Then again, maybe not. Air conditioning is a mixed blessing.

In climates that are consistently hot, it can be a lifesaver.

But it does have its tradeoffs. You should be aware that living in a consistently air-conditioned environment can do both good and not-so-good things to your body.

The good

1 Air conditioning boosts metabolism. Spending time in cold air or cold weather can cause your body to develop healthy, energy-burning brown fat. This can happen if you spend enough time in an air-conditioned environment.

2 Air conditioning helps you think. Have you ever felt like your brain was “fried” after spending too much time in extreme heat? I know I have.

There may be something to it. A 2018 Harvard study showed that students who lived in dorms without air conditioning during hot summer months did worse on cognitive tests than those who had cool central air.

For seniors, not the college kind, but the kind over 65, heat may actually contribute to neurodegeneration, so they need to keep cool too.

3 Air conditioning helps you sleep. As part of your natural sleep cycle, your body needs to cool down, and a cool room can help this happen. We all know how awful a hot, sweaty, restless night can feel.

Experts say that a temperature of between 60 and 67 degrees is ideal for rest. Air conditioning is sometimes the tool you need to get there.

4 Air conditioning saves lives during heat waves. Once your body temperature exceeds 102 degrees, you’re at risk of heat exhaustion. If your temperature rises even further, you could end up with heatstroke.

Air conditioning may come with some negative effects, but there’s no doubt that it saves lives during periods of extremely high temperatures.

Peak Organic Femented Beets^™

It may not be a household word, but nitric oxide has been recognized in over 130,000 published scientific papers as a vital signaling molecule that keeps blood vessels healthy and blood pressure in the healthy range. But as you age, your cells produce less and… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The bad

5 Air conditioning affects indoor air quality. Working in an air-conditioned building with poor ventilation can raise your risk of ‘sick building syndrome.’

You may notice recurring symptoms that seem to appear whenever you’re in a particular building. This happened to me years ago, every time I’d return to the school I taught in after a week of school vacation.

Symptoms may include headaches, dry cough, dizziness and nausea, runny nose, and brain fog.

For tips on improving indoor air quality (even during the winter months) check out these four tips. And be aware of other sneaky things, like your stove, that can impact your air quality.

6 Air conditioning dehydrates you. Air conditioning works by sucking moisture out of a room to bring down the humidity and cool things off. The trouble is, it can also pull water from your skin, dry it out, and dehydrate you.

7 Air conditioning dries out your eyes. The lack of humidity caused by air conditioning can dry your eyes, make them irritated or itchy, or even cause blurry vision.

8 Air conditioning irritates airways. Studies show that people who work in air-conditioned buildings have more respiratory problems than those who work where there is natural ventilation. These problems include irritated nasal passages and trouble breathing.

9 Air conditioning can make your head ache. Dirty or poorly maintained HVAC (heating/ventilation/air conditioning) systems are more likely to have headaches or even migraines.

In one study, eight percent of people who worked in environments with unhealthy indoor air had a headache anywhere between one and three days per month, and another eight percent had headaches every single day.

10 Air conditioning lowers your heat tolerance. Since your body’s ideal temperature depends largely on whatever temperature you’ve recently been exposed to, the more time you spend in air-conditioned rooms, the more uncomfortable heat and humidity will feel. Scientists call this the “adaptive comfort model.”

11 Air conditioning pollutes the outside air. In the 1990s, the U.S. Clean Air Act began phasing out older A/C units that released chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a refrigerant that harms the ozone layer.

This is one “downside” to air conditioning you can do something about. If you still own one of these older units, replace it with a newer model.

12 Air conditioning can worsen allergy symptoms. Again, here’s one you have some control over.

A clean air conditioner can actually help tame allergies, but an HVAC system can quickly and easily become a home for microbial allergens. Be sure to have your air conditioner or system inspected and cleaned regularly.

Sources:

What Air Conditioning Does to Your Body — Web MD

Sick Building Syndrome — Healthline

The post 12 surprising ways air conditioning affects us appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

It can certainly be confusing, but some reported benefits seem to stand, study after study. Take heart health for example…

Light-to-moderate drinking has long been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

But until now, the actual mechanism behind this protective effect was unclear.

Thanks to a large-scale research review, we now have some answers that can be applied to protecting the heart…

Peak D3^™

Gives You the Vitamin D3 You Can’t Get From Sunshine Alone!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Alcohol calms the amygdala

A study by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and other major research hospitals involved more than 50,000 participants in the Mass General Brigham Biobank, a large research program designed to help researchers understand how people’s health is affected by their genes, lifestyle and environment.

The first part of the study evaluated the relationship between light/moderate alcohol consumption and major cardiovascular events. 

The researchers found that light/moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease events, even after accounting for factors like lifestyle choices and socioeconomic status.

Next, the researchers studied a subset of 754 individuals who had undergone previous PET/CT brain scans to look for cancer. They were looking for the effect of light/moderate alcohol consumption on stress-related brain activity.

The amygdala is the brain region associated with processing emotions — including stress responses.

When they looked at those 754 brain scans, researchers saw less stress signaling in the amygdalas of individuals who were light-to-moderate drinkers than in those who drank less or not at all.

Then, when they looked at individual histories of cardiovascular events, they found fewer heart attacks and strokes in light-to-moderate drinkers.

“We found that the brain changes in light to moderate drinkers explained a significant portion of the protective cardiac effects,” says Dr. Ahmed Tawakol of Mass. General Hospital.

The emotional piece of the puzzle

“When the amygdala is too alert and vigilant, the sympathetic nervous system is heightened, which drives up blood pressure and increases heart rate, and triggers the release of inflammatory cells,” explains Dr. Tawakol.

“If the stress is chronic, the result is hypertension, increased inflammation, and a substantial risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”

Previous studies have tied strong emotional responses, like anger, to an increased risk of heart attack.

The final step, then, was for the researchers to look at whether light-to-moderate drinking would be even more effective at preventing heart attacks and strokes in people with a history of anxiety, who are prone to a chronically higher stress response — or “hyper-vigilant amygdala.”

Within the 50,000 people studied, they found that light-to-moderate drinking was associated with nearly double the protective effect.

Peak Krill Oil^™

Supports Heart Health, Immunity and Moods, Naturally!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Now the bad news

But there is a downside to these findings…

The researchers also found that any drinking, even light-to-moderate alcohol consumption — one drink a day for women and 1-2 a day for men — increases cancer risk.

And if moderate drinking goes too far and becomes heavy drinking — more than 14 drinks per week — the risk for heart attack starts to increase while overall brain activity starts to decrease, which may indicate an adverse effect on cognitive health.

That’s why the study authors are looking for interventions that can measurably reduce the brain’s stress activity without the negative effects of alcohol.

They’re currently studying the effects of exercise, meditation, and drug-related therapies on stress-related neural networks and their possible positive effects on cardiovascular health.

Risk-free ways to lower stress and protect your heart

Of course, you don’t have to wait to reap the benefits of exercise and meditation on your mental and emotional state.

As far as meditation goes, start small.

Tell yourself you’re only going to meditate for five or ten minutes. When time is up, if you feel like meditating longer, keep going. Otherwise, stop. Eventually, you’ll build up a tolerance for longer meditations.

And exercise… well, where do I begin? And if you’re a couch potato, where do you begin?

Same advice — start small. No marathons. Get out and go for a walk. Or try yoga which balances your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Find an exercise class for beginners.

Need more options? Consider volunteering to help others. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that when people helped others, activity in the amygdala decreased — which equated to decreased stress levels too.

Before long, you’ll be stress-free, and you’ll have done it all yourself!

Sources:

Researchers uncover why light-to-moderate drinking is tied to better heart health —  Science Daily

Reduced Stress-Related Neural Network Activity Mediates the Effect of Alcohol on Cardiovascular Risk — Journal of the American College of Cardiology

The post Moderate drinking’s brain-changing effects on the heart appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

To stay in good health, your body must constantly manage the delicate balance that keeps pH levels where they should be. The trouble is that some of our vital functions throw that balance off.

And summertime is when they can get really out of whack. In fact, 46 percent of Americans report suffering from heartburn symptoms most in the summertime and that it significantly impacts their ability to enjoy what most of us consider to be the most enjoyable season of the year.

If this sounds like you, here’s some insight into why and how to turn the summer of acid into the summer of fun…

Dehydration and pH imbalance

During the summer it’s not at all uncommon to experience some degree of dehydration.

Have you come inside after spending just a half hour or less watering your shrubs to find you’re a little dizzy or lightheaded?

Maybe several minutes later you begin to experience a mild headache, and then realize you’re feeling fatigued. Those are all signs of mild dehydration.

Your body is signaling that you need to replenish important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium.

But replenishing those electrolytes does more than help your body use the water you drink to rehydrate. They balance your body’s acid/base (pH) level. Dehydration causes electrolyte imbalances that result in a more acidic blood pH, the last thing you need. 

Hydration and pH are powerful allies against aging and acidity. Water helps maintain pH levels, which in turn aids all bodily functions — including how your body deals with temporary bouts of excess acid when you experience GERD, acid reflux, acid indigestion — but so much more. I’ll explain more about that below…

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

At birth your body’s pH is balanced. But starting immediately acid waste builds up and starts to shift your pH level from healthy alkaline to unhealthy acid. If your body is too acidic it provides the right terrain for germs to thrive. To add insult to injury… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Acidic summer foods

Summer is when some of our favorite — and, unfortunately, acidic — foods are plentiful.

Take tomatoes for example. I eat more than my fair share of fresh tomatoes in salads (along with acidic onions) — and, of course, my ultimate guilty favorite, tomato sandwiches slathered in mayo.

But we’re also eating hot dogs and barbecued meats (with acidic and sugary sauces and condiments) more often — and downing them a crisp cold brew or one of those citrusy alcoholic drinks, complete with a tiny umbrella.

Aside from the acidity of the meat and sauces, alcohol has detrimental effects on the acidity in your stomach and your body. But so does another summer favorite: soft drinks.

Every time you eat or drink anything other than water (which has a neutral pH), the pH level in your mouth drops (becomes more acidic). This causes minerals in your tooth enamel to seep out as your body tries to re-establish a balanced pH — and soft drinks are the worst. But with body-wide acidity, the same thing can occur — except then it is the bones that are losing precious minerals.

All of this adds up to more acid in the digestive tract that’s just waiting to splash back up to the esophagus with every bite or sip triggering acid reflux.

Acid indigestion, GERD and reflux are immediate signs of acid overload. But there are times your body doesn’t give you any obvious outward signs. That’s when your health faces even bigger threats…

Peak Digestion^™

Protects You From Unwanted Effects of Gluten Ingestion, Calms Stomach Upset and Supports Digestion!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Unseen signs and miscellaneous effects of acid overload

About 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Many of us drink acidic, sugary soft drinks, sugary flavored waters and imitation juice drinks, that’ don’t provide the hydration we need.

These acidic drinks and the acidic animal protein-heavy American diet, and even medication (particularly antihistamines), compound this dehydration.

Lack of water — dehydration — creates thirst, fatigue, weakness, pain and loss of appetite and leads to a buildup of toxic acidity.

And that acidity sets off a slow process of decline. So let me explain how that impacts your pH levels…

Your pH (potential of hydrogen) is a reflection of your body’s balance between its alkaline and acidic state. That pH is measured on a logarithmic scale in which 7.0 is neutral. The lower the reading on the scale the more acidic the body is — and the higher the reading, above 7, the more alkaline the body.

When the body maintains a high pH you feel vibrant, at ease and well. However, when the environment of the body is acidic, with a low pH reading, inflammation, pain, disease, and other unhealthful issues arise.

For example, pH can affect the viscosity of blood and that impacts circulation. An acidic body can even lead to depression and obesity because of how the body is hampered in its ability to process nutrients, expel heavy metals and metabolize wastes.

The main point here is that we want our bodies to be in an alkaline state most of the time.

If the summer heat, foods and activities are causing the most obvious symptoms of acid overload to flare up — acid indigestion, reflux and GERD. Take heed. The effects on your body are likely to go much deeper.

You can work at turning things around by eating a diet composed mostly of alkaline-forming foods and by avoiding acid-forming foods as much as possible. Most green vegetables and fruits are alkaline — and most processed foods, packaged and fried foods, and those taken from their natural state are more acidic.

Sources:

Regulating your body temperature during summer heat — Michigan State University

Can the Heat Make Heartburn Worse? — Houston Heartburn & Reflux Center

Effect of electrolyzed high-pH alkaline water on blood viscosity in healthy adults. — Jefferson Digital Commons

The post Why GERD, acid reflux and indigestion increase in summer appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

In particular, we need to take extra care with our circulation, which during the summer can often be hindered by hot weather, swelling and inflammation. And in the case of travel, whether by planes, trains or automobiles, sitting for long periods can be quite dangerous.

Researchers have found that long-distance travel can raise your risk of deadly venous thromboembolism (VTE) as much as threefold. In addition, the risk increases relative to the duration of your trip — by a whopping 26 percent for every two hours of air travel and by 18 percent for every two hours of any other kind of travel — even if you’re otherwise healthy.

But travel can be safe with a few precautions…

Peak Vision Support^™

Unique Dual Nutrient Formula Supports Healthy, Clear Vision and Protects Eyes from Blue Light!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

What is VTE ?

VTE comprises deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT is marked by abnormal clot formation(s) in the deepest veins in your body, including those in your legs or pelvis.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot becomes dislodged and travels to your lungs, blocking the pulmonary artery and resulting in difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate and, sometimes, sudden death.

Perhaps the most important precaution you can take is to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of VTE. This knowledge can save your life.

Pain, swelling, redness and warmth in your legs are red flags that a blood clot may have formed — and sudden shortness of breath, chest pain and a bloody cough are all warning signs that it may have traveled to your lungs.

Who’s at risk?

Long-distance travelers are at higher risk for these serious events, due to the sedentary nature of travel, but other factors can increase that risk, including:

• Being over the age of 40
• A body mass index (BMI) greater than 30
• Having undergone surgery in the past three months
• Using estrogen-containing contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies
• Pregnancy or having given birth in the last three months
• A history of blood clots previously or a family history of them
• Currently undergoing active cancer treatment
• Having limited mobility due to a cast or a walking boot
• Having varicose veins

Peak Golden Oil^™

Helps Your Body Maintain Optimum Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Reducing your risk

Getting up and moving, if possible, is paramount to decreasing the risk of blood clots from prolonged sitting. But when traveling, that’s not always possible. But even a little movement can do some good…

In one study, researchers asked healthy men and women to sit for three hours. During that time, they were told to fidget one leg intermittently by tapping their foot for one minute and then resting it for four minutes. Their other leg remained still for the entire three hours.

After the time was up, researchers compared the blood flow in each leg. Participants had significantly better blood flow in the fidgety leg than the one they kept still. 

High-quality botanical and nutritional supplements can also help. In my clinical practice, I recommend a Tibetan herbal formula that has been clinically studied for decades; published studies show it significantly reduces abnormal clotting factors and boosts circulation.

Other helpful nutraceutical ingredients include the enzyme nattokinase from natto, a fermented soy product and traditional food from Japan. Hawthorn berries and omega-3 fats are also helpful for promoting circulation and cardiovascular health.

Beets or beet powders help the body produce nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator that supports normal blood flow.

If you suspect VTE during or after your next long trip, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Quick intervention and proper prevention can help ensure that you enjoy many more trips — and all of the long-distance travel they might require — for years to come. Safe and happy travels!

For more health information, visit www.dreliaz.org.

The post Reduce the travel risks of deep vein thrombosis appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Studies have shown that “exercise snacking,” that is, getting your exercise in a little at a time throughout the day, rather than in one marathon session, is better at controlling blood sugar than one marathon session.

But there’s one more consideration anyone with diabetes needs to consider to get the best workout for better blood sugar control…

And that’s the time of day they exercise…

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

Supports Improved Oxygen Levels… Healthy Circulation… and Balanced Hormones for Better Overall Health!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Afternoon workouts are best for blood sugar control

Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Joslin Diabetes Center, both affiliated with Harvard Medical School, took a look at whether physical activity at certain times of day was associated with greater improvement in blood glucose control.

They used data from the first and fourth years of the Look AHEAD study, a ten-year study that looked at weight gain among patients with type 2 diabetes.

The researchers analyzed physical activity data from the first and fourth years of the Look AHEAD study, which included data from over 2,400 participants.

Upon examining data from year one, they saw that patients who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in the afternoon had the greatest reduction in glucose levels.

When they compared this with data from year four,  the group who exercised in the afternoon maintained a reduction in blood glucose levels.

In addition, the group who exercised in the afternoon also had the highest chance of completely stopping their glucose-lowering medications.

Peak PS^™

It’s a mouthful, but Phosphatidylserine, or PS for short, is a nootropic that promotes brain health, memory, clarity, reasoning and comprehension. This nutrient is a key building block for the cells in your brain, that scientific literature has shown can… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Be picky about what type of exercise you choose

Not all exercise is helpful when it comes to blood sugar control. Some, including heavy weightlifting, sprints, HIIT and competitive sports can make it harder to manage. These cause the body to produce stress hormones (such as adrenaline).

Adrenaline raises blood glucose levels by stimulating your liver to release glucose. Exercise that’s too hard also makes it harder for your muscles to use insulin.

You’re better off choosing moderate-intensity workouts, doing sit-ups, push-ups and resistance exercises — like weight training with light weights. According to experts, more muscle mass helps the body better handle blood sugar. That’s because working muscle first uses stored sugars and then blood sugars for energy.

Hiking is also a good recommendation because, during longer exercise, muscles take up more glucose.

And if you need another good reason for working out later in the day, here’s more…

Not only does the research we’ve discussed here make it a good choice, but the natural rise in blood glucose that occurs between about 4:00 and 8:00 a.m. (known as the ‘dawn phenomenon’), can send your glucose levels even higher.

Remember, exercise gets harder the less you do, so find something you enjoy that works well for keeping your blood sugar in check — and stick with it.

Never stop taking any medication without consulting with your physician.

