Identifying the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

admin December 29th, 2011





Rheumatoid Arthritis can be a big hindrance to daily activities and patients are often faced with many difficulties. Categorized under the autoimmune type among the seven main arthritis conditions, rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder occurring when the body’s immune system starts to attack itself because of some external trigger. The most commonly found arthritis condition is osteoarthritis, which affects the joints due to age, trauma or infection. Rheumatoid arthritis is a gradual condition, developing over several months and years. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis begin with little joint aches and pains.

Rheumatoid arthritis, described in a nutshell, is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder. The joints inflame and degenerate gradually, causing pain and discomfort throughout. The first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are usually inflammation and pain in fingers and toes. While the condition mostly affects the joints, about 15% of the patients develop extra-articular (external to the joints) rheumatoid arthritis as well.

In general, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are not uniform, rising up and dying down sporadically. This is known as “flare-ups.”The symptoms can appear day or night, but the swelling and pain are often at their worst during the morning, just after waking. Since you move around during the day, or at least try to, and the joints grow less stiffened, the symptoms ease out by afternoon and often reduce dramatically by nighttime.

When rheumatoid arthritis begins to spread, it usually affects other joints, including the jaw, shoulders, elbows and hips. The pain and inflammation often affects joint pairs, such as both elbows or both knees. This is a common tendency seeing in patients with the condition. The typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint pain, swelling and stiffness, often accompanied by a warming sensation and redness around the joints.

A set of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, are referred to as secondary symptoms. These are connected to general health conditions as a response to the pain. These could be loss of appetite, anxiety, stress, depression, anemia, nodules under the skin, and a general feeling of being ill. Over 25% of the patients complain of skin nodules, specifically in the forearms and in the elbows. Though painless, they are small lumps that can be felt and sometimes seen as bumps on the skin. Anemia is a condition of inadequate red blood cells to carry oxygen to the whole body, and it leads to fatigue, and laziness. This is found in over 80% of the patients.

There are instances of all symptoms combining to lead to weight loss and fever in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis. It does not end with just these, it also leads to inability to sleep, constant discomfort due to pain and weakness. This leads to a feeling of illness worse than before. Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include swelling of blood vessels, glands like the tear and salivary glands, and inflammation of the lining of the heart and lungs.

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis point to a series of risk factors like age, gender, genetic history and harmful habits like smoking. Women in the 40-60 age group are at a higher risk. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is rare but not unheard of. This condition is generally not hereditary, but dormant genes can flare up with certain triggers.

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Alcohol Rehab: When Does Too Much Drinking Become Alcoholism?

admin December 28th, 2011





For most people, the consumption of alcohol is nothing more than pleasant activity that takes place at some type of social activity. Generally speaking, two drinks per day for men and one for women does not produce any harmful effects. Regardless, a large number of Americans suffer serious consequences due to their drinking. Current statistics state that nearly 13 million Americans abuse alcohol or are alcoholic.

The consequences we speak of are quite serious and can be life threatening. Alcohol slows down and can alter brain activity, as well as, the central nervous system. Alcoholic drinking can increase the risk for cancer, cause cirrhosis of the liver, problems within the immune system, damage the fetus of a pregnant woman or create medical complications within the stomach or heart.

It should be clear that alcohol in itself is a drug that can produce serious medical consequences, but when mixed with other drugs or prescription medications it becomes even more lethal. It is highly recommended that a person consult with their physician or pharmacist if they drink alcohol and consume prescription or over the counter medications.

Alcoholism, also known as “alcohol dependence” has been termed a disease by the American Medical Association and this disease includes four distinct symptoms:

Craving or the compulsion to drink alcohol, The development of a physical dependence with symptoms of withdrawal present, Loss of control or the inability to control ones alcohol consumption, Tolerance or the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to get drunk.

Many people wonder why some people can consume alcohol without any consequences, while others drink without limits. One reason has been linked directly to genetics. Another factor has to do with the environment and peer pressure, while a person’s brain chemistry can play an integral part in how a person drinks alcohol. In most cases, it is a combination of the above.

Lastly it is important to note that not everyone that drinks regularly is alcoholic or even has a drinking problem. Everyone is different. The best thing to do if you think you or someone you know might have a problem with alcohol is to consult a professional who specializes in the treatment of alcoholism. You can also take the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test online right now. If a person does have a problem with alcohol the one thing we are sure of is that without intervention, alcoholism treatment or an effective alcohol rehabilitation program, the amount and frequency of drinking will become progressively worse. So, if you know someone who is struggling with alcohol, find an alcohol rehab program and get them help today.

