million annual visits to the doctor.

According to the Institute of Medicine, the most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fiber. We eat too many refined and processed foods from which the natural fiber has been removed, and a lot of meat, which is, for the most part, devoid of any fiber.

Despite the fact that it's actually pretty easy to incorporate into your diet, doesn't provide any additional calories and has numerous health benefits, Americans tend to eat only 4 to 15 grams of fiber per day, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. That's barely half of what is recommended.

Most people are aware that eating fiber helps promote intestinal health, but may not understand how it actually works.

Since fiber can't be digested, it travels through the intestine attracting water along the way, enhancing your body's natural process of elimination. If too little fiber is eaten, constipation or more severe digestive disorders, such as diverticulosis, can result.

Other benefits of a diet high in soluble fiber, like that found in oats and oat bran, include reducing cholesterol levels and promoting cardiovascular health, controlling blood sugar levels, and aiding with weight control by making you feel fuller longer.

The Institute of Medicine recommends that women and men age 50 and younger should eat at least 25 and 38 grams of total fiber per day, respectively. Women and men over age 50 should eat at least 21 and 30 grams per day, respectively.

When it comes to fiber sources, plant foods really shine. Whole grains and beans are perhaps the most often overlooked sources of fiber. Fruits and vegetables are also great choices when trying to increase your fiber fill.

A secondary source of fiber is through supplementation. You see on TV and hear on the radio about products like Metamucil, Benefiber, and Citrucel. Although not as good as fresh food sources containing fiber, they may provide benefits mentioned above.

But wait a minute... are they really all that effective? Most of them are made only from psyllium husks, which alot of people can't handle.

I went to my local WalMart and looked around at their fiber products. Since I can calibrate the strength of products and foods using biokinesiology, I decided to test what was on the shelves and post the results.

On a scale of 1 to 1,000 with a high number being more strengthening to the body and 200 being neutral (neither strengthens nor weakens), the product calibration results are as follows:
  • Benefiber (all types) - 200
  • Fiber Choice (all chewables) - 200
  • Fiber Choice (sugar-free) - 150
  • Fiber Choice (plus calcium, sugar-free, assorted berry flavor) - 125
  • Fiber Choice (weight management, sugar-free, strawberry with Chromate & green tea) - 200
  • Metamucil (all types, including wafers) - 200
  • Equate Fiber Therapy (powder and capsules) - 200
  • Citrucel (all types) - 200
  • FiberSure - 200
  • Kronsyl - 200
  • EZ Fiber - 150
And then I went home and tested a fiber product that I use (not available in WalMart):
The results above are not a recommendation or condemnation, approval or disapproval of any product. They are simply results of a calibration test that indicates the strength (or energy level, if you will) of any food or drink. Even though higher numbers of the calibration test indicate a better or stronger product to promote good health, it is best if individuals take into consideration their particular body chemistry (e.g., allergies, current medications, etc.) before utilizing that item.

If you have a product or food you would like me to calibrate, send me an email. If it is an item found in stores (local to me are WalMart, Smart & Final, Northgate, Stater Brothers, Albertsons), let me know what the item(s) is/are and I will report the results in this blog. If it is an item that is not found in stores, you must send that item to me. If you want that item returned, be sure to send funds or postage to cover the cost of return shipping.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

What's Organic?

If you prefer to buy natural body-care products in the United States, be aware there is no definitive way to identify the "organic" nature of products that do not carry the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seal.

Instead, shoppers find an assortment of confusing labels on organic body-care products, which can mean any of the following definitions.

USDA Organic. This official seal guarantees that the ingredients in a product are free of antibiotics, synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms. Products containing the USDA seal contain at least 70% organic ingredients.

Natural. This is a "feel-good" word, but there is no firm definition for this category. However, the industry's consensus is that "natural" products must contain no artificial preservatives, sweeteners or coloring, chemical additives or hydrogenated oils.

Certified Organic Ingredients. This indicates that ingredients are certified by the USDA as organic. However, the entire product is not "organic" because it may contain or use nonorganic materials and processes.

