Hardening of the arteries - CIRCULATORY PROBLEMS.

The arteries of the systemic circulation carrying the "fresh" oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. Healthy arteries are elastic and muscular and can adapt to the different blood-pressure situations. Under adverse conditions and with damaged arterial walls are deposited lipids (eg cholesterol) from the inner vascular wall. Later in contact at these points and other substances such as From calcium. The vessel narrows, it is called atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis. The consequences are circulation problems in the following areas. In addition, such vessels are tightly constrained by a blood clot more easily. Men suffer more often from circulatory problems than women.

The following symptoms may occur depending on the location of the arterial constriction:
* Circulatory problems in the legs lead to the so-called claudicating (it comes to pain, first when walking, and later at rest. There must frequently take breaks when walking) or to the so-called smoker's leg (the tissue on the toes, ankles, legs slowly dying down because it is supplied by the narrowed arteries to oxygen-poor). Under certain circumstances, an amputation may be necessary.
* Narrowing of the coronary arteries leading to angina pectoris or myocardial infarction at a complete blockage of a vessel (heart problems).
* Circulatory disorders in the brain lead to declining brain function, e.g. Memory loss, dizziness, confusion. Depending on which brain region is affected, however, other deficits in other parts of the body, e.g. Numbness in arms or legs, or vision problems are caused. If the vasoconstriction is very strong or if a brain vessel bursts, there will be a stroke.

The following risk factors promote the formation of arterial blockages:
* High blood fat levels (cholesterol and other fats) because fat deposited in the vessels.
*, High blood pressure because this pressure, the vessels more pressures and therefore wear faster.
* Obesity, because this is often associated with high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
* Smoking, because nicotine constricts blood vessels and thereby impairs the blood flow.
* Stress
* Diabetes (sugar disease).
* Age.

What can you do?
* First and foremost, it is important to limit the risk factors (see above).
* For help circulatory problems in the legs: Increase During sleep, the head of about 15 cm, a lot of movement (stairs instead of the elevator!), and Gymnastic exercises.
* For help circulatory problems in the legs: Increase During sleep, the head of about 15 cm, a lot of movement (stairs instead of the elevator!), and Gymnastic exercises.
* The use of ginkgo preparations has a positive effect on blood circulation.
* The use of garlic preparations in sufficient dosage to improve the flow properties of blood and will also reduces the cholesterol.
* Preparations containing omega-3 fatty acids, for example extracted from cold water fish, reduce the risk of deposition in the arteries. They should also improve the flow properties of blood and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
* Regular use of aspirin (ASA) in low doses leads to an improvement in blood flow. Talk to your doctor.

When you need a doctor?
* If you experience the above symptoms, or even the suspicion of a circulatory disorder.
* In patients with the above risk factors are important for regular doctor visits.
* If you know that you are suffering from circulatory problems, you should regularly go to the doctor.

What your doctor can do?
* The treatment of the physician is based on the complaints that are caused by narrowing of the arteries. With special investigation methods, the doctor can determine the location and extent of vessel narrowing.
* The doctor may prescribe different to stimulate blood circulation, high blood pressure or blood-thinning medication, as well as remedy for high cholesterol or elevated blood lipids.
* The different types of operations can be restored to affected vessels throughout.
* The operations, vessels can be replaced or "diversions" are established (so-called bypass surgery).

Prevention:
* The best prevention is to avoid or at least the treatment of the above risk factors
* Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood fat levels.
* If an elevated cholesterol level attention to low-cholesterol diet, i.e., Butter, eggs, meat quantity reduced.
* Diabetics should always ensure that their sugar levels are set correctly.
* Stop smoking or at least reduce.
* Obese should definitely aim for a weight reduction.

Read More

On Veganism, Love, and Forgiveness

Once upon a time in the summer of 2008, I interned at an animal sanctuary in upstate New York. It was by far one of the best experiences of my life, and certainly also one of the most transformative ones, but it was not without its growing pains. While living in the intern house for nearly four moths, a feeling grew within me that many people who dedicate them to animal issues are often in need of much healing, self-acceptance, and forgiveness. So many of the interns were on medication for emotional health or had serious self-esteem issues (including myself). It was a dramatic summer of people not only struggling against and with one another, but also with themselves. One intern left early due to the hard emotional and physical labor of caring for the animals, while others got in terrible feuds with their distant partners, or even fell into self-hatred and bewilderment.

I began to see some truth in animal studies literature that many people in western, industrial societies turn to animal others as emotional cruxes in a fragmented, disenchanted society. However, rather than thinking that animal others simply stood as surrogate humans, it seemed that perhaps there is something about animal others that gives us something more-than-human. It seems that we turn our attention to animal others when we cannot accept ourselves or other humans, or it is they (fellow humans) whom we feel have not accepted us. It’s no coincidence that animal therapy can be so powerful in prisons, with children, and in nursing homes.  Animal others give us something few humans can give, even ourselves.
Read more »

Read More

NECK PAIN - ANGINA

Neck pain as a symptom of an isolated, caused by viruses or bacteria causing infection, usually but they are symptoms of a cold. By pathogens causes inflammation of the mucous membrane in the neck. Depending on where the pathogen colonizes a distinction between throat infections (pharyngitis), vocal cord or laryngeal inflammation (laryngitis) or tonsillitis (tonsillitis or tonsillitis). When symptoms occur redness, scratching and pain in the neck and difficulty swallowing. In an angina become swollen and red and can infected tonsils. There is often a fever. If the larynx or vocal cords inflamed, it comes in addition to hoarseness. Often, swollen as a sign of alerted immune system, the lymph nodes, lower jaw and neck. Apart from bacteria and viruses, neck pain or inflammation in the throat may also overuse of the voice and irritation of the respiratory system is triggered (e.g. by chemical or dust).

Important: Most tonsillitis is caused by specific types of streptococcal bacteria. These should be treated by a doctor with antibiotics to prevent possible complications such as diseases of the joints, heart or kidney.

Common causes:
* Colds, flu, tonsillitis.
* Overuse of the voice through singing, shouting, long speeches.
* Respiratory irritation from smoke or dusty, dry air.
* Other diseases, e.g. Glandular fever, croup, mumps.

What can you do?
* Drink plenty.
* Keep warm, particularly in the throat and chest, but do not sweat.
* In winter, the air humid.
* Disinfectant gargles, mouth sprays and lozenges (eg hexetidine or cetylpyridinium chloride) can help.
* In mild redness and pain are anti-inflammatory lozenges or rinses (such as chamomile or sage extracts to flush, dexpanthenolhaltige tablets to suck).
* If there is pain and difficulty swallowing help lozenges or sprays with superficial narcotics.
* If pain is stronger anti-inflammatory painkillers to be taken with aspirin or paracetamol sense they reduce fever.
* The local application of antibiotics is usually not useful.

When you need a doctor?
* If the symptoms get worse or do not improve after three days.
* If fever occurs.
* If you suspect tonsillitis.
* If you experience difficulty breathing.

What your doctor can do.
* Determine the cause.
* When a bacterial infection is treated with antibiotic drugs.
* For frequent tonsillitis, it may be advisable to remove the tonsils surgically.

Prevention:
* As for colds (colds and flu).

Read More

AMALGAM PROBLEMS.

Amalgam is commonly referred to liquid or solid alloy of mercury with metals. The amalgams used in dentistry are composed of mercury and a metal mixture (silver, tin, copper and possibly trace amounts of zinc) in a ratio of 1:1 together. Apart from the cheaper amalgam filling material is superior to the inlays of gold alloys or ceramics because of better marginal fit and its good mechanical properties. Unlike before, we now know that amalgam fillings release mercury to the hardening and contribute to human exposure. Mercury is next e.g. in thermometers, skin disinfectants and paper, but also in the food chain (pollution). It is partially absorbed into the body, deposited, and only very slowly excreted.

The release of mercury from amalgam is increased.
* Mechanically by chewing, teeth grinding or brushing teeth.
* Chemically by acidic or hot foods, but also by poor oral hygiene (pH, plaque colonization).
* Metal electrochemically more noble by contact.

The release is also dependent on the nature and processing of the material (e.g. fillings give off less polished). Particularly large amounts are released during laying and polishing of new fillings and drilling out old fillings.