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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

admin December 28th, 2011





PID is an infection that many women might have without knowing it because there are no symptoms of it. Prolong the treatment may cause scar tissue to build up around a fallopian tube, blocking the passage of the egg to the uterus resulting in Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. PID is usually the results of chlamydial infection or gonorrhoea spreading from the vagina to the uterus and tubes.

Symptoms of pelvic infection
foul-smelling vaginal discharge fever, chills and nausea pain in the lower abdomen bleeding between periods painful intercourse a need to pass urine more frequently than usual painful urination
Symptoms of chlamydial infection
Slight yellowish and greenish vaginal discharge

Chlamydia is also known as a “silent infection” because it exhibits no symptoms at all. Some women suffer little while others suffer extensive damage to their reproductive systems.

Symptoms of gonorrhoea infection
For men
Creamy discharge within five days of intercourse with an infected partner It may hurt to pass urine

Women may have similar symptoms but more than 70 per cent of the women exhibit no symptoms at all.

Women who have a number of different sexual partners are at most risk from PID. If you suspected of having it, you can consult a doctor for the necessary tests eg. urine, blood test, a swab at the infected area to test for the bacteria. Both partners should be tested. The infections can be treated by antibiotics prescribe by the doctor. If the pain doesn’t goes off, consult the doctor again. Chlamydial and gonorrhoea tend to coexist, thus it is best to treat both infections together. After the antibiotics course (takes 4-5 days) has been completed, you should be retested to ensure you are clear of the infections before making love again.

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Medically Supervised Weight Loss Programs – Are They Safe?

admin December 27th, 2011





Why are fad or crash diets potentially dangerous?
Putting yourself through a crash diet can be very hard on your body, especially if you are dealing with pre-existing health issues. One of the most important things you can do for your health is gather data. Data you need to be healthy and stay healthy includes things like basic blood work. Basic blood work is the only way to truly know how healthy you are. When it comes to your body and your health- why guess? having the clinical data will help you identify things such as:

-High cholesterol
-Cardiovascular risk
-Diabetes
-Blood sugar abnormalities
-Electrolyte imbalances
-Endocrine system problems
-Hyperthyroidism
-Hypothyroidism
-Anemia
-Infection
-Allergies
-Possible genetic abnormalities
-Autoimmune conditions
-Nutritional deficiencies
-Cancer
-The list goes on and on

Unfortunately, even today, there are many physicians that specialize in weight loss that choose not to run basic blood work for patients prior to beginning a weight loss program. This is irresponsible and potentially dangerous for patients. Here is a case that illustrates why basic blood testing is so important prior to beginning a weight loss program:

Example (real) CASE
A 56 year old male presented to the clinic with a history of difficulty losing weight with multiple failed attempts at dieting in the past and a Body Mass Index of 35.2 The patient reported fatigue that was ongoing for 5 years. History of hyperglycemia, high cholesterol and mildly elevated blood pressure. He was a very hard worker and spent most of his workdays operating heavy machinery on construction sites. He had not been to see a physician in over 5 years and reported that he had no reason to think he needed to be seen for any particular issue. He was interested in participating in a medically supervised weight loss program and reported that his primary motivation for wanting to lose weight was his wife who encouraged him to go see someone for support. He had no significant history of diagnosed diseases or family history of diseases. He was a non-smoker, non-drinker, who exercised very rarely. He did indicate that he would like to be able to exercise but couldn’t because his knees were painful when he walked. It was his assumption that if he were able to lose weight quickly, he would be able to walk more easily, decrease his risk of developing diabetes as well as other conditions such as coronary artery disease. He heard that HCG was something that could help him reach his diet goals quickly. Some of his friends had ordered HCG over the internet and put themselves on a diet with it, under no supervision. When one of his friends ended up in the emergency room, he decided to seek guidance from a physician instead of taking HCG himself.

It was recommended for the patient to have routine blood work, since he had never had any done before. It was also suggested that he get a prostate exam since that had also never been done. The patient returned two weeks later, to go over the results with his doctor. The results were as follows:

–His prostate exam revealed a non-tender prostate. Everything appeared normal on examination.
–His labs showed: Elevated cholesterol, high blood glucose, and elevated liver enzymes. His Total PSA was very elevated, and his Free PSA was very low.

