Doctors have a lot to say about how people can avoid catastrophic health events like strokes and heart attacks, but scientists in New Zealand recently perused thousands of studies spanning more than 40 years and identified a nutrient that can be a genuine game-changer in the alleviation and prevention of many diseases: fiber. Researchers from the University of Otago conducted their review to verify why fiber has such a stellar reputation in helping to maintain overall health. They scrutinized 185 observational studies, which involved 135 million person-years and 58 clinical trials, comprising 4,635 adult participants. Results of the study, published in The Lancet, revealed that people who make a habit of eating high amounts of dietary fiber are 15 to 30 percent less likely to die prematurely from any cause compared to people who include the least amounts of fiber.1 The researchers also disclosed that eating foods containing lots of fiber is directly correlated to a 16 to 24 percent lower incidence of stroke, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as colorectal cancer. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the authors noted that the impact could translate to 13 fewer deaths and six fewer cases of coronary heart disease per 1,000 participants, and that eating plenty of high-fiber foods is also linked to decreased weight and optimized cholesterol levels.2 The Lancet study wasn't the first to show how important fiber consumption is. A 2014 study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology showed much the same thing: that a 10 percent reduced risk for all-cause mortality was observed for every 10 grams of fiber participants added to their overall fiber intake.3 A Call for Nutrition Guidelines to Emphasize Fiber IntakeThe scientists in New Zealand used only healthy participants so their findings couldn't be applied to people with existing chronic diseases. Jim Mann, a professor at the university and corresponding study author, noted several significant findings in regard to increased fiber consumption and the reduced risk of disease and death. According to Mann:
Besides looking at the causes of premature deaths from certain cancers, the researchers focused specifically on cancers associated with obesity, such as endometrial, esophageal, breast and prostate cancers, the study stated. In recommending a healthy amount of fiber to consume, the authors noted that for every 8 grams of increased fiber intake per day, the study subjects showed a 5 to 27 percent decrease in incidences of Type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. Protection against stroke and breast cancer also increased. So how much fiber is recommended to optimize your health? According to the study, consuming 25 to 29 grams every day is merely adequate; their data indicated that higher intakes would be more protective, and therefore advised. Further, diets stressing a low glycemic index and low glycemic load, besides allowing added sugars, were shown to provide limited protection against Type 2 diabetes and stroke. Mann emphasized that findings from the study point to a dire need for a change in nutrition guidelines to focus on an overall increase of fiber intake, not just because it's "good for you," but because it's shown to literally change the dynamics of disease. One thing to note is the mention that bacteria in your gut impacts so much of your overall health, not to mention your ability to maintain a healthy weight and fight off disease. It's no secret that I believe gut bacteria to be a huge key to health, and maintaining a good balance of bacteria to ensure a healthy microbiome is crucial to many aspects of health, particularly for those fighting cancer. Brush Up on Your Fiber Knowledge, as Well as Your IntakeThere are two different types of fiber, and both are important. Soluble fiber easily dissolves in water and becomes gel-like in your system, acting as a sponge in some respects, as it moves into every crevice of your colon and helps to slow your digestion while also slowing the rate at which other nutrients are digested. The positive effects of soluble fiber come from actions that it both fosters and prevents. Insoluble fiber, which does not dissolve, stays basically intact as it moves through your colon. Besides being completely devoid of calories, it helps prevent constipation because it "gathers" the byproducts and fluids you don't want; it forms the waste that will eventually — and optimally — leave your body in the form of waste. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,5 25 grams of fiber per day is sufficient for women, while 38 grams is recommended for men. However, in my opinion, this is one case where more really is better: My recommendation for daily fiber intake is 25 to 50 grams per 1,000 calories consumed. How Fiber Works, Which Kinds Are Best and What to AvoidOffering a synopsis of how fiber works in your body, Mann noted that when you eat fiber-rich foods that require extra chewing, and which also retain their basic structure in your gut, it can accomplish several goals. It satisfies food cravings and contributes to weight control, while positively impacting your lipid and glucose levels. As bacteria break down fiber in your large intestine, they impart a number of additional benefits, not the least of which is protection from colorectal cancer. There are a number of ways to increase your fiber intake. According to Mann's team, "Foods rich in fiber include whole grains, vegetables, fruit and pulses, such as peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas."6 Vegetables and fruits are whole foods that should be the backbone of your diet, but there are issues with both grain, including whole grain, and beans, such as those listed. Yes, lentils are an example of a highly nutritious legume as they contain high amounts of folate, protein, manganese, iron, thiamin and phosphorus. But beans, lentils and chickpeas are also examples of foods that contain lectins that bind to carbohydrates and attach to cells that allow them to wreak havoc as part of the plant's self-defense mechanism against pests, and have the potential to harm humans. Steven Gundry, the doctor and author who in recent years has called widespread attention to the problems you can experience when you eat foods with lectins, notes that lectins can trigger uncomfortable physical symptoms similar to those caused by gluten, although in both cases, it depends on your system, and everyone's system is different. In addition, beans are high in net carbs, and therefore best avoided due to their toxic or allergenic effects. And that brings us to wheat, which also contains lectins.7 In fact, wheat and other seeds of the grass family, including soy, soy products, peanuts and some nightshade foods such as potatoes, bell peppers, eggplant and tomatoes, are among foods that contain the highest amounts of lectins. One of the reasons wheat ends up being toxic is that it's attracted to glucosamine, a monosaccharide found in your joints.8 (You may know that glucosamine, a compound your body produces, is a common supplement many people take to alleviate joint pain, although how glucosamine works should be researched by individuals before beginning a regimen.)9 Anyone with autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes or thyroid dysfunction, among others, is advised to be careful when eating foods containing lectins. You should at least curtail your intake of lectin-containing foods, Gundry advises.10 Cooking them correctly — read: thoroughly, such as with a pressure cooker, and with lots of water to help rid them of the toxicity — is important to avoid what can result in painful symptoms. Fortunately, it's easy to get plenty of fiber in your diet without focusing on grains. Healthy foods with high amounts of fiber include green peas, artichoke, baked sweet potato with the peel intact, spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and many other vegetables. Additional foods that are also excellent in providing fiber include pears, raspberries, stewed prunes, dried figs or dates (eaten in moderation due to high sugar content), pumpkin, almonds, apples with the skin intact, bananas (also eaten in moderation) and oranges. Organic psyllium seed husk (nonorganic psyllium is typically loaded with pesticides) is another excellent way to optimize your fiber intake. Benefits From Fiber Are Innumerable, Long-Lasting and Crucial for HealthWhen food gets "stuck" in your colon and refuses to leave, it causes a number of issues, not the least of which is pain. Eating a high-fiber diet has been shown to help prevent and alleviate leaky gut, suffered by as much as 80 percent of the population in the U.S.11 It starts in your small intestine and involves toxins caused by undigested foods, leading to allergies and worse. Fortunately, few risks are associated with a high intake of fiber, although the featured study noted that people who have low iron or mineral levels who consume fiber in the form of bread, pasta and/or processed foods may further deplete their iron stores. In addition, "the study mainly relates to naturally-occurring fiber rich foods rather than synthetic and extracted fiber, such as powders, that can be added to foods."12 from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/02/25/dietary-fiber-health-benefits.aspx
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1 The following supplement has been shown to boost testosterone and improve semen quality in infertile men:
2 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Children and the American Dental Association recommend children younger than 3 use the following amount of toothpaste when brushing their teeth:
3 What controversial event occurred two days after the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) awarded its Scientific Freedom and Responsibility award for 2019 to two Sri Lankan researchers who linked glyphosate exposure to chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lankan farmers?
4 Recent research offers a clue as to why women tend to maintain their mental acuity longer than men, as this study found:
5 Which of the following remedies is the most effective for the treatment of sunburn, aside from prevention?
6 Biosolids
7 Why is it important to cycle high and low protein intake?
from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/02/25/week-67-health-quiz.aspx According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one-third of Americans suffers from high blood pressure (hypertension).1 Another 33 percent have pre-hypertension, where their blood pressure is higher than desirable but not high enough to be classified as hypertension. Hypertension carries a high cost to your health. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke,2 which are in the first and fifth position for leading causes of death in the U.S.3 The financial burden is over $48 billion each year in direct medical costs and lost work days, but does not include a number of other health conditions worsened by hypertension, including kidney disease and cognitive decline. Only 54 percent of those with hypertension have their blood pressure under control.4 Unfortunately, while blood pressure monitoring has become commonplace at the dentist's and eye doctor's offices, the CDC estimates 1 in 5 people are not aware they have hypertension. There are several ways to reduce your blood pressure without drugs, which I discuss below. Among them is balancing your potassium level, as this electrolyte has a significant effect on muscle contraction and arterial wall relaxation, but most Americans barely get half of the recommended daily allowance.5 What Is High Blood Pressure?When your physician takes your blood pressure, he uses a sphygmomanometer to measure the amount of pressure your heart exerts to push blood through your arterial system. The top number represents the highest pressure and the bottom number is the lowest pressure needed. These numbers are related to the elasticity and diameter of your arterial walls. When the pressure required to circulate your blood is high, it places an abnormal amount of stress on your heart muscle and smaller arteries, and reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to the smallest blood vessels in your body. Both of these consequences account for many of the secondary effects of hypertension. Your blood pressure reading can vary throughout the day, so one high reading is not a concern. It is only when your blood pressure is consistently or chronically higher than normal that significant health conditions may occur. The validity of your blood pressure reading will be affected by the size of the blood pressure cuff, the position of the cuff on your arm and whether you're nervous. Measuring your blood pressure in both arms at the same office visit may also give your vital information about your circulatory health. A number of studies have revealed that a significant difference between your right and left arm pressure may indicate circulatory problems that raise your risk for stroke, peripheral artery disease or other cardiovascular problems. While small differences between your arms is normal, researchers found when there is a difference of 5 points in the systolic reading (top number) it doubled the risk of dying from heart disease in the following eight years.6 The difference suggests the presence of plaque in the artery supplying the arm with the higher pressure.7 In a meta-analysis evaluating mortality rates of over 17,000 participants with inter-arm systolic blood pressure differences, researchers found participants with less than 10 points difference compared to those with greater than 10 point difference between arms suffered a 58 percent increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease.8 However, when the difference increased to 15 points, the risk increased to 88 percent. Potassium Level Impacts High Blood PressurePotassium is a naturally occurring mineral that your body uses as an electrolyte, or substance in solution that will conduct electricity, and is vital for normal functioning. Diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating (such as when using a sauna) and some drugs may deplete or disrupt your potassium balance. But, the most common reason your potassium levels are not within normal limits is due to poor dietary choices. The average reported intake of potassium from food is about half of the 4,700 milligrams (mg) recommended.9 Research demonstrates that these low levels of potassium may have a significant impact on blood pressure, especially as it relates to the amount of salt normally found in a Western diet. Dr. Paul Welton, professor of epidemiology at Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, did an analysis in 1997 of over 29 trials that demonstrated low levels of potassium resulted in higher systolic blood pressure readings.10 Studies performed since then have found similar results.11,12 According to Welton:13
Potassium works in your body to relax the walls of your arteries, keep your muscles from cramping, and lowers your blood pressure.14 The reduction in blood pressure with added potassium has also been associated in studies with a reduced risk of stroke.15 The Many Benefits of PotassiumRecent research found that women without hypertension who consumed the most potassium (nearly 3,200 mg/day) had a 21 percent reduced risk of stroke. Further, women who consumed the most potassium were 12 percent less likely to die during the study period than those who consumed the least.16 According to the study's lead researcher:17
Potassium should be the third most abundant mineral in the human body. Adequate amounts of potassium are also associated with quicker recovery from exercise and improved muscle strength.18,19 As an electrolyte, potassium helps to regulate the fluid balance in your cells and throughout your body.20 Fluid balance is essential to maintaining life, preventing dehydration at the cellular level and maintaining brain function.21 Potassium is important in the transmission of nerve impulses in your brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system.22 Nerve impulses transmitting information from one nerve to the next happens as the result of electrical activity. This activity is what an electrocardiogram measures as it tracks heart activity. Low levels of potassium have been linked with high levels of insulin and glucose, associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.23 These results have been found in several studies,24 leading researchers to recommend dietary choices that boost potassium levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Effects of High Blood Pressure on Your BodyUnfortunately, 20 percent of people