How does the mercury get into the body?
* Via the lungs (inhalation of the fumes).
* Via the gastrointestinal tract (swallowed).
* On the root (especially in the absence of lining), gums and jaw bones.
* Through the nasal cavity.
From the mouth or nose area, the mercury by diffusion directly into the brain. Another way is through the bloodstream, where the mercury is either deposited in various organs or the nerve pathways to the brain transported.

What health effects may occur?
There are no typical symptoms of mercury poisoning. A variety of very different clinical pictures are taken in the literature in connection with amalgam, such as
* Susceptibility to infection.
* Diarrhea, nausea.
* Depression, anxiety.
* Irritability, sleep disturbances.
* Headache and muscle pain.
* Skin reactions.
* Hearing and vision problems.
* Anemia (anemia).
* And many other symptoms.
The influence of mercury on the most appeal, however, images can ultimately be proved neither unequivocal nor refuted. A real "mercury allergy is rare (less than 0.2%).

What you can do:
* Has found the doctor based on the saliva test or other methods that you might be at a heavy metal pollution may be possible that amalgam fillings your teeth may be to blame.
* Before you decide on a comprehensive dental treatment, you should try to rule out other possible causes, for the replacement of amalgam fillings is very time consuming and is funded by health insurance very often.
* The mercury that remains available even after the removal of the amalgam still in the body is excreted slowly. For stubborn cases, there are drugs ("chelating agent"), which accelerate the excretion. TS / jk / Miscellaneous / amalgam problems - 22.02.2000-jk

When to go to the doctor:
Through increased mercury exposure, you should consider when you are more or less frequently, more or less show disease symptoms, without adequate or that could profound diagnosis. Find a doctor you trust and talk to him about your concerns you may have due to amalgam fillings.

What your doctor can do:
* If you suspect mercury levels, various tests are carried out. However, they are often inaccurate (saliva test) and expensive. The cost of these tests with the patient.
* If you suspect mercury allergy can be performed by the dermatologist an allergy test.

Read More

New natural cure for high blood pressure

 Natural cures have always been in the news. Coleus is a natural way to treat conditions such as high blood pressure.For many years doctors have been warning us about the dangers of hypertension. They know that if left untreated it can cause serious issues within the body. Many people die because they have failed to take action against this disease. It is not uncommon for people to develop angina, heart disease or even heart failure because they have ignored their blood pressure numbers.
The fact is though that the medical community does not have the corner on the market for medical knowledge. The treatments for high blood pressure are often unpleasant because of side effects and the like. That is why the natural cures for high blood pressure are gaining more and more popularity. With the natural world you have little to worry about when it comes to side effects.
Coleus is the newest weapon in the fight against high blood pressure. While this herb, sometimes known as Coleus Forskohlii, has been in use for other treatments over many years, it is just being discovered for its use as one of the home remedies for high blood pressure. Through the studies that have been conducted the use of coleus is very promising when looking to get those numbers under control.
Coleus works with the body itself to help it lower the blood pressure on its own. This is something that is rather unique. Using the defense system that is located within the cells themselves, coleus works to improve the circulation and therefore lower blood pressure.
To this day there are further studies being conducted. This means that more benefits may be found. It is suggested the coleus be taken on a daily basis to ensure that all of the benefits from this natural supplement work within the body.
This herb looks like a beautiful potted flower. There are many color variations of it but can mostly be found in a purple and white color. There are other health benefits associated with this herb. For example, in liquid form, a 1% solution of it can be used to reduce eye pressure for up to 5 hours. So if you suffer from glaucoma, you can find some comfort in using coleus.
It is also found that this herb stimulates the fat metabolism. So if you are looking to lose weight in hopes of controlling hypertension, then this can be the perfect supplement for you. As you can see, it has many great, healthy uses.

Treatment of high cholesterol 

Read More

Green Electron Rich Foods and Drinks For Building Blood, Detoxing Blood and Tissues and Building Healthy Body Cells

Green electron rich foods are a most effective natural cure for heart dis-ease, MS, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, low energy, gaseous stomach, constipation, IBS, Crohn's and most important cancer. In order to understand how green foods work, any preconceived ideas about nutrition must be put aside. While green foods contain a number of vitamins, minerals, proteins, electrons, chlorophyll and more, they are actually catalysts that support chemical chain reactions within the body. Most cancers start when incomplete chemical reactions occur during digestion or food transformation, respiration and elimination, which create acidic toxic waste in the body that ultimately interferes with cellular transformation. Each cell by the body processes is liable for replicating itself. During cellular transformation from liquid food, chromosomes split into chromatides and reassemble into genes. If they can’t match up properly, cellular defects cause aging, bone loss, heart disease and cancer. Green electron rich foods help “maintain the alkaline design of the body” and create an environment where a cancerous condition is unlikely to occur. Low pH or acidity in the colloidal connective tissue is often the root cause of many if not ALL dis-eases. It begins when the root system or small intestine is congested or damaged and is not making healthy red blood cells to transform into healthy body cells. In addition the fluids of the body are deprived of alkaline ash food that creates a low alkaline buffer reserve in the interstitial tissue fluids to help maintain the alkaline design of the body. As the alkaline interstitial tissue fluid reserve is “used up” by maintaining the delicate alkaline pH of the blood at 7.365, acidity begins to increase in other organs causing latent tissue acidosis and stressing normal metabolic performance. To buffer the formation of lactic, uric and other damaging acids from food and metabolism, the body will leach calcium from the bones or magnesium from the muscles, or iron from the red blood cells to sodium ions from the plasma to “buffer” and neutralize these acids. Unfortunately this causes bone loss, muscle loss, arthritis and osteoporosis. Another defensive measure is to store the ammonia acids in the kidneys so as to conserve the alkaline buffer reserve. This ultimately leads to kidney stones, endocrine imbalance and contributes to the cellular stress that leads to cancerous body cells.

The leading cause of low pH and over acidity is the consumption of processed foods (carbohydrates, sugar, white flour), meat, protein and carbonated beverages. Of course the ultimate way to create a strong alkaline reserve is to consume alkaline mineral salts and alkaline ash foods like green foods, which will in turn balance the pH of the body allowing other important aspects of anti-oxidative defense to be unleashed. However, as important as pH is, it is simply one aspect of green food nutrition, and any cancerous condition is only one of many ailments that green electron rich foods may be helpful in preventing.

Green Foods & Cancer Prevention

“Scientist have discovered that green juices increase the oxygenation of the body, purify the blood and organs, assisted in the metabolism of nutrients and counteract acids and toxins. Green juices are the superstars of the nutrition world.” As scientists gain more insight into explanation for cancers, it is becoming increasingly clear that the focus of treatment must change dramatically. While many researchers have become convinced, most medical doctors and oncologists are still overcoming their previously deep rooted belief in the genetic origin of cancers. This belief has virtually discredited those who focus on lifestyle modification and a disease preventive diet as the primary defense against cancer, and since doctors thought genetics were the cause, surgery, medications and chemotherapy became widely accepted as the best “reaction” to the “genetic” malfunction. So much is changing with current revelations provided by the human genome project, indicating that only 20% of all cancerous conditions are genetically linked. This paradigm changing revelation has lead many researchers to turn their attention to ³phyto² chemistry, which is the research into plant-based compounds that act as cellular anti-oxidants. Recently a unanimous chorus has gone up from myself, other doctors, dietitians and nutritionist to significantly increase the amount of green-pigmented electron rich foods people get in their diet.

The real reason for the reason being a huge body of scientific evidence currently indicates that green electron rich foods will be the biggest part of a blood building, blood and tissue detox, dis-ease prevention and life extending pH Miracle diet.

April 1999 Publication of the Harvard Health Letter.

According to Harvard researchers, probably the most important steps anyone can take to avoid cancer is to consume more deep green-pigmented foods. With cancer rates climbing, researchers noted that such a dietary change must be the first line of defense. (Note: Over 1 million cases are diagnosed each year!) At the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Tim Beyors has seen how adding green foods to every diet can increase cancer prevention dramatically. Studies at the CDC show that people who eat a high fiber, low fat diet can decrease their risk for colon/rectal cancer by less than 10%.

