Author: Avisoscuba
You wouldn’t happen to know where that fat you shed goes, would you? If you don’t, you’re not alone. According to an article in The Conversation, 98 percent of health professionals failed to explain the process of weight loss. Out of 150 doctors, dietitians, and personal trainers surveyed, only three gave the right answer. And no, it was not “fat turns into energy,” as most people think. Neither was it “fat turns into muscle.” It’s not “it is expelled through the colon,” either. So what is the answer? The answer is that fat breaks down into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water.…
Botox injections are all the rage these days; the pressure to remain “forever young” has only been heightened by the rise of social media – and people are getting age-defying procedures done at younger and younger ages. While you may think of Botox as being for those of us approaching middle age, doctors are now pushing something called “preventative Botox” on young twenty- and thirty-somethings, all in the name of preventing those pesky wrinkles. Scare tactics from experts include suggesting that the earlier millennials start treating their non-existent wrinkles, the “better” their “results” will be long-term. But new research has shown…
Ever had one of those days where by the end of it you’re ready to crawl from the couch onto the bed, and sleep for 12 hours? Or maybe you’re one of those people who feel that way as soon as you wake up, or by mid afternoon (after the caffeine has worn off from the morning coffee), or virtually all day. This certainly makes a day drag on, and cuts into your enjoyment of living your day to day life. Although this kind of scenario is quite common, it doesn’t have to be that way. Eliminating a few energy destructive…
A coalition of 56 legislators led by Representative Vicky Hartzler, a Republican from Missouri, is calling on U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to launch an investigation into Planned Parenthood over the abortion group’s alleged ongoing cover-up of sexual abuse cases involving minors who receive services at its clinics. The move comes after a pro-life advocacy group known as Live Action broke the news with an eye-opening report highlighting a number of instances over the years in which Planned Parenthood employees were caught administering abortions to minors who were clearly being sexually abused by family members. As many…
In 2005, the rate of patients with chronic diseases almost doubled from seven percent to 13 percent – this started to happen nine years earlier when genetically modified organisms (GMO) were introduced. While the U.S. government approves of genetically modified food, even they can’t hide that fact that it has a lot of adverse effects on humans, animals, and the environment. Such products have caused numerous health problems which often led to more serious and long-term complications due to their high toxicity levels. What’s worse is how GM products leave traces inside the body which only negatively affects the system – for…
As one gets older and the body becomes frailer, the risk of falls and having fractured hips increases. A randomized trial conducted in France proved that calcium and vitamin D can help older adults develop stronger bones and thus, become more resistant to fractures caused by accidents. The subjects of the trial were older women aged 69 to 106 years old at entry. The study used a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria for uniformity. The subjects had to be living in a nursing home or a similar house for aged people and had to be be capable of walking independently…
If you’ve had trouble sleeping because of stress or other factors, the natural hormone melatonin can help promote “deep, restful sleep” that is crucial to your physical and emotional well-being. Aside from its use in treating sleeping disorders, research has proven that the sleep hormone can also minimize anxiety, soothe heartburn, relieve migraines, prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and even improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients. The many benefits of melatonin Melatonin is a chemical neurotransmitter synthesized in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. The pineal gland secretes melatonin, and the hormone helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm (biological clock). Melatonin also promotes…
Nutrition is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your health. It’s no secret that the food you eat affects not only how your body functions but how vulnerable you are to a disease. Another clinical trial validates this, with an increased fruit and vegetable consumption found to dramatically reduce the risk of cardiovascular dysfunction among diabetic patients. Scientists have seen that diabetic patients are more likely to develop a cardiovascular disease. While it is unclear if the heart condition is an effect of diabetes or if the body simply is weaker and therefore more likely to…
Waking up to the sweet smell of roses on your bedside table, and stepping into water with fragrant rose petals strewn all over the bathtub is sheer bliss. Sadly, these days could be a thing of the past, if we don’t stop air pollution in its tracks. The flowers’ fragrant language is in peril, no thanks to air pollution that turns the flowers’ fragrant messages into gibberish. Well-known science writer Marta Zaraska says air pollution is not only making it harder for plants to survive, it’s also making it difficult for pollinating insects to tell the difference between plants by…
Previous studies have shown that the brain is capable of adjusting the frequency of its waves in time with the rhythm of certain sounds. This phenomenon is known as brainwave entrainment, a concept typically associated with altered brain states. Yet, according to an investigative team from the Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL), brainwave entrainment also has the potential to prevent disorders like dyslexia. To arrive at this conclusion, the researchers carried out two experiments. The first involved 35 volunteers; the second had 37. Participants in the first experiment were made to listen to “amplitude‐modulated white‐noise” for six…
Hailed by the Mesoamerican culture as grains sent by the heavens, chia seeds remain a highly respected alternative remedy for various health conditions. Its use in medicine is varied and its efficacy is further highlighted by the fact that you need not take a lot of it in order to receive its effects. Gram for gram, chia seeds contain more macro and micronutrients than more commonly known beneficial crops. The grain also contains low concentrations of prolamin as compared to other plant protein sources such as chickpeas. This suggests that people suffering from Celiac disease may safely incorporate chia seeds…