Saturday, April 08, 2006

Hexagonal Water: Vitalizer Plus

It's been stated that when we're born, our bodies contain 96% water. When most adults die prematurely, their bodies are found to be only 50% water. Makes you think, huh? Do you know how much water you should be drinking? The rule of thumb is one ounce of water per two pounds of body weight. In other words, if you weigh 150 lbs., half of that is 75. So you need to drink 75 ounces of water every day. Other beverages don't count, such as sodas, coffee, tea, milk, beer, etc. Water only. What kind of water? Purified or filtered water is acceptable, but hexagonal water is the best.

  • Hexagonal water is more readily absorbed into the body.
  • Hexagonal water helps move nutrients into the cells faster.
  • Hexagonal water helps remove toxins and wastes from your body.
  • Hexagonal water is alkaline to help balance the pH of your body.
  • Hexagonal water helps prevent chronic dehydration.
  • Hexagonal water helps strengthen your immune system.
  • Hexagonal water enhances metabolic reactions.
  • Hexagonal water improves cellular communication.

To learn more, visit http://water-plus-resources.info. Be sure to click on "The Product" link to view a 30-minute video. It may take awhile to load, so please be patient.

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Why Athletes Choose Hexagonal Water

Hexagonal water can have a dramatic effect on a number of metabolic functions in the human body. But then, why not? Water is involved in every biological activity. It makes sense that more efficient water would have an impact on just about everything the body does.

Water is responsible for the activity of proteins and the activation of enzymes. It is the highway that delivers electromagnetic currents to fuel our cellular reactions. It is the resonance field through which our cells communicate. It is even involved in the transfer of data from the DNA. But in order for water to carry out these tasks in an optimal manner, it must be pure and "organized." Hexagonal water is organized into subunits of 6 individual water molecules which are hydrogen-bonded, forming a liquid crystal matrix capable of transferring nutrients and information within the body more efficiently.

Imagine the static when radio waves encounter interference in the atmosphere; the radio message becomes completely distorted. It is the same within our bodies. Water carries the vibrations and frequencies that transfer information along communication networks. When the water itself is filled with interference, the signals and messages become distorted. Pollution and the lack of organization in the water we drink is critical to accurate biological information exchange.

Hexagonal water for rapid hydration

Most athletes know how important it is to stay hydrated during performance. Water is vital for thermoregulation, replacement of fluid volume and the uptake of nutrients and electrolytes at the cellular level. Athletes are generally more in touch with how their bodies respond to quality supplements -- including the kind of water they drink. Perhaps this is why they have been some of the first to advocate the consumption of hexagonal water.

Organized hexagonal water units move more rapidly into the cellular environment -- hydration is accomplished much quicker. It actually takes less hexagonal water to hydrate the body since the water is more efficient. Body composition analysis shows water movement into the cells in fewer than 10 minutes.

One study indicated that hexagonal water was 13 times more efficient than distilled water. This means that it takes less hexagonal water to produce the same cellular hydration. For the athlete, that's important. A little goes a long way toward the reduction of fluid loss during performance, and there's no water sloshing around in your stomach.

Water is also responsible for the more efficient removal of wastes (especially lactic acid). Most athletes who drink hexagonal water notice they recover faster after a workout.

Hexagonal water improves blood volume

During strenuous activity, blood volume decreases. This is due to an overall reduction in body water (blood is between 85-90% water). Reduced blood volume diminishes the oxygen to muscles and has a subsequent effect on endurance and performance. Hexagonal water increases blood voloume, improves blood flow and increases endurance. One recent test showed that mice who consumed hexagonal water for 30 days nearly doubled their exercise time before the onset of fatigue. This same study also showed higher levels of glycogen storage in the liver. (Glycogen is the primary source of fuel during exercise and plays a major role in athletic endurance.)

Live blood analysis

Live blood analysis illustrates the rapid reduction in agglutination (clumping - which hinders absorption of oxygen and the delivery of nutrients) of red blood cells following the consumption of hexagonal water. This showed a capacity for greater oxygen uptake and more efficient nutrition utilization. It also represents an improved ability to remove cellular waste.