However, adding five servings of greens to the same low fat, high fiber diet the risk fell by nearly 40%. Other studies show a lack of green vegetables increases breast cancer risk nearly 25%, with skin cancer results being very similar. While these studies focused on leafy green vegetables, sea greens are also impressive in human studies conducted at UC Davis by T.L. Mao, Jean De Water and M.E. Gershwin. These studies published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods shows certain sea plants with green and blue pigments induce interleukin (IL)-1ß,IL-4 and interferon (IFN). In fact, after only two weeks of oral ingestion (of spirulina platensis), IFN increased just as much as 13 times. (Note: These are important to cellular defense and increase macrophage activity, an important aspect of fighting cancer.) Research Beginnings So, where did the research begin? All the details are somehow either inspired by or is a continuation of the functional foods program that operated under Dr.Herb Pierson from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD. He convinced the U.S. Government to fund $20 million in research into the disease preventive aspect of food. It was Dr. Pierson who coined the term “phytochemical” to describe the yet unidentified compounds in food that help prevent disease.

He was also a pioneer in documenting the cancer-fighting compounds in green foods such as endole carbinole 3 and sulphurophane through his support of research on broccoli. With the overwhelming amount of new research being published every year, it is inevitable that botanists, chemists and others will catalogue hordes of endoles, bioflavanoids and polyphenolic compounds in green plants sometime soon.

However, we need to examine the form and function of green plants to fully understand their place in nature¹s apothecary. We know chlorophyll as the pigment that makes plants green. But it’s Chlorophyll’s amazing similarity to hemoglobin which is the first clue to it’s potential. Form follows purpose. As chlorophyll performs photosynthesis, it is exposed to hours of ultraviolet and radioactive light. As a byproduct of this, damage is done to the plant¹s nucleic acids causing oxidative stress. In reaction, green plants develop an array of unique bioflavanoids that act as blocking agents or others that act as repairing and suppressing agents. Recent research has shown that those green plant activities can be transferred to the humans who consume them. In fact, scientists have documented green plants¹ effect on cellular rejuvenation and the DNA repair in human cells. One study conducted at UC San Diego showed a component of green leaves from young barley plants to promote the repair of DNA significantly in comparison to the control group. This study was conducted by a team led by Dr. Hotta and Dr. Kubuto.

Summary

Today 83% of Americans who die suffer from a version of a chronic disease, and with life expectancy at an all time high it’s high time for change.

In Roman times the average life span was a mere 22 years old, while today at least people are reaching ages well into the 100s (Jean Colment of France at 122 years old.) As a society, Japan leads the life expectancy race, with an average of 80 years, while American women come in at a close second with a 78 year average. The stark realization that any extended lifespan comes with an increased likelihood of developing chronic degenerative conditions has driven home the message echoing from the voice of the father of medicine himself who said, “Let food be your medicine and let medicine be your food.” While researchers continue to achieve unprecedented success with cancer treatments, it may be 10-20 years before the most promising treatments become widely available. With 1.2 million Americans diagnosed with cancer last year alone, an aging baby boomer population is running out of time. Today with the scientific validation of green foods as a dis-ease-fighter, the gray generation is NOW becoming the green generation.

References:

1. Hughes and Letner. “Chlorophyll and Hemoglobin Regeneration,” American Journal of Medical Science, 188, 206 (1936)

2. Kohler, Elvahjem and Hart. “Growth Stimulating Properties of Grass Juice,” Science. 83, 445 (1936)

3. The Scandanavian Journal of Gastroenterology, Volume 37, Number 4/April 1, 2002, pages 444-449 talks of a study titled: “Wheat Grass Juice in the treating Active Distal Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial.” Conclusion: “Wheat grass juice appeared effective and safe as a single or adjuvant treatment of distal UC.

4. Kohler, Randle and Wagner. “The Grass Juice Factor.” Journal of Biological Chemistry. 128, 1w (1939)

5. Miyake, T. and Shibamoto, T. Inhibition of Malonaldehyde and acetaldehyde formation from blood plasma oxidation by naturally occurring antioxidants. 1998, J. of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 46 (9): 1135-1138.

6. Hagiwara, Y. Study on green juice powder of young barley (Hordeum vulgare L) leaves II: Effect on several food additives, agricultural chemicals, and a carcinogen. Presented at the 98th National Meeting of the Japanese Society of Pharmaceutical Science (1978).

7. Hagiwara, Y., Sayuki, S., Miysuchi, T., Otake,H., Abe, S., Kuramoto, M., and Takada, K. Study on green barley extract. Presented at the 99th National Meeting of the Japanese Society of Pharmaceutical Science, Sapporo (1979).

8. Osawa, T., Katsuzaki, H., Hagiwara, Y., and Shibamoto, T. A novel antioxidant isolated from young green barley leaves. 1992, J. of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 40 (7): 1135-1138.

9. Digirolamo M. Diet and cancer: markers, prevention and treatment. New York: Plenum Press; 1994. p 203. 10. Nakajima, S., Hagiwara, Y., Hagiwara, H., and Shibamoto, T. Effect of the Antioxidant 2″-O-Glycosylisovitexin from young green barley leaves on acetaldehyde formation in beer stored at 50 degree C for 90 days. 1998, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 46 (4): 1529-1531.

Read More

Is Modern Man Being Dumbed Down?

Is there a deliberate effort by the government to dumb down the masses? The statement is hard to prove but there exists a great amount of data proving that the ruling elite not only tolerates, but effectively introduces policies that have a detrimental effect on the physical and mental health of the population. This article looks at the many ways the modern man is being dumbed down. Part I looks at the poisons found in everyday foods, beverages and medications.

The theme of dumbing-down and dehumanizing the masses are often discussed in articles on The Vigilant Citizen. The presence of those concepts in popular culture are, however, only the outward and symbolic expression of the profound transformation happening in our society. Scientific data has been proving for years that governments around the world are tolerating the selling of many products which have a direct and negative effect on cognitive and physical health. As we will see in this article many everyday products cause brain damage, impaired judgment and even a lower IQ.

Is a dumber population something that is desired by the elite? Hitler once said “How fortunate for the leaders that men do not think.” An educated population knows its rights, understands the issues and takes action when it does not approve of what is going on. Judging by the incredible amount of data available on the subject, it seems that the elite want the exact opposite: an unhealthy, frightened, confused and sedated population. We will look at the effects of medication, pesticides, fluoride and aspartame on the human body and how those products are being pushed by people from inside the power structure.

Prescription Drug Abuse

America has witnessed during the last decades a staggering rise of drugs being prescribed to treat all kinds of problems. Children are particularly affected by this phenomenon. Since the 1990′s, an ever-rising proportion of American children are being diagnosed with “illnesses” such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and are prescribed mind-altering drugs, such as Ritalin.

The DEA has become alarmed by the tremendous increase in the prescribing of these drugs in recent years. Since 1990, prescriptions for methylphenidate have increased by 500 percent, while prescriptions for amphetamine for the same purpose have increased 400 percent. Now we see a situation in which from seven to ten percent of the nation’s boys are on these drugs at some point as well as a rising percentage of girls.
- Source

Today, children who show too much energy, character or strength are being willfully sedated with powerful drugs which directly affect the way their brains function. Are we going in the right direction here?

Even if ADD is not a clearly defined and documented disorder – it causes NO observable biological effects whatsoever – children are still being diagnosed with the illness in great numbers. This raises important ethical questions.

“Pediatricians as well as ethicists have also voiced their concerns in usage of these stimulants. In an article published in the New York Times, they have questioned the appropriateness of medicating children without a clear diagnosis in hopes that they do better in school. They also asked whether the drugs should be given to adults failing in their careers or are procrastinators. They question the worthy of this method.

This concern have also been voiced out in the January 2005 issue of Pediatrics in which the large discrepancies between pediatricians’ practice patterns and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for the assessment and treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was bought forth. The article also stated that because the medical community didn’t come to a consensus on how to diagnose ADD/ADHD, they should not be making extensive decisions as to how to treat individuals who have been diagnosed with the disorder.”