who suffer with high blood pressure are unaware of the condition, significantly increasing their potential risk of health problems. With uncontrolled or poorly controlled hypertension, you increase the risk of significant health effects that reduce your quality of life and have a negative effect on the length of your life. Hypertension increases your risk of stroke as it can cause blood vessels in your brain to rupture or clog more easily. In both instances, oxygen supply to a portion of the brain ceases and a stroke results.25 The increased workload on the heart muscle may result in heart failure, and damage to the arteries supplying the heart muscle with oxygen may result in a heart attack. Hypertension may damage the smaller arteries, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered and severely impacting the ability of organs to function, such as your kidneys and eyes. This may result in kidney failure and vision loss. The damage to smaller blood vessels is called microvascular disease and may lead to angina, or chest pain when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen, and sexual dysfunction. Atherosclerosis is another form of damage to the arterial system from hypertension that may result in peripheral vascular disease. The narrowing of the arteries may occur in the legs, arms, stomach and head, triggering pain and fatigue. Sodium/Potassium Ratio Is Key to Strong Muscles and Relaxed ArteriesThe key to relaxing your arterial walls and reducing your blood pressure is the sodium to potassium ratio. In the United States and many other developed countries, salt has been vilified as a primary cause of high blood pressure and heart disease. According to research presented at last year's American Heart Association meeting,26 excessive salt consumption contributed to 2.3 million heart-related deaths worldwide in 2010. However, it's important to realize that most Americans and other Westerners get the majority of their sodium from commercially available table salt and processed foods — not from natural unprocessed salt. So, not only is the ratio between potassium and sodium important, so is the type of sodium consumed. If you eat a lot of processed foods and not many vegetables, there's a good chance your sodium-to-potassium ratio is unbalanced. If you're not sure, try using cron-o-meter.com/mercola, which allows you to enter the foods you eat and then calculates the ratio automatically. It's generally recommended that you consume five times more potassium than sodium, but most Americans get the opposite ratio, eating two times more sodium than potassium. This ratio is more important than your overall salt intake.27 A better strategy to promote public health would be to forgo the strict sodium reduction element and focus recommendations instead on a high-quality diet rich in potassium, as this nutrient helps offset the hypertensive effects of sodium. Imbalance in this ratio can not only lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) but also contribute to a number of other diseases, including:
Why a Balanced Diet Is Your Best Option to Improve Your Potassium LevelGetting nutrients from your food instead of supplements is preferable as your food contains more than a single nutrient and in different forms. For instance, potassium found in fruits and vegetables is potassium citrate or potassium malate, while supplements are often potassium chloride. The citrate and malate forms help produce alkali, which may promote bone health28 and preserve lean muscle mass as you age.29 Bone loss may lead to brittle bones or even osteoporosis. While potassium in fruits and vegetables may help build bone health, potassium chloride may not. As researcher Dr. Bess Dawson-Hughes from Tufts University explains:30
Research by Dawson-Hughes found that people who were in the neutral range for net acid excretion, meaning they had a fairly healthy balance for bone and muscle health, were eating just over eight servings of fruits and vegetables a day along with 5.5 servings of grains. When they rounded this out, it came to about half as many grains as fruits and vegetables. For many Americans a simple recommendation to increase your alkali (and potassium) while reducing acid is to eat more vegetables and fewer grains.31 Other Drug-Free Methods to Keep Blood Pressure Under ControlHere are several suggestions to help keep your blood pressure under control and reduce your risk of organ damage.
from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/02/25/how-potassium-can-help-prevent-hypertension.aspx Recipe by Pete Evans If you’re looking for a recipe that’s quick and easy to make but still packs the full flavors of a home-cooked meal, then this spaghetti with prawns, pesto and pistachios recipe from world-class chef Pete Evans is a must-try. With juicy prawns and zucchini noodles drenched in homemade pesto sauce, there’s no doubt that this is a dish that everyone will enjoy. Best of all, it’s loaded with nutrient-filled ingredients that make every bite a treat for your health. For more scrumptious ketogenic recipes like this one, grab a copy of the “Fat for Fuel Ketogenic Cookbook,” which will hit the shelves November 14. I teamed up with Pete to create this cookbook to help people start a ketogenic diet more easily through flavorful and healthy dishes. Serves: 4
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons coconut oil 1 1/2 pounds wild-caught raw prawns or shrimp, shelled and deveined, with tails intact 4 to 5 zucchinis, spiralized into thin noodles
Pesto: 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 large handful of basil leaves, plus extra to serve 1 large handful of mint leaves 2 ounces pine nuts, toasted 1/2 cup olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
To serve: Extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup pistachio nuts, toasted and roughly chopped Lemon wedges Chili flakes
Procedure:
5. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a large platter or serving plates, drizzle on some extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle over the pistachios, add a squeeze of lemon juice and scatter on some basil leaves and a few chili flakes, if desired. Tip: Zucchinis contain plant lectins, which may have problematic effects on your health. To safely reduce their lectin content, I advise deseeding and removing the skins, as these are what contain the most amount of lectins. Use a spiralizer that removes the seeds or manually peel and deseed the zucchinis, and then cut them into thin strips using a knife. It may take a bit more effort, but the results are worth it.