How much is enough?

To maintain proper hydration, it is recommended that everyone consume a minimum of 2 liters of hexagonal water per day. Athletes should consume 500 mls. 30 minutes before exercise -- then, depending on temperature and duration of exercise, they should consume 100-300 mls. every 30 minutes. Many individuals notice more frequent urination when they begin to consume hexagonal water. Many also report increased energy and a heightened sense of well-being; and depending on their level of health, some report the symptoms of detoxification -- characterized by a short period of fatigue, headache and/or other symptoms.

Click on this link to learn more about hexagonal water



References

Chen D. et al. Enhancement of swimming endurance by oral administration of clustered water. J. Internat. Soc. of Sports Nutr. (2005) 2(1):1-30 Poster #42.

Wang, Z.Y. et al. Microclustered water and hydration. Asia Pac. J. Clin. Nutr. (2004) 13:S128.

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Diluting a Disease: Could Homeopathy Stop The Avian Flu?

In 1918 A vicious strain of flu spread to every populated continent, snuffing out lives faster than coffin makers could supply caskets. The Spanish flu killed as many as 50 million people over two years. People who were perfectly healthy when they woke up in the morning could be dead by nightfall. Medical classes were cancelled so that students could serve as doctors and nurses. In Europe, military strategists on all sides of World War I scrambled to redraw battle plans for lack of healthy soldiers.

Surrounded by death and reduced to simply comforting patients with aspirin, a desperate doctor in Pittsburgh asked a nurse whether she knew a better way to save lives. The nurse, who had worked with homeopaths, urged the skeptical doctor to switch to their simple remedies, which she had seen save countless lives.

According to the late homeopathic historian and authority Julian Winston, a victim of the Spanish flu treated by a conventional doctor had only a 70% chance of surviving; homeopaths saved 99% of their patients. Now a number of modern-day homeopaths believe they can help fight another pandemic -- a rare bit of hopeful news given that neither the mainstream medical establishment nor the pharmaceutical industry had found a way to counter H5N1, the virus that causes avian flu.

German physician Samual Hahnemann discovered homeopathy 200 years ago when he found that cinchona bark containing quinine, then the best treatment for malaria, caused all the symptoms of malaria in a healthy person. After experimenting with more than 200 substances, he concluded that like cures like. Give someone with a runny nose a homeopathic solution of onion, that pungent veggie that normally causes a runny nose, and it strengthens the body in just the right way to heal. If you're suffering from insomnia, a homeopath will give you a controlled dose of caffeine-like substance.

Homeopaths dilute substances in double-distilled water, vigorously shake the mixture, and then dilute it again, explains homeopath Dana Ullman. They repeat this over and over until it's unlikely that a single moledule of the original substance remains, and then deliver what's left in a pill or liquid. No one knows exactly why this works, but homeopaths posit that water retains the energy of a substance and delivers a message to the body. (Ullman likens it to rubbing a magnet on a piece of metal to transfer the magnetic properties.)

Because of its success in treating the era's epidemics, homeopathy enjoyed its greatest popularity during the 19th century. Just before the American Medical Association was founded as an alternative to the American Institute of Homeopathy, there were 22 homeopathic medical schools in the United States, including at Boston University and Stanford. Today, the method is most popular in England, where 40% of conventional doctors refer patients to homeopaths.

Countless conventional studies, including one published last summer in the British medical journal The Lancet, have concluded that homeopathic remedies are no more reliable than placebos -- cold comfort in the face of a deadly virus. The French Society of Homeopathy, however, found in a 1998 survey that 90% of those who used a homeopathic solution called Influenzinum were able to avoid a common flu bug. For those already laid up with the flu, at least three separate studies favor homeopathic treatments over using a placebo.

Some mainstream doctors, like Christian Sandrock of the University of California-Davis Medical Center, are willing to consider this evidence but still cautions patients against relying on it as a cure-all. And some mainstream doctors still stereotype homeopaths as con artists or quacks. But even homeopathy's harshest critics don't accuse practitioners like Ullman of peddling harmful substances, so there's a powerful argument to pursue the remedy further.