The usage of Ritalin at a young age breaks the psychological threshold people maintain towards the usage of prescription pills, which makes those children more likely to consume psychotropic drugs later in their lives. We should not be surprised to witness a dramatic increase of consumption of antidepressants in the years to come. The trend is already beginning:

“In its study, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at 2.4 billion drugs prescribed in visits to doctors and hospitals in 2005. Of those, 118 million were for antidepressants.

The use of antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs — those that affect brain chemistry — has skyrocketed over the last decade. Adult use of antidepressants almost tripled between the periods 1988-1994 and 1999-2000. Between 1995 and 2002, the most recent year for which statistics are available, the use of these drugs rose 48 percent, the CDC reported.”
- Elizabeth Cohen, CNN

The use of prescription pills might be of a great help for specific and properly diagnosed cases. The pharmaceutical industry however, which has many “friends” in the highest levels of government, is pushing for the widespread use of psychiatric drugs within the public. Since 2002, a great number of pills claiming to fix all kinds of mental conditions have been marketed to the public, but many of those pills were approved for sale without proper research for side effects. Even worse: the side effects might have been known but hidden to the public. Below is a list of warnings issued on commonly sold psychiatric drugs. Some of those side effects are actually frightening as a pill should not be able to have that much power over the human brain. Think about it: Some drugs are subject to warnings because they can cause you to … commit suicide?

2004

March 22: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that Prozac-like antidepressants (called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs) could cause “anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia [severe restlessness], hypomania [abnormal excitement] and mania [psychosis characterized by exalted feelings, delusions of grandeur].”

June: The Therapeutic Goods Administration, the Australian equivalent of the FDA, reported that the latest antipsychotic drugs could increase the risk of diabetes.

June: The FDA ordered that the packaging for the stimulant Adderall include a warning about sudden cardiovascular deaths, especially in children with underlying heart disease.

October 15: The FDA ordered its strongest “black box” label for antidepressants warning they could cause suicidal thoughts and actions in under those under 18 years old.

October 21: The New Zealand Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee recommended that older and newer antidepressants not be administered to patients less than 18 years of age because of the risk of suicide.

December 17: The FDA required packaging for the “ADHD” drug, Strattera, to advise that “Severe liver damage may progress to liver failure resulting in death or the need for a liver transplant in a small percentage of patients.”

2005

February 9: Health Canada, the Canadian counterpart of the FDA, suspended marketing of Adderall XR (Extended Release, given once a day) due to reports of 20 sudden unexplained deaths (14 in children) and 12 strokes (2 in children).

April 11: The FDA warned that antipsychotic drug use in elderly patients could increase the risk of death.

June 28: The FDA announced its intention to make labeling changes to Concerta and other Ritalin products to include the side effects: “visual hallucinations, suicidal ideation [ideas], psychotic behavior, as well as aggression or violent behavior.”
June 30: The FDA warned that the antidepressant Cymbalta could increase suicidal thinking or behavior in pediatric patients taking it. It also warned about the potential increased risk of suicidal behavior in adults taking antidepressants.

August: The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration found a relationship between antidepressants and suicidality, akathisia (severe restlessness), agitation, nervousness and anxiety in adults. Similar symptoms could occur during withdrawal from the drugs, it determined.

August 19: The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products warned against child antidepressant use, stating that the drugs caused suicide attempts and thoughts, aggression, hostility, aggression, oppositional behavior and anger.

September 26: The Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (Italian Drug Agency, equivalent to the FDA) warned against use of older (tricyclic) antidepressants in people under 18 years old. It also determined the drugs were associated with heart attacks in people of any age.

September 29: The FDA ordered that labeling for the “ADHD” drug Strattera include a boxed warning about the increased risk of suicidal thinking in children and adolescents taking it.

October 17: The FDA warned that the antidepressant Cymbalta could cause liver damage.

October 24: The FDA withdrew the stimulant Cylert from the market because of the risk of liver toxicity and failure.

November: The FDA warned that the antidepressant Effexor could cause homicidal thoughts.

2006

February 9: The FDA’s Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee urged that the strongest “black box” warning be issued for stimulants, because they may cause heart attacks, strokes and sudden death.

February 20: British authorities warned that Strattera was associated with seizures and potentially lengthening period of the time between heartbeats.

March 22: An FDA advisory panel heard evidence of almost 1,000 reports of kids experiencing psychosis or mania while taking stimulants.

May 3: FDA adverse drug reaction reports linked antipsychotic drugs to 45 child deaths and 1,300 serious adverse reactions, such as convulsions and low white blood cell count.

May 12: The manufacturer of Paxil warned that the antidepressant increases the risk of suicide in adults.

May 26: Health Canada issued new warnings of rare heart risks for all drugs prescribed for “ADHD,” including the risk of sudden death.

June 2: An FDA study determined that the antipsychotic drug, Risperdal, might cause pituitary tumors. The pituitary gland, at the base of the brain, secretes hormones that promote growth, and regulates body functions. Antipsychotics may increase prolactin, a hormone in the pituitary gland, and this increase has been linked to cancer. Risperdal was found to increase prolactin levels more frequently than in other antipsychotics.

July 19: The FDA said antidepressant packaging should carry warnings that they may cause a fatal lung condition in newborns whose mothers took SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy. Migraine sufferers also need to be warned that combining migraine drugs with SSRIs could result in a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.

Food Poisoning

The modern man ingests in his lifetime an incredible amount of chemicals, artificial flavors and additives. Although there is growing awareness regarding healthy eating, there is also a lot of misinformation and disinformation.

At the present time, a single company – Monsanto – produces roughly 95% of all soybeans and 80% of all corn in the US. Considering this, the corn flakes you had for breakfast, soda you drank at lunch and beefstew you ate for dinner likely were produced from crops grown with Monsanto’s patented genes. There are numerous documents and films exposing Monsanto’s strong-arming of the agricultural industry, so I won’t expand on that issue. It is however important to note that a virtual monopoly currently exists in the food industry and there’s a unhealthy link between Monsanto and the American government: Many people who have passed laws in the fields of food, drugs and agriculture were also, at some point on the payroll of Monsanto. In other words, the elite decides which foods are sold to you.

Public officials formerly employed by Monsanto:

Justice Clarence Thomas worked as an attorney for Monsanto in the 1970s. Thomas wrote the majority opinion in the 2001 Supreme Court decision J. E. M. Ag Supply, Inc. v. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.J. E. M. AG SUPPLY, INC. V. PIONEER HI-BREDINTERNATIONAL, INC. which found that “newly developed plant breeds are patentable under the general utility patent laws of the United States.” This case benefited all companies which profit from genetically modified crops, of which Monsanto is one of the largest.

Michael R. Taylor was an assistant to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner before he left to work for a law firm on gaining FDA approval of Monsanto’s artificial growth hormone in the 1980s. Taylor then became deputy commissioner of the FDA from 1991 to 1994. Taylor was later re-appointed to the FDA in August 2009 by President Barack Obama.

Dr. Michael A. Friedman was a deputy commissioner of the FDA before he was hired as a senior vice president of Monsanto.

Linda J. Fisher was an assistant administrator at the United States Environmental Protection Agency‎ (EPA) before she was a vice president at Monsanto from 1995 – 2000. In 2001, Fisher became the deputy administrator of the EPA.
Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was chairman and chief executive officer of G. D. Searle & Co., which Monsanto purchased in 1985. Rumsfeld personally made at least $12 million USD from the transaction.
Many laws (approved by ex-Monsanto employees) have facilitated the introduction and the consumption of genetically engineered foods by the public.

“According to current statistics, 45% of corn and 85% of soybeans in the United States is genetically engineered (GE). Estimates of 70-75% of processed foods found at our local supermarkets are believed to contain GE ingredients.

Other GE foods are canola, papayas, radicchio, potatoes, rice, squash or zucchini, cantaloupe, sugar beets, flax, tomatoes, and oilseed rape. One non-food crop that is commonly GE is cotton. The GE hormone recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or Prosilac) was one of the first GE products allowed to enter the nation’s food supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Monsanto’s rBGH in 1993.”
- Anna M. Salanti, Genetically Engineered Foods

Although it is yet impossible to determine the long-term effects of genetically engineered foods on the human body, some facts have already been established. GE foods contain less nutrients and, most importantly, they are “chemical-friendly”.

