eHealthandWellness

Preliminary evidence has linked high salt consumption with increased cardiovascular disease incidence and death among overweight, but not normal weight, people. Among overweight people, an increase in salt consumption of 2.3 grams per day was associated with a 32% increase in stroke incidence, an 89% increase in stroke mortality, a 44% increase in heart disease mortality, a 61% increase in cardiovascular disease mortality, and a 39% increase in death from all causes. Intervention trials are required to confirm these preliminary observations.

Moderate alcohol consumption appears protective against heart disease. However, regular, light alcohol consumption in men with established coronary heart disease is not associated with either benefit or deleterious effect.

A high intake of carotenoids from dietary sources has been shown to be protective against heart disease in several population-based studies. A diet high in fruits and vegetables, fiber, and possibly fish appears protective against heart disease, while a high intake of saturated fat (found in meat and dairy fat) and trans fatty acids (in margarine and processed foods containing hydrogenated vegetable oils) may contribute to heart disease.

In a preliminary study, the total number of deaths from cardiovascular disease was significantly lower among men with high fruit consumption than among those with low fruit consumption. A large study of male healthcare professionals found that those men eating mostly a “prudent” diet (high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, and poultry) had a 30% lower risk of heart attacks compared with men who ate the fewest foods in the “prudent” category.

By contrast, men who ate the highest percentage of their foods from the “typical American diet” category (high in red meat, processed meat, refined grains, sweets, and desserts) had a 64% increased risk of heart attack, compared with men who ate the fewest foods in that category. The various risks in this study were derived after controlling for all other beneficial or harmful influencing factors.

A parallel study of female healthcare professionals showed a 15% reduction in cardiovascular risk for those women eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables - compared with those eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables.

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There is no true definition of the term health food, but most people who work in the industry would agree that health foods are foods that provide optimum nutrition or enhance the health of those who consume them. They would also say they are foods without significant amounts of substances known to be harmful to health.

There are other terms that may describe the types of foods you will find in the health food section of a store:

• Whole foods are foods found in as close to their whole and natural state as possible. Generally, they have been minimally processed and have not had nutrients and fiber removed.
• Natural foods are foods obtained from nature and do not have synthetic ingredients.
• Organic foods are foods that qualify to meet the organic growing standards of the state where they are produced.

What qualifies a food to be placed in the health food section? These types of food vary from store to store.

Generally the foods in this section will have these characteristics:

• Be less processed
• Have fewer chemical additives, preservatives, and colorings
• Contain less white flour and sugar
• Have more organic ingredients
• More than likely be grown locally
• Be functional foods that will have specific effects on the structure or function of the body
• Be specialty foods, such as sugar-free, wheat-free, milk-free, salt-free, additive-free and lactose-free
• Be less likely to contain hydrogenated fats

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Some simple dietary changes can help prevent the onset of many types of cancer. Here’s a brief overview of things you can easily do each day.

Fiber
Whole grains (such as rye, brown rice, and whole wheat) contain high amounts of insoluble fiber—the type of fiber some scientists believe may help protect against a variety of cancers. People who eat relatively high amounts of whole grains have been reported to have low risks of lymphomas and cancers of the pancreas, stomach, colon, rectum, breast, uterus, mouth, throat, liver, and thyroid. Most research focusing on the relationship between cancer and fiber has focused on breast and colon cancers.

Consuming a diet high in insoluble fiber is best achieved by switching from white rice to brown rice and from bakery goods made with white flour or mixed flours to 100% whole wheat bread, whole rye crackers, and whole grain pancake mixes. Refined white flour is generally listed on food packaging labels as “flour,”“enriched flour,”“unbleached flour,”“durum wheat,”“semolina,” or “white flour.” Breads containing only whole wheat are often labeled “100% whole wheat.

Fruits and Vegetables
Consumption of fruits and vegetables is widely accepted as lowering the risk of most common cancers. Many doctors recommend that people wishing to reduce their risk of cancer eat several pieces of fruit and several portions of vegetables every day. Optimal intakes remain unknown.