Source:

Afternoon exercise linked with greater improvements in blood sugar levels for patients with type 2 diabetes — Eureka Alert

Association of Timing of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity With Changes in Glycemic Control Over 4 Years in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes From the Look AHEAD Trial — Diabetes Care

Why Does Exercise Sometimes Raise Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar)? — The American Diabetes Association

Exercise and Type 2 diabetes — WebMD

The post The best workout for better blood sugar control appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

In certain Asian cultures, washing rice before cooking is a given. The chef checks through the rice to remove any husks or stones, then rinses the rice repeatedly until the cloudy water runs clear. Some people actually scrub the wet grains of rice between their hands before rinsing it.

Culinary experts are split as to whether washing rice is necessary. From a cooking standpoint, if you want your dish to have separate grains of rice, they advise washing away the excess starch clinging to the surface of the grains. But if you’re making a dish like risotto, paella or rice pudding, they say you should probably skip the wash so your dish remains starchy, sticky and creamy.

What these experts fail to consider is another very good reason in favor of washing rice….

Peak Colon Support^™

Promotes Healthy Digestion and Elimination, Naturally!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Washing rice rids it of harmful heavy metals

Rice is known to contain relatively high levels of the toxic heavy metal arsenic because the crop absorbs it as it grows. Arsenic levels in rice vary depending on where it’s grown, the type of rice and how it’s cooked. One study found the highest level of arsenic was in the United States.

When heavy metals build up in the body they’re capable of contributing to autoimmune diseases and the underlying inflammation that accelerates the process of chronic illness, including heart disease.

The good news here is that washing rice has been shown to remove about 90 percent of bioaccessible arsenic — the type that the body is able to absorb.

In addition to arsenic, washing rice has been found to decrease levels of other dangerous heavy metals like lead and cadmium by between 7 and 20 percent.

Then, there are microplastics…

Unfortunately, rice is just as likely as other foods to be contaminated with microplastics thanks to the heavy use of plastics in the food supply chain. And a study found that rice contains the same level of microplastics regardless of whether it’s packaged in paper or plastic bags.

Luckily, the researchers found that by washing your rice, you’ll be rinsing up to 20 percent of the microplastics away. That at least puts a dent in the 10,000 plastic particles each of us is estimated to consume yearly!

If you use pre-cooked instant rice, you’ll be interested to know that study found four times the microplastics than in regular uncooked rice. By rinsing your instant rice, you could reduce microplastics by 40 percent.

While washing won’t have any effect on the bacterial content of rice, the high cooking temperature will kill any bacteria that might be present. Just make sure you don’t store washed or cooked rice at room temperature for long or it can activate the bacterial spores from the Bacillus cereus pathogen.

Peak BP Platinum^™

We eat right and exercise to help maintain our blood pressure levels within a normal range. Sometimes it still just isn’t enough. But there are clinically-tested nutritional ingredients that support arterial health to help keep blood pressure levels… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

You can still have creamy rice — and your good health

If you’re concerned about heavy metals, you can read more about how they can weigh your health down — and how you can lessen their load in your body.

If you’re concerned about whether washing rice will make it a lot less starchy and ruin your dish, don’t be. That’s been debunked.

A different starch inside the rice grain, amylopectin, is what produces the sticky, creamy effect, and different types of rice contain different amounts.

For instance, the type of rice used to make risotto, arborio, contains a lot more amylopectin starch than basmati rice, which is why arborio rice turns out so much creamier.

Sources:

Yes, You Should Wash Rice, But Not For The Reason You Think — ScienceAlert

Do you need to wash rice before cooking it? It all depends on what you’re cooking — ABC Everyday

A Guide to the Different Types of Rice — Chef’s Corner Store

The post 3 reasons to wash your rice: Lead, cadmium and arsenic appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But sunscreen is far from perfect…

Conventional sunscreens are filled with chemicals. Based on what the FDA and the American Academy of Dermatology have always told us, these chemicals are safe. At least, in the doses we’re exposed to them in sunscreen. But I have my doubts. And I’m not the only one…

FDA researchers are starting to question the safety of conventional sunscreen too because their studies keep showing that our exposure to sunscreen chemicals is actually far higher than even they think is safe…

These sunscreen chemicals are seeping into your blood at dangerous levels

Researchers from the FDA have taken a closer look at six common chemicals in sunscreen sprays and lotions: octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. What they found is alarming…

The FDA’s safe threshold for these chemicals is 0.5 nanograms (ng) per milliliter (mL) of blood plasma. They tested sunscreens containing these chemicals on 48 people, and guess what? Their blood concentration of these chemicals was higher than that. In fact, one of the chemicals — oxybenzone — had blood concentrations 360 times higher than the FDA’s safety threshold.

Even worse, blood concentrations of these chemicals stayed above the threshold for a long time —anywhere from seven to 21 days. Octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone stayed high for seven days after use. Homosalate and oxybenzone were still too high 21 days later.

Why is this worrisome? Well, there are a few reasons…

• Research shows oxybenzone can potentially cause cell damage that could contribute to skin cancer.
• In a 2017 study, octocrylene damaged DNA in aquatic animals.
• According to another 2017 study, avobenzone mixed with chlorine (the stuff found abundantly in swimming pools) has toxic effects on the kidney and liver.

Many of these chemicals are also linked to hormone disruption, which makes them endocrine disruptors. They can cause trouble from reproductive problems to thyroid diseases.

But even though these ingredients are under FDA scrutiny, they’ve not yet decided to ban them. According to information a the Environmental Working Group site, the FDA proposes these ingredients are “not generally recognized as safe and effective due to insufficient data.”

The secret to safer sun protection

As scary as this all is, I’m not going to tell you to chuck your sunscreen. There’s too much evidence that protecting yourself from UV exposure reduces your risk of skin cancer. I am going to tell you to look for a safer type of sun protection…

There are UV filters with a lower risk of toxicity. Two of them are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. But you’ll need to pay attention to more than the active ingredients in your sunscreen. Inactive ingredients like the vitamin A derivative retinyl palmitate and parabens come with serious health baggage too.

So, before you purchase another bottle of sunscreen, I recommend looking at the Environmental Working Group’s safe sunscreen database to find an option that protects you from the sun without putting you at risk for other health concerns.

Oh, and eat more grapes. Multiple studies have found that eating grapes protected against UV skin damage, increased resistance to sunburn and reduced cellular markers of UV damage. 

Sources:

1. Sunscreens leach up to 360 times more toxic chemicals into the blood than the FDA allows, raising risks for liver and kidney failure, study finds —The Daily Mail
2. Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients — JAMA
3. The Trouble With Ingredients in Sunscreens — Environmental Working Group
4. Is sunscreen bad for you — The Cleveland Clinic

The post 6 common sunscreen chemicals aren’t safe even by FDA standards appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

While between 80 and 90 percent of people with lupus will likely have a normal lifespan, the disease can raise the risk of cancer or infection and can even prove fatal in some cases.

Like other autoimmune diseases, lupus causes the immune system to go haywire and attack the body’s tissues and organs. Its symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Kidney issues
• Joint pain
• A butterfly-like facial rash
• Swelling around the eyes

If untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage to major organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain.

Many of the symptoms of lupus are heightened during “flares,” periods that can be triggered by any condition that puts physical stress on the body, like illness, injury, exhaustion, surgery or pregnancy. Other triggers include emotional stress and exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Since exposure to sunlight can cause lupus to flare up, people with lupus are cautioned to avoid the sun as much as possible. This can lead to vitamin D deficiency, a condition that can cause another set of health problems in those with lupus…

Peak Krill Oil^™

Supports Heart Health, Immunity and Moods, Naturally!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Low vitamin D can lead to heart risks in lupus patients

People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus, who have lower vitamin D levels are more likely to have metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance — conditions that can raise the risk of developing heart disease.

The good news? Researchers believe boosting vitamin D levels may provide greater control of these cardiovascular risk factors, as well as improve long-term outcomes for those with SLE.

With the sun being a key trigger of lupus flares, the researchers note the low level of vitamin D in SLE patients is likely due to a combination of staying out of the sun, using high-factor sunblock as protection and living in northern countries that don’t get as much sun. Patients with more severe SLE also had lower vitamin D levels.

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and obesity. People with metabolic syndrome have a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, stroke and other blood vessel disorders.

Patients with SLE have a cardiovascular risk of up to 50 times greater than that seen in people without the condition, one that cannot just be attributed to traditional cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure or smoking.

“This is the largest-ever study examining associations between vitamin D levels and metabolic syndrome in SLE,” observes study co-author Dr. John Reynolds, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Rheumatology at the University of Birmingham. “It also has the advantage of being an international cohort with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, generating results that will be applicable across many settings.”

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

At birth your body’s pH is balanced. But starting immediately acid waste builds up and starts to shift your pH level from healthy alkaline to unhealthy acid. If your body is too acidic it provides the right terrain for germs to thrive. To add insult to injury… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Getting enough vitamin D (and other nutrients)

In addition to potentially lowering these cardiovascular risk factors, maintaining healthy vitamin D levels can help lupus patients protect the health of their bones and kidneys. But since getting vitamin D from sunlight isn’t a good option, it’s best if those with lupus add a vitamin D supplement to their daily regimen.

The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D for healthy adults is 600 IU for people under 70 and 800 IU a day for those over 70. But those amounts, already considered inadequate for adults in general, may be especially inadequate in people with lupus…

One reason: steroid medications — of which prednisone is one commonly taken to combat the inflammation associated with lupus. People taking oral steroids are twice as likely as the general population to have severe vitamin D deficiency — a double whammy for lupus sufferers.

But studies in lupus patients have shown daily oral doses of vitamin D3 at 4000 IU daily to be safe and well-tolerated, following 8 weeks of administration of a high-dose capsule to correct a deficiency. Talk to your doctor to see if this is an option for you. Once a deficiency is corrected, many experts recommend a therapeutic dose of 5000 IU daily.

Other nutrients can be helpful in managing the health impacts of lupus…

Because steroid use is also harmful to the bones, people with lupus need to get at least the daily recommended amount of calcium (1,200 mg a day for women over 50). Good sources include low-fat dairy products, green leafy vegetables and sardines. It’s typically best to get calcium from food unless your doctor recommends supplementing.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to improve sleep and reduce flares in people with lupus, and are naturally heart protective. To increase omega-3s, try eating at least two eight-ounce servings of fish like salmon, tuna or trout every week. If you decide to go the supplement route, make sure you choose one that’s free of toxins.

Also, investigate the differences between fish oil and krill oil if you plan to supplement your omega-3s…

According to rheumatologist Kyriakos Kirou, MD, the omega-3 fatty acids in krill are bound to phospholipids, which significantly helps your body’s cells absorb the omega-3s better. Considering lupus sufferers are also deficient in omega-3s, this could be a game-changer.

Plus, krill oil also contains vitamins D and E. Fish oil contains insignificant levels of vitamin D. Cod liver oil, however, contains vitamin D since the vitamin is concentrated in the liver of fish.

Sources:

Vitamin D deficiency linked to metabolic changes in patients with lupus – study — EurekAlert!

Lupus facts and statistics — Lupus Foundation of America

What is a lupus flare? — Lupus Foundation of America

Omega-3 in fish: How eating fish helps your heart — Mayo Clinic

7 Easy, Drug-Free Ways to Live Life Better with Lupus — Easy Health Options

The post Living with Lupus: The vitamin deficiency you can’t afford to ignore appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

If diagnosed with cancer, any one of us would most likely opt for it. Right now, the medical community doesn’t have much else to offer us.

There is radiation and immunotherapy. Both of these are often done in tandem with chemotherapy, depending on the type of cancer.

But here’s the dilemma: chemotherapy is toxic. That toxicity is sort of a necessary evil to kill cancer cells, but that’s not all it does.

Cardiotoxicity is an example. This is what happens when chemotherapy impairs heart function and structure or accelerates the development of cardiovascular disease. Along with radiation and some immunotherapies, cardiovascular side effects, including high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure can worsen.

It also does a number on the immune system.

But if you’re weighing surviving cancer against the toxic effects of the therapy — well, you can see why so many go through with it. And why so many look for alternative cancer therapies.

But what if you had to weigh its toxic effects on your future children?

Toxicity of chemotherapy impacts offspring’s health

Most of us have worried about the hereditary risks for developing cancers associated with close family members, especially our parents.

But research into the field of epigenetics reveals that chemotherapy may pose a “hereditary” risk that can be passed onto the children and grandchildren of cancer patients.

While prior research has shown that cancer treatments can increase patients’ chances of developing disease later in life, a Washington State University study is one of the first to show the risks from another angle.

Ifosfamide is a common chemotherapy drug that may be used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat many different types of cancer, among them some types of testicular cancers, ovarian cancer, lymphoma, sarcoma and lung cancer. It’s administered via IV (oral administration resulted in severe neurotoxicity) usually along with a neuroprotective compound.

Its mechanism of action is to bind to DNA, cause cell damage that leads to apoptosis (cell death) and upregulate reactive oxygen species (ROS), also known as free radicals, ultimately resulting in irreparable DNA damage.

In their study, WSU researchers exposed young male rats to ifosfamide over three days, a course of treatment that mimics what an adolescent human cancer patient might receive.

These exposed rats were later bred with female rats who had not been exposed to the drug. The resulting offspring were bred again with another set of unexposed rats.

The results were disturbing. Not only did the offspring of the exposed rats experience greater incidence of certain diseases, but their offspring did as well.

An epigenetic inheritance

The “children” and “grandchildren” of the exposed rats had a greater incidence of disease of the kidneys and testes, as well as delayed onset of puberty.

They also demonstrated abnormally low anxiety, meaning that they lacked an adequate ability to assess and avoid risk.

The researchers analyzed the rats’ epigenomes. These are molecular processes that operate independently to influence how genes are expressed, including turning genes on or off.

It became apparent that the negative effects of ifosfamide were the epigenetic inheritance of the offspring rats. In other words, they were affected not because they’d been exposed to the drug, but because their gene expression had been altered.

Hope for the future

Michael Skinner, a WSU biologist and corresponding author on the study, stressed that the findings shouldn’t dissuade patients from chemotherapy treatment since, in his words, it can be effective.

But he suggests that young adults take precautions if they plan on having children later in life. He recommends considering cryopreservation, or the freezing of sperm or egg cells, prior to undergoing treatment.

And, for the children and grandchildren of chemotherapy patients, continuing research holds hope of informing them of their likelihood of developing certain diseases, so they can take early preventive measures.

“We could potentially determine if a person’s exposure had these epigenetic shifts that could direct what diseases they’re going to develop, and what they’re going to potentially pass on to their grandchildren,” Skinner says. “We could use epigenetics to help diagnose whether they’re going to have a susceptibility to disease.”

Sources:

Chemotherapy could increase disease susceptibility in future generations Eureka Alert

Examination of generational impacts of adolescent chemotherapy: Ifosfamide and potential for epigenetic transgenerational inheritance iScience

Ifosfamide — National Library of Medicine

The post The ‘hereditary’ toxicity of chemotherapy appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Another way to maintain good health as we age is to make sure we’re getting the right kinds of nutrients. For instance, the antioxidants known as flavanols help fight age-related frailty, high blood pressure and heart disease and strengthen your nervous system. Flavanols are found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as cocoa and tea.

Flavanols (also spelled flavonols) have been found to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. And they could be key to protecting against another dreaded effect of aging….

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Flavanols could sharpen memory

There’s an idea emerging among investigators that the aging brain requires specific nutrients for optimal health, just as the brain of an infant needs certain nutrients for proper development.

“The identification of nutrients critical for the proper development of an infant’s nervous system was a crowning achievement of 20th-century nutrition science,” says Dr. Scott A. Small, a neurology professor at Columbia University. “In this century, as we are living longer research is starting to reveal that different nutrients are needed to fortify our aging minds.”

Small and other researchers teamed up to investigate the impact of flavanols on age-related memory loss. They randomly assigned more than 3,500 healthy older adults to receive a daily flavanol supplement or a placebo pill for three years. The supplement contained 500 mg of flavanols, including 80 mg of epicatechins — the amount adults are advised to get from their diet.

In each year of the study, the participants were given tests designed to assess the types of memory governed by the hippocampus, and more than a third of the participants had their urine tested for dietary flavanol levels before and during the study.

Deficiency drove age-related memory loss

For the entire group taking the flavanol supplement, memory scores improved only slightly. It’s worth noting that most of those participants were already eating a healthy diet with plenty of flavanols.

Where it gets interesting is when the researchers separated out the participants who had lower levels of flavanols at the start of the study…

At the end of the first year of taking the flavanol supplement, these participants saw their memory scores increase by an average of 10.5 percent compared with those taking the placebo. And their scores increased an average of 16 percent when compared with their memory scores at the start of the study.

“The improvement among study participants with low-flavanol diets was substantial and raises the possibility of using flavanol-rich diets or supplements to improve cognitive function in older adults,” says Dr. Adam M. Brickman, professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University and co-leader of the study.

According to the researchers, a previous study found that flavanol supplements did not improve memory in a group of people with a range of baseline flavanol levels. However, that study didn’t split the group into people with low and high flavanol levels.

“Age-related memory decline is thought to occur sooner or later in nearly everyone, though there is a great amount of variability,” he says. “If some of this variance is partly due to differences in dietary consumption of flavanols, then we would see an even more dramatic improvement in memory in people who replenish dietary flavanols when they’re in their 40s and 50s.”

Peak CoQSol10 CF^™

Gives Your Cells the Energy They Need for Optimal Function!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Raising your own flavanol count

Plenty of fruits and vegetables contain flavanols, including green, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, broccoli, pears, berries, apples and oranges. So do olive oil, tea, red wine and chocolate among other plant-based products.

If your diet is lacking in these sources, this is a good time to add them in. This link provides a table of flavanol foods by their epicatechins content, the supplement used in the Columbia study.

If you already consume a lot of fruits and vegetables, your flavanol levels are probably fine. But if you’re worried, you can always add a flavanol supplement to your daily regimen. Not only could it help improve memory, but studies show it also supports good heart and circulatory health.

Sources:

Low-Flavanol Diet Drives Age-Related Memory Loss, Large Study Finds — Columbia University

Dietary flavanols restore hippocampal-dependent memory in older adults with lower diet quality and lower habitual flavanol consumption — PNAS

The post The nutrient deficiency driving age-related memory loss appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Between fluctuating hormone levels, falling collagen levels, oxidative stress and the summer sun, your skin could probably use some help repairing itself these days. I know mine surely could…

That’s where these eight skin-supporting and skin-saving vitamins come in.