It summary, this patient showed risk for prostate cancer. With a very high Total PSA and a very low Free PSA, looking at his actual lab values statistically he had a 56 % chance of having Prostate Cancer. This patient was referred to a urologist for further evaluation and to obtain a PSA velocity as well as a consultation for potential Prostate biopsy. What is important to mention here is that had he not gone through the process of getting his routine examination and blood work- he would have not known in “real time” what his health status was. While HCG is used successfully as an adjunct treatment in weight loss, there are some very real contraindications to its use, one of which is Prostate Cancer, or BPH.

What was most concerning about this case was not just the fact that he could possibly have had prostate cancer, but that he could have made it much worse if he had elected to do as his friends did, and buy HCG online and take it without a prescription or any medical workup to determine if it was even indicated for him or not. Clearly in this case, it was not indicated. However, losing weight did remain a goal of his as well as his physician and they did find other ways to help him reach his weight loss goals.

What is the safest way to lose weight quickly?
–The safest way to lose weight quickly is with the assistance of a trained medical professional. Your health is too important to take unwarranted risks, or to make decisions that could potentially harm your body without you even realizing it! Fortunately there are many types of medical professionals that specifically focus on weight loss and working one on one with patients to change their lives through diet modifications, lifestyle modifications, exercise, nutritional counseling, and mind-body approaches to reaching optimal wellness. The leading cause of death in the United States is Heart Disease. The most common type of Heart Disease is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) which, according to the National Institutes of Health, is a disease that can be treated and prevented through lifestyle modifications. One of the most profoundly important predictors for the development of CAD is a poor diet high in refined sugars, carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.

Can I lose weight quickly and keep it off?
–The short answer is YES! However, this assumes that you are willing to take full responsibility for your choices. Losing weight and staying healthy requires a dedication to yourself and a willingness to make healthy choices every day. It is possible to lose weight rapidly, but if you do not make a concerted effort to choose healthy foods each time you eat something and if you do not decide to make yourself a priority through things like exercise- the weight may come back.

I am thinking about doing a weight loss program, how do I know if it is safe?
–Ask your doctor a lot of questions! And make sure that you have a proper physical exam and evaluation of not only your medical history and any pre-existing conditions, but your blood work as well. It is also very important to look over every single medication you are taking to make sure that any diet you are considering is not going to interfere with your medications and potentially cause dangerous interactions.

What labs are a part of the basic blood panel?
–Typically, basic blood work will include labs such as a CBC (Complete Blood Count), CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel), TSH, and Lipid panel. There are of course many other labs that may be indicated and recommended by your doctor depending upon your exam and history. Typically, most conventional physicians will only look at TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) when evaluating the Thyroid. Only if the TSH level is out of range will they then order a T3 or T4. Most integrative physicians know that there can be functional imbalances or sub-clinical abnormalities even with a normal TSH and for that reason always order a Free T3 and Free T4 as a part of a more comprehensive “Thyroid Panel”. It is always prudent to do a more comprehensive workup if you are considering participating in a medical weight loss program that uses prescription HCG as a part of the treatment plan.

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How the Excessive Drinking of Alcohol Causes Anxiety

admin December 26th, 2011





Anxiety causes feelings of apprehension and very real fear. An alcohol induced anxiety disorder cause by the excessive drinking of alcohol has prominent features of generalized anxiety and fear, panic attacks, and in more severe cases can cause phobias, or obsessive-compulsive behavior.

An alcohol induced anxiety disorder can last as long as you are drinking, and to aggravate the matter further, anxiety can also be a result of withdrawal from alcohol. In the case of withdrawal induced anxiety, research has shown that the anxiety will last approximately 4 weeks after you stop drinking alcohol. However, since each person has an individual nervous system, this time element will vary.

In general, alcoholics have injured or altered serotonin systems in the brain. Serotonin is a feel good chemical that the brain distributes, and alcoholics have a shortage or drought of this chemical in the brain. The damage to the brain’s serotonin neurotransmitter is associated with several disorders, including general anxiety, anxiety attacks, anti-social behavior, and depression, depression being a hallmark symptom of excessive drinking.

According to research, excessive consumption of alcohol can cause numerous health hazards, one of which is your body’s vitamin depletion from drinking due to poor eating habits and alcohol wiping out the vitamins in your system. This alone will make you more vulnerable to stress.