There is so much literature on the benefits of becoming a vegan. However, as with anything that has to do with improving and maintaining one’s health, it requires a lot of effort, research, and perseverance. It is the same with deciding – once and for all – that you’re going to exercise. Those pounds are not just going to magically disappear tomorrow. You need to move, and sweating will be an inevitable outcome of all your effort. Nevertheless, you reap the rewards of your actions when you become healthier and feel happier after months of hard work. Becoming a vegan requires the…
Garlic has long been renowned for its antibacterial effects; however, several studies have shown that it could also have the potential to be beneficial to the heart. One such study, published in the Journal of Hypertension, indicated that regular intake of garlic could moderately reduce blood pressure, thereby minimizing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the study, researchers evaluated how regular garlic consumption can affect a person’s risk of getting – as well as dying from – cardiovascular disease. They also looked at the purported anti-hypertensive properties of garlic. Researchers then conducted a systematic review of existing studies about the link…
When you think of cancer-fighting foods, what usually comes to mind? Perhaps you think of turmeric, ginger, or green tea, but what about tomatoes? You’re probably aware they’re good for you, but did you know they can actually reduce your risk of stomach cancer? That was the finding of a study carried out by Temple University and the Mercogliano Oncology Research Center in Italy. The researchers analyzed the lipophilic extracts of whole tomatoes to determine their impact on the neoplastic features of cell lines in gastric cancer. They discovered that extracts taken from two tomato varieties in particular, San Marzano…
Marijuana, in its natural form, is known to provide a ton of medical and health-promoting properties. It’s also pretty cheap and can be grown in your backyard – which, of course, isn’t fun for Big Pharma, makers of synthetic cannabinoids that parade as safer alternatives. There’s just one problem – they’re not, as evidenced by the incidents that unfurled in Illinois this year. According to a report from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), at least 70 people have been treated because of unexplained bleeding after smoking synthetic cannabinoids since March 30. Two people have already died from the incident. Patients who were…
You’ve probably seen more than one list circulating online touting the many uses for baking soda. Is your fridge smelling bad? Did your drain get clogged? Do your shoes need freshening up? Baking soda has a lot of tricks up its sleeve, but one of the best ones doesn’t usually feature in lists of household tips. New research published in the Journal of Immunology has found that baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, can fight inflammation and autoimmune disease at the cellular level. It does this by turning your body into an anti-inflammatory environment. One way it accomplishes this is by…
Dealing with arthritic knees can be taxing on anyone; fortunately, there’s a simple way to manage this condition. According to a 2005 study, published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, people suffering from aching knees can mitigate their symptoms by losing weight. To arrive at this conclusion, the research team carried out a randomized eight-week trial with 80 overweight adults. Their definition of overweight was a body mass index (BMI) above 28 kg/m2. In addition to the participants’ weight, the basis of selection included an absence of serious health problems and a clear desire to slim down. The trial itself called for…
Even though at least one in three people will develop shingles, or herpes zoster, in their lifetime, there are only a handful of effective remedies for the viral disease. A person develops shingles when latent varicella-zoster/chickenpox virus reactivates along the sensory nerves in the skin. The symptoms of shingles include painful blisters that last for about two to four weeks. The condition’s long-term complications include chronic pain that can last for several months or even years. This can severely affect a person’s quality of life. Other possible complications are blindness, hearing loss, meningitis, and neuropathy. Unlike drugs that are linked to negative side effects, the following…
Depression and obesity are both alarming matters. Depression victimizes the mental health, while obesity damages the physical body. Imagine how it can ruin a person diagnosed with both. Recent statistics showed a significant increase in the number of people suffering either from depression or obesity, and experts believe there is a link between the two. The two essentially share a cause-and-effect relationship; depression may lead to overeating, while being obese may lead to depression due to insecurities. Psychiatrist Sue McElroy shared how many of her patients who were depressed were also overweight, leading her to think that there truly is a…
If you’re employed in a job that requires you to sit or drive for a long time, like driving long-haul trucks, make it a habit to take frequent breaks to do some stretching exercises. According to a group of Japanese physicians, the risk of developing venous thromboembolisms (VTE) increases when people remain inactive for a long time. The physicians sent a letter to the editor of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, warning about the “risks and clinical significance for individuals who remain seated and immobile in vehicles for prolonged periods.” In the letter, the Japanese physicians highlighted the need for “preventive awareness activities and education”…
While injuries are unavoidable, this doesn’t mean that you can’t take measures to prevent them. As a prepper, you can’t afford to get injured because it can severely affect your mobility. Before SHTF, you can minimize the chance of getting into accidents and suffering from fractures/broken bones by increasing bone strength and density. You can do this by maintaining good bone health through proper nutrition. (h/t to BeansBulletsBandagesAndYou) Factors that influence bone health Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed among older people, but it is more frequent in women than in men. This condition, which is linked to fragile bone health, makes it easy…
We are more familiar with herbs when they are included in our culinary experience in restaurants we frequent or even at home. But years ago, these herbs were recognized by our ancestors as a solution for different ailments. (h/t ModernSurvivalOnline.) Thyme – This herb is recommended for respiratory diseases. Its most notable chemical compound, thymol, is recognized for its strong antiseptic action. Calendula – The petals of Calendula are rich in flavonoids, a plant metabolite thought to provide health benefits through cell signaling pathways and antioxidant effects. Motherwort – This herbal plant is effective in reducing dysmenorrhea pain, and correcting amenorrhea. It is also…