With the right nutrition and a little supplementing, you can recapture your youthful glow and maintain beautiful, healthy skin for life.

Here’s how to get started…

#1 – Vitamin D

You may not have seen that one coming but the sunshine vitamin is good for absolutely every part of your body, including your skin. That’s because vitamin D is actually a hormone and your skin is super sensitive to hormones.

You’ve probably experienced this phenomenon before when your hormones aren’t balanced and you end up with dry skin and blemishes.

But vitamin D also affords photoprotective properties to your skin, meaning it can help shield skin cells from DNA damage and reduce erythema, reddening of the skin resulting from ultraviolet exposure.

Foods rich in the vitamin include egg yolks, cheese and fish like tuna and mackerel.

Peak Golden Oil^™

The golden-colored oil of the Nigella sativa plant contains compounds essential for a healthy immune system. That explains why it was documented in the oldest medical writings. But we don’t just rely on history to prove the therapeutic benefit of… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

#2 – Vitamin C

Yup, it’s an alphabet soup when it comes to vitamins and we’re on to vitamin C. You see, this nutrient is vital for your skin when it comes to repairing the damage of time and erasing years off your face–all thanks to its antioxidant power. Vitamin C in cosmetics and lotions especially helps to brighten the complexion and guard against the damage caused by U.V. rays.

It also is responsible for forming the collagen that keeps your skin firm and younger-looking and helps maintain healthy blood vessels that flush your cheeks with the glow you want.

Good sources of vitamin C are guava, red and green peppers, strawberries and kiwis.

#3 – Vitamin E

Another damage-reverser, vitamin E is an antioxidant that counters the free radicals that can destroy the collagen in your skin and leave you sagging and wrinkled.

Foods rich in vitamin E are wheat-germ oil, sunflower seeds, almonds and hazelnuts.

#4 – Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids are one the best nutrients you should boost for your skin. That’s because they help nourish your skin and keep it plump and youthful, which can also help to reduce wrinkles and take years off your face.

Good sources of fish oil include cold water, fatty fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna, and my favorite, krill oil (no burps!).

#5 – Biotin

Did you know that if you’re not getting enough biotin (a B vitamin) in your diet it could be the reason behind the dry, flaky patches of eczema on your skin?

Be sure to eat biotin-rich foods like cauliflower, avocadoes, mushrooms, eggs, salmon and sweet potatoes.

#6 – Pantothenic Acid

Also known as vitamin B5 or panthenol, this one will rehydrate your skin in a flash.

That’s because B5 actually prevents water loss from your skin.

You can find vitamin B5 in foods like mushrooms, eggs, beef, chicken and turkey.

Peak ResV+^™

Why do we age? Researchers have an abundance of theories. One particularly strong one is that free radicals, produced by the body’s own processes and by elements in the environment, damage cells and age us before our time. But it’s possible to… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

#7 – Niacin

Niacin is also called vitamin B3 and the reason you want it in your life is for its skin-brightening effects and the fact that it’s been scientifically proven to significantly improve the appearance of aged skin.

The highest sources of niacin for your diet can be found in turkey, chicken breast, peanuts, tuna and green peas.

#8 – Vitamin K

You know those dark circles under your eyes? Or, those spider veins?

Well, that’s where vitamin K comes in.

You see, vitamin K helps with the blood vessel problems that cause these issues.

The best foods for getting your vitamin K fix are kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach and asparagus.

Sources:

1. Vitamin D — You and Your Hormones
2. Vitamin D and Skin Health — Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University
3. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health — Nutrients
4. Oxidative damage to collagen — Experientia Supplementum
5. The Truth About Hair, Skin, and Nail Supplements — Consumer Reports
6. Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders — American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
7. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance — Dermatologic Surgery

The post 8 vitamins for supple summer skin appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Taking vitamins might not be at the top of your list when you think of ways to stay healthy and cool this summer, but it should be…

Research shows there’s a specific vitamin that is especially important during the long, hot summer days ahead.

I’m talking about vitamin C.

Lots of folks only think about taking vitamin C during the winter months… when they want to boost their immune system and avoid colds, flu and other opportunistic infections.

But taking vitamin C during the summer can make the season safer and the heat bearable in two big ways…

#1 — Vitamin C provides sunburn protection

Taking vitamin C can help protect your skin from those painful and cancer-causing sunburns.

That’s right! Research in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reported that taking a combination of vitamins C and E daily can help keep you safe.

Here’s how…

The UV radiation that causes sunburns, photoaging (which causes premature aging) and malignant skin tumors, works by causing your skin to produce what’s known as reactive oxygen species, more commonly called free radical damage.

Both vitamins C and E are antioxidants… compounds that can scavenge those free radicals.

Peak ResV+^™

Why do we age? Researchers have an abundance of theories. One particularly strong one is that free radicals, produced by the body’s own processes and by elements in the environment, damage cells and age us before our time. But it’s possible to… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

They were proven to be photoprotective in vitro studies and animal experiments which led researchers to try out the two vitamins in humans to see how they stood up to the UV rays beaming down from above. For their study, they split participants into two groups:

• One group took 2 mg of vitamin C plus 1,000 IU of vitamin E daily.
• The other group took a placebo.

Not only did the vitamin group experience fewer problems with sunburn despite UV exposure, but the researchers say that since the group had less sunburn reactivity, they were also likely at far less risk for UV-induced skin damage later.

#2 — Vitamin C keeps you cool

Further research has shown that taking vitamin C could help you stay cool despite the rising temperatures this summer.

One study by researchers at the University of Alabama found that vitamin C actually has the power to delay your sweat gland fatigue. This boosts your heat tolerance and also helps lower your risk of both heat exhaustion and prickly heat rash.

A second study, in the Journal of Applied Physiology: Respiratory, Environmental, and Exercise Physiology, discovered that when you take vitamin C (as little as 250 milligrams), it helps to keep your body temperature from rising despite being exposed to rising heat levels.

All of this makes vitamin C your new best friend for the summer months ahead.

It’s best to take it with meals, and if you live with stomach problems like I do, it’s a good idea to choose one in a buffered form or with rosehips, since they are less irritating to your gastrointestinal system.

I also like to look for a supplement that has all three types of vitamin C’s forms (ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, and calcium ascorbate), plus antioxidants to get the most benefit. And, of course, if you’re looking for sun protection, vitamin E can help as well.

Now, you can clearly see why taking vitamin C is one of the best choices you can make for this summer. So, grab a bottle and grab sun and heat protection along with it.

If you need more options, reach for grapes! Pop them in the freezer for a cooling summer snack that packs powerful protection from damaging UV rays.

Sources:

1. Protective effect against sunburn of combined systemic ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and d-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) — Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
2. Vitamin C and Tolerance of Heat and Cold: Human Evidence — Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine
3. Effects of plasma ascorbic acid levels on heat acclimatization in man — Journal of Applied Physiology: Respiratory, Environmental, and Exercise Physiology

The post Two big reasons you need more vitamin C this summer appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But did you know that one of the most dangerous and prevalent side effects of type 2 diabetes is damage to your kidneys?

As with many aspects of this disease, the damage gradually worsens over the years, often to the point of renal failure which results in dialysis and even organ replacement.

That’s why in addition to properly managing diabetes, it’s vitally important to be sure you’re not deficient in this one very important vitamin…

Peak Krill Oil^™

Supports Heart Health, Immunity and Moods, Naturally!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Thiamin protects kidneys

In a study conducted by the Warwick Medical School in the UK, thiamine (known universally as vitamin B1) was found to slow, protect, and reverse kidney damage in the early stages! Professor Paul J. Thornalley and Dr. Naila Rabbani, who led the study at Warwick, published their results in the Diabetologia medical journal.

Diabetic nephropathy results in high emission of a protein in the urine called albumin. Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were given high doses of vitamin B1 and showed a dramatic reduction of more than forty percent in the excretion of albumin! 35% of participants returned to normal urinary levels of the protein by the end of the investigation.

A prior study from Professor Thornalley’s team proved conclusively that type 2 diabetics suffer from thiamine deficiency, which may be the source of multiple vascular issues.

In the trial, forty subjects were given either a placebo or 300mg of thiamine daily over three months with fascinating results. Vascular dysfunction and albumin readings were greatly improved for those who received B1.

“This study once again highlights the importance of vitamin B1 and we need to increase awareness. [We] are planning a foundation at the University of Warwick to further education and research in thiamine deficiency,” noted Dr. Rabbani.

The American Diabetes Association released data that diabetics account for almost half of the kidney failure cases diagnosed each year. It is known to be one of the leading causes of kidney failure.

B1 is a vitamin that is well tolerated by the body overall. Three doses of 100mg of B1 daily is a safe and inexpensive way to protect your kidneys from damage as a result of pre-diabetes, diabetes, and general kidney disease.

Peak Bladder Support^™

Unique Formula Helps Reduce Urgency or the Immediate Urge to “Go” and Decreases Nighttime Bathroom Visits for More Restful Sleep!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Don’t forget your medicine in the form of food

As you know by now, I stand behind food as a cure.

Even if you’re taking B1 supplements, including some of these delicious and nutritious foods to your meal plan will benefit your total body. Raw or in salads provide the greatest benefit of B1 since cooking causes a loss of more than a quarter of the vitamin content.

Five of the best foods rich in B-1 (Thiamine) are:

1. Brewer’s yeast – the food product with the highest concentration of B1
2. Grains and cereals – wheat germ, rice, and oatmeal
3. Meat and fish – tuna is highest followed by pork and poultry
4. Dried fruits, seeds, and nuts – sunflower seeds, peanuts, pecans, and raisins specifically
5. Green veggies – Brussels sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, peas, and avocado

There are many benefits of adding more thiamine to your daily life. You don’t hear a lot about vitamin B1 because it isn’t as popular in the media as vitamin C or E and not as interesting to most researchers as vitamin D.

Yet it is essential to your body and required for some of your critical bodily systems to function properly. It carries out metabolic tasks such as converting carbs to fuel, protects your kidneys, safeguards your central nervous system, and regulates mood.

Ignoring the importance of vitamin B1 is dangerous. So don’t do that!

Add a combination of food and supplements of this crucial (and often overlooked) vitamin to your daily life and protect your kidneys.

When supplementing choose a quality brand and follow the manufacturer’s suggestion for serving amount. If you have questions, ask your doctor.

Sources:

1. Vitamin B1 Could Reverse Early-stage Kidney Disease In Diabetes Patients — University of Warwick
2. The potential role of thiamine (vitamin B1) in diabetic complications. — Current Diabetes Review
3. Kidney Disease (Nephropathy) — American Diabetes Association

The post The vitamin everyone needs (especially diabetics) for kidney protection appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

For starters, the body has to work harder to keep cool. That causes the heart to beat faster adding more stress on the heart.

And while sweating happens to everyone and dehydration is a concern, the body also loses valuable minerals that can further stress the heart.

Then there are the heart-protecting drugs that backfire when it’s hot. ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers change the way the body responds to heat, making it even more important to stay hydrated.

So be prepared this summer, know the extent of your risks from the heat, and how to keep your cool…

Peak Prostate Support^™

Men are less attentive to their health than they should be. Here are signs to be aware of:
    • Uncomfortable urgency
    • Weak urine stream
    • Burning sensation in your groin
    • MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Heat trends and significant heart risks

Scientists at the Desert Research Institute (DRI), Nevada State College, and the Universidad de Las Americas Puebla studied the relationship between heat wave episodes and heat-related deaths in Las Vegas over a 10-year period.

They chose a city like Las Vegas because urban areas are a particular concern because of several factors that compound the problems of already extreme heat and the risks that come with it, like:

• The extensive areas of asphalt absorb the heat, creating an urban heat island
• The populations of cities are growing rapidly, especially for the 55 and older population

The team found that the annual average of severe heat events per year in Las Vegas showed significant increases, from an average of 3.3 events per year from 2007-2009 to 4.7 per year in the 2010-2016 period. The team says that these findings match up with historic trends, which show a steady increase in the severity and frequency of excess heat since 1980.

And, sure enough…

The number of heat-related deaths in Las Vegas went up right along with the rising number of extreme heat events.

“From 2007 to 2016, there have been 437 heat-related deaths in Las Vegas, with the greatest number of those deaths occurring in 2016,” explained Erick Bandala, Ph.D., an assistant research professor at DRI and lead author on the study. “Interestingly, 2016 also shows one of the highest heat index measures over the last 35 years. This shows a clear relationship between increasingly intense heat events in our area and public health effects.”

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

Supports Improved Oxygen Levels… Healthy Circulation… and Balanced Hormones for Better Overall Health!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

They also discovered one more scary fact…

The group most at risk of heat-related deaths includes adults over 50 years old, with a whopping 76 percent of heat-related deaths in individuals in this subpopulation.

Of the deaths in this group, almost all individuals also showed evidence of pre-existing heart disease, demonstrating the dangers of summer heat to your heart.

Previous research published in Circulation demonstrated that extreme temperatures increase the risk of premature cardiovascular death, as well.

Tips to guard your heart against summer heat

To keep your heart healthy during the high temperatures this summer, be sure to:

• Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water both before, during and after your time outdoors.
• Pick the shade – It’s important to stay in shady areas as much as possible or at least take regular breaks to cool off.
• Dress cool – Pick lightweight, breathable fabrics in light colors to stay cool in the heat. And, don’t forget a lightweight hat.
• Use cold compresses – If you don’t have access to a fan or air-conditioning, using cold compresses or ice on your forehead and neck can help.
• Consider supplementing the B vitamin, folic acid. Penn State researchers found it worked well in helping people keep their cool by supporting nitric oxide to increase blood flow to the skin, which combined with sweating, helps to cool the body down.

Summer is here and with the rising temperatures, it’s more important than ever to take steps to guard the health of your heart. Use the tips above to stay safe and beat the summer heat.

Sources:

1. Researchers identify link between more frequent, intense heat events and deaths in Las Vegas — EurekAlert!
2. Protect Your Heart in the Heat — American Heart Association
3. How to Protect Your Heart From the Heat — Mercy Health

The post Why summer heat is hard on your heart and how to keep cool appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Playing sports, gardening or even just sitting in the sun for a while on a humid day can make you sweat. You’re losing water, and that water must be replaced in order to avoid dehydration.

Your body responds to being hot and sweaty by making you thirsty, sending you a clear message to drink some water to replace those fluids.

But there are other reasons you might feel thirsty, and if it seems like you’re always thirsty, no matter how much you drink, this could be the sign of a more serious problem.

Peak Golden Oil^™

Helps Your Body Maintain Optimum Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

5 illnesses that cause thirst

Never ignore the onset of extreme and unquenchable thirst, especially if it comes along with any other troubling symptoms. It could be due to a more serious condition.

Diabetes. Extreme and constant thirst is often the first sign of diabetes.

When your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or doesn’t use it properly, too much glucose builds up in your body. Glucose in the urine draws in more water, causing you to urinate more frequently. Your body dehydrates, making you thirsty.

Anemia. Anemia means your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells, either because too many are being destroyed or lost, or because not enough are being made.

Mild anemia probably won’t make you thirsty, but if it becomes severe, you may find yourself constantly wanting to drink water. You may also feel dizzy and weak, and you may sweat more.

Kidney disease. Damaged kidneys cannot hold on to fluids well, and in order to prevent dehydration, the body prompts you to drink a lot of water.

However, it’s a delicate balance. If you have chronic kidney disease, watch for swelling or an increase in blood pressure, which could indicate that too much water is being retained and placing a strain on your heart.

Thyroid problems. When you produce too little or too much thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), you can experience anxiety, dry mouth and other symptoms that lead to increased thirst.

Diabetes insipidus. The only things this rare condition has in common with Type 1 or 2 diabetes are its name, that they both make you thirsty and that they make you urinate a lot.

In most people, the kidneys pass about a quart or two of urine a day. Someone with diabetes insipidus can pass as much as 20 quarts of “insipid” urine a day, that is, urine that does not look or smell much like urine since they’re basically just eliminating water.

Other things that can make you thirsty

There are personal lifestyle choices and medications that can also cause excessive thirst.

Smoking. Tobacco can affect how much saliva your body makes. You can end up with a dry mouth and a feeling of thirst all the time. Also, smoking can make your saliva thicker and less like water, so it doesn’t do a very good job of keeping your mouth moist.

A low-carb diet. The ultra-low-carb keto diet can make you thirsty since carbs absorb and hold on to water in the body. Without them, you’ll urinate more often, and feel thirsty more often.

Diuretics. Diuretics, or water pills, are frequently prescribed for high blood pressure as well as congestive heart failure. Diuretics are designed to eliminate excess fluid from the body, which they do quite well. But the result, of course, is that you’re thirsty a lot.

The bottom line: Pay attention to your body

Pay attention to the signals your body is sending you.

If you’re thirsty, don’t ignore it. Have a glass of ice water with lemon, or maybe a glass of iced tea. When you’re no longer thirsty, stop drinking. Just like with your appetite for food, don’t force things.

Also, pay close attention to any other changes in your body that accompany thirst, especially if you’re more thirsty than normal. When in doubt, call your doctor.

And as a bonus, here’s a summer-friendly recipe for a fun thirst-quencher. It’s especially geared to people with kidney disease since it helps quench thirst without drinking too much. Anyone can enjoy it. I know I’ll be trying this healthy, thirst-quenching treat, based on my favorite candy, before the summer is out! Enjoy!

Sources:

1. Why am I always thirsty? — Web MD
2. 10 unexpected reasons why you’re thirsty all the time — prevention.com
3. Diabetes insipidus — Web MD
4. What to know about diuretics — Healthline.com

The post 5 serious conditions that can make you really thirsty appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

In fact, my family and I love to spend Saturday morning browsing the stands to grab all of the produce we need for the upcoming week.

But, there’s one vegetable I’ve noticed a lot of people ignore, and if you’re one of them, you’re missing out on some big health benefits and great taste in the process.

What vegetable am I talking about?

Beets.