Most doctors also recommend that people should not consider supplements as substitutes for the real thing. Some of the anticancer substances found in produce have probably not yet been discovered, while others are not yet available in supplement form. More important, some research, particularly regarding synthetic beta-carotene, does not support the idea that taking supplements has the same protective value against cancer as does consumption of fruits and vegetables. But, the research still does show that taking supplements is far better than doing nothing. So, if you’re not able to down all your veggies, at very minimum, get on a daily supplement routine.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene—an antioxidant similar in structure to beta-carotene. Most lycopene in our diet comes from tomatoes, though traces of lycopene exist in other foods. Lycopene inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells in test tube research.

A review of published research found that higher intake of tomatoes or higher blood levels of lycopene correlated with protection from cancer in 57 of 72 studies. Findings in 35 of these studies were statistically significant. Evidence of a protective effect for tomato consumption was strongest for cancers of the prostate, lung, and stomach, but some evidence of a protective effect also appeared for cancers of the pancreas, colon, rectum, esophagus (throat), mouth, breast, and cervix.

Cruciferous vegetables
Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower belong to the Brassica family of vegetables, also known as “cruciferous” vegetables. In test tube and animal studies, these foods have been associated with anticancer activity, possibly due to several substances found in these foods, such as indole-3-carbinol, glucaric acid (calcium D-glucarate), and sulforaphane. In a preliminary human study, people who ate cruciferous vegetables were reported to have a lower-than-average risk for bladder cancer.

Meat and childhood cancers
In one report, high consumption of hot dogs was associated with an almost tenfold increase in the risk of childhood leukemia when compared with low consumption. In another report, maternal consumption of hot dogs and childhood consumption of hamburgers or hot dogs at least once per week were associated with a doubling of the risk of cancers in children.

A review of nine studies found an association between consumption by pregnant women of cured meat and the risk of brain cancer in their offspring. These associations do not yet constitute proof that eating hot dogs or hamburgers causes cancer in children, and evidence linking cured meat consumption to childhood cancers remains somewhat inconsistent.

In the report studying the effects of eating hot dogs and hamburgers, the association between meat eating and leukemia was weakest among children who took vitamin supplements. Processed meats, such as hot dogs, contain nitrates and nitrites—precursors to carcinogens. Antioxidants found in multivitamins keep nitrates and nitrites from converting into those carcinogens. Therefore, the association between vitamin consumption in children and protection against childhood cancers remains plausible, though unproven.

Fish
Fish eaters have been reported to have low risks of cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, lung, breast, and prostate. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are thought by some researchers to be the components of fish responsible for protection against cancer.

Coffee
Years ago, researchers reported the greater the consumption of coffee in a country, the higher the risk of pancreatic cancer in that country. An analysis of data from studies published between 1981 and 1993 did find some association between high consumption of coffee and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Surprisingly, however, the same report found that people drinking only one or two cups of coffee per day had, on average, a lower risk of pancreatic cancer compared with people who never drink coffee. Seems there’s still some open debate on this issue.

Sugar
A preliminary study has reported an association between an increasing intake of sugar or sugar-containing foods and an increased risk of gallbladder cancer. Whether this association exists because sugar directly promotes cancer or because sugar consumption is only a marker for some other dietary or lifestyle factor remains unknown.

Salt
In preliminary research, increasing intake of salt correlates with increased risk of stomach cancer. Associations between foods preserved with salt and the risk of cancers of the head and neck have also been reported.

Dietary Fat
In studying data from country to country, incidence of ovarian cancer correlates with dietary fat intake. According to preliminary research, consumption of saturated fat, dietary cholesterol (as found in eggs), and animal fat in general correlates with the risk of ovarian cancer.

Preliminary studies suggest dietary fat may correlate with the risk of uterine cancer. Some of the excess risk appears to result from increased body weight that results from a high-fat diet.

Many years ago, researchers reported that animals on a high-fat diet formed skin cancers more rapidly than did other animals. Although some preliminary human research has found no relationship between dietary fat intake and the risk of skin cancer, patients with basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers who were put on a low-fat diet for two years were reported to show a significant decrease in the number of new skin cancers compared with patients who maintained a high-fat diet. Similarly, precancerous lesions of the skin have been prevented in people put on a low-fat diet.

Polyunsaturated Fats
A chain of carbon atoms in which several are not attached to the maximum possible amount of hydrogen is called “polyunsaturated”––in other words, unsaturated with hydrogen in several places. When nutrition researchers talk about polyunsaturated fatty acids, they are often referring primarily to linoleic acid—a fatty acid found in nuts and seeds and most vegetable oils.