The standard flu vaccine requires specially cultivated chicken eggs, infected with a specific strain of virus that can be grown only after it is identified, which is why scientists must wait until H5N1 mutates into a human-t0-human bug. Once this happens it will be difficult to produce vaccine fast enough (one dose often requires its own egg). And even if a number of non-existent pharmaceutical facilities sprang up to instantaneously produce vats of vaccine, scientists aren't sure whether host eggs could survive long enough to be harvested.

In the short term, the U.S. and Asian governments have pinned their hopes on Tamiflu, an antiviral drug (not a vaccine) meant to seize influenza inside a victim's cells. It works in petri dishes, but, according to the maker's website, its effectiveness in humans has not been established. Even if Tamiflu proved deadly to the virus, homeopaths point out that the antiviral could, as antibiotics have in the past, cause patients to build up resistance or spur diseases to mutate into more powerful strains, constantly upping the ante. Ullman goes so far as to argue that people who take Tamiflu "are posing a public health threat."

Homeopaths prescribe remedies according to symptoms, so they already have the ability to study the disease in patients without worrying about which strain of what virus is the culprit. Homeopathic treatments are cheaper and easier to produce than a standard vaccine because they're made from natural substances and pure water. And since most remedies aren't patented, progress isn't hindered by squabbles over intellectual property rights. Best of all, homeopathy is about strengthening the body instead of targeting the bug, so patients don't become unwitting vessels for a mutated virus.

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Nutritive Superfoods To Help Keep You Healthy

Daily intake of the key nutrients supplied by the top Superfoods together with exercise, weight control, healthy sleep patterns and minimizing stress can help you live a long and healthy life. The nutritional power of these Superfoods are valuable in helping to prevent heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, more.

APPLES
Apples can reduce risk of heart disease, certain cancers, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. They are especially good for the respiratory system, helping to prevent lung cancer and asthma. They are an excellent source of Fiber, Potassium and disease-fighting Antioxidants, including Vitamin C and Polyphenols. The complex synergistic interactions among the specific nutrients in apples make the fruit so beneficial. Eat as wide a variety of apples as possible and don't remove the peels. A recent study in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirmed that the concentration of antioxidants in an apple's skin is several times greater than in its fruit.

AVOCADOS
Avocados have an important ability to help the body absorb nutrients efficiently from the foods you eat. You'll get significantly more health benefits from the carrots, peppers, and tomatoes in your salad if you add an avocado as well. The monounsaturated fat of the avocado increases the body's absorption of fat-soluble carotenoid phytonutrients, including Beta-Carotene. Avocados also contain high concentration Magnesium, which helps prevent type 2 diabetes and migraine headaches. It's also an excellent source of Potassium, which promotes low blood pressure and good circulation. Though relatively high in calories (48 calories per ounce), avocados help fight obesity because they boost the feeling of fullness (satiety) that signals us to stop eating and thus helps control calorie intake.

CHOCOLATE (DARK)
Dark chocolate contains Polyphenols, such as flavonols, which lower blood pressure. (Milk chocolate does not appear to have the same effect.) Chocolate also is a natural anti-inflammatory. A recent study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that the effects on blood flow from drinking one cup of cocoa rich in flavonol were comparable to those from taking a low-dose aspirin. This suggests that a bar of dark chocolate can be used to treat mild headache or other minor pains. The higher the percentage of cocoa solids in dark chocolate, the more Polyphenols it contains. Despite its high fat content, dark chocolate does not seem to increase blood cholesterol levels. Chocolate is a high-calorie food, so consume no more than 100 calories of chocolate per day -- that's about half of a 3-ounce chocolate bar.

OLIVE OIL
The most valuable change people can make to their cooking habits is to use extra virgin olive oil in place of other oils and fats. While most fats and oils are bad for us, olive oil has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer, lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Select an extra virgin olive oil that is cold pressed and greenish in color -- this indicates that it has a high level of Polyphenols. Include at least one tablespoon daily in your diet.