“One of the features of GE foods is their ability to withstand unlimited application of chemicals, including pesticides. Bromoxynil and glyphosate have been associated with developmental disorders in fetuses, tumors, carcinomas, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Studies indicate that Monsanto’s recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) causes treated cows to produce milk with an increased second hormone, IGF-1. This hormone is associated with human cancers. Recommendations by the Congressional watchdog agency, Government Accounting Office (GAO), recommended that rBGH not be approved. The European Union, Canada, and others have banned it. The UN has also refused to certify that using rBGH is safe.”
– Ibid

Genetic modifications engineered by Monsanto makes their products bigger and more aesthetically pleasing. Another, less discussed “improvement” is the plants’ ability to withstand nearly unlimited amounts of Roundup brand pesticides. This encourages farmers to use that brand of pesticides which is produced by … Monsanto.

Studies on Roundup link the powerful pesticide and herbicide to many health problems such as:

Increased risks of the cancer non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Miscarriages
Attention Deficit Disorder (the real one)
Fluoride

Another source of harmful chemicals is found in the modern man’s water supplies and soft drinks. As of 2002, the CDC statistics show that almost 60% of the U.S. population receives fluoridated water through the taps in their homes. The official reason for the presence of fluoride in our tap water? It prevents tooth decay. Ok … really? Is this mildly important benefit worth the consuming of great amounts of this substance by the population? Some studies even denied the dental benefits of fluorided water.

“Scientists now believe that the main protective action from fluoride does not come from ingesting the chemical, with the teeth absorbing it from inside the body, but from direct absorption through topical application to teeth. This means swallowing water is a far less effective way to fight cavities than brushing with fluoridated toothpaste.”
- Source

So why is fluoride still found in tap water? Here are some quick facts about fluoridation chemicals: they were once used as pesticides they are registered as “poisonous” under the 1972 Poisons Act, in the same group of toxins as arsenic, mercury and paraquat fluoride is scientifically classed as more toxic than lead, but there is about 20 times more fluoride than lead in tap water.

Many studies have been conducted on the effects of fluoride on the human body and some notable adverse effects have been noted: it changes bone structure and strength, impairs the immune system and it was linked to some cancers. Another alarming consequence of fluoridation is its effects on brain functions:

“In 1995, neurotoxicologist and former Director of toxicology at Forsyth Dental Center in Boston, Dr. Phyllis Mullenix published research showing that fluoride built up in the brains of animals when exposed to moderate levels. Damage to the brain occured and the behavior patterns of the animals was adversely effected. Offspring of pregnant animals receiving relatively low doses of fluoride showed permanent effects to the brain which were seen as hyperactivity (ADD-like symptoms). Young animals and adult animals given fluoride experienced the opposite effect — hypoactivity or sluggishness. The toxic effects of fluoride on the central nervous system was subsequently confirmed by previously-classified government research. Two new epidemiological studies which tend to confirm fluoride’s neurotoxic effects on the brain have shown that children exposed to higher levels of fluoride had lower IQs.”
- Source

A lesser known, but extremely important side effect of fluoride is the calcification of the pineal gland.



Up until the 1990s, no research had ever been conducted to determine the impact of fluoride on the pineal gland – a small gland located between the two hemispheres of the brain that regulates the production of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the onset of puberty and helps protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals.

It is now known – thanks to the meticulous research of Dr. Jennifer Luke from the University of Surrey in England – that the pineal gland is the primary target of fluoride accumulation within the body.

The soft tissue of the adult pineal gland contains more fluoride than any other soft tissue in the body – a level of fluoride (~300 ppm) capable of inhibiting enzymes.

The pineal gland also contains hard tissue (hyroxyapatite crystals), and this hard tissue accumulates more fluoride (up to 21,000 ppm) than any other hard tissue in the body (e.g. teeth and bone).

- Source

Other than regulating vital hormones, the pineal gland is known to serve an esoteric function. It is known by mystic groups as the “third eye” and has been considered by many cultures to be part of the brain responsible for spiritual enlightenment and the “link to the divine”. Is enlightenment out of bounds for the modern man?

“In the human brain there is a tiny gland called the pineal body, which is the sacred eye of the ancients, and corresponds to the third eye of the Cyclops. Little is known concerning the function of the pineal body, which Descartes suggested (more wisely than he knew) might be the abode of the spirit of man.”
– Manly P. Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages

Aspartame


Aspartame is an artificial sweetner used in “sugar-free” products such as diet sodas and chewing gum. Since its discovery in 1965, Aspartame caused great controversy regarding its health risks – primarily causing brain tumors – and was denied its application to be sold to the public by the FDA. Searle, the company attempting to market Aspartame then appointed Donald Rumsfeld as CEO in 1977 … and things changed drastically. In a short period of time, Aspartame could be found in over 5,000 products.

“Donald Rumsfeld was on President Reagan’s transition team and the day after he took office he appointed an FDA Commissioner who would approve aspartame. The FDA set up a Board of Inquiry of the best scientists they had to offer who said aspartame is not safe and causes brain tumors, and the petition for approval is hereby revoked. The new FDA Commissioner, Arthur Hull Hayes, over-ruled that Board of Inquiry and then went to work for the PR Agency of the manufacturer, Burson-Marstellar, rumored at $1000.00 a day, and has refused to talk to the press ever since.”
- Source

Years after its approval by the FDA, leading scientists still urge the organization to ban this product.

“Dr. John Olney, who founded the field of neuoscience called excitotoxicity, attempted to stop the approval of aspartame with Attorney James Turner back in 1996. The FDA’s own toxicologist, Dr. Adrian Gross told Congress that without a shadow of a doubt, aspartame can cause brain tumors and brain cancer and violated the Delaney Amendment which forbids putting anything in food that is known to cause Cancer. Detailed information on this can be found in the Bressler Report (FDA report on Searle).”
- Ibid

In 1995, the FDA was forced to release, under the Freedom of Information act, a list of ninety-two symptoms caused by aspartame reported by thousands of victims:

Those symptoms are however only the tip of the iceberg. Aspartame has been linked to severe illnesses and long term health issues.

“According to the top doctors and researchers on this issue, aspartame causes headache, memory loss, seizures, vision loss, coma and cancer. It worsens or mimics the symptoms of such diseases and conditions as fibromyalgia, MS, lupus, ADD, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, chronic fatigue and depression. Further dangers highlighted is that aspartame liberates free methyl alcohol. The resulting chronic methanol poisoning affects the dopamine system of the brain causing addiction. Methanol, or wood alcohol, constitutes one third of the aspartame molecule and is classified as a severe metabolic poison and narcotic.”
- Ibid

In Conclusion

If the main message of has been to this point “watch what enters your mind”, the main message of this article is “watch what enters your body.” The consumption of the products stated above will probably not cause an immediate and noticeable effect. But, after many years of ingesting those substances, one’s thoughts become increasingly clouded and foggy, the ability to concentrate becomes hindered and judgment becomes impaired. In other words, the once sharp mind becomes dull. What happens when a population is heavily sedated and poisoned on a daily basis? It becomes numb, zombie-like and docile. Instead of asking important questions and seeking a higher truth, the dumbed-down mass simply accomplishes its daily tasks and absorbs whatever the media tells them. Is this what the elite is looking to create?
There is, however, a silver lining here. Many of the negative effects of the substances described above are reversible. And YOU are the one who decides what enters your body. This article provides a brief overview of dangers lurking for the unaware consumer, but tons of information is available on which to base enlightened decisions. Your body is a temple. Will you allow it to be desecrated?

Read More

Obesity and the Brain

Nature Genetics just published a paper that caught my interest (1). Investigators reviewed the studies that have attempted to determine associations between genetic variants and common obesity (as judged by body mass index or BMI). In other words, they looked for "genes" that are suspected to make people fat.

There are a number of gene variants that associate with an increased or decreased risk of obesity. These fall into two categories: rare single-gene mutations that cause dramatic obesity, and common variants that are estimated to have a very small impact on body fatness. The former category cannot account for common obesity because it is far too rare, and the latter probably cannot account for it either because it has too little impact*. Genetics can't explain the fact that there were half as many obese people in the US 40 years ago. Here's a wise quote from the obesity researcher Dr. David L. Katz, quoted from an interview about the study (2):

Let us by all means study our genes, and their associations with our various shapes and sizes... But let's not let it distract us from the fact that our genes have not changed to account for the modern advent of epidemic obesity -- our environments and lifestyles have.