In animal research, the consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids increases the risk of some cancers. However, in humans, most, though not all, reports do not find an association between polyunsaturates and cancer risks.

Alcohol and Cancer
Alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of cancers of the mouth (oral/oropharyngeal cancer), throat (esophageal cancer), and voice box (laryngeal cancer), particularly in conjunction with cigarette smoking. Most studies documenting these associations also report that former drinkers have significantly lower risks for these cancers compared with current drinkers. Strong correlations between alcohol consumption and the risk of having liver cancer have also been reported.

Little is known about the effect of alcohol intake on the risk of female cancers other than breast cancer. Of the few published studies, findings have been inconsistent.

Conclusion

And there you have it. In short, eat a low-calorie diet rich in good, natural foods.  Keep it low in fat, and with plenty of tomatoes and vegetables.  And, when “cheating,” do so in moderation.

Oh, don’t forget, for optimal all-around health and wellness get on a regular exercise routine and do it at least 3 days a week.

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Do you lie awake at night spending more time staring at the ceiling than sleeping? You are not alone! Millions of other people are experiencing the same thing all across the world. They wake up in the middle of the night, can’t fall back to sleep and rise before dawn.

Forms Of Insomnia

Insomnia comes in many forms, not just in the form of sleeplessness:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Having problems staying asleep after falling asleep. Waking up many times
• during the night.
• Waking up too early.
• Not feeling refreshed after waking up.

The Symptoms Of Insomnia

Insomnia can have a serious affect on a person’s daily life style. Symptoms of insomnia can include all of the following:

• Feeling sleepy during the day
• Having poor or slow judgment
• Inability to pay attention to detail
• Inability to remember things - even things that happened only minutes before.
• Easily irritated by minor things

Types Of Insomnia

• Transient Insomnia - a temporary effect that lasts just a few days.
• Short-Term Insomnia - lasts for between two to four weeks.
• Chronic Insomnia - lasts for a month or longer.

Causes Of Insomnia

There are many causes for insomnia. Below are some of the most common reasons people suffer from insomnia.

• Stress - There are many stress management aides available to assist you in reducing your stress.
• Noise in the sleeping environment
• Extreme temperatures - too hot or too cold
• Changes in your surrounding environment
• Worrying about not being able to sleep
• Excessive napping during the day time
• Too much caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol before bedtime. Smoking contributes to many health related problems and you should try to quit smoking..

Tips For Getting A Good Night’s Sleep

Following some of the helpful guidelines below can help you get a better night’s sleep:

Set A Schedule
Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. This will help your body get used to a sleeping pattern. “Sleeping in” on the weekends can cause insomnia because it is interrupting the sleep cycle that your body is used to.

Get Some Exercise
Try to get 20 to 30 minutes of exercise no sooner than 6 hours before bedtime- any exercise just before bed may cause you not to sleep that well.

Avoid Caffeine, Nicotine, and Alcohol
Avoid things that contain any caffeine such as coffee, soda pop, teas, and candy. Smokers usually sleep very lightly at night and will wake up at the slightest noise, sometimes not being able to fall back asleep. The same goes for people that drink alcohol just before going to bed.

Do Something Relaxing Before Going To Bed
Doing something that relaxes you before bed is good such as a warm bath, reading a book, or watching your favorite TV show.

Do Not Over Sleep
Be sure to wake up and get out of bed at your normal time frame. Sleeping more hours than you are used to will throw off your sleep cycle and cause sleeping problems. It may cause you to not be tired at night and then go to bed later, thus resulting in sleeping in even later the next morning.

Control Your Room Temperature
Extreme cold or warmth can cause you to sleep poorly. Be sure to maintain a comfortable room temperature that won’t aggravate you during the night. If you have a waterbed be sure to set the water temperature at a comfortable temperature as well.

When It Is Time To See A Doctor

If your sleeping problem persists for more than one month then it may be time to visit your family doctor. Your doctor will be able to give you advice for your particular needs and can prescribe stronger sleeping aides that are not available over the counter.

For more information about insomnia treatments please visit eVitamins.