Check Out the Numerous Health Benefits of Zucchini Noodles There’s no doubt that the star of this tasty dish is the zucchini noodles. They are a healthy no-grain and no-wheat alternative to pasta, which is made from processed flour and contains gluten that may disturb your gut flora and promote yeast overgrowth.[i] But aside from keeping your digestive tract in check, zucchini noodles also provide an impressive array of nutrients, including:
Keep in mind, though, that most zucchinis available in the market today are genetically modified, so make sure that you purchase this vegetable from a healthy and organic source. The seeds and skin of zucchini also contain lectins, which may have a negative effect on your health. As mentioned above, don’t forget to peel and deseed them to reduce their lectin content. What Makes Pesto Sauce Good for Your Heath? A homemade pesto sauce makes for a zesty and nutritious dish, thanks to its herbs and spices. The main ingredient for this sauce is basil, which is considered one of the healthiest herbs. Basil is rich in vitamin K, which is essential for maintaining good bone health, clear arteries and healthy blood clotting. It also contains vitamin A, which can help fight the effects of free radicals. Plus it has antibacterial properties, thanks to its volatile oil content. Some of the other herbs and spices that make pesto sauce nutritious include:
Beware of Farmed Seafood: Make Sure That You’re Buying Only Wild-Caught Prawns Seafood farms, also known as aquaculture, are touted as a “sustainable solution” to overfishing. However, numerous investigations have shown that these seafood farms are actually causing more ecological destruction by using immature fishes as feeds. To make matters worse, antibiotics and toxic pesticides are also being routinely used in shrimp farming. Exposure to these harmful chemicals may put you at risk of brain damage and antibiotic-resistant diseases. You can avoid these health hazards by avoiding all types of farmed seafood. Always choose wild-caught prawns, and make sure that you check the label of seafood products to determine where they were caught. About Pete Evans Pete Evansis an internationally renowned chef who has joined forces with Dr. Mercola to create a healthy cookbook that’s loaded with delicious, unique Keto recipes, ideal for people who want to switch to a ketogenic diet. The “Fat for Fuel Ketogenic Cookbook” will be released November 14. Pete has had numerous noteworthy contributions to the culinary world. He has not only cooked for the general public, but he’s also cooked a royal banquet for the Prince and Princess of Denmark, a private dinner for Martha Stewart, and even represented his hometown at the gala GʼDay USA dinner for 600 in New York City. Pete’s career has moved from the kitchen into the lounge room with many TV appearances including Lifestyle Channel’s “Home show,” “Postcards from Home,” “FISH,” “My Kitchen Rules” and “Moveable Feast.” from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/02/24/spaghetti-prawns-pesto-pistachios-recipe.aspx Coughing fits can be irritating and embarrassing, especially when you're in a public place. There may be instances when you could not control it, but know that coughing is the body's way to get rid of foreign particles or mucus from your lungs. Commonly caused by viruses, a cough may ease on its own without having to be medicated.1 But when a cough persists or you get a "whoop" as you inhale, it may not be a mild cough anymore — it could be that you have whooping cough. What Is Whooping Cough?Whooping cough, also known as pertussis or the 100-day cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease brought on by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. Its name was derived from the prolonged and intense coughing fits that produce a whooping sound when inhaling. A person with pertussis can infect up to 15 people2 when the whooping cough bacteria3 spread from their coughing or sneezing. It generally starts off with cold-like symptoms such as mild fever and occasional cough, but the coughing spells can last for more than two weeks.4 Whooping Cough Causes: How Does It Spread?As mentioned, the Bordetella pertussis bacterium causes whooping cough. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the droplets of fluid with the bacteria coming from their mouth or nose spread into the air and get inhaled by people close by. When inhaled, the bacteria will reproduce in the cells of the nose and throat. This process generates toxins that inhibit the clearing of airways in the lungs and windpipe.5 A milder illness that's similar to whooping cough is caused by Bordetella parapertussis. Though parapertussis has a shorter duration and is less common,6 both can be fatal when acquired.7,8 Is Whooping Cough Contagious?Whooping cough is highly contagious and is a common infectious disease in the United States. A recent peak in the number of cases occurred in 2012, with 48,277 reported cases of pertussis,9 although there was a 37 percent decrease in the number from 2014 to 2015.10 The latest report shows 18,975 cases in 2017.11 Outbreaks in day care centers and schools that happen annually12 may have contributed to the significant increase in the number of pertussis cases in 13- to 16-year-olds. But among age groups, the majority of deaths occurred in babies younger than 3 years old.13 How Long Is Whooping Cough Contagious?Infected people may likely spread the disease during the first stage of the illness, known as the catarrhal stage, and two weeks after the coughing fits start. This is when coughing fits begin to get worse and the "whooping" sound is produced.14 Whooping Cough Symptoms You Should Look Out ForSymptoms of whooping cough in adults may be determined through the three stages that an infected person undergoes.15,16