GARLIC
Eating garlic on a regular basis help reduce blood pressure, triglyceride levels and LDL (bad) cholesterol -- and it may increase HDL (good) cholesterol. Garlic is an anti-inflammatory that can help control arthritis. It has been shown to have significant antibiotic properties, decreasing the incidence and severity of bacterial infections. There's new evidence that garlic consumption might reduce the risk of certain cancers, including colorectal, gastric and prostate cancer, though more research is needed. Raw garlic offers the most health benefits, but cooked garlic is very nutritious, too.

HONEY
Honey consumption increases the amount of antioxidants in the blood, which appears to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. It also helps prevent constipation and reduces cholesterol and high blood pressure. Honey does a better job of boosting energy levels than other sweeteners. While consuming sugar typically provides only a very brief spike in blood sugar, a study found that athletes given honey after a workout maintained optimal blood sugar levels for a full two hours -- and their muscles recovered faster from the workout than those who consumed other sweeteners. Darker honeys tend to have more antioxidants and more flavor. One to two teaspoons daily is ideal.

KIWIS
Kiwis contain large amounts of vitamins C and E and Lutein. Vitamin C can reduce risk of asthma, osteoarthritis and colon cancer. It also can boost our immune systems. Dietary vitamin E appears to lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease -- and unlike most vitamin E-rich foods (nuts, oils), kiwis aren't high in fat or calories. Kiwis are an excellent source of the antioxidant lutein, which is associated with lower risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. And they have been shown to reduce the risk of blood clots. Eat one kiwi two to three times a week.

ONIONS
Onions deliver many of the same benefits as garlic. They can help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. They're useful as anti-inflammatories and have antibiotic properties. There's new research to suggest that onions might reduce the risk of colon cancer. The thiopropanol sulfoxide is the compound that contributes to the onion's ability to help our hearts, among other health benefits. In general, get the greatest nutritional benefits by eating the most "pungent" onions.

POMEGRANATES
Pomegranates are a bountiful source of Phytochemicals, and they are loaded with Potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. Studies suggest that pomegranates can slow the progression of prostate cancer and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, the narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Drink four to eight ounces of 100% pomegranate juice several times each week.

These are the additional recommended healthful superfoods to include in your diet on a regular basis:
  • Beans (legumes)
  • Blueberries
  • Broccoli
  • Oats (oat bran)
  • Oranges
  • Pumpkin
  • Wild Salmon
  • Soy
  • Spinach
  • Tea
  • Tomatoes
  • Turkey
  • Walnuts
  • Yogurt (plain)

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Saturday, February 18, 2006

Smart Eaters Know Their Oats

The whole grain has an array of health benefits, and there are many ways to add it to your diet.

The "fad" diet of the year doesn't have a snazzy name. It's simple: Get active and eat better.

Adding more nutrient-dense foods to our diet is strongly recommended by nutritionists, and one of the "superfoods" we should be eating more of is oatmeal (also oats or oat bran).

For years, James Anderson, a researcher at the University of Kentucky, has studied the ability of oats to lower serum cholesterol, and other studies continue to tout its health benefits.

"Oats are overflowing with health benefits," registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator Patti Geil said. "In addition to lowering blood lipids, particularly the LDL ('bad') cholesterol, oats slow the rise of blood glucose after eating, which is important for diabetes control.

"There is also evidence that because oats improve satiety -- they keep you feeling full -- they are helpful in a weight-loss plan. Fiber sources, including oats, can significantly aid in reducing blood pressure and/or prevent the onset of hypertension."

Geil said the secret ingredient in oats is beta-glucan, a soluble fiber, and that experts recommend 3 grams of beta-glucan daily for maximum health benefits. This is the amount in 1 - 1/2 cups cooked oats or 1/4 cup of uncooked oatmeal that can be used in other recipes, such as meatloaf or soups.