If you haven’t embraced beets, you may not know how to incorporate them into your meal planning. So, let me help you there… but first, here’s why you should eat more…

#1 – Huge amounts of nutrients in one small package

We all know that vitamins and minerals help keep us healthy and ward off chronic disease. And, the beet packs a big punch when it comes to these critical nutrients with less than three ounces of the cooked vegetable delivering:

• Folate – 68 mcg equal to 17 percent of the RDA
• Manganese – 0.3 mg or 14 percent of the RDA
• Vitamin C – 3.1 mg or 5 percent of the RDA
• Potassium – 259 mg or 7 percent of the RDA
• Magnesium – 19.6 mg or 5 percent of the RDA
• Iron – 7 mg or 4 percent of the RDA

And, that same small serving gives you 4 grams of protein and 1.7 grams of fiber.

#2 – Supports healthy blood pressure

In addition to all of those vitamins and minerals that help keep you strong and feeling great, beets are also packed with heart-healthy nitrates. These nitrates boost the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the lining of your blood vessels which allows them to dilate or widen.

When this happens your blood can flow more freely, without your heart having to work so hard to pump your blood throughout your body, making beets one of the healthiest things you can do for your blood pressure.

In fact, scientific studies have shown that beets alone may have the power to lower your blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg in just a few hours.

In the past, I’ve written about the confusion over good nitrates and bad nitrates — so let me clarify that again: You’ve probably heard of nitrate additives in processed meats being linked to cancer. That’s a totally different ballgame, and here’s why…

You see, organic or naturally-occurring nitrates, when ingested from eating plants that contain them (like beets), help the body produce NO — a compound that acts as a natural vasodilator, by helping to relax and dilate the blood vessels and arteries in your body — as I explained above.

So, eat less of the meats and more beets!

#3 – Major anti-inflammation properties

Have you heard of the inflammation theory of disease? Inflammation is widely accepted as the root cause of multiple chronic health problems, from obesity and metabolic syndrome to heart and liver disease. And, beets could be the answer to the problem thanks to the pigments that help give them their gorgeous color.

These pigments, known as betalains, support a balanced inflammatory response to promote healthy inflammation levels. One study even found that a capsule of these pigments made from beetroot had the power to ease the discomfort caused by osteoarthritis — most likely thanks to their effect on inflammation levels.

Adding beets to your diet

With these health benefits, it’s easy to see why you should be adding beets to your diet this summer while they’re plentiful at the farmer’s market.

If you haven’t cooked with beets before, one of the best ways to do it is to roast them. Drizzle them with olive oil, add a dash of salt, pepper, and thyme and put them in the oven at 425° for 30 – 40 minutes or until fork-tender. You can also do beets on the grill or simmer them on the stove with butter and orange juice.

Need an even easier option? Look for a tasty organic beet powder you can add to smoothies, juice and even water.

Sources:

1. Beets, cooked, boiled, drained Nutrition Facts & Calories — SELF Nutrition Data
2. Inorganic nitrate is a possible source for systemic generation of nitric oxide — Free Radical Biology and Medicine
3. Effect of beetroot juice on lowering blood pressure in free-living, disease-free adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial — Nutrition
4. Acute ingestion of beetroot bread increases endothelium-independent vasodilation and lowers diastolic blood pressure in healthy men: a randomized controlled trial — Journal of Nutrition
5. Acute blood pressure lowering, vasoprotective, and antiplatelet properties of dietary nitrate via bioconversion to nitrite — Hypertension
6. Inflammation: A unifying theory of disease — Harvard Health
7. Chronic Inflammation in Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome — Mediators of Inflammation
8. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) Extract Ameliorates Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity Associated Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Rodent Model — Mediators of Inflammation
9. Betanin attenuates oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction in kidney of paraquat-treated rat — Food and Chemical Toxicology
10. Improvement of hypertension, endothelial function and systemic inflammation following short-term supplementation with red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) juice: a randomized crossover pilot study — Journal of Human Hypertension
11. Betalain-rich red beet concentrate improves reduced knee discomfort and joint function: a double blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical study — Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

The post 3 amazing benefits of summer’s best heart-healthy vegetable appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

In the U.S. depression affects one in 10 of us, and it often goes untreated.

One study found among those newly diagnosed with depression, only about a third get treatment. That number dips further among older people. In fact, patients over the age of 60 were half as likely to seek treatment for depression as those under age 44.

But, even with treatment, depression can be a tough nut to crack. Roughly 31 percent of people with depression have either no response or a poor response to medication.

With those odds, it’s helpful to know of complementary or alternative therapies that may help manage depression.

Take green tea, for instance.

Peak D3^™

Gives You the Vitamin D3 You Can’t Get From Sunshine Alone!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Previous research has found that people who drink four or more cups of green tea daily are 44 percent less likely to have symptoms of depression than those who drink only one cup per day or less.

Another study showed an association between frequent consumption of green tea and a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms in the community-dwelling elderly population.

But to understand how tea could truly affect the brain’s mood center, scientists turned to mice — and what they found is extremely encouraging…

The impact of matcha

Matcha is a powdered form of green tea that has over a thousand more antioxidant levels than its whole-leaf green tea counterparts. When you boil regular green tea, you throw away the leaves, which contain most of the antioxidants. Because matcha uses the entire leaf pulverized into a powder, it contains all of green tea’s antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

How could matcha possibly affect depression? It may come down to matcha’s effect on the brain’s happy chemicals: serotonin and dopamine. Both carry messages between nerve cells in the brain.

Serotonin influences learning, memory, and happiness and regulates body temperature, sleep, sexual behavior and hunger. Dopamine impacts mood and motivation, as well as learning, heart rate, sleep, attention, and pain processing, among other functions.

Experts believe a lack of one or both of these chemical messengers may contribute to depression. For instance, inadequate levels of dopamine can make a person feel less motivated and less interested in life.

In an animal study involving mice, when the researchers examined the mice’s brains, they found that matcha appeared to affect systems of dopamine in stress-sensitive mice. These results suggest that matcha causes an antidepressant-like effect by activating the dopaminergic system in the brain.

The study results also indicate that mental state is an important factor that affects the physiological benefits of matcha since only the mice under high mental stress were impacted, compared to another group of mice.

Peak Golden Oil^™

The golden-colored oil of the Nigella sativa plant contains compounds essential for a healthy immune system. That explains why it was documented in the oldest medical writings. But we don’t just rely on history to prove the therapeutic benefit of… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Making matcha at home

Other studies on green tea and depression have identified two ingredients potentially responsible for its feel-good effects. One is L-theanine, a calming amino acid known to reduce mental and physical stress and enhance crucial neurotransmitter activity.

The other is a potent antioxidant known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which contributes to an increase in brain alpha wave activity. When you’re in an alpha wave state, you’re awake and alert but relaxed.

You can now buy the tea at many grocery stores or online. Just make sure you get the actual powdered matcha, and that it’s 100 percent matcha with no fillers or sweeteners.

To make matcha, take roughly a quarter teaspoon and put it through a small sifter into your cup. Matcha clumps very easily, so you want to make sure your drink isn’t lumpy.

Next, pour in two ounces of hot (not boiling) water. You want the water to be just below the boiling point. Then you need a whisk to stir it — a fork or spoon won’t mix it enough.

Whisk the matcha vigorously in a zig-zag motion. Don’t do it in a circular motion or you won’t get that foamy top that’s characteristic of good matcha. A bamboo whisk known as a chasen, can make the whisking process easier and more complete.

After the tea has dissolved and a foamy top has appeared, pour in another six ounces of hot water, whisk again until foamy, and serve. Or, if you want to make your own matcha latte, add six ounces of heated milk instead of water.

Sources:

Could matcha tea have anti-depressant properties? — Medical News Today

Matcha Tea Powder’s Antidepressant-like Effect through the Activation of the Dopaminergic System in Mice Is Dependent on Social Isolation Stress — Nutrients

Vast Majority of People With Depression Aren’t Getting Treatment, Global Review Finds — Science Alert

Why Are So Many People With Depression Not Getting Treatment? — Forbes

Green tea and coffee consumption is inversely associated with depressive symptoms in a Japanese working population — Public Health Nutrition

Green tea consumption is associated with depressive symptoms in the elderly — The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Matcha 101 – What It Is and How to Use It — Love & Lemons

The post Matcha tea: Nature’s antidepressant in a cup appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But I’ll tell you one type of attention that doesn’t feel good… attention from blood-sucking insects. And for some reason, they seem to pay more attention to me than anyone around me. Do you have the same problem?

I wouldn’t be surprised if you do. Science shows there’s a group of us that have the good fortune of being very attractive to those little buggers. The question is… why are we so lucky?

Why can everyone around us sip their beer, eat their burger throw their frisbee in peace, while we get swarmed by disease-carrying, welt-inducing insects?

Well, it turns out, there are several potential reasons why you could top the mosquitoes’ most desirable list…

Peak Golden Oil^™

Helps Your Body Maintain Optimum Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

What makes you a mosquito magnet

Research shows that about 20 percent of people are particularly appealing to mosquitoes. And the attraction usually comes down to one of these things:

1. Blood type. Mosquitoes land on people with type O blood about twice as often as people with type A blood. People with type B blood attract more of the insects than type A people but less than type O people.
2. A lot of us (around 85 percent) give off a “scent” (really, a chemical signal) that tells mosquitoes our blood type. Those of us who give off this “scent” are more likely to attract mosquitoes no matter what blood type we have.
3. When you sweat, you release lactic acid, uric acid, and ammonia, which is like putting a mosquito-sized sign on your forehead that says, “Come and get it.” Body heat attracts them, too… another reason they’re more likely to go after you when you’re hot and sweaty.
4. Studies show that drinking alcohol turns you into mosquito bait. So, if you’re already a mosquito-attracting mama, you may want to pass on the cocktails when you’re sitting outside at dusk.
5. Carbon dioxide. Maybe you’re a heavy breather. Maybe you’re pregnant. Maybe you’re just a large person. Regardless, you’re giving off more carbon dioxide… which means you’re attracting more mosquitoes. Carbon dioxide helps them hone in on their prey.

How to make yourself less of a mosquito magnet

So, why are you a mosquito magnet? Is it because you like to drink? Because you’re a sweaty Betty? Because you’re pregnant? Because you have type O blood?

Regardless of the reason, you’ll want to protect yourself from mosquitoes since they’re drawn to you like a moth to a flame (or a mosquito to a cocktail-drinking, sweaty, pregnant woman with type O blood).

Like I mentioned earlier, cutting back on the cocktails can reduce your odds of getting bit by mosquitoes.

So, can your clothing choice. Mosquitoes are drawn to dark clothing, so keeping things light can save you from a bite (a motto to remember when you get dressed in the summer).

You can also keep mosquitoes away with natural bug repellents. They’re available online and in health food stores. You can even make your own repellent using essential oils. Some of the most effective oils for keeping mosquitoes at bay are catnip oil, cinnamon oil, and lemon eucalyptus oil.

Sources:

1. Why Mosquitoes Bite Some People and Not Others — TIME
2. Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others? — Smithsonian.com
3. Landing preference of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) on human skin among ABO blood groups, secretors or nonsecretors, and ABH antigens — Journal of Medical Entomology
4. Heritability of Attractiveness to Mosquitoes — PLOS ONE
5. Beer Consumption Increases Human Attractiveness to Malaria Mosquitoes — PLOS ONE
6. Alcohol ingestion stimulates mosquito attraction — Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association

The post 5 reasons mosquitoes love you and how to turn them off appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

What if we could increase our healthspans, which means not just adding years to our lifespans — but healthier ones?

What if we could support and replenish our aging mitochondria so our cells have the energy they need to keep on going — and keep us going?

What a game-changer that would be — as long we could get enough…

Can an amino acid molecule slow aging?

These are the questions that Dr. Vijay Yadav, assistant professor of genetics & development at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, had in mind when he launched a study involving dozens of researchers around the world who study aging.

Taurine first hit Dr. Yadav’s radar during previous research into osteoporosis that uncovered taurine’s role in building bone. Other researchers, around the same time, were seeing how taurine impacted immune function, obesity and nervous system functions.

That’s when a lightbulb went off…

Peak ResV+^™

A Proprietary Blend of Resveratrol Plus other Powerful Antioxidants that Work Synergistically to Fight Free Radicals and Promote Healthy Aging!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

“We realized that if taurine is regulating all these processes that decline with age, maybe taurine levels in the bloodstream affect overall health and lifespan,” Dr. Yadav says.

When the research team analyzed levels of the amino acid in the bloodstream of mice, monkeys and people, they saw something often revealed over and over again in aging research — a deficiency.

Taurine levels had dropped substantially with age. Specifically in people, the taurine levels in 60-year-olds were only about one-third of the levels in 5-year-olds.

“That’s when,” Yadav says, “we started to ask if taurine deficiency is a driver of the aging process, and we set up a large experiment with mice.”

Taurine levels decline with age: what if we raise them?

The study included about 250 14-month-old male and female mice (the equivalent of 45 in human years). The mice were fed an amount of taurine or a control solution daily.

By the end of the experiment, they found taurine had increased the average lifespan of female mice by 12 percent and 10 percent in males. For the mice, that meant three to four extra months — the equivalent of about seven or eight human years.

But what about the impact on the animal’s health?

For that answer, Dr. Yadov looked to other researchers who investigated the effect of supplemented taurine on the health and lifespan of several species…

After measuring various health parameters in mice, they found that at age 2 (60 in human years), animals supplemented with taurine for one year were healthier in almost every way than their untreated counterparts. In fact, the amino acid:

• Suppressed age-associated weight gain in female mice (even in “menopausal” mice)
• Increased energy expenditure
• Increased bone mass
• Improved muscle endurance and strength
• Reduced depression-like and anxious behaviors
• Reduced insulin resistance
• And promoted a younger-looking immune system

At the cellular level, supplementation:

• Decreased the number of “zombie cells” (old cells that linger and release harmful substances)
• Increased survival after telomerase deficiency
• Increased the number of stem cells present in some tissues (which help repair other cells)
• Improved the performance of mitochondria
• Reduced DNA damage
• And improved the cells‘ ability to sense nutrients

But supplementing isn’t the only way they found we can increase our levels. The researchers measured taurine levels before and after a strenuous cycling workout. They found a significant increase in taurine levels in both seasoned athletes and sedentary people.

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

At middle age, you start feeling changes in your body you may chalk up to aging: energy levels hit rock bottom, weight soars, muscles become soft, skin becomes wrinkled and slack and desire tanks. You may feel past your prime — but science says that’s wrong! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Taurine: A natural anti-aging option

Dr. Yadav is quick to point out, however, that “these are associations, which do not establish causation, but the results are consistent with the possibility that taurine deficiency contributes to human aging.”

Randomized clinical trials, considered the gold standard in research, are needed for the definitive answer on taurine’s anti-aging benefits.

“Taurine abundance goes down with age, so restoring taurine to a youthful level in old age may be a promising anti-aging strategy.”

Dr. Bruce Ames, a Senior Scientist with a career spanning seven decades, would likely agree. His “triage theory” argues that, by skimping on inadequate amounts, we’re cheating ourselves of valuable “longevity vitamins” critical to long-term maintenance. He considers taurine one on a list of about 10 he considers valuable longevity nutrients.

Taurine is available in supplement form and is found naturally in foods like eggs, dairy, scallops, tuna, tilapia, octopus, seaweed, chicken, turkey and beef. Adding more of these foods to your diet can only help.

Supplementing taurine in reasonable amounts is safe. But if you have kidney health problems, discuss with your doctor first.

Sources:

Taurine may be a key to longer and healthier life — Eureka Alert

Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging — Science

The post Taurine: The anti-aging amino acid appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

From peaches and pineapples to mangos and strawberries, summer is fruit season.

And no fruit may be more anticipated than watermelon.

Whether you eat it alone, turn it into a refreshing drink — like a cool watermelon agua fresca — or toss it into a cucumber watermelon salad, the sweet and juicy summer treat is always something to look forward to.

What you may not know however is that watermelon isn’t just tasty, it’s also great for your body.

In fact, scientists have now confirmed eating watermelon could be one of the best things you do for your health.

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

At middle age, you start feeling changes in your body you may chalk up to aging: energy levels hit rock bottom, weight soars, muscles become soft, skin becomes wrinkled and slack and desire tanks. You may feel past your prime — but science says that’s wrong! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

From heart health to better blood sugar

The research, published in the journal Current Atherosclerosis Reports, took into account mounds and mounds of data on the health effects of watermelon gathered in trials for over two decades.

Specifically, they took into account clinical evidence on how eating watermelon or supplementing with one of the fruit’s signature compounds, citrulline, affects cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes.

And they found that one of the most impressive benefits of both is the way they support the heart and blood pressure while reducing the risk of diabetes.

The data showed it worked like this: Citrulline found in watermelon is a precursor to L arginine, which helps produce nitric oxide, a signaling molecule that plays a role in blood pressure regulation, lipid reduction and glucose control.

They also were able to determine that the rich levels of polyphenols and carotenoids in watermelon, particularly lycopene, provide additional support to help maintain normal cardio-metabolic health.

“Research is unveiling the health-promoting potential of watermelon. The current literature review provides evidence that watermelon intake and citrulline supplementation lower blood pressure in human trials. Although more research is needed, favorable effects on lipids/lipoprotein metabolism are emerging based on the data we reviewed and reported in preclinical models,” said lead author Britt Burton-Freeman. 

And if watermelon’s ability to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and keep blood sugar in check isn’t enough, the researchers say there’s even more…

Additional potential benefits of watermelon include:

• Better body weight control to battle obesity
• Improved brain health to keep your memory sharp
• Gut health support for a strong immune system

Peak ResV+^™

A Proprietary Blend of Resveratrol Plus other Powerful Antioxidants that Work Synergistically to Fight Free Radicals and Promote Healthy Aging!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

You love watermelon, and it loves you right back

Clearly, eating this all-time summer fruit fave is a great choice for your health.

You might also be interested to know that while this research into watermelon homed in on some extremely important benefits eating the fruit brings, there is even more the scientists didn’t mention…

For men, watermelon can help with issues of sexual dysfunction and support strong erections.

Eating the fruit can also give you a super energy boost.

And it offers six more health benefits, including better eye health and happier, healthier joints that will have you loving the fruit more than ever.

Sources:

Scientific literature review confirms watermelon’s health potential – EurekAlert!