Other symptoms of pertussis may include:17
In many cases, babies do not cough but they experience apnea, a condition that turns their skin blue and causes their breathing to temporarily stop.18 What Does Whooping Cough Sound Like?The whooping cough sound may be characterized by a high-pitched "whoop" when you breathe in. This sound may be heard after coughing fits during the paroxysmal stage of the disease.19 Not everyone infected with pertussis may produce this sound, though, and some may not even cough, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).20 Whooping Cough DiagnosisIf you have been coughing for 14 days or more, it is important to consult with your health care provider to verify if you have pertussis.21 A number of laboratory tests will determine pertussis including culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology.22 Other tests that you may undergo are blood tests and chest X-rays.23 Whooping Cough Treatments You May FollowBabies who have been infected by whooping cough may need hospitalization or attentive care from their physician, as this can become a very serious condition for a baby.24 For children and adults, who may not need to be admitted to a hospital, here are lifestyle and home remedies for whooping cough that you may follow:25,26,27,28 • To decrease vomiting, eat small, frequent meals. • Avoid foods that trigger mucus production such as peanuts and wheat. Even healthy foods like raw milk and eggs should be temporarily avoided or minimized while you're suffering from the symptoms. • Consume vitamin C-rich foods such as lime, tangerine, berries, bell pepper and broccoli to boost your immune system. A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal29 found that vitamin C, when taken in substantial doses, may help ease coughing fits in the paroxysmal stage of pertussis. • To avoid dehydration, drink at least 70 ounces of pure water per day if you're a 75-kilogram (165 pounds) individual. Refrain from consuming commercial fruit juices and sports drinks, as they not only may contain inflammation-causing sugars, but are lacking in a variety of organic nutrients. • Get rid of irritants in your home that may cause coughing fits, such as aerosol sprays and smoke from tobacco and stoves. • Rest and relax in a cool and quiet bedroom. • Help ease coughing fits by using a cool-mist vaporizer. A 2014 study found that antihistamines, pertussis immunoglobin and salbutamol may not help ease coughing fits caused by pertussis.30 If you plan to take these medications to help relieve whooping cough, seek your health care provider's advice before doing so. Also, unless advised by your doctor, cough medicines are not recommended to be taken by people with pertussis, especially children under 6 years old. Coughing is the body's way of clearing airways, which is why it must not be suppressed.31 Whooping Cough Prevention: Is There a Way to Restrain This Disease?Whooping cough is an airborne respiratory disease that targets the immune system. Simply inhaling the tiny droplets released from an infected person's mouth might put you at risk. Here are some ways to help prevent acquiring this disease:32
Diet for Whooping Cough: Which Kinds of Food Should You Eat?Since pertussis is an airborne disease, it is essential to boost your immune system to prevent it. One way to do this is by keeping an eye on what you eat. To help reduce the risk of having pertussis, here are the kinds of nutrients that you may need to consume: • Protein -- Commonly found in lean meat, bone broth, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, protein may help fight infections. However, be mindful of your protein consumption, as too much protein can also be detrimental to your health, putting you at risk of insulin sensitivity and even cancer. • Vitamin C -- Good sources of vitamin C include broccoli, berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits and bell peppers. • Vitamin A -- Add carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, organic, pastured eggs, grass fed beef and dark, leafy vegetables to your diet to lower your risk of infection. • Fiber -- Help balance your gut microbiome by adding fibrous foods like blueberries, cucumbers, nuts, celery, carrots, banana, papaya and mango to your diet. • Vitamin D -- Best acquired through sun exposure, vitamin D may help support your immune response. Raw grass fed milk, wild-caught Alaskan salmon and organic, pastured eggs also contain vitamin D. • Probiotics -- Fermented foods are rich in probiotics that help balance the intestinal bacteria. These include fermented vegetables, natto, kimchi, pickles, miso, kefir, tempeh