The Key

Chronic abuse of alcohol

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DUI Lawyers

admin December 25th, 2011





DUI lawyers specialize in defense of a person that has been arrested and charged due to a DUI offense. It is very important to be represented by a qualified and well experienced criminal defense lawyer who has handled umpteen number of DUI cases so that a person may have the best chance of being acquitted of the charge.

When a DUI case goes to court the burden of proof is with the prosecution that the person charged was actually driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and that the blood alcohol level was.08 or greater at the time of driving and arrest. It must be noted that even if the level of alcohol was greater than the stated limit this by itself does not prove that the alcohol level was the same at the actual time while driving as it could be different when the breathalyzer was performed at the police station or elsewhere.

Drinking and driving is dangerous and even worse is being involved in an accident. Most accidents relating to DWI and DUI can turn ones life around for the worse, due to the possibility of hurting, killing or damaging property of self or others. It is wise to not take any chances if alcohol has been consumed. However, should there be the unfortunate situation that a DUI charge is issued by the police, then it becomes imperative that an experienced and capable lawyer or attorney be contacted and brought on board to get the best possible legal defense of the DUI case.

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Treat Cold, Flu, and Ear Infection the Natural Way

admin December 24th, 2011





With or without medication, the cold or the flu can give you real trouble. You can choose from a variety of medications that can give you some relief in symptoms or you can take the natural approach that may prevent, speed your recovery and help you to feel better along the way.

When is coming to children a cold or flu or other upper respiratory infection can also ends in an ear infection – acute otitis media – that appear in the space behind the eardrum, that is called the middle ear.

This is very common in children younger than age 8, as their immature ear can be easily infected. Their Eustachian tube (the tube that connects the throat and the middle ear) is shorter, softer and more horizontal which is more easily blocked by secretions than those of older children or adults. Also, very exposed could be infants because of their sucking habit. Always keep a breast or bottle feeding baby under an angle to prevent entering the liquid into theirs immature ear.

During a cold, throat infection, allergy or other upper respiratory infection, the Eustachian tube swells and prevents air from entering the middle ear, leading to allowing the secretions to enter to the middle ear and be trapped there. This leads to viruses and bacteria to grow and cause infection.

Using salt therapy you can prevent or reduce the symptoms in cold, flu or ear infection. If your baby has a stuffy nose and has difficulty breast- or bottle feeding or seems to be short of breath, the Salin device is the best. Using Salin during the night, while sleeps, your baby won’t wake you up because of the stuffy nose. He or she will be able to breathe normally, the inhaled saline will open the airways, will clean secretions and kill bacteria, reducing the duration of cold or flu and preventing an ear infection.

In the range of 0.1-2.5 microns – the same size as the most damaging micro particles from auto and industrial pollution, and invisible to the human eye — the micro particles of salt penetrate into every corner of the bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli and deposit upon the surface, cleaning secretions, killing microbes and bacteria, leading in turn to a reduction in inflammation. Acting as a mucokinetic, they restore the normal transport of mucus and unclog blockages in the bronchi and bronchioles and upper respiratory tract. The inhaled saline (NaCl) is hydrophilic, so it absorbs the edema from the mucosa lining the airway passages.

In the bronchial tree: Absorption of the inflammatory edema from the mucosa lining the bronchial tree, causing asthma, will be diminished, leading to widening of the airway passages. Also, it humidifies and fluidizes the bronchial secretions in the bronchial tree leading to the relief of the broncho- spasm assisting and improving the treatment of asthma.
In the nose and para-nasal sinuses, edema of the nasal mucosa, causing nasal obstruction, will be diminished, leading to widening of the airway passage in the nose and the tubes of the sinuses and improves the sinuses drainage.

In the auditory tube: Edema of the Eustachian tube mucosa, causing obstruction and otitis media, will be diminished, leading to widening of the airway passages, better drainage of the inflammatory secretions & better aeration behind the tympanic membrane (drum).

The hygiene of the respiratory tract has a very important place in treating an preventing a respiratory infection or ear infection. Here are some tips:

1. Use Salin device and Salt Pipe to clean all the respiratory tract.

2. Correctly blow your nose often – don’t blow your nose hardly as the pressure can carry secretions back into your ear passages. Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently the other.

3. Clean your nose with saline solution: mix 1.25 g salt in 1 cup warm water (body temperature) or you can also add in half-half quantities salt and baking soda. Put few drops in every nostril.

4. Place an extra pillow under your head creating an angle. The best way is to place it under the mattress to create a smooth slope. This will help with nasal congestion and also prevent ear infection.