The post Watermelon for better blood pressure and blood sugar appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

For me, the best thing about summer is being able to walk out the door without a sweater or jacket. Just get up, throw on some clothes, and go!

The worst thing, ironically, is the heat. And the humidity. I live for summer, but I’m not really a fan of sweating.

You’ll always find me with a cold drink within arm’s reach. Usually, it’s ice water. But on special occasions, or with friends, it’s a chilled glass of wine.

But if you enjoy a “cold one” (or two) while cooking some grub up on the “barbie,” or if you like to crack open the bottle of wine and watch the sunset at the end of the pier, there are some things you should know…

While warmer weather makes us want those refreshing-looking cocktails — especially the ones with those adorable little umbrellas — there are some definite hazards to drinking alcohol during the hot summer months, no matter how refreshing they may seem.

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

What alcohol + heat does to your body

The combination of heat and alcohol in your system has some very definite negative effects on your body…

First, drinking alcohol in the heat means you are losing twice as much liquid as you normally do.

That’s because alcohol is a diuretic. Medications that are diuretics, such as some blood pressure medications, cause the kidneys to release higher-than-usual amounts of water. Alcohol does the same thing.

Combine that with the water you’re already losing from sweating and drinking other fluids becomes crucial.

Second, drinking alcohol during warm weather can really heat your body up, sometimes to dangerous levels.

Alcohol dilates your blood vessels, sending more blood to the surface of the skin, so your body is actually radiating heat.

On top of that, your liver is working overtime to process the alcohol you’re drinking.

Even without alcohol, your liver produces more heat than any other organ. When it has to process a few drinks, it’s heating up even more.

Alcohol and heat stroke

A diuretic does more than eliminate water making you more prone to dehydration. It actually interferes with your body’s ability to regulate its own temperature.

This can result in a state of heat exhaustion, which, if left untreated, can quickly progress to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Even if you’re a seasoned athlete or a very active person, you’re not immune to heat stroke.

Here’s the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

Heat exhaustion often begins with muscle cramping. You’ll feel weak and dizzy and probably have a bad headache. You’ll have a rapid, weak pulse, and you’ll be sweating a lot.

One of the most alarming things about heat stroke is that, rather than excessive sweating, the skin becomes very dry and hot. The person with heat stroke will become confused and agitated, and may have slurred speech and a high fever — we’re talking 104° or higher.

Seizures, coma and death can follow.

Peak Liver Support^™

All toxic chemicals disrupt the endocrine system, which negatively impacts your hormones. But toxins don’t just cause hormones to go haywire. They change your metabolism so your body becomes a storage unit for toxin-filled fat cells that… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How to enjoy a drink and avoid heat stroke

The good news is that you can enjoy the occasional cold alcoholic drink during the summer months without falling victim to heat stroke.

Just remember this one vitally important thing: drink water, too. Lots of water.

This seems like common sense, right? But how much water is enough?

Many people think that a glass of water for every glass of alcohol will protect you. But that isn’t really the case…

You’re probably urinating out a third more than the amount of alcohol you’re drinking. So, on a hot day, you’ll need two to three glasses of water for every alcoholic drink, just to break even.

You won’t feel thirsty since you’re already drinking. And don’t be fooled by your urine, either. It will look pale, the way it should when you’re properly hydrated. Except that alcohol isn’t hydrating you, it’s dehydrating you.

You should drink water every 30 minutes or so, while you’re actively drinking alcohol.

Eating salty foods while you drink is another way to hold onto fluids. So, pass the tortilla chips and pretzels, and enjoy some safer summer drinking.

Sources:

1. Here’s What Happens To Your Body When You Drink In The Heat — HuffPost
2. Why do I overheat after drinking alcohol? — Naked Scientists
3. Heat and alcohol–a dangerous combination — Hazelden

The post Why alcohol and summer heat is a recipe for heat stroke appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

In 2021, there were 89,739 centenarians living in the United States, nearly twice as many as there were two decades ago.

So, what changed over the past 20 years? A few things:

• There have been more medical advances that allow people to live longer.
• Fewer people are smoking, and more are following a lifestyle that protects their heart health.
• Rapid population growth has also contributed to the influx of centenarians.

What about genetics?

While it’s true that genetics can play a role in enjoying life to 100 years of age, lifestyle is much more important. And there’s one factor in your lifestyle that may give you a leg up in your quest to reach the century mark — and it focuses on one specific organ….

Peak Organic Femented Beets^™

Amazing “Can’t be Beet” Superfood Helps Keep Nitric Oxide Levels Up!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The longevity organ

The gut microbiome, made up of trillions of “friendly” bacteria and other microbes, is proving to be central to our health.

A thriving gut microbiome not only contributes to your overall gut health but can affect dementia risk and support mental health, promote good sleep and influence the health of your skin, muscles, heart and immune system. And when your gut microbiome is disrupted, it can trigger conditions like diabetes and obesity.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg…

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen studied the intestinal bacteria of 176 healthy Japanese centenarians to determine whether their gut microbiome had any influence on their longevity.

“Previous research has shown that the intestinal bacteria of old Japanese citizens produce brand new molecules that make them resistant to pathogenic — that is, disease-promoting — microorganisms,” says Joachim Johansen, a postdoc and first author of the study.

What these researchers discovered was that these centenarians had a unique combination of intestinal bacteria and bacterial viruses. In fact, one of the study’s findings was that specific viruses in the intestines can have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome.

“Our intestines contain billions of viruses living of and inside bacteria, and they could not care less about human cells; instead, they infect the bacterial cells,” says Simon Rasmussen, a University of Copenhagen professor and last author of the study.

The researchers also found high biological diversity in the gut bacteria of the centenarians, which is usually associated with a healthy gut microbiome. This better protects them against aging-related diseases, Johansen notes.

The virus-bacteria connection

The researchers designed an algorithm to map the intestinal bacteria and bacterial viruses of the centenarians.

“We want to understand the dynamics of the intestinal flora,” Rasmussen says. “How do the different kinds of bacteria and viruses interact? How can we engineer a microbiome that can help us live healthy, long lives? Are some bacteria better than others?”

The researchers hope to use the algorithm to describe the balance between viruses and bacteria and determine what that optimal balance should be to protect the body against disease.

The obvious next step, Rasmussen says, is to find out whether only some or all of us have this combination of bacteria and viruses.

“Intestinal bacteria are a natural part of the human body and of our natural environment. And the crazy thing is that we can actually change the composition of intestinal bacteria. We cannot change the genes – at least not for a long time to come. If we know why viruses and intestinal bacteria are a good match, it will be a lot easier for us to change something that actually affects our health.”

Peak Longevity Platinum^™

Promotes Cellular Energy, Supports Heart & Brain Functions!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Diversify your longevity organ

If you want a gut full of diverse bacteria, a great way to start is by diversifying your diet.

A couple of years ago, researchers at Stanford School of Medicine found that a 10-week diet high in fermented foods boosted microbiome diversity and improved immune responses. According to those researchers, their findings are an example of how a simple diet change can remodel the microbiota.

Fermented foods are “foods made through desired microbial growth and enzymatic conversions of food components.”

Traditional Japanese cuisine focuses heavily on fermented foods like fermented bean paste (natto), tempeh, soy sauce, miso, rice vinegar and pickled vegetables. In fact, some type of fermented food is included at almost every meal.

Could this be the link to their longevity? Fermented foods are considered superfoods, so it certainly makes sense.

According to Tim Spector, an author and professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, “The Japanese love of many fermented soy products could be one reason that they have much better health than in the west, [and] stay slimmer despite eating lots of rice and other high carbohydrate food.”

If traditional Japanese fermented foods aren’t easily available to you, try adding Kombucha tea, kefir, yogurt and cottage cheese to your diet.

Sources:

Why do some people live to be a 100? Intestinal bacteria may hold the answer — University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

More people are living to be 100: Here’s why — The Hill

Fermented-food diet increases microbiome diversity, decreases inflammatory proteins, study finds — Stanford Medicine

New Global Definition for Fermented Foods — The Fermentation Society

Fermented Foods: Japan’s Secret to Good Health — Discover

The post How to support your longevity organ appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But you may not know that it’s a food additive as well. A “food grade” version is found in everything from chewing gum to cheese to chocolate to condiments. And unfortunately, this ingredient is in so many everyday foods could have a serious impact on your health…

Research shows that it can cause genetic damage in mice, decrease the ability of intestinal cells to absorb nutrients, decrease the immune system’s ability to fight pathogens and increase inflammation. It’s even been linked to type 2 diabetes.

Yet, somehow, it’s still in our food. Granted, a lot of the research on this food additive so far has been conducted on mice, but that doesn’t mean we should shrug it off.  Especially since yet another study has found that this popular food additive is fueling poor health and chronic disease…

Peak Digestion^™

Protects You From Unwanted Effects of Gluten Ingestion, Calms Stomach Upset and Supports Digestion!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Titanium dioxide: Bad for gut bacteria and colon health

You’ve heard time and time again that good gut health is the foundation of good overall health. The bacteria in your gut influence your risk of pretty much every major disease, including type 2 diabetes, autoimmune conditions, cancer and more. So, anything bad for your gut is bad for your disease risk… and based on new research from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, titanium dioxide isn’t doing your gut any favors.

In their study, researchers fed mice two different versions of titanium dioxide: titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) and E171.

E171 is the type of titanium dioxide that’s added to food products and contains different-sized titanium dioxide particles. About one-third of the particles in E171 are nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are thought to be the most problematic type of titanium dioxide because they’re absorbed in the body easier than bigger particles, and they tend to accumulate in bodily tissues.

Previous research has shown it can collect in the organs, primarily the liver, spleen and kidney, so this current research is not all that surprising…

In this study, researchers found that both E171 and TiO2 NPs disrupted the gut bacteria of mice. The nanoparticles caused more negative changes. But that’s to be expected since we already know that nanoparticles are more harmful.

TiO2 NPs decreased short-chain fatty acids levels, too. Short-chain fatty acids are essential for colon health, so fewer of them could trigger gastrointestinal disease down the line. These nanoparticles also increased pro-inflammatory immune cells and cytokines in the colon, which doesn’t bode well for gastrointestinal health. In fact, these changes could ultimately trigger inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Researchers found that obese mice were more negatively impacted by nanoparticles than non-obese mice, which means titanium dioxide may create bigger health burdens for some people than others. But all in all, the message from this study was clear — it isn’t good for the gut.

Peak Golden Oil^™

Helps Your Body Maintain Optimum Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Protect yourself from titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide is already banned in France. But as you probably know, the FDA tends to take a slower approach to protecting us from potentially dangerous additives in our food than its European counterparts. That means, it’s up to you to pay attention to what you’re putting into your body and avoid titanium dioxide whenever you can.

Titanium dioxide is found in a wide variety of foods… although, the most common culprits are chewing gum, candies, pastries, chocolates, coffee creamers and cake decorations. If you want to avoid titanium dioxide, it’s best to read all labels. It’s usually listed as E171.

Titanium dioxide is also a common ingredient in cosmetics, and it can be absorbed through the skin. So, keep your eyes peeled for it in your beauty products. And don’t forget to check personal care products, like toothpaste, because it’s often in those too. In fact, you might as well read every label of everything you buy, because the truth is, you never know what they’re sneaking into the stuff you buy nowadays.

Sources:

1. Common Food Additive Causes Adverse Health Effects in Mice — University of Massachusetts Amherst.
2. Titanium Dioxide in Food — Should You Be Concerned? — Healthline.

The post The ingredient sunscreen and cheese have in common appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

The amount of sleep disruption that comes with Alzheimer’s generally depends on the stage of the disease.

People in early stages often sleep more than usual or wake up in a disoriented state. As the disease progresses, they may begin sleeping during the day and awaken frequently during the night.

Researchers have been interested in the sleep-dementia connection for quite a while now. They have tried to determine the direction of this relationship: does poor sleep lead to Alzheimer’s or does Alzheimer’s cause sleep disturbances?

The answer, it seems, is both.

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

At middle age, you start feeling changes in your body you may chalk up to aging: energy levels hit rock bottom, weight soars, muscles become soft, skin becomes wrinkled and slack and desire tanks. You may feel past your prime — but science says that’s wrong! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How can poor sleep lead to Alzheimer’s?

β-amyloid protein is a metabolic waste product that is found in the fluid between brain cells. In Alzheimer’s disease, beta-amyloid clumps together to form amyloid plaques, which disrupt communication between neurons.

A 2018 study from the National Institutes of Health used PET scans to examine the brains of healthy adults ages 22 to 72. They found that β-amyloid levels increased by five percent after just one night of sleep deprivation.

This increase was concentrated in the thalamus and hippocampus, two brain regions that are especially vulnerable to damage in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition, participants with a larger increase in β-amyloid reported worse moods after being deprived of sleep for 31 hours.

While more studies are needed to identify the precise mechanism that causes the β-amyloid buildup, the researchers feel that their work provides some important insight into how poor sleep can harm the brain.

It works both ways

A study published just this summer approaches the sleep-Alzheimer’s connection from a different angle…

Researchers at Columbia University took a look at the relationship between oxidative stress and poor sleep. They hoped it might shed light on what happens to the brain that’s affected by Alzheimer’s.

Previous studies have shown that oxidative stress comes before the appearance of β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, the hallmark brain disruptors of Alzheimer’s disease.

In the Columbia study, a mutant form of fruit fly that sleeps less than normal is extremely sensitive to oxidative stress. Even more interesting, increasing sleep also increased resistance to oxidative stress.

More research is needed, but it seems likely that by harnessing sleep as a natural antioxidant, we may be able to slow the processes of developing Alzheimer’s.

Peak Krill Oil^™

Supports Heart Health, Immunity and Moods, Naturally!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How to get a good night’s sleep

Fortunately, there’s a lot we can do to help ourselves get the restful, reparative sleep we all need.

Here are some great tips to start with from my colleague, Dr. Mark Wiley.

In addition, there are three specific things that interfere with deep, night-long sleep that you can easily fix…

1. Pink or white noise in your bedroom is proven to induce restful sleep. These low-level, background sounds that often resemble sounds of nature have been proven to positively affect brain waves and allow us to reach REM sleep, where restoration occurs.
2. A totally dark bedroom is not just a nice thing to have. It’s essential for allowing your body’s day-nigh rhythm, known as its circadian rhythm, to run smoothly and release you into deep sleep when it’s time.
3. Finally, avoid the worst foods for your brain. Junk foods have been found to interfere with rhythmic electrical signals that occur only during deep sleep — known as “slow waves.” This process triggers slow pulses of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that wash through the brain and remove toxins.

The post Why defeating Alzheimer’s starts in your bedroom appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

I’ve been OK with caffeine all my life. But in the last year or so that morning cup has started giving me the shakes and a bad belly.

For me, it’s an easy enough fix just to switch to decaf. But what if eating certain foods gave you miserable symptoms that medical experts couldn’t fit into a “box” — leaving you without relief?

Worse, what if that condition was also to blame for another condition that, once again, the medical community is ill-adapted at recognizing and treating?

Peak Krill Oil^™

Supports Heart Health, Immunity and Moods, Naturally!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The conditions I’m talking about are chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) — responsible for crushing fatigue that’s not relieved by rest — and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), also known as non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS).

According to celiac.org, the latter two terms have been used interchangeably to refer to the same condition — one where people experience symptoms similar to but not as severe as those of celiac disease (an autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the gut and leads to malabsorption), and that resolve when gluten is removed from the diet.

The symptoms are generally considered digestive — bloating, constipation and diarrhea. But some symptoms that not all physicians have made the connection with include a foggy mind, depression, ADHD-like symptoms and chronic fatigue.

For years, chronic fatigue sufferers have been at a loss, some even being made to feel their symptoms were all in their heads. Well, now getting their energy back may be as simple as avoiding one food ingredient…

The chronic fatigue and wheat/gluten sensitivity link

Many people with CFS also report symptoms like bloating and diarrhea and test positive for immune system issues.

Researchers at Columbia University Medical School were curious to see whether some CFS patients have blood markers also associated with NCWS/NCGS, which might explain the crossover of symptoms between the two conditions.

They took blood samples from 131 people known to have chronic fatigue syndrome and from 86 healthy controls. All were screened for biomarkers for NCWS/NCGS that the researchers had identified previously. All study participants were also given a questionnaire to rate gastrointestinal symptom severity.

Twenty of the CFS patients had blood markers indicating wheat/gluten sensitivity, as compared with only four of the control subjects.

Peak Digestion^™

Protects You From Unwanted Effects of Gluten Ingestion, Calms Stomach Upset and Supports Digestion!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Why this research matters

If you’ve already been diagnosed with CFS, this research validates the possibility that there are other things behind your crushing fatigue, and perhaps, behind the fact that it’s not getting any better.

Even if you don’t have chronic fatigue syndrome OR celiac disease, this research proves that there could be something else behind feelings of constant fatigue that plague you.

So what steps can you take to find out?

It can take years to get a diagnosis for wheat/gluten sensitivity. That’s because the tests are for celiac disease. Once that’s ruled out, the best way to determine if a gluten/wheat sensitivity is the cause of your troubles is an elimination diet.

The simplest is a modified elimination diet where you already suspect which food is causing you trouble (in this case, wheat/gluten-containing foods) and eliminate it for 21 days then reintroduce it slowly. For a list of gluten-containing foods to eliminate, the Celiac Disease Foundation provides an extensive list.

You may think there’s nothing left to eat, but there will be plenty if you focus on whole foods, like vegetables, fruits and meats.

Of course, you can also discuss your suspicions about your fatigue with your doctor or a qualified nutritionist.

Once you get to the bottom of what’s causing your unnatural fatigue, believe me, any dietary changes you have to make will be worth it.

Sources:

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Linked with Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity — Celiac Disease Foundation

Non-Celiac Gluten/Wheat Sensitivity — Celiac Disease Foundation

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity — Harvard Medical School

Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity is Official — Celiac Disease Foundation

Intestinal cell damage and systemic immune activation in individuals reporting sensitivity to wheat in the absence of coeliac disease — BMJ Gut

The post Is a wheat sensitivity causing your crushing fatigue? appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

It can be easy to let others lead, however, it is important to advocate for yourself and be an active participant in decisions that involve your care and treatment.