and raw grass fed yogurt. • B vitamins -- Boost your immunity by consuming foods with vitamin B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin) such as dark, leafy greens, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, pastured organic chicken, yogurt, cheese and raw, organic grass fed milk. Croup Versus Whooping Cough: What's the Difference?Whooping cough, as mentioned, is a respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Its notable symptoms are runny nose, mild fever and coughing bouts that produce a "whoop" sound when inhaling.36 On the other hand, croup is another name for laryngotracheobronchitis and laryngotracheitis. Croup is commonly caused by the parainfluenza virus, but respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, enterovirus, influenza and adenovirus may also lead to croup. It is an infection that interferes with breathing and is common in children because they have small airways. Croup symptoms include nasal congestion, rhinorrhea and fever. An infected person may develop a hoarse voice, a high-pitched wheezing sound or stridor and a seal-like cough. Similar to pertussis, croup may be fatal to infants, but it is rare.37 Unlike whooping cough, croup may not be as serious. Home treatments may help ease it, and only about 5 percent of infected children will require hospitalization.38 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Q: How is whooping cough spread? A: Bordetella pertussis, the type of bacterium that can cause whooping cough, spreads when tiny drops of fluid are released from an infected person's mouth or nose when they cough or sneeze. These droplets are then inhaled by other people nearby, leading to infection.39 Q: How long does whooping cough last? A: The coughing fits caused by pertussis may last for 10 weeks or more.40 Q: How is whooping cough diagnosed? A: Whooping cough may be diagnosed through medical tests such as culture test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, serology,41 blood tests or chest X-rays.42 Q: Can adults get whooping cough A: Yes. In fact, adults comprise 25 percent of pertussis cases. They experience milder symptoms compared to children.43 Q: How can you get rid of whooping cough? A: Lifestyle and home remedies that may help mitigate pertussis include eating small, frequent meals, avoiding mucus-triggering foods such as eggs, milk, peanuts and wheat, consuming vitamin C-rich foods, drinking pure water to avoid dehydration, using a cool-mist vaporizer and eliminating irritants in your home such as tobacco and stove smoke and aerosol sprays. Q: Can you get whooping cough twice? A: While it was once believed that once you had pertussis, you would always be immune to it except in rare cases, recent research has found that loss of immunity is more widespread than originally thought. Additionally, it's been found that immunity from a vaccine has even shorter duration.44 Q: Is croup similar to whooping cough? A: Yes, they are similar in a way that they both affect mostly children or babies rather than adults. But whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacterium and is more fatal to babies, while croup is a less serious infection caused by parainfluenza virus.45 Q: Is whooping cough a virus or bacterium? A: As mentioned, whooping cough is a disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. Q: What are the three stages of whooping cough? A: The three stages of pertussis are:
Q: How serious is whooping cough? A: Acquiring whooping cough may be severe and fatal especially in babies. They may not cough at all, but instead may experience apnea or temporary breathing pauses. On the other hand, adults generally experience prolonged coughing fits that may lead to rib fracture and blood vessel breakage.46 Q: Is whooping cough worse at night? A: According to WebMD, whooping cough may be worse at night, specifically in its paroxysmal stage.47 Q: How contagious is whooping cough? A: Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease. Tiny drops of fluid that carry the bacteria spread in the air when an infected person laughs, sneezes or coughs. When you inhale these drops or when you touch the infected person's mouth or nose, it may be possible to have pertussis.48 from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/02/24/xdjm18-whooping-cough.aspx Dr.Jason Fung, a nephrologist and author of two previous books, "The Obesity Code" and "The Complete Guide to Fasting," has now released a third, "The Longevity Solution," which is the topic of this interview. This book was also co-written with James DiNicolantonio, Pharm. D, who also happens to be the co-author of my latest book, "Superfuel." The motivation for "The Longevity Solution" came from a discussion with DiNicolantonio. "He'd already talked about salt in his book, 'The Salt Fix.' In 'Superfuel,' he talked about good fats, bad fats and super fuel. We thought it would be great to tie everything together in terms of the real dietary determinants of longevity," Fung says, adding:
From my review of the book, I think that is probably one of the most valuable pieces, because there's so much confusion about protein. There's good reason for this confusion, because it's a complex topic. An important part of the equation is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), also known as the mechanistic target of rapamycin, a very important pathway responsible for controlling autophagy. If you inhibit mTOR — which you can do by restricting protein — you activate autophagy, which is a good thing. However, I've personally made the mistake of not eating enough. While excess protein can activate mTOR, your protein needs do increase with age, as you need to counteract progressive loss of muscle mass. So, your age really needs to be taken into account as well. Understanding the Role of mTORAs noted by Fung, mTOR is basically a nutrient sensor. While insulin primarily senses your intake of carbohydrates, mTOR primarily senses protein. Different proteins will stimulate mTOR more than others. Fung explains:
What Are Your Real Protein Needs?All of that said, there are some general guidelines you can use to estimate your protein needs. Children, for example, generally need higher amounts of protein since they're in growth mode. Now, when calculating your protein needs, it's important to make the calculation based on grams per kilograms (kg) of lean mass, not total body weight. The reason for this is because you do not need protein to maintain your fat mass. You need it to maintain your lean muscle mass. The following amounts can be used as a general guideline:
The Importance of Cycling High and Low Protein IntakeThe challenge here is find the balance so that the whole system is optimized. Muscle loss is a more or less inevitable consequence of age. But with age you also have more damaged cells that need to be removed by autophagy. My solution has been to devise a program in which I combine protein restriction with fasting, followed by increased protein intake on strength training days.
In addition to protein, other nutrients can also activate or inhibit mTOR:
The Importance of Fasting for LongevityIn his book "Circadian Code: Lose Weight, Supercharge Your Energy and Sleep Well Every Night," Satchidananda Panda, Ph.D., cites research showing that 90 percent of people eat across 12 hours a day or more, and compressing this eating window may in fact be one of the most important things you can do for your health. Fung recently published a case series paper1 detailing how fasting can be used as a therapeutic alternative for Type 2 diabetes. Three diabetic patients between the ages of 40 and 67 participated in a supervised fasting regimen to evaluate the effects on their insulin requirements. The patients had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes for 10, 20 and 25 years respectively, and were taking high doses of insulin daily. Of the three patients, two did alternating-day 24-hour fasts, while one fasted for 24 hours three times a week over a period of several months. On fasting days, they were allowed to drink unlimited amounts of low-calorie fluids such as water, coffee, tea and bone broth, and to eat a low-calorie, low-carb dinner. On nonfasting days, they were allowed both lunch and dinner, but all meals were low in sugar and refined carbohydrates throughout. (The complete manual of the fasting regimen used is described in Fung's book, "The Complete Guide to Fasting."2) Two of the patients were able to discontinue all of their diabetes medications while the third was able to discontinue three of his four drugs. All three also lost between 10 and 18 percent of their body weight.
Finding the Sweet Spot for Time-Restricted FeedingOpinions about how long one should fast each day when intermittently fasting varies. Clearly, if your eating window is less than 12 hours, you're doing better than most. As a general rule, the recommended range is between 12 and 18 hours of fasting each day. I'm of the opinion that 16 to 18 hours of fasting might be the sweet spot, as this allows your body to deplete the glycogen stores in your liver more and suppress mTOR and activate autophagy better. Fung agrees, saying:
How Growth Hormone Is Affected by Fasting and How It Can Help You Optimize Your FitnessMany hormonal shifts occur during fasting. Paradoxically, growth hormone, which would appear to stimulate mTOR, does increase when you fast — increasing two to three times its baseline level within 24 hours of fasting — yet mTOR is suppressed during fasting. Fung explains:
Since your growth hormone level will remain elevated for up to 48 hours, you can further optimize your fitness by doing strength training on the day you break your fast, as then you will enter your workout with a very high growth hormone level, allowing for maximum muscle growth.
One slight caution here is that fasting, being a stressor just like exercise, will also increase the stress hormone cortisol. While for most people, exposure to this mild stress every day will make them stronger and healthier, for some it may be problematic, and may require you to tweak your fasting schedule. You may find your body responds better to a once-a-week 24-hour fast, for example, opposed to daily intermittent fasting. More InformationFung also discusses the benefits of tea, known for their longevity-boosting effects. Green tea is rich in catechins such as ECGC. Fung likes Pique Tea Crystals