Exactly. So I don't usually pay much attention to "obesity genes", although I do think genetics contributes to how a body reacts to an unnatural diet/lifestyle. However, the first part of his statement is important too. Studying these types of associations can give us insights into the biological mechanisms of obesity when we ask the question "what do these genes do?" The processes these genes participate in should be the same processes that are most important in regulating fat mass.

So, what do the genes do? Of those that have a known function, nearly all of them act in the brain, and most act in known body fat regulation circuits in the hypothalamus (a brain region). The brain is the master regulator of body fat mass. It's also the master regulator of nearly all large-scale homeostatic systems in the body, including the endocrine (hormone) system. Now you know why I study the neurobiology of obesity.


* The authors estimated that "together, the 32 confirmed BMI loci explained 1.45% of the inter-individual variation in BMI." In other words, even if you were unlucky enough to inherit the 'fat' version of all 32 genes, which is exceedingly unlikely, you would only have a slightly higher risk of obesity than the general population.

Read More

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE - DISEASE

In Alzheimer's disease or Alzheimer's disease causes progressive memory and concentration problems, and disorientation to orientation. The brain of the patients has a decrease in volume and usually deposits on certain proteins. Initial symptoms are often nonspecific, such as headaches, dizziness and general inefficiency. Gradually the patient forgetful, confused and can only cope with familiar tasks. Difficulty in speaking, reading writing and arithmetic to connect. Personality and attitude have remained outside often get surprisingly long time. With increasing duration of the disease leads to a slow deterioration of the personality, can also be adjusted depression, delusions and aggressive behavior. Patients are more and more nursing care. Particularly for the families, the disease is often a great mental and physical stress. The onset usually between 7 and 8 Decade of life. In rare cases, even younger people over the age of 40 Age affected.

Common causes:
The exact cause is still unknown. Are discussed inter alia hereditary metabolic disorders and stress.

What can you do?
* Keep your mind fit, wear contacts with others, maintaining interest and participation in the events of the day to this.
* Various preparations to improve the performance offered, the benefits are disputed.

When you need a doctor?
* If the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (above) show, you should go to the doctor.

What your doctor can do?
* The doctor may first determine whether it is Alzheimer's disease.
* The brain training and movement therapy can be, especially in the initial stage, reach a certain performance.
* There are several medications for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease are available that can slow the disease and alleviate symptoms are helping. The disease is not yet curable.

Prevention:
Is not possible.

Read More

Fourteen Surprising Ways You Are Being Over-exposed To Electro/Magnetic Radiation

Radiation. The word alone scares us, but we’re exposed to it on a daily basis in some unlikely places. While there’s no reason to dictate where you go based on radiation, know that extreme exposure to certain types of radiation can be hazardous to your health. Illnesses include vomiting, nausea and in some cases, a loss of white blood cells (the good cells that fight bad germs in our system). Read on for a look at surprising places you may be overexposed to radiation.

1. Airplanes. You may getting to your destination more quickly, butflying from one coast to the other on a commercial flight exposes us to about .03 mSv (one of the many scales for measuring radiation). While this may not seem like much, if you’re flying from coast to coast often or taking numerous flights that put you on a plane for a long duration of time, you’re exposing yourself to major radiation over the course of years. Another measurement shows the magnetic field is over 100 mG (milligause). The EPA has stated that any electr0/magnetic field in excess of 3 mG is cancer causing.
   
2. Living in the plateaus of New Mexico or Colorado. The view may be majestic, but living in the plateau region of New Mexico or Colorado are exposed to about 1.5 more mSv than those who live at sea level. This means living in these areas for years will eventually add up and can pose a health hazard.
3. Color TVs. This is all TVs, since a black and white television set is hard to come by in this day and age. Watching a color television set exposes us to small amounts of ionizing radiation. In large amounts or with constant exposure ionizing radiation is known to harm humans. The average American watches 28 hours of TV per week, so that’s considerable exposure. Heed your mother’s warning of not sitting too close to your TV the next time you take in the tube.
4. Tabacco smoke. As if you needed another reason to make you kick the habit! Tabacco smoke packs radionuclides. The radiation comes from the leaves used to create the tabacco for cigarettes and while it’s a small amount, most smokers are threatening their health by taking in several cigarettes per day. Smoking kills your lungs and respiratory system and now it exposes you to radiation too.
5. Military soldiers Military soldiers are around hazardous materials all of the time and troops from countries around the globe are regularly exposed to fairly high levels of radiation. In few cases this is deliberate, while in others it is a plan gone awry. Still, many soldiers deal with the aftermath of high radiation exposure when returning home from combat.
6. Packaged food. Packaged and bulk food does not come in direct contact with radiation, but instead passes through it. A radiation chamber is a passing point for packaged and bulk food, causing a beam of radiation to “scan” food. Food irradation is used to kill food-borne bacteria and help preserve food. The level of radiation is determined by the reason the foods being irradated and can be significant in food consumed by the military since much precaution is taken in their meals.
7. Those who work in hospitals or clinics where x-rays are conducted. A study found that physicians are more likely to have brain cancer due to the amount of radiation they’re exposed to every day. The study followed doctors in various parts of the U.S. and Canada. Further studies are planned to see levels of radiation absorbed by other areas of the body because this study focused on the head.
8. Smoke detectors. One of the most common types of smoke alarms for offices or homes are those with an ionization chamber. Both emit radiation to homes and businesses on a daily basis. These trace amounts of radiation found in smoke detectors do not typically effect us as long as the radiation source is kept inside of the smoke detector. Though smoke detectors with ionization chambers have been on the market for quite some time, there have been no long term studies on their effect.
9. Camping out excessively. Camping out is fun, but it also means being outdoors for days at a time. Small levels of ionizing radiation comes from the cosmic rays radiated by the sun and stars. If you’re outdoors 24/7 for days at a time, you’re adding to the daily exposure we all receive from these sources. While a log cabin may not be everyone’s idea of camping it does protect from radiation exposure for evening, but if you’re a true camping buff, just keep your trips to a couple of days versus a week..
10. Radon gas. Radon gas is everywhere and can get into our homes. Radon gas is the result of heavy metals naturally disintegrating and it’s in the air we breathe on a daily basis. It is not unusual for an office building or home to have high levels of radon gas inside where people are breathing all day or night. Sealing your windows and doors can reduce the amount of radon gas that enters any space, but still does not guarantee your home will be radon gas free.
11. Electric Cars emit over 150 mG of electro/magnetic radiation which may show in years to come to be a contributor to cancerous conditions. The most toxic place to sit in a battery operated or electric car is in the driver seat. I would suggest staying with petrol driven car which are less toxic with magnetic fields of less than 10 mG.
12. Hair dryers are deadly and emit over 20,000 mG of electro/magnetic radiation. If you use a hair dryer make sure stay at least 3 feet away by using a tube extension. But never hold a hair dryer next to your head - it may be a contributor to brain cancer.
13. Cell phones are a major contributor to radiation exposure and should never be held to the head. They can emit in excess of 100 mG and may be a contributor to brain cancer.
14. Living by electrical power lines or power plants can be another source of electro/magnetic radiation.
    

Radiation/EMF can be hazardous, but with a heads-up on where you may be overexposed, you can live life carefully. Understand that electro/magnetic radiation is the most toxic invisible pollution ever invented by man. It is only prudent to limit your exposure as much as possible.

Read More

ALCOHOL ABUSE

The alcohol concentration in blood is measured and reported in parts per thousand. It is the blood alcohol concentration depends both on the recorded amount of alcohol and by the same food consumed and on the sex and body weight. Furthermore, the speed with which the body breaks down the recorded alcohol, an important role. Although the alcohol level is subject to supply a specific amount consumed large individual fluctuations and thus are not exactly predictable is, can be formulated but the following rule of thumb: A 70-kg man has for a pint of beer or half a liter of wine a blood alcohol level of about 0.5 per thousand. In general, at this concentration, the critical capacity is already reduced, inhibitions and generally applicable standards are easily overcome. When blood concentrations of 0.5 parts per thousand, the legal limit is reached, the ability to drive, at levels above 2 parts per thousand to develop strong intoxication, which may then with increasing concentration in unconsciousness with respiratory paralysis and death.

occur when alcohol intoxication decreased continue thinking and response, coordination problems in speaking and walking, double vision, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, weak and rapid pulse and lower temperature. The psychological effects are individual and vary depending on the degree of intoxication, from euphoria, good humor, aggression and self-esteem to inertia, fatigue or depressed mood. Of alcoholism is when someone consumes more than a year, large amounts of alcohol, lost control on alcohol use is adversely affected thereby and has physically, mentally and socially. Long-term physical damage for example severe chronic gastric and pancreatic inflammation, fatty liver and cirrhosis of the liver, brain and nerve damage, blood disorders, eye disorders, tremors, insomnia and impotence. Typical psychological symptoms include personality changes, psychosis and hallucinations.

Common causes of alcohol intoxication:
* Drinking too fast. Alcohol is metabolised in the liver only gradually to acetic acid. For very fast drinking quickly follows a high blood alcohol concentration.
* Over-estimation of alcohol breakdown in the body. Per hour per kilogram of body weight in men only 0.1 grams of alcohol removed, less in women about 15%.
* Drink, without having eaten. With an empty stomach, the alcohol is absorbed faster from the stomach into the bloodstream. Coffee also accelerates the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
* Drinking sweetened alcoholic beverages, eg Cocktails and mulled wine. Sugar accelerates the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Fatty foods slow the other hand, the increase in blood alcohol level.
* Drinking different types of alcohol leads to a faster rush. Of low-quality alcohol is easier to get headaches, not necessarily because of the alcohol, but because of the additives.
* Some people can, heredity, alcohol not degrade as fast as the average, so they are faster intoxicated.
* Women are more vulnerable to alcohol than men ("tolerate less").
* And of course, drink too much! Beer has about 2-6% alcohol, wine and sparkling wine 7-10%, 15-17% dessert wine, liqueurs 30-35%, 45% liquor, rum 40-80%.

What can you do if so.
* Fresh air and cold showers make the blood pumping.
* High heat and heavy physical exertion avoided.
* Some painkillers for headaches, stomach hyperacidity remedy for stomach complaints.
* At the first signs of hunger take light meals.
* No alcoholic beverages, but drink plenty of fluids.

When you need a doctor.
* If you find that you no longer cope without alcohol. If you realize that your alcohol consumption compared with earlier risen significantly. If you drink to forget problems. The occurrence of physical withdrawal symptoms when trying to abstinence. If you recently several times a "blackout" had been so intoxicated so that a memory gap remains.
* If you even have someone help who has an acute alcohol poisoning, protect it from cooling down and bring him to the hospital. They will also carry out Urgent gastric lavage and stabilize circulation and respiration.
* Also a member of an alcoholic or a person who is suspected of alcohol abuse, you can contact a doctor you trust for advice and help! The physician in any event subject to professional secrecy.

Attention.
* Alcohol during pregnancy are at high risk for decreased birth weight and birth defects of the baby.
* Taking psychotropic drugs, sleeping pills or strong painkillers may occur in relation to alcohol effects to changes in the drug and even for small amounts of alcohol poisoning.

Prevention.
* One thing is certain: Alcohol is a stimulant in small amounts. In higher doses it is an intoxicant, and in any case, a cell toxin. The following tips can help keep the alcohol consumption in limits:
* Do not drink to forget problems.
* Drink in the company rather than alone.
* In celebration set in advance a quantity of alcohol that gets you. This will also tell others to help you stick to it. Let us then not "talk" to continue drinking.
* Glasses before the drink refills are only for better control.
* Each party briefly think through the negative experiences with alcohol as long as you are still completely sober.

Read More

LIVER SPOTS - AGE SPOTS

Liver and dark spots are congenital malformations or later pigmented skin. It is known as moles or nevi. The pigmented lesions include freckles and age spots. Pigmentation, different colors (from yellow to brown to black), different extents (from small and round up a large area) and different surfaces (smooth, raised, hairy, etc). For moles have an increased risk that developed from this point, especially with frequent sun exposure, skin cancer. Degenerate but also other stains. Above all, very dark spots or a dark area inside a suspected spot. People with many moles or pigmented spots, especially with irregular patches, should be avoid the sun or tend to protect themselves at least well and can be examined regularly by a dermatologist. Most moles are harmless.

Common causes:
* The site for development of moles is often inherited.
* It comes from unknown causes, an accumulation of pigment cells in one place.
* Often in an increased incidence of pregnancy or in women taking the contraceptive pill.
* Even the sun can lead to increased pigmentation (such as freckles, age spots).

What can you do.
* Avoid irritation, do not scratch! As a result, moles and other pigmented lesions for malignant growth can be stimulated.
* Use sunscreen or avoid the sun.
* Keep an eye on whether changing moles and other pigmented lesions and to reemerge.
* Flat, smooth dark spots that are in the skin level, can be covered with cosmetics, otherwise such irritation should also be avoided, if in doubt ask the dermatologist.
* If you have many moles and other spots and / or skin cancer in your family has occurred, should go to regular health checks.

When you need a doctor.
* If the spots change suddenly, that enlarge, become darker, assume irregular shapes, inflamed and bleed, itch or hurt.
* If you notice new spots.
* For irregular ("atypical") spots.
* If you spot a "suspicious" in them.
* If moles or other pigmented lesions are sitting in places where they are constantly confused: eg by frictional wear in the belt or on the soles when walking.
* If moles or other pigmented lesions are sitting at the "hidden" places, eg in the genital area, where potential changes are not easily observed.
* If moles cosmetically disturbing.

What your doctor can do.
* Patches examined carefully and decide whether a stain must be removed (should be).
* Operating remove the stains.
* Examination of the removed tissue for skin cancer (always performed).
* If you have many moles, irregular in particular, have, your doctor will advise you on how to maintain and monitor your skin and at what intervals screening is important.

Read More

ACNE - PICKEL

By excessive sebum production, coupled with a keratinization, acne clog the sebaceous glands, and there are the so-called blackheads (comedones). These can become inflamed by bacteria, pimples are formed. A distinction between open comedones (black heads), pimples closed comedones (whitish nodules) and pustules or (inflamed pimples). Moreover, we distinguish between the easy, superficial acne and severe, deep acne with deep under the skin inflamed nodes. The deep acne often leads to scar formation, while the superficial acne which only by wrong treatment ("hang around") to scars. Very often the acne occurs during puberty and even then heals without treatment, but there are also 25-30-year acne patients. Usually affects the face, chest, back and shoulders, sometimes only some of these areas.

Common causes
* Hormonal changes during puberty, sometimes even during the period or during pregnancy.
* Bacterial infection of the blackheads.
* Inappropriate, too much fat, comedogenic cosmetics (cosmetics, the skin is irritating to the formation of blackheads).
* Certain drugs or chemicals (e.g. chlorine).
* Whether the diet plays a role is controversial.

What can you do
* Twice daily wash the skin with a mild disinfectant soap or cleanser.
* Do not hang around on the skin, as this only exacerbates the inflammation. Blackheads can be softened and opened lightly with a Acne.
* Sunlight can relieve acne.
* Special-acne cosmetics to use.
* Applying antiseptic or drying creams or gels, e.g. with benzoyl peroxide.
* For soothing inflamed skin compresses and masks hang (Chamomile, healing clay).

When you need a doctor.
* If you are not satisfied your treatment success.
* If the acne appears to be hormonal.
* In case of strong inflammation and suppuration.

What your doctor can do.
* Regulation of strong acting peeling ointments.
* Regulation of an antibiotic of hormone preparations (e.g., birth control pill) or vitamin A acid tablets.

Read More

Vacation

I'll be out of town until the beginning of November, so I won't be responding to comments or e-mails for a while. I'm going to set up a post or two to publish while I'm gone.

As an administrative note, I get a number of e-mails from blog readers each day. I apologize that I can't respond to all of them, as it would require more time than I currently have to spare. The more concise your message, the more likely I'll read it and respond. Thanks for your understanding.