We’ve compiled a list of tips that will help you take control of your health after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Choose Your Healthcare Professional Wisely

Taking care of your health is essential, especially when it comes to cancer. Be sure to research different types of treatments and doctors so you can find the one that best suits your needs. Ask for referrals from friends and family and read online reviews for further guidance. Having comprehensive knowledge about your options will help you make informed decisions about the best care for you.

Take Charge and Live Healthy

It is important to do whatever you can to stay healthy while undergoing treatment for cancer. Eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly (if possible), getting enough sleep, and managing stress are all ways to help keep your body strong during this difficult time. Additionally, avoiding smoking and other lifestyle habits such as excessive drinking can help reduce the risk of complications during treatment.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage

It is also essential to understand what your insurance will cover when it comes to treating cancer. Research different plans and make sure that you understand which services are covered under each plan so there are no surprises down the line when it comes time to pay medical bills. You may also want to consider researching financial assistance options if your insurance does not cover certain treatments or procedures related to your cancer diagnosis.

Ask Questions or Get a Second Opinion

It’s always good to ask questions and seek a second opinion when it comes to managing cancer. Doing so can help provide peace of mind that the best course of action is being taken and that all available options are considered and explored before making any decisions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek out a different opinion when it comes to taking care of yourself — your health is too important.

Examine Your Medical Bills for Mistakes

Medical bills can be difficult to understand due to the various terms and language used on them. However, it’s essential to take the time and review your bill carefully before making payments. Doing so will ensure that you are not overcharged or accidentally charged incorrectly. With the proper review of your bill, you can avoid any mistakes or coding errors by your healthcare provider during the treatment process.

Locate Support Groups

Cancer can be a very isolating experience. However, connecting with other people who have gone through similar experiences can provide comfort, understanding, and valuable insight into managing one’s own situation. Online or in-person support groups offer an opportunity to connect with others who have had similar journeys and provide advice, input, and shared experiences.

Organize Your Medical Records

Storing medical records electronically as PDFs is a much more secure and efficient option than relying on standard paper systems. Additionally, digital formats ensure that information is kept safely and securely accessible at any time, and there are free tools to help you combine PDF files if necessary.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis doesn’t mean giving up control over your health. In fact, taking control means advocating for yourself in order to receive the best possible care available. Doing research ahead of time, keeping track of all paperwork via PDFs, and seeking out support groups are all key steps anyone facing a new cancer diagnosis should take in order to maintain their health while navigating through this trying period of life.

The post Taking charge after a cancer diagnosis appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Younger adults — especially men — are getting diagnosed with heart disease not only earlier but at rates that we’ve never seen before. Both genders are developing heart disease earlier, but because men typically develop heart disease about 10 years before women do, the ages at which some men are experiencing heart events can be shocking. 

When I was in medical school, a heart attack in a 40-year-old man was quite rare.  It sure isn’t rare anymore. 

Peak D3^™

Gives You the Vitamin D3 You Can’t Get From Sunshine Alone!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

What’s behind all this?

People ages 35-64 are experiencing all-time high rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, which appear to be driving this change. Although smoking and cholesterol levels among Americans have dipped (partly because we’re vaping now and lots of people have been placed on statin drugs), obesity has steadily increased.

People with obesity are more likely to develop high blood pressure, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, as well as a multitude of subtle and not-so-subtle metabolic abnormalities that drive inflammation, cause cholesterol abnormalities that statins can’t fix, and result in reduced blood vessel flexibility.

So if you’re a man in this age range who is starting to see the scale tip upwards or if you’re already heavier than you’d like, understand that your heart disease risk is accelerating and now is the time to double down on prevention efforts. Make sure you’re taking advantage of all the ways that nutrition and lifestyle can help keep ALL your risk factors in check. If you developed healthy habits in your younger years, now’s the time to continue. But if you didn’t, take heart knowing that it’s never too late!

If you have some conditions that put you at risk, learn more about those conditions (as a place to start, you’ll find lots of helpful information in our Blog section) and consult your doctor about managing them. For example, let’s look at high blood pressure and high cholesterol…

High blood pressure

Millions of Americans in their 40s and 50s have high blood pressure. But what puts you most at risk is uncontrolled high blood pressure readings. And how do you know if your blood pressure is uncontrolled? You have to measure it! 

An inexpensive investment in your health is an automated home blood pressure cuff that you can find in any drug store (or pharmacy section of a grocery store or large retailer). They’re easy to use, typically quite accurate and can help you spot a problem well before your next formal checkup. Blood pressure readings vary during the day so one elevated reading does not mean you have high blood pressure.  But if you’re seeing top numbers consistently over 130 and bottom numbers consistently over 85, schedule an appointment with your doctor to come up with a more formal monitoring and management plan.

And don’t forget that lifestyle factors can have a huge impact on BP control so the earlier you start optimizing those the less likely it is you end up on blood pressure-lowering drugs.  

Peak Bladder Support^™

Unique Formula Helps Reduce Urgency or the Immediate Urge to “Go” and Decreases Nighttime Bathroom Visits for More Restful Sleep!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

High cholesterol

If you have diabetes and/or obesity, if you smoke, if you eat unhealthy foods, or if you are sedentary, you are at risk of having poor cholesterol levels. Fortunately, you can control most of those risk factors and even undo the damage they have caused — if you act now.

It’s not as easy to check cholesterol at home so work with your provider to make sure you’re getting regular bloodwork at a frequency that makes sense based upon age and other risk factors. And if you get a high number, don’t panic.  Unless you already have established heart disease, you don’t need to go on medications right away. Cholesterol is almost never an emergency.

And as we’ve proven at Step One, a change in diet can yield dramatic cholesterol improvements in 30 days, so it’s reasonable to try a dietary approach (even if you don’t choose to do Step One) before you commit to a lifetime of medications. Just make sure to test your cholesterol response to whatever dietary/lifestyle intervention you’ve decided to pursue. We’d never assume a drug is working without testing its effects. The same should be true for any food or lifestyle intervention.

Erectile dysfunction

As a middle-aged man, you should also be aware of a male-specific early potential warning sign of heart and vascular disease — erectile dysfunction (ED). 

Not all ED means you have vascular disease, but if you’re starting to experience this, make an appointment with your physician and let them know. They might want to dig in deeper regarding heart disease risk and be more aggressive when controlling your risk factors. This is not about embarrassment — it’s about helping yourself experience your fullest, healthiest, longest life.  

I’ll be back with advice for heart health in your 60s, 70s and beyond soon. 

The post Men: Keeping your heart health in midlife appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer, and the most common form is lymphoma.

Lymphoma in dogs is similar in many ways to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in humans — including the concerns linking exposure to the herbicide glyphosate to the development of cancer.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your pet…

Peak BP Platinum^™

We eat right and exercise to help maintain our blood pressure levels within a normal range. Sometimes it still just isn’t enough. But there are clinically-tested nutritional ingredients that support arterial health to help keep blood pressure levels… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Canine lymphoma could be linked to environmental toxins

Lymphoma accounts for 15 to 20 percent of new cancer diagnoses in dogs and tends to be most common in middle-aged and older dogs. Several breeds are predisposed to lymphoma, suggesting there may be a genetic component.

But as Dr. Barbara Hodges, program director of advocacy and outreach for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association has stated, “Cancer is increasingly common in dogs and disturbingly, canine cancers are occurring at younger ages. A dog who is not a member of a breed linked to a particular cancer is not immune to that cancer — or any other cancer, for that matter.”

One of those breeds, the golden retriever, is the subject of an ongoing study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Morris Animal Foundation. This study is examining the link between toxins in the environment and the development of canine lymphoma.

Their goals? Early detection and prevention.

Human studies have found connections between lymphoma and environmental toxins like benzene and glyphosate. Some as well have linked glyphosate with lymphoma in dogs.

The University of Wisconsin study will analyze blood and urine samples from 60 participants in the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study that were diagnosed with lymphoma. These dogs will be compared with a control group of 60 healthy dogs from the same study matched by age and sex.

“These data allow us to look at the chemical exposures not only at the time of diagnosis, but a year prior to diagnosis to see whether there is early DNA damage that can be seen in the blood in association with chemical exposures,” says study lead Dr. Lauren Trepanier, professor of internal medicine and assistant dean for clinical and translational research. “This might help us screen high-risk animals or understand the impacts the chemical exposures have on dogs.”

According to Trepanier, available data already suggests that people should avoid using herbicides on their lawns. Scottish terriers exposed to glyphosate-treated lawns were found to have a 7-times higher risk for cancer in a 2013 study.

Trepanier says they hope this new study clarifies some lymphoma risk factors and helps owners minimize their dogs’ exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

“Through the identification of potential modifiable risk factors for lymphoma in dogs, we hope to make substantial progress in preventing and treating this devastating disease,” she says.

Peak PS^™

Support Stong Cognition with One of the Most Tested Nutrients for Brain Health and Memory!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Keeping your dog toxin-free

It’s a good start to keep your dog away from glyphosate-containing weedkillers — if not all of them. Instead of using commercial herbicides, look for brands with all-natural ingredients. You can even make your own using a recipe like this one.

It can be tough to protect your dog from airborne environmental toxins, especially if you live in an area near factories or heavy traffic. If that’s the case, you may want to feed your dog small amounts of broccoli on occasion. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain a chemical that can actually remove air pollutants like benzene and acrolein from the body.

Just be careful not to feed your dog too much of the vegetable. Broccoli contains substances called isothiocyanates that can cause mild to potentially severe gastric irritation in some dogs. As long as you keep your dog’s daily broccoli consumption to less than 10 percent of their food intake, they should be fine.

As for the rest of your dog’s diet, avoid dog foods high in carbohydrates. The glucose from carbohydrates promotes the multiplication of cancer cells. For these reasons, a grain-free dog food, high in protein, and balanced amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is a good option.

And just as you would with children, avoid exposing pets to cigarette smoke and household chemicals.

Sources:

Study aims to uncover link between environmental toxins and lymphoma in dogs — EurekAlert!

Dogs, lawn care and cancer—Humane Society.org

Cancer in Pets — American Veterinary Medical Association

Lymphoma in Dogs — VCA Animal Hospitals

How to Make a Homemade Weed Killer — The Native Plant Herald

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? — American Kennel Club

The post Protecting pets from toxins linked to canine lymphoma appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Regular exercise has been shown to impact the body on a cellular level. These changes can slow cellular aging and help support good cardiovascular health as well as stave off a host of other conditions, among them fatty liver, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, depression and sleep apnea.

In fact, there’s evidence that exercise may even influence the way our genes behave…

Scientists have previously observed that despite having the same genes, the majority of identical twins develop different diseases as they age. Epigenetics may be part of the reason why.

Peak Liver Support^™

Support Healthy Liver Function and Promotes Natural and Safe Detoxification!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The differences in twins’ epigenomics

Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) examined pairs of identical twins to see what effects consistent exercise had on their epigenomes. These molecular processes are independent of DNA sequence but influence gene expression.

“If genetics and DNA sequence were the only driver for biology, then essentially twins should have the same diseases,” says Michael Skinner, WSU biologist and the study’s corresponding author. “But they don’t. So that means there has to be an environmental impact on the twins that is driving the development of disease.”

According to the study results, the more physically active sibling in each identical twin pair had epigenetic markers linked to reduced metabolic syndrome, a condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

This suggests that how a person interacts with their environment strongly influences markers of metabolic disease — as opposed to just their inherited genetics calling the shots. What this means is consistent exercise may not only shrink the waistline — but could change the very molecules that influence how genes behave in the body.

“The findings provide a molecular mechanism for the link between physical activity and metabolic disease,” Skinner says. “Physical exercise is known to reduce the susceptibility to obesity, but now it looks like exercise through epigenetics is affecting a lot of cell types, many of them involved in metabolic disease.”

When collecting data on the twins from 2012 to 2019, the researchers found many of the twin pairs differed from each other on measures of physical activity, neighborhood walkability and BMI. Their cheek swabs also revealed epigenetic differences, with the more physically active twin (exercising more than 150 minutes a week) having alterations in areas called DNA methylation regions. These areas correlated with lower BMI and reduced waist size.

Peak Krill Oil^™

You probably already know how important omega-3s are to support heart and brain health. But there are five reasons you may be getting yours from a less than adequate source, starting with a powerful antioxidant that delivers DHA into your brain cells… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Our genes don’t have to define us

The upshot of these results is that our genes don’t have to define our health. Even if we’re genetically predisposed to certain conditions, like heart disease or type 2 diabetes, we can take actions that will help offset those genetic risks.

All the more reason to exercise regularly.

It’s true that certain types of exercise, like weight training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), have greater health benefits than a simple daily walk. But if you’re starting from zero, any regular activity will help put you on the path to better health.

One great way to get started is with “activity snacks.” These can easily be tailored to your daily schedule and can be done without special equipment or access to a gym. And it’s easy to ramp up the intensity of the exercises as you progress.

Whatever type of exercise you choose to do, the key is to make it consistent. Ten minutes of exercise done every day will get you better results than an hour spent at the gym every couple of weeks or so.

Sources:

Twin study links exercise to beneficial epigenetic changes — Washington State University

Epigenome-wide association study of physical activity and physiological parameters in discordant monozygotic twins — Scientific Reports

The Effects of Physical Activity on a Cellular Level — ActiGraph

How Diet Can Change Your DNA — Scientific American

The post Identical twins reveal exercise changes gene expression appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Absolutely. If they stay where they belong.

But when leaky gut syndrome exists, those bacteria and their toxins escape into your bloodstream, where they do not belong, and wreak havoc.

They can cause chronic bloating, headache, indigestion, diarrhea and nausea, as well as more severe conditions, such as irritable bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

What’s more, researchers have discovered they kickstart a vicious cycle of obesity by interfering with the metabolism of fat cells.

Here’s how that happens, and what you can do about it…

Peak Digestion^™

Protects You From Unwanted Effects of Gluten Ingestion, Calms Stomach Upset and Supports Digestion!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

White fat vs. brown fat

To understand how this vicious cycle works, you’ll need to understand the difference between two types of fat we carry in our bodies.

There’s white fat. That’s the kind your body stores that shows up in bulges around your belly, hips, and thighs. That’s the kind of fat we don’t want.

Then, there’s our hero: brown fat.

Brown fat (the kind you want) helps burn off the calories we eat each day.

Browning is the process that turns white fat into brown fat and can be stimulated by exercise, exposure to cold and calorie restriction.

How leaky gut starts the obesity cycle

An international group of researchers took a look at how weight is affected when substances called endotoxins are released into the blood.

Endotoxins are found within the walls of bacteria. They are a normal part of the digestive tract, and their function is to trigger inflammation when an infection is present.

But when a leaky gut allows endotoxins to escape the gut and enter the bloodstream, it interferes with the normal functioning of fat cells. Specifically, it slows or stops the browning process, which is crucial to reducing the amount of stored fat and maintaining a healthy weight.

And since obese people already have less resilient guts, endotoxins have more chance of escaping into the bloodstream.

And so the cycle goes.

But if you can work to prevent leaky gut and keep endotoxins out of your blood, you’ve already won half the battle.

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens^™

At birth your body’s pH is balanced. But starting immediately acid waste builds up and starts to shift your pH level from healthy alkaline to unhealthy acid. If your body is too acidic it provides the right terrain for germs to thrive. To add insult to injury… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How to help a leaky gut

A leaky gut leaks because damage to the lining has made it more permeable. Normally the junctures are just tight enough to allow nutrients to be absorbed and passed into the body, but keep bacteria and waste inside the intestinal walls until they exit the body.

If you’re not sure if you’re affected by leaky gut, first familiarize yourself with the most common symptoms.

Studies have shown that what you eat, and what you don’t eat, are keys to keeping the gut in healthy shape.

One of the most powerful foods to do just that is broccoli. In studies with mice, it was found to contain molecules involved in signaling cells in the intestines to halt inflammatory processes and repair damaged cells. That process helps keep the gut lining intact.

Next are polyphenols, natural antioxidants found in a variety of foods like apples, berries and green tea. In the gut, they increase helpful bacteria, reduce harmful bacteria, and prevent damaging inflammation. A recent study found that eating foods rich in polyphenols increased products of cell metabolism that improve the health of the gut and decreased those that cause intestinal permeability.

Certain supplements can also help.

Now, the foods you want to eat much less of include processed junk foods because they contain refined oils, added sugars and artificial sweeteners — and are considered inflammatory. They also contain gluten — which can aggravate digestive symptoms.

A whole foods diet, like the Mediterranean diet, is probably the best way to ensure foods that can promote weight loss and a healthy gut — which is ultimately the best way to keep your gut in shape and break the cycle.

Sources:

Toxic Fragments of Bacteria Leaking From The Gut May Drive Weight Gain — Science Alert

The impact of metabolic endotoxaemia on the browning process in human adipocytes — BMC Medicine

The post How leaky gut leads to weight gain appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

For example, you’ve probably heard that getting in at least 10,000 steps a day can help with everything from slashing your risk of diabetes to adding years to your life.

Yet, for many of us, getting in 10,000 steps each and every day can seem like an impossible challenge.

Luckily, according to research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, it may take far fewer steps than we’ve been led to believe — at least when it comes to warding off cardiovascular problems, like heart attack and stroke, to live longer better…

Peak Maximum Endurance^™

At middle age, you start feeling changes in your body you may chalk up to aging: energy levels hit rock bottom, weight soars, muscles become soft, skin becomes wrinkled and slack and desire tanks. You may feel past your prime — but science says that’s wrong! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Fewer steps + small increases = big benefits

To come to their conclusion, the researchers analyzed the results of eight separate studies involving more than 20,000 people from the U.S. and 42 other countries, finding that it takes as little as 6,000 steps a day to save your heart.

In fact, the researchers determined that older adults who walked between 6,000 and 9,000 steps per day had a 40-50 percent reduced risk of a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, compared to those who walked 2,000 steps per day.

“We found for adults over 60, there was a strikingly lower risk of a cardiovascular event or disease over an average follow-up of six years,” said lead researcher, Amanda Paluch. “When accumulating more steps per day, there was a progressively lower risk.”

This backs up earlier research in which Paluch and her colleagues found that waling between 6,000 and 8,000 steps per day was enough to lower the risk of death from all causes among older adults.