The government's new Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize fruits, vegetables and whole grains as part of a healthy diet. Oatmeal is the only whole-grain food recognized by the FDA to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Anderson's research says 1/3 cup of dry oat bran contains 4 grams of fiber, and 1/3 cup of dry oatmeal has 2.7 grams.

There are many ways to add oats to your diet other than eating a bowl of oatmeal. Quick or old-fashioned oats can be substituted for as much as 1/3 of the flour called for in recipes for muffins, biscuits, pancakes, loaf-type quick breads, coffee cakes, yeast breads, cookies and bars.

Oat Forms
  • Groats: All oats start out as whole oat seeds on the stalk. Once they are cleaned and the thick hull has been removed, they become oat groats. They can undergo further processing.
  • Rolled: Steamed, rolled groats become whole rolled oats, also known as the familiar old-fashioned oats.
  • Steel-cut: When neither steamed nor rolled but cut into pieces, groats become steel-cut, or Irish, oats. Cut groats require a long cooking time. Steel-cut oats are chewier and have a fuller flavor than regular rolled oats.
  • Quick: Steel-cut oats can be steamed and rolled thinly to create quick oats. They often are used interchangeably with rolled oats in baked goods.
  • Instant: Made from cut groats that are cooked and dried, instant oats are not suitable for baking.

Health Benefits of Oats
  1. Soluble fiber in oats promotes heart health when eaten as part of a daily diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and insoluble fiber benefits the digestive system.
  2. People who eat breakfast regularly are more likely to weigh less than those who skip it. Research shows that people with higher-fiber diets tend to weigh less.
  3. As part of a plant-rich, low-fat diet, whole grains might help protect against heart disease and some cancers. Whole-grain oats in a diet can help people maintain healthy weight.
  4. Eating 3 grams of soluble fiber from oats each day, as part of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, has been shown to lower blood cholesterol.
  5. Oats contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and unique antioxidants in addition to a greater proportion of protein than other common cereals.
Recipe: Quick Dessert

Mix 1/2 cup oats with 1/4 cup whole-grain flour and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup brown-sugar substitute. Mix well. Cut in about 4 - 1/2 tablespoons low-calorie margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slice 5 Granny Smith apples into thin slices. Toss apples with 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Place apples in casserole dish, and top with oat mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until apples are tender and topping is crisp.

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Reduce Healthcare Costs With Vitamins!

New Study Confirms Supplement Use
Improves Health and Reduces Health Care Costs

Up-To-Date Research Information . . .

A recent study conducted by The Lewin Group confirms that taking certain dietary supplements can help seniors live longer, more independent lives while reducing health care costs by billions of dollars.

Here are some key findings of the study, which was commissioned by the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance (DSEA):

The supplements studied - Omega-3 Fatty Acids (fish oil capsules) and Lutein (with zeaxanthin) - have reported savings of $3.1 billion and $2.5 billion respectively over five years, resulting from reduced doctors' visits, hospitalizations, and avoided transitions to dependency.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Lutein (with zeaxanthin) are natural nutritional supplements allowing seniors to avoid common conditions such as coronary heart disease (CHD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Daily intake of approximately 1,800 milligrams of Omega-3 by Americans over the age of 65 can reduce the occurrence of CHD, resulting in a potential five-year (2006-2010) savings of $3.1 billion in health care expenditures and an estimated 384,303 fewer hospitalizations.

Daily intake of 6-10 milligrams of Lutein (with zeaxanthin) by seniors can reduce the relative risk of AMD, resulting in an estimated five-year (2006-2010) net savings of $2.5 billion from the avoided transition of approximately 98,219 individuals to dependency either in the community or a nursing facility.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Support The Health Freedom Protection Act!

Please help to end FDA censorship of nutrient-disease treatment information that is vital to the health of the American people.

Please click the link below to be taken to a letter I urge you to print, sign and fax to Senator Orrin Hatch (fax number is on the letter). Senator Hatch has recently expressed interest in a new bill that was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives on November 9, 2005 and we are urging him to introduce it into the Senate.

Click here to access the letter to Senator Hatch.