For more information, kindly refer to the website.

NB: The author grants reprint permission to opt-in publications and websites so long as the copyright and by-line are included intact and the article is not used in spam.

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Snoring- Causes and Cures

admin December 23rd, 2011





If you sleep next to someone who snores, you know what it is like. Constantly being awakened in the middle of the night, shoving them over on their side only to waken again when they roll back. The snoring does not seem to bother the sleeper, but can bother their partner so much that there are several attacks a year on snoring sleepers by their sleep mates. Before you decide to hit your snoring partner with large, heavy objects, there are some medical reasons for snoring that you should know about.

Relaxed muscles in the throat caused by alcohol or over the counter sleep medication can cause snoring, large tonsils or adenoids can cause snoring as well. Obstructed nasal passages such as a stuffy nose can cause snoring, so if your snoring sleeper is sensitive during hay fever season, that could be the reason. If the snoring is very loud, raspy, and constant, there are medical doctors and sleep clinics specially designed to help with sleep disturbances, and surgery may be needed.

Snoring followed by the sleeper appearing to stop breathing altogether is called sleep apnea and is a very serious condition. Sleep apnea can cause heart problems, high blood pressure, impotency, weight gain, and headaches. Therefore, you should seek medical advice and attention.

If the snoring is light, you can take some preventative measures. Regular exercise and losing weight can help. In addition, avoid taking medication that makes you sleepy, and try to sleep on your side rather than your back. Propping a pillow behind you can help keep you from rolling over on to your back during the night thus disturbing your sleep mate again.

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Acupuncture and Health

admin December 22nd, 2011





If you look at the map of the globe, a large portion of Asia is occupied by China. It’s a land for centuries that has remained obscure, though having a very ancient civilization. Even now Westerners have not understood the Chinese fully. The Chinese isolated from the Western line of thought developed many ancient healing systems and medicines. These can be termed traditional healing systems. This is distinct from Western medical system.

Acupuncture is the name given to this branch of healing by the Chinese. For centuries this system was unknown to westerners. But with the opening up of China in the twentieth century this system has spilled over to the outside world. Western nations are now having a scientific evaluation of this traditional healing system of the Chinese. What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a science that does not follow the normal medical theory. This science -if we can term it as a science is based on the principle that certain points located at vantage areas in the human body, actually govern the chemistry of the body.

These points as per this line of thought are interlinked to certain organs of the human body and can help stimulate these organs. It may sound weird, but it is a traditional method of Chinese medicine and more important has been in vogue for over 2500 years. China and Japan are the leading practitioners of this form of healing. But from the twentieth century it is spreading to all parts of the globe including Europe and the United States. Reports suggest that over 12 million Americans have turned to Acupuncture for help. Its healing effects have been experienced by many well known western physicians as well as medical researchers.

The Chinese are the sole inventors of Acupuncture. However it defies rationale, but the results are cogent and successful. Followers of rational scientific thought are somehow skeptical of this method of healing, for the simple reason that it defies modern medical thought and practice. Rationalists thus insist that there is no anatomical or histological basis for any acupuncture points or meridians to be in existence in the body. What is really Chinese acupuncture theory?

Well the Chinese believe that there are 365 acupuncture points in the human body which corresponds to 365 days in a year. In addition there are 14 major meridian lines in the body. Out of these 12 are supposed to represent the 12 main organs of the body. The spine has one meridian aligned with it while another is supposed to be aligned with midline of the abdomen. This does sound out of context of modern medical thought. However Neuroimaging of the human body and further research does give a clue at the possibility that certain acupuncture points may have distinct effects that cannot be predictable anatomically.

Acupuncture theory as enunciated by the Chinese refers to an energy force called “Qi”. This energy force is supposed to circulate throughout the human body. The circulation takes place through special pathways called Meridians or channels. The points that connect the body tissues to the organs through the meridians are called ‘acupuncture points’. The Chinese believe that this energy force Qi needs to be free flowing for a person to be healthy. In case the flow of Qi is disturbed for any reason then an imbalance is created and is the cause of any subsequent illness. By Acupuncture therapy the Chinese believe that the imbalance is restored and once the energy force Qi is restored the patient recovers.

Acupuncture gives practical results for pain relief. Migraine, backache, period pain, arthritic and rheumatic pain, post-operative pain, and post-injury pain are known to be greatly reduced by use of this therapy. The Chinese believe that by inserting small needles at these points the process of restoring Qi can be commenced.