The overall message?

“People who are the least active have the most to gain,” says Paluch. “For those who are at 2,000 or 3,000 steps a day, doing a little bit more can mean a lot for their heart health. If you’re at 6,000 steps, getting to 7,000 and then to 8,000 also is beneficial, it’s just a smaller, incremental improvement.”

In other words, if you want to keep your ticker ticking, just get in a little bit more activity than you’re current level. Over time, you can work your way up to grab even more benefits.

Peak Digestion^™

Protects You From Unwanted Effects of Gluten Ingestion, Calms Stomach Upset and Supports Digestion!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Does walking speed matter?

And there’s more…

The researchers also took a look at whether walking speed played a role in the heart health benefits achieved in the study.

And they say that intensity wasn’t a factor. Simply walking was enough.

There was no additional benefit with faster walking, beyond the total number of steps accumulated.

However, you might want to take this one with a grain of salt. At least one past study found that a faster pace showed beneficial associations for dementia, heart disease, cancer and death over and above total daily steps, and another linked slow walking to accelerated aging.

But whatever your speed, the message is clear. It’s time to step it up a bit for the health of your heart.

Sources:

Heart health tip for older adults in 2023: Step it up a bit – ScienceDaily

The post The secret to reducing stroke and heart attack with fewer steps appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Thanks to the contradictory research on alcohol and health, it’s a question that’s stumped a lot of us in recent years.

On the plus side, moderate drinking of alcohol (especially wine) has been linked to lower risk of heart failure and diabetes and a healthier gut microbiome.

But on the minus side, alcohol consumption is associated with higher risk of atrial fibrillation, dementia, and seven different types of cancer.

Now, add to that list another condition that can increase your risk of frailty later in life…

Peak Prostate Support^™

10 Targeted Nutrients to Support a Healthy Prostate!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Alcohol can accelerate muscle loss

A U.K. research team took a look at data from nearly 200,000 participants in the UK Biobank between the ages of 37 and 73 years, with most in their 50s and 60s. The researchers studied how much alcohol these participants were drinking and compared it with how much muscle they had.

“Alcohol intake is a major modifiable risk factor for many diseases, so we wanted to find out more about the relationship between drinking and muscle health as we age,” says Professor Ailsa Welch of the University of East Anglia.

Because larger people have more muscle mass, the researchers scaled for body size. They also took into account factors that could influence muscle size, such as protein consumption and physical activity.

When taking all these factors into account, the team found that those who drank a lot of alcohol had a lower amount of skeletal muscle, a condition known as sarcopenia, than those who drank less.

“We saw that it really became a problem when people were drinking 10 or more units a day — which is the equivalent of about a bottle of wine or four or five pints,” says Dr. Jane Skinner of the University of East Anglia.

Skinner adds that because alcohol consumption and muscle mass were measured in people at the same time, the researchers can’t be sure of a causal link. Still, the results indicate it might be a good idea to cut back on the booze.

“We know that losing muscle as we age leads to problems with weakness and frailty, so this suggests another reason to avoid drinking high amounts of alcohol routinely in middle and early older age,” Welch says.

The scourge of sarcopenia

Why is maintaining muscle mass as you get older so important? It helps you avoid a condition known as sarcopenia.

This age-related muscle loss puts you at higher risk of falls and loss of mobility, not to mention the following health complications:

• Diabetes — Less muscle means your body burns less glucose, making it harder to control blood sugar.
• Osteoporosis — Research indicates sarcopenia can triple your risk for this bone loss condition.
• Dementia — One study shows people with sarcopenia were six times more likely to have cognitive impairment than those without sarcopenia.
• Heart disease — Sarcopenia is linked to a stunning 77 percent increase in cardiovascular disease risk, which could be related to the lack of activity it causes.

Peak ResV+^™

Why do we age? Researchers have an abundance of theories. One particularly strong one is that free radicals, produced by the body’s own processes and by elements in the environment, damage cells and age us before our time. But it’s possible to… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Who drinks that much?

It’s worth noting that a lot of alcohol’s bad effects are directly linked to how much you drink — the heavier the consumption, the worse your health risks.

Still, how many people drink the equivalent of a bottle of wine in one sitting? You’d be surprised…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 39 million adults in the U.S. drink too much. They define “too much” as follows:

• For men, binge drinking (5 or more drinks consumed within 2 to 3 hours)
• For women, binge drinking (4 or more drinks consumed within 2 to 3 hours)
• For men, 15 or more drinks on average per week
• For women, 8 or more drinks on average per week

By these standards, it’s best to keep alcohol consumption to a maximum of one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men — and perhaps better to choose resveratrol-rich red wine or lager over hard liquor.

Sources:

Heavy drinkers risk muscle loss, new study finds — EurekAlert!

About 38 Million Adults in the US Drink Too Much — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The post Alcohol and aging add up to accelerated muscle loss appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

That’s because it interrupts your circadian rhythm, the natural sleep cycle that assures you get an adequate amount of deep sleep.

Without enough hours of deep sleep to “wash” your brain each night, you are a sitting duck for Alzheimer’s disease, heart problems, and stroke.

Many things can interfere with deep sleep. And you might not be all that surprised about junk food being one of them. Maybe you’ve gone to bed too soon after a couple of slices of pizza, only to toss and turn with indigestion.

But junk foods’ effects on deep sleep go much deeper… In fact, junk food appears to be a major culprit in altering slow-wave brain activity essential to deep restorative sleep.

Peak Krill Oil^™

Supports Heart Health, Immunity and Moods, Naturally!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

The importance of deep sleep

Deep sleep actually “washes” your brain.

Research has shown that rhythmic electrical signals that occur only during deep sleep — known as “slow waves” — trigger slow pulses of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that wash through the brain and remove toxins.

It’s already known that people with Alzheimer’s have less slow-wave brain activity going on, so there’s less chance for waves of CSF to remove amyloid plaque, the brain toxin most associated with Alzheimer’s.

That’s exactly why how you sleep may be the strongest predictor and deterrent to Alzheimer’s.

Proof that junk food steals deep sleep

Recently, researchers at Uppsala University investigated how junk food affects sleep.

Past studies have shown that what we eat is associated with changes in our sleep. But these researchers realized that few studies have investigated how diet itself directly impacts sleep.

They decided the best way to do that was to have participants eat different diets, in a randomized order.

Only fifteen participants were involved since the study required several days of close monitoring in a sleep laboratory.

All participants were given both a healthy and an unhealthy diet. The two diets contained the same number of calories, but the unhealthy diet contained a lot of sugar, saturated fat and processed food items.

Each diet was consumed for a week. After each week, participants were examined in a sleep laboratory.

The two diets didn’t affect the amount of time each participant slept. But did impact their deep sleep.

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Dr. Jonathan Cedernaes, Associate Professor in Medical Cell Biology at Uppsala University, explains…

“Intriguingly, we saw that deep sleep exhibited less slow-wave activity when the participants had eaten junk food, compared with consumption of healthier food. This effect also lasted into a second night, once we had switched the participants to an identical diet. Essentially, the unhealthy diet resulted in shallower deep sleep.

“Of note, similar changes in sleep occur with aging and in conditions such as insomnia. It can be hypothesized, from a sleep perspective, that greater importance should potentially be attached to diet in such conditions.”

Keep your slow-wave brain activity up

So how do you keep deep sleep and that essential slow-wave brain activity coming?

Well, the first obvious step would be to eat less junk food. Here are a few other tips to try…

• Research has found that listening to pink noise while sleeping can help older adults attain slow-wave sleep.
• Get enough vitamin D so your body can produce useful amounts of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
• Try a sleep diet.
• Don’t drink coffee, black tea or other caffeinated drinks after dinner (if you’re really sensitive, like I am, avoid them from early afternoon on).
• Do your exercising during the day, not at night.
• Try and keep a regular bedtime as much as possible.
• Don’t use your computer or cellphone within two hours of bedtime.

Sources:

Junk food may impair our deep sleep — Science Daily

Exposure to a more unhealthy diet impacts sleep microstructure during normal sleep and recovery sleep: A randomized trial — Obesity

The post How junk food interferes with brain-cleaning deep sleep appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

These complications don’t happen to everyone with diabetes. But the longer you have the disease and the worse your blood sugar control is, the more likely you are to eventually develop one (or more) of them.

Why does diabetes impact so many different organs and systems in your body?

Because the excess sugar can damage the body in a multitude of ways:

• It can damage the walls of tiny blood vessels known as capillaries that supply blood to your nerves, particularly in the legs, and lead to nerve damage.
• It can damage the filtering system in the kidneys that removes waste from the blood, eventually triggering kidney failure.
• It can damage the blood vessels of the retina, causing vision problems or even blindness.

And that damage can extend to your bones as well…

Peak Golden Oil^™

The golden-colored oil of the Nigella sativa plant contains compounds essential for a healthy immune system. That explains why it was documented in the oldest medical writings. But we don’t just rely on history to prove the therapeutic benefit of… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Diabetes puts you at risk for hip and other debilitating fractures

Researchers from the University of Sheffield reviewed health records from previous studies and determined that people with diabetes (type 1 and 2) have a higher risk of developing hip and non-vertebral fractures (fractures that don’t impact the spine or skull).

Like other diabetes complications, researchers found that the risk of bone fractures was higher for people who had the disease longer and those whose blood sugar control was worse. The risk was also higher for those with type 1 diabetes versus those with type 2 diabetes. But people with type 2 diabetes who used insulin had a higher risk too.

Even though bone fractures aren’t on most people’s radar as a possible diabetes complication, this isn’t the first study to show people with diabetes have a higher fracture risk…

• A 2014 study found that people with diabetes are as much as three times as likely to get a bone fracture as people without diabetes.
• Another from 2018 found women diagnosed after age 40 with diabetes experience a 30 percent increase in their risk of non-vertebral fracture and an astonishing 82 percent increased risk for hip fracture.

Hip fractures, in particular, are known to cause disability in older people and even increase the risk of dying within a year of the injury.

What’s the connection between diabetes and poor bone health? Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).

AGEs cause oxidative stress and inflammation. They also physically affect bone quality when they accumulate in bone collagen fibers. A growing body of evidence indicates that AGEs play a significant role in the progression of classical diabetes complications and diabetic osteopathy.

Peak ResV+^™

A Proprietary Blend of Resveratrol Plus other Powerful Antioxidants that Work Synergistically to Fight Free Radicals and Promote Healthy Aging!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Better controlled blood sugar for better bones

So, how do you protect your bones if you have diabetes?

First, you have to do everything in your power to get your blood sugar under control. For many people with diabetes, that means using diabetes medication, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. What should you eat specifically?

Steer clear of processed food, refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks. The Mediterranean diet is a great example of a sensible diet that can help people with diabetes get their blood sugar under control.

Also, consider how you cook the food you eat. Some cooking methods can contribute to AGEs formation in the body.

Next, you may have your doctor check your vitamin D levels. Why?

• According to McMaster University, many people with diabetes are
  low in vitamin D.
• Another study found that people with vitamin D blood levels of 50 ng/mL (considered adequate) were five times less likely to develop diabetes than those with 20ng/mL. The lead author of that study suggested that rather than focusing solely on obesity and sugar and fat intake, we should be focusing on vitamin D levels.

And not only is vitamin D known to help regulate insulin levels, we already know it helps promote bone health.

Beyond getting your blood sugar under control, you’ll also want to reduce your risk of falls… because if you don’t fall, you don’t fracture.

Yoga, Pilates and tai chi are beneficial forms of exercise that improve your balance, which reduces your risk of falling. So, consider practicing one of those regularly. You can also fall-proof your house — get rid of clutter, keep stairways well lit, keep cords and wires out of pathways, get rid of rugs (or get skid-free rugs). By making your home safer, you’ll be saving yourself a lot of hassle — and pain — in the future by preventing a potential fracture.

Sources:

1. People with diabetes at higher risk of bone fractures — co.uk.
2. People with diabetes are at greater risk of bone fractures —  EurekAlert!
3. The risk of hip and non-vertebral fractures in type 1 and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis update — Bone.
4. Diabetes — Mayo Clinic.
5. Tai chi, Pilates and yoga — NHS Health Scotland.
6. Bone Fractures: Prevention — Cleveland Clinic.
7. Bone Fractures: A Diabetes Complication Often Ignored — Everyday Health.

The post AGEs: Why diabetes is bad for your bones appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But I’ll admit there are definite advantages to living in a more rural setting. And one of them is being surrounded by green, growing things.

In one study, Harvard researchers found women living in areas with more greenery were 12 percent less likely to die than women living in areas with the least vegetation. They also had lower levels of depression and reduced rates of cancer and respiratory disease, likely because all that greenery helps reduce pollution.

I’d certainly prefer to have less exposure to pollution, especially the type that can cause cancer. But I’m not willing or able to pack up and move to the country.

So what’s a city girl to do?

Just bring the greenery inside…

Plants can detox the air

According to the World Health Organization, poor air quality is responsible for 6.7 million premature deaths worldwide. And we’re not just talking about outdoor air…

The air within our homes and other buildings can be even more polluted than outdoor air even in the largest, most industrialized cities. And since most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors at home, school or the workplace, it’s especially important to keep your indoor air as clean as possible.

That’s where having plants can help. Previous studies on indoor plants have shown they can absorb a wide range of indoor air contaminants, including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and carbon monoxide.

To get a more detailed picture, Australian researchers conducted a study into the ability of plants to clean up exhaust fumes. These fumes from gas combustion engines are one of the largest sources of toxic compounds in buildings.

Because offices and residential apartment buildings are often connected directly to parking areas, it’s difficult to avoid the intrusion of harmful gas-related compounds into work and residential areas. Breathing these fumes can lead to lung irritation, headaches and nausea. They’ve also been linked to an increased risk of cancer, asthma and other chronic diseases from long-term exposure.

The researchers studied the effect of a small green wall containing a mixture of indoor plants on the air in a sealed chamber. When taking measurements, they found the small green wall had removed 97 percent of the most toxic compounds from the surrounding air in just eight hours.

The researchers say the study results far exceeded their expectations…

Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™

Your body is exposed to an onslaught of chemicals and pollutants daily. Once inside, they travel a superhighway – your circulatory system – reaching every inch of your body and interfering with vital functions. Peak Chelation+ Resveratrol^™ is formulated with nutrients that help flush them and support healthy circulation! MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

“This is the first time plants have been tested for their ability to remove petrol-related compounds, and the results are astounding,” says Fraser Torpy, an associate professor and bioremediation researcher at University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

Not only did the plants remove the majority of gas-related pollutants from the air in a matter of hours, they absorbed the most harmful compounds from the air efficiently. “For example, known carcinogen benzene is digested at a faster rate than less harmful substances, like alcohols,” Torpy says.

“We also found that the more concentrated the toxins in the air, the faster and more effective the plants became at removing the toxins, showing that plants adapt to the conditions they’re growing in,” he adds.

Bringing plants into your home

If you’re considering adding houseplants to your home or workplace but feel overwhelmed about keeping them alive, start small. Go to a garden center and select one plant, and make sure you get instructions on how best to care for it. Once you’ve mastered that plant, then you’ll feel more comfortable bringing home others.

If you’re specifically looking for easy-to-care-for plants that remove toxins from the air, give the bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) or Janet Craig (Dracaena fragrans “Janet Craig”) a try. Both of these plants do well in low-light conditions, so you don’t have to worry if your home doesn’t get a lot of sun.

Other plants that are good at removing air toxins include:

• Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
• English ivy (Hedera helix)*
• Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
• Marginata (Dracaena marginata)
• Mass cane/corn plant (Dracaena fragrans “Massangeana”)
• Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii)
• Pot mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)*
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa”)*

*If you have pets, be sure to avoid plants that may be harmful to them, like those in the list above with asterisks. Here’s a more complete list to check.

Sources:

Plants remove cancer-causing toxins from air — University of Technology Sydney

The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality — United States Environmental Protection Agency

Cleaning Indoor Air With Plants — HGTV

Your Complete Guide to Caring for a Bamboo Palm in Your Home — Plantz

Janet Craig Dracaena: Low Light Workhorse Houseplant — Plant Care Today

The post Remove cancer-causing toxins from your home with plants appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

It means trading one bad thing for something else even worse.

In healthcare, that expression would apply when a drug meant to treat a disease carries side effects far worse than the disease itself.

That’s exactly the case with a newly approved drug for Alzheimer’s disease.

Unfortunately, the “fire” is fatal.

Lecanemab: hopeful Alzheimer’s drug turns deadly

In January of this year, the FDA approved the drug lecanemab for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease.

Lecanemab is not a cure for the disease. Rather, it attacks β-amyloid plaque buildup in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s.

The most widely accepted theory for the cause of Alzheimer’s is known as the “amyloid cascade hypothesis.” This theory states that excess β-amyloid deposits neurotoxins in the brain, causing degeneration and loss of neurons.

The Alzheimer’s Association website states that headache is the most common side effect of lecanemab, as well as reactions to the intravenous infusions through which the drug is administered.

Unfortunately, further clinical trials have proven the side effects to be far worse…

Peak Thyroid Support^™

The thyroid’s main job is to make hormones that regulate the heart, brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, muscles and every other organ and tissue. But to function properly, it needs an adequate supply of iodine — something that gets harder to metabolize with age. That’s why… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

How lecanemab was approved

The FDA has an approval process known as “accelerated approval” that allows a promising new drug to be approved for use if it has shown signs in clinical trials that it might be beneficial for patients with life-threatening diseases, or diseases for which other treatments do not exist.

Once the drug is on the market, further testing of the drug is required to confirm that it really works and that it is safe.

Lecanemab was approved through the accelerated approval process, and further testing is ongoing.

It was one of these tests that revealed a deadly side effect…

Accelerated approval turns deadly

A participant in a Phase III study of the efficacy and safety of lecanemab died after only three infusions of the drug. This had never happened in any previous trials.

Four days after the last infusion, the 65-year-old woman experienced stroke symptoms and died several days later due to multifocal intracerebral hemorrhage (brain bleeding in several locations) despite attempts at therapeutic intervention.

Although the woman had no cardiovascular predisposition to stroke, examination of her brain in an autopsy confirmed that the attack waged on β-amyloid by lecanemab also induced a similar phagocytic attack on the small blood vessels of her cerebral cortex that were also full of plaque.