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Depression is a serious medical illness that is affecting millions of people. Along with the emotional experience of sadness, loss, or passing mood states clinical depression is consistent and can interfere with a person’s ability to function. The impact of depression that can occur in any individual can be enormous in suffering. Some symptoms of depression which occurs in nearly 10 million adults each year are:

• A sad or empty mood
• Memory troubles
• Lack of interest in routine activities
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in sleep or appetite (increase or decrease)
• Easily irritated by minor things
• Frequent crying
• Feeling of guilt or worthlessness

Treatment

The following supplements are recommended for the treatment of depression:

• Folic Acid
• Iron
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B6
• 5-HTP
• Fish Oils
• DHEA
• Acetyl L Carnitine
• St John’s Wort
• Kava Kava

Depression can be devastating to all areas of a person’s everyday life including family relationships, friends, and ability to work or go to school.

Many people believe that the symptoms of depression are not “real” and that it could be shaken off by the individual if they just tried.

Because of the inaccurate beliefs that depression causes, people either may not recognize that they have a treatable disorder or may be discouraged from seeking help or staying on any treatment due to feelings of shame and guilt. Too often untreated depression leads to suicide.

Treating depression is especially important because it affects you, your family, and your work. Some people with depression try to harm themselves in the mistaken belief that how they are feeling will never change. But, in reality, depression can often be dealt with as a treatable illness.

Change won’t come overnight—but with the right treatment, you can keep depression from overshadowing your life.

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In any given day, you are exposing yourself to a multitude of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungus as you interface with other people in the workplace, at school, through public transportation, and even with other family members. This is simply a natural part of living in the world, to which a healthy body can easily adjust and compensate.

Prevention

Because the cold and flu virus is passed around from person to person the only way to really prevent them totally is to become a hermit. The more people that you come into contact with the better your chances are of catching the virus. If there is a lot of cold and flu sickness going around here are some ways you can help reduce your chances of catching them:

If you are a smoker then avoid smoking and the smoke from other people.Find more information about the cold and flu viruses along with prevention and treatment products at eVitamins.

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Alot of things can cause bad breath whether it be from eating spicey foods, smoking cigarettes or drinking coffee or tea. One of the most common causes is the buildup of bacteria in your mouth, usually in the form of plaque which also is the main cause for gum disease. Some people believe that bad breath is caused from having alot of yeast in your intestinal tract from baked food and cheeses. Bad breath can also be caused by tooth decay, nose or throat infections, and even stress.

Treatment Of Bad Breath

It is important to replace your toothbrush every month, as well as after any mouth infection that you may have had to help prevent any bacteria build up. You should also floss your teeth at least three times per week. Try to avoid commercial mouthwashes. Most of them contain nothing more than flavor, dye, and alcohol. Although they can initially destroy the bacteria and get rid of your bad breath, it is only temperary and the bacteria will return later in greater force.

Here are some other things that may be helpful in fighting bad breath:

Brushing

You should try to brush your teeth after every meal. You may need to carry around a travel sized toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. Make sure you brush your teeth, tongue, and gums for at least two minutes.

Foods

You should increase your fruit intake while decreasing foods that are high in sugar, alcohol, and vinegar.

Helpful Supplements

The following supplements will help you when fighting bad breath:

Super Papaya Enzyme Plus - Good for taking after your meals.

Vitamin C - You should consume 2000-6000 mg per day.

This article has been presented to you by our sponsor: eVitamins

For more information about Bad Breath, related issues, and medication please visit the eVitamins site.

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Age spots are flat brown spots that can appear on the body as it ages. Most age spots appear on the neck, hands, and face. The age spots themselves are harmless but can be a sign of more serious things to come. They are a buildup of waste know as lipofuscin accumulation which is a byproduct of free radical damage in the skin cells.

Age spots are actually signs that the cells are full of the type of accumulated wastes that slowly destroys the body’s cells. The greatest cause of age spots is from to much exposure to the sun. Other factors that can contribute to the developement of age spots are:

Vitamin CThis health article has been brought to you by our sponsors: eVitamins

For more information about the treatment and prevention of Age Spots please visit the eVitamins site.

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More Americans than ever are losing their battles with weight loss as the number of obese men and women in America has doubled in the past 30 years. Nearly 60% of Americans are overweight or obese today. Listening to all the weight loss methods and messages out there can confuse you and make you forget about the very important basics to keeping your weight down. If you are one of the many struggling to keep your stomach from overlapping your belt, this information might well be exactly what you’re looking for.

Causes For Weight Gain

It is very easy in this day and age to fall into a lot of habits that can contribute to that dreaded weight gain. Below are a few of the many reasons why so many Americans are becoming overweight:

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