Read More

Alternative cure for blood and breast cancer

I looked on the internet for natural ways to cure cancer, and found this wonderful remedy. It uses all natural products that will not halm you.

This remedy has been popular in many hispanic countries and many people have claimed that it works wonderfully. Fray Romano Zago –a Brazilian fray who came up with this nice remedy and has used it for several years to cure people successfully– says that this remedy works for all types of cancer (skin, lungs, blood, breast, ovary, etc.). Some people say that it's very effective, even for cancer in terminal stage.

Look for an Aloe vera plant that is 3 years old or more. Clean 2 big leaves (or 3 small leaves) and remove the serrated margins (what look like thorns).

Cut the Aloe leaves in small pieces and put them in a blender or a mixer. Add half kilogram or 500 mL pure honey and 3 tablespoons of whisky (cognac, tequila or other kind of alcoholic beverage would be good too; this is a vessel dilator).

Mix everything until until you obtain a viscous mass. It is ready. You don't need to strain the remedy (just be careful that there are no sharp leaf margins left). Put it in a jar or container.
Directions For Use: Shake the jar very well. Take a big tablespoon, 3 times per day, 15 minutes before each meal. Do this for 10 days. Have a medical check to see if the tumor has reduced. If you don't achieve the desired results after this number of days, repeat the treatment a second time, or a third, or a fourth time until you get cured.
Side Effects: It might produce skin abscesses (but this is a sign that it is working).
Expected Results: In one week you will start seeing results.
Expected Results Within: 1 week

Holistic cures    Illness and disease    Lesser known herbs
Prevent cancer    Wellness ideas    Feel better

Read More

ADD and ADHD

As the ADS attention deficit disorder is called, includes the ADHD hyperactivity disorder. Ten percent of all children of AD (H) S affected or approximately 600,000 children in Germany, about four time more boys than girls. ADHD children act without control knows no borders and shoot with their impulses permanently beyond it. ADHD can be combined with learning problems as well as giftedness. Its positive aspects, these children just as impressive: it can be extremely charming, sensitive, creative and good-natured. The main symptoms of ADHD are attention deficit disorder, disorganization, impulsivity, emotional instability, hyperactivity. ADHD is not lost at puberty, as previously thought, ADHD occurs in children as a young man and as an adult it is affected.

Between three appearances can be distinguished:
Predominantly inattentive type: This is mostly girls affected, they are easily distracted dream, to himself, but are not hyperactive.
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type: This is constant urge to move and uncontrolled actions. Once settled down, these children, however, concentrate well.
Mixed type: Here are all symptoms represented. This applies to most children, and almost all serious forms.

Common symptoms:
Attention deficit disorder: Due to a short attention span and easy distractibility are not games or tasks to the end. Often these children seem dreamy and absent-minded. Relationship problems, these children have serious problems with the recognition of authority and failed to permanently established rules. Despite a distinct behavior and lack of attention to the other make it difficult to contact with other children.
Lack of organization: children, desk, school bag look like a mess. For example an assignment at school they put up the wrong book. Tasks they perform under the greatest difficulty only at the last second. You cannot distinguish important from unimportant.
Impulsivity: mood swings, irritability and easy frustration lead to aggression and Wutsausbrüchen. There is a lack of control over one's feelings, the child says compulsive, what he thinks, without weighing up the situation. They interrupt conversations are impatient, cannot wait.
Learning disability: they are usually above average intelligence, yet they need unreasonably long time to solve problems. For example, they write words from wrong, hit the wrong sides, listening to instructions.
Negative self-assessment: assessing the children at their own performance is always negative, reinforcing feedback from the environment even with this evidence of good performance; they cannot feel you have done from internal forces.
Mood swings: Abrupt mood swings take place within a short time. High and low feelings are provoked by dangerous situations. Frustration compensates those affected by hot-tempered outbursts, and later with nicotine, alcohol and drugs.
Over activity: the agitation leads to striking frequent fidgeting, popping up from his chair and rummage for example, in the school bag. With purposeful movement do these children often clumsy, cannot maintain the balance, the movements appear angular. Insomnia is common. About 30 to 50 percent of children simultaneously have other abnormalities, such as disturbances of fine motor performance deficits, tics and Tourette's syndrome and problems in the area of sensory perception.

Common causes:
* Hereditary predisposition
* Food allergy and intolerance
* Nutrient deficiency in the brain
* Smoking in pregnancy
* Organic changes in the brain
* Smoking Household
* Stimulus overload
* Unrealistic self-image.

When you need a doctor.
If you observe and other persons (e.g. parents, teachers) over a long period of these behaviors. Poor concentration and hyperactivity may also be reactions to temporary conflicts or special circumstances or are a lack of exercise. Note that is difficult for children today used to quickly diagnose ADHD, which does not have to vote in any case.

What can you do.
* Recognize that you are not comfortable child to keep him still
* Recognize that your child is not to annoy you
* Treat yourself to recharge your batteries now and then a kind of free time for energy
* Stabilize first line yourself, so you can give your child the necessary support
* Put your child relatively close, and in any case clear limits
* Announce the consistency in crossing the established rules and boundaries (with older children, the consequences can be jointly determined)
* Pull the announced consequences of
* Non-flat rate (you're always ...)
* Give your child time to get used to adapt to new things and situations
* Provide a quiet place and quiet times for your child
* Keep a uniform education rules
* Avoid ranting and discussions
* If you teach your child safety
* Educate not around at every little thing
* Avoid impulsive rigor with spontaneous criminal threat
* Enter the structural support
* With rules, you help your child to self-control
* Praise them as much as possible, look for the positive aspects of your child
* Provide extensive movement
* Keep in contact with educators and teachers
* Your child under demand not demand, but not

From the natural medicine.
Valerian, lemon balm, hops, St. John's Wort as a tea, oil, drops or pills can help calm. Fragrance oils from oranges, lavender, jasmine and lemon balm can have a balancing effect (paradoxical reactions may occur in individual cases).

What your doctor can do.
* Exclusion of other diseases such as hyperthyroidism, forms of epilepsy, intellectual deficit, distress signals
* A thorough physical examination
* Neurological examination
* Psychological Tests

Treatment.
* Drug therapy: It is mainly used the drug methylphenidate, which will be the children for about four hours calmer, less impulsive
* Family Therapy: learn how to best deal with your child
* Behavior Therapy: Your child learns systematically more favorable attitudes
* Self-instruction training: Older children learn to control themselves
* Music Therapy: Your child learns through the strategic use of music can reach something about themselves and together with the therapist to a positive change in behavior
* Relaxation techniques: learn your hyperactive child to relax yourself
* Nutrient therapy: Targeted relief and permanent supply missing nutrients, the symptoms of ADHD
* Tomatis Method: Through music and voice will promote the ability to listen and communicate

Read More

Sleep Post Correction

An astute commenter pointed out that I misread the numbers in the paper on sleep and fat loss. I wrote that out of the total 3.0 kg lost, the high-sleep group lost 2.4 kg as fat, and the low-sleep group lost 1.4 kg of fat out of 2.9 kg total.

In fact, the high-sleep group lost 1.4 out of 2.9 kg as fat, and the low-sleep group lost 0.6 out of 3.0 kg as fat. So I got the numbers all mixed up. Sorry for the mistake. The main point of the post still stands though: sleep deprivation negatively influences body composition.

The correct numbers are even more interesting than the ones I made up. Even in the high-sleep group, nearly half the body weight lost by simple calorie restriction was lean mass. That doesn't make calorie restriction look very good!

In the sleep-deprived group, 80% of the weight lost by calorie restriction came out of lean mass. Ouch!

That illustrates one of the reasons why I'm skeptical of simple calorie restriction as a means of fat loss. When the body "wants" to be fat, it will sacrifice lean mass to preserve fat tissue. For example, the genetically obese Zucker rat cannot be starved thin. If you try to put it on a severe calorie-restricted diet, it will literally die fat because it will cannibalize its own lean mass (muscle, heart, brain, etc.) to spare the fat. That's an extreme example, but it illustrates the point.

The key is not only to balance energy intake with expenditure (which the brain does automatically when it's working correctly), but to allocate energy appropriately to lean and fat mass.

Read More