The result was brain hemorrhage and stroke that could not be survived, despite immediate intervention. The drug reached its target — partial clearing of plaques and tau — but at the expense of massive damage to collateral smaller blood vessels and her death.

Co-investigator Dr. Pouya Jamshidi of the Department of Pathology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, cautions, “Although this is the first reported case detailing the neuropathologic findings in response to lecanemab, the pattern and distribution of pathology are so striking it is inconceivable to believe this would be an isolated occurrence.”

Available at a pharmacy near you this summer

Even in light of the woman’s tragic death, and the admittance that the drug’s benefits are modest, it doesn’t appear that it will be pulled from the market.

Instead, recommendations have been made to screen patients for cerebrovascular disease and apolipoprotein E status before prescribing and that “the patient may need to be told that anticoagulant treatment for stroke, should such an event occur, may become an option with even greater risk.”

On June 9, 2023, an advisory panel for the US FDA voted unanimously that the drug shows “clinical benefit” for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, paving the way for a full FDA approval expected to come as early as July 2023.

If it were me, I’d be asking my doctor a LOT of questions before taking a drug that had gone through the accelerated approval process. And even then, I’d carefully weigh the options before I agreed to participate in a trial of a drug that had yet to be fully approved.

Thankfully, much research indicates we do have some safer options when it comes to the risk of Alzheimer’s. Though they are certainly not drugs or cures, there are a few natural standouts to support your brain health…

Vitamin D—This common vitamin just may be dementia repellant. And a study based on standardized clinical research data has helped zero in on segments of the population that could benefit the most from supplementing.

Omega-3 fatty acids — Tons of research show omega-3s have the potential to stave off Alzheimer’s disease, even helping the immune system to clear amyloid plaques. But a clinical trial in 2020 found dosage matters.

Niacin — A member of the B family of vitamins, researchers learned more than a decade ago that dietary niacin was protective against Alzheimer’s disease. Deficiency is common among older people with dementia.

Sources:

Case study reveals potentially lethal side effects of lecanemab for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease — Eureka Alert

Neuropathology of Anti-Amyloid-β Immunotherapy: A Case Report — Press Content Library

Lecanemab Approved for Treatment of Early Alzheimer’s Disease — Alzheimer’s Association

FDA advisers vote that lecanemab shows benefit as an Alzheimer’s treatment — CNN Health

The post Alzheimer’s drug’s accelerated approval leads to deadly stroke appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

The trillions of “friendly” bacteria and other microbes living inside our digestive system are central to keeping our bodies in peak physical shape.

So, what’s the best way to nourish this microbiome? There’s no doubt that probiotic-rich fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi are key to maintaining a healthy gut. So is a diet rich in foods like legumes, bread, fish, nuts and wine — for example, the Mediterranean diet.

It also helps to avoid foods that are bad for your gut. One of the foods that can wreck your gut health is sugar. A diet filled with soda, cookies, candy and other sweet treats can upset the delicate balance of our gut microbiome, resulting in poor health and disease.

Still, a lot of us have an incurable sweet tooth. So the best thing we can do is swap out sugar-laden foods for nature’s candy: fruit. And there’s one fruit in particular that a growing body of research is finding has surprising health-boosting powers for your gut….

Peak ResV+^™

Why do we age? Researchers have an abundance of theories. One particularly strong one is that free radicals, produced by the body’s own processes and by elements in the environment, damage cells and age us before our time. But it’s possible to… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Grapes make your gut happy

Grapes are one of my favorite fruit snacks. They’re sweet, juicy and crunchy, satisfying several cravings at once. And if you pop them in the freezer for a few minutes, they make the perfect substitute for those sugary summer popsicles.

So imagine my joy when I saw the results of a human study investigating whether grapes can influence health by modulating the human microbiome.

During the eight-week study, healthy participants underwent two weeks of a restricted diet followed by two weeks of the same diet supplemented by 2 ¼ cups of grapes per day. For the remaining weeks, they followed their normal diet.

When the participants’ microbiome composition and urinary and plasma metabolites were analyzed, the researchers found changes in terms of bacteria, enzyme levels and biological pathways. An analysis of a subgroup of subjects showed unique patterns of microbe distribution as well.

Specifically, the study suggests that the consumption of grapes provides subtle gut changes that translate to health benefits, including:

• An increase in a type of bacteria considered a probiotic.
• An increase in a type of enzyme which causes metabolic detoxification.
• An overall increase in diversity of the microbiome.

“Our study showed that grapes actively impact the gut microbiome causing shifts in the intricate interactive networks and thus subtly changing the gut microbiome and the resulting chemicals it produces,” says Dr. John Pezzuto, lead author of the study and professor and dean at Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Peak Digestion^™

Protects You From Unwanted Effects of Gluten Ingestion, Calms Stomach Upset and Supports Digestion!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

More evidence of grapes’ impact

This isn’t the first study to showcase the gut health benefits of grapes. Previous studies have found that grapes can team up with your gut microbiome to lower cholesterol and deliver the perfect dose of heart-healthy antioxidants. Another showed grapes can influence the gut-skin axis in a way that helps protect the skin from UV damage.

“Over the years, we have learned that consumption of grapes has the potential to mediate an amazing cadre of health benefits,” Pezzuto says. “Data suggest health improvements in heart, colon, brain, skin, and more.

More than 1,600 phytochemical compounds have been identified in grapes, including catechins, anthocyanins, polyphenols and flavonols, all of which alone or in combination, affect different processes in the body. One of the most well-known chemical constituents of grapes is resveratrol.

Be sure to wash your grapes in cold water before consumption to get rid of any dirt or unfriendly bacteria that might be hanging around. Also, try to buy organic so you don’t have to worry about pesticides or other harmful chemicals.

Once you’ve washed your grapes, pat them dry and pick off a cluster of grapes from the stem rather than removing them individually. Then you can eat them however you like — in salads, on a fruit or cheese plate or simply by themselves.

Sources:

Consuming grapes modulates the human microbiome with potential benefits for health — EurekAlert!

Influence of grape consumption on the human microbiome — Scientific Reports

Health Benefits of Grapes — Nourish by WebMD

Grape expectations: Dietary grapes promote subtle shifts in human microbiome with potential health implications — News Medical Life Sciences

The post Eating grapes leads to subtle gut changes for major benefits appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

So for these reasons, it’s easy to understand the hype that came about when the diabetes drug Ozempic and its off-label version geared toward weight loss, Wegovy, proved successful for many people.

It seemed that the “magic pill” of our wildest dreams, that could make managing diabetes and weight loss effortless, was finally here.

But, as with most things that sound too good to be true, we learned about alarming side effects and insane medication costs that were not always covered by insurance.

Over the past dozen years or so, research has been ongoing into a natural, plant-based compound that appears to have the ability to support blood sugar metabolism and other health benefits as well — including promising studies on weight loss — all without the side effects of medication.

Most recently, it’s been referred to as “nature’s Ozempic.” Here’s what we know about berberine…

Peak Thyroid Support^™

The thyroid’s main job is to make hormones that regulate the heart, brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, muscles and every other organ and tissue. But to function properly, it needs an adequate supply of iodine — something that gets harder to metabolize with age. That’s why… MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Is this Traditional Chinese Medicine Nature’s Ozempic?

For more than 10 years now, science has been investigating how natural chemicals from the barberry plant can help control type 2 diabetes.

Specifically, a phytochemical (natural plant compound) called berberine seems to be doing the trick.

Berberine is also found in the perennial flower known as goldenseal, and other plants including Oregon grape and tree turmeric. In most of these plants, the compound is concentrated in the root or stem.

It’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time as an anti-inflammatory agent. It may also help prevent fatty liver disease, bacterial infections and lower your risk of heart disease.

An examination of data from a number of independent studies (known as a meta-analysis) was conducted by researchers at Iranian and British universities and found that supplementing with barberry can indeed decrease insulin levels.

Seven studies that included 452 subjects were included in the review. The analysis showed that barberry significantly reduces insulin levels. And lowering insulin is the first important step to preventing type 2 diabetes.

Hyperinsulinemia (higher-than-normal insulin levels) is a sign of insulin resistance, where your pancreas is working overtime to secrete insulin because your body is not responding to it. Left untreated, this will lead to type 2 diabetes.

Glucose and cholesterol improve with berberine

Two earlier studies had already shown the effectiveness of berberine supplements in preventing diabetes.

In 2008, a Chinese study examined a group of subjects with diabetes and dyslipidemia.

Many people who are diabetic or prediabetic also have the triple whammy of dyslipidemia: good cholesterol (HDL) is low, bad cholesterol (LDL) is high, and triglycerides are high.

In the Chinese study, 116 patients were given either 1g of berberine daily or a placebo for a period of three months.

In the berberine group, fasting glucose levels decreased from 7mm/liter to 5.6mm/liter, and triglycerides dropped from 2.51mm/liter to 1.10mm/liter. The placebo group showed significantly poorer results.

Together with lifestyle changes, berberine proved effective in controlling blood sugar

In a 2012 meta-analysis, four researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China reviewed data from 14 randomized trials that included 1068 subjects.

While berberine did not control blood sugar any better than oral diabetes medications like metformin, it did have some effectiveness against dyslipidemia.

However, when combined with lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes, berberine proved more effective in controlling blood sugar than metformin or similar drugs when combined with the same lifestyle changes.

You may be surprised to learn though that berberine isn’t the only plant substance that gives metformin some competition. Be sure to check out what my colleague wrote about the diabetes spice that improved glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin while showing no significant adverse effects.

Berberine and weight management

Some research in animals and humans indicates berberine may be helpful for weight loss.

Berberine reduced weight gain and food intake in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity while having no effects on mice on a normal diet.

In a 12-week study involving people with obesity, taking 500 mg of berberine three times a day resulted in an average 5-pound weight loss.

A study has also shown that berberine may help activate metabolism and increase brown fat in the body. Brown fat cranks up your energy burn, which has the potential to crank up your fat burn with it.

According to Medical News Today, Berberine appears to activate AMP-activated protein kinase, which can help regulate how the body uses blood sugar. Researchers believe this activation can help treat diabetes and related health issues, such as obesity and high cholesterol.

Berberine isn’t the only plant compound we’ve written about that appears to enhance the activation of energy regulator AMPK to boost metabolism.

Peak Golden Oil^™

Helps Your Body Maintain Optimum Immune Balance!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Supplementing berberine

Berberine supplements are available online or through your health food store. It’s always wise to choose supplements from a trusted brand and follow their guidelines on serving amount. Also check the product label for third-party certification, for example, from the National Science Foundation (NSF)

Although berberine is not known for troublesome side effects (other than digestive issues for some people) you should talk with your doctor if you’re taking any medications, especially those that already lower your blood sugar.

Berberine can interact with metformin and affect blood sugar levels, making them harder to manage. 

Whether it could be called nature’s Ozempic may be debated. It works differently because it is obviously not a drug.

Sources:

1. Berberine in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis — National Center for Biotechnology Information (ncbi)
2. The effect of barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) on glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials — Science Direct
3. Berberine – A Powerful Supplement With Many Benefits — Healthline
4. Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and Dyslipidemia with the Natural Plant Alkaloid Berberine — The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
5. Berberine — Medical News Today
6. Berberine is a potential therapeutic agent for metabolic syndrome via brown adipose tissue activation and metabolism regulation — National Library of Medicine
7. National Diabetes Statistics Report — CDC

The post Nature’s Ozempic? Berberine’s impact on blood sugar and weight loss appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

If detected early, melanoma is one of the more curable forms of cancer.

In 2018, Dr. James Allison of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Dr. Tasuku Honjo of Kyoto University won the Nobel Prize for Physiology for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation.

Their work paved the way for the development of checkpoint inhibitors, a new class of cancer drugs that allows the immune system to see cancer cells as the invaders they are.

This type of immunotherapy treatment has proven to be very helpful in treating skin cancer, but it looks like a common vitamin may make the therapy even more effective…

Having enough vitamin D makes immunotherapy more effective

In a study published in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, researchers reported that people with melanoma may respond better to immunotherapy treatment using immune checkpoint inhibitors if their vitamin D levels are within a healthy range.

According to the National Cancer Institute, immune checkpoints are a normal part of the immune system that helps keep the immune response from being too strong. But putting a “brake” on immune response can sometimes keep T cells from killing cancer cells. Inhibiting that action with specially designed drugs allows T cells to better kill cancer cells.

Results of the study showed that 56 percent of patients with a normal baseline vitamin D level, whether achieved through nutrition or supplements, had a positive response to the immune checkpoint inhibitors, as opposed to just 36 percent of those with low levels of vitamin D.

The researchers say that vitamin D’s effectiveness comes from its ability to strengthen the immune system, as well as some other effects that can help stop cancer cells from proliferating.

Vitamin D levels matter

I can’t say I was surprised by this news. Just earlier this year, I reported on a study that found vitamin D supplementation halved the risk of melanoma in a group of 498 adults researchers had determined to have an increased risk for skin cancers

“Of course, vitamin D is not itself an anti-cancer drug, but its normal serum level is needed for the proper functioning of the immune system, including the response that anti-cancer drugs like immune checkpoint inhibitors affect,” said lead author Łukasz Galus, MD, of Poznan University of Medical Sciences, in Poland.

“In our opinion, after appropriately randomized confirmation of our results, the assessment of vitamin D levels and its supplementation could be considered in the management of melanoma.”

Even if you’re lucky enough not to be battling cancer, vitamin D is essential to life. Among other things, it helps regulate blood sugar and slows brain aging.

Look for nutritional sources of vitamin D in foods like:

• Salmon
• Canned tuna
• Sardines
• Beef liver
• Fortified orange juice, milk, and cereals
• Egg yolk

Of course, the sun is the most natural source of vitamin D, but if you have skin cancer or want to avoid it, sun exposure may not be best. A good vitamin D3 supplement can help.

Sources:

Higher vitamin D levels may bolster immunotherapy treatments for cancer — Medical News Today

Vitamin D supplementation increases objective response rate and prolongs progression-free time in patients with advanced melanoma undergoing anti-PD1 therapy Cancer

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor — National Cancer Institute

Vitamin D — Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

The post Vitamin D levels bolster skin cancer treatment appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Sold under the name Splenda, sucralose has been linked to an increase in malignant tumors in mice. Research also shows sucralose upsets the balance of the gut microbiome, disrupts blood sugar levels and promotes inflammation.

Other symptoms reported by people who consume sucralose include:

• Red, itchy skin
• Wheezing and breathing problems
• Swelling of face, lips and tongue
• Bloating and stomach pain
• Anxiety, dizziness and depression

As if that weren’t bad enough, sucralose also has been found to increase the risk of coronary heart disease, a condition that makes heart attack more likely.

So why is it that sucralose appears to be nothing but trouble health-wise? Investigators may have found an answer — and it’s pretty alarming….

Peak Organic Superfruits^™

Blend of anthocyanin-rich, organic fermented fruits — including Aronia, Acia, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Plum — that can help clobber insulin resistance, and keep you healthy. MORE⟩⟩

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

Sucralose could damage DNA

In a previous study, researchers discovered that after sucralose is ingested, several fat-soluble compounds are produced in the gut. One of these compounds is sucralose-6-acetate.

Now, a study by the same research team has determined that sucralose-6-acetate is what’s known as “genotoxic.”

In other words, the chemical breaks up DNA in the cells exposed to it.

What’s worse, the researchers found trace amounts of sucralose-6-acetate in the sucralose itself, not just as a byproduct of sucralose consumption.

“To put this in context, the European Food Safety Authority has a threshold of toxicological concern for all genotoxic substances of 0.15 micrograms per person per day. Our work suggests that the trace amounts of sucralose-6-acetate in a single, daily sucralose-sweetened drink exceed that threshold,” says Susan Schiffman, corresponding author of the study and an adjunct professor in the joint department of biomedical engineering at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“And that’s not even accounting for the amount of sucralose-6-acetate produced as metabolites after people consume sucralose,” Schiffman adds.

Sucralose chemical could alter gut composition

For the study, the researchers exposed human blood cells and gut tissues to sucralose-6-acetate in lab tests.

“When we exposed sucralose and sucralose-6-acetate to gut epithelial tissues — the tissue that lines your gut wall — we found that both chemicals cause ‘leaky gut,’” Schiffman says. “Basically, they make the wall of the gut more permeable. The chemicals damage the ‘tight junctions,’ or interfaces, where cells in the gut wall connect to each other.”

What that means is with a leaky gut, things that would normally be flushed out of the body in its waste are instead leaking out of the gut into the bloodstream, Schiffman adds.

When looking at the genetic activity of the gut cells exposed to sucralose-6-acetate, the team found increased activity in genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation and cancer.

Peak Bladder Support^™

Unique Formula Helps Reduce Urgency or the Immediate Urge to “Go” and Decreases Nighttime Bathroom Visits for More Restful Sleep!

Buy Now!

⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

«SPONSORED»

What to eat instead of sucralose

Schiffman says their work raises a host of concerns about the potential health effects of sucralose and its metabolites.

“It’s time to revisit the safety and regulatory status of sucralose because the evidence is mounting that it carries significant risks,” she says. “If nothing else, I encourage people to avoid products containing sucralose. It’s something you should not be eating.”

Now, you may think that having an occasional diet soda is probably okay. However, bear in mind that sucralose-6-acetate is fat-soluble, meaning it could be stored in the body’s fat long after you consume it. Just imagine this chemical terrorist lurking in your cells and destroying your DNA — all after just one drink!

It’s best to replace your diet soda fix with a healthy unsweetened beverage like tea, coffee or plain water. They’ll all keep you hydrated, and with tea and coffee you’ll be getting additional health benefits as well.

If you absolutely must have soda and you want it to be calorie-free, then try soda naturally sweetened with stevia. Just make sure the soda in question uses 100% stevia that’s free of bulking agents like erythritol, which, like sucralose, should be avoided at all costs.

Sources:

1. Chemical Found in Common Sweetener Damages DNA — NC State University

2. Toxicological and pharmacokinetic properties of sucralose-6-acetate and its parent sucralose: in vitro screening assays — Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health

The post The ‘genotoxic’ sweetener that damages your DNA appeared first on Easy Health Options®.