Acupuncture is not just a simple method of inserting needles in the human body, but is a complex system that combines other complimentary techniques as well including Massage, Herbs, Moxibustion, laser devices etc. Acupuncture has greater effect along with usage of herbs. This is supposed to enhance the healing effects of acupuncture. Western scientists have tried to find a rationale for acupuncture points and the physiology behind it. But there are no clear cut answers available and it will not be wrong to say that this Chinese healing therapy defies logic.

Modern medicine cannot reconcile the Chinese concept of Qi, meridian system and their connection with various organs of the human body. But this form of alternative medicine is very much in vogue and the results are beyond expectations. Coming to Qi -what do the Chinese have to say about it? In simple parlance it is the life energy prevalent inside a human body. A combination of 3 factors like the air breathed in through the lungs, kidneys and the energy absorbed from food and water through the digestive system is the essence of Qi. This life force circulates throughout the body, and when flowing freely, the person remains in good health.

Acupuncture helps restore this life flow and is safe and effective and has no side effects of any type. It has been observed that after treatment a large majority of patients experience a sense of relief. In this connection its worth recounting an incident related by a friend. The man was suffering from sinusitis and no amount of allopathic me dices helped him get a permanent cure. He was recommended by a friend who advised him to try acupuncture. Subsequently after one sitting itself the patient recovered and till date there is no recurrence. Needles being seen inserted in the body may give the feel that this process is full of pain.

But in reality it is virtually a painless affair. There are some mild sensations like tingling, numbness, electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. Once the needles are removed the sensations ease off. Acupuncture needles are very small in size compared to standard hypodermic needles. They are sold and cannot be used to draw blood. In the United States this form of medicine came quite late, but is increasing in popularity. A large number of Americans are now having a look at treatment through acupuncture. An important plus point in this type of therapy is that the role of drugs and medicines s is completely obviated as the treatment involves an attempt to stimulate the body’s own resistance mechanism. Side effects are also a big zero.

The science of Acupuncture needs greater study in the west and an explanation must be found that can correlate to modern medical thought and practice. However this therapy is growing in popularity and the road forward can only be upward.

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Soda Pop and Its Effect on Your Heart

admin December 22nd, 2011





It seems like the more we move away from natural foods replacing them with attractive, sugary substitutes, the more problems develop. For example you can drink all the water you want without affecting your health, but you add flavorings, sugar, and gas to that water and create soda pop, over time it will prove to be unhealthy.

Researchers have found a correlation between drinking diet soda and the metabolic syndrome — the collection of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes that include abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and blood glucose levels, and elevated blood pressure.

One can of regular soda pop has 10 teaspoons of sugar, 150 calories. You would think that eating the large amount of sugar a regular soft drink would be the culprit to cause metabolic syndrome. No, even diet soda can cause problems, and people drink diet soda to avoid all the sugar calories.

Soda pop also contains food colorings, phosphorous, and is acidy with a pH equivalent to vinegar (about 2.5). It can oxidize iron and accelerate its rusting. The phosphorous and phosphoric acid can leach calcium from your bones and hasten osteoporosis.

When the phosphoric acid enters your stomach it neutralizes hydrochloric acid and interferes with the digestive process making it difficult to utilize nutrients. So a lot of the good foods just pass through your body partially digested or not processed at all.
Soft drink manufacturers are the biggest single users of refined sugar in the United States. No wonder that most sodas contain over 100 percent of the RDA of sugar. This much sugar entering your blood system will cause the pancreas to increase the blood insulin levels which can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

A sugar substitute, Aspartame, has over 92 different health side effects associated with it; these include brain tumors, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and epilepsy/seizures.

Caffeinated drinks cause jitters, insomnia, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, elevated blood-cholesterol levels, vitamin and mineral depletion, breast lumps, birth defects, and perhaps some forms of cancer.

Aside from the negative effects of the soda itself, drinking a lot of soda is likely to
leave you with little appetite for the more natural foods such as vegetables, protein and other food that your heart needs.

So an easy way to improve your health is to stop drinking soda. Pure water is a much better for you, but if you must drink a carbonated beverage, try sparkling-mineral water. Fruit juices are excellent for you so long as they are loaded with pulp and aren’t just fruit-flavored, highly-sugared water. Read the label carefully to assure that you are buying fruit juices that are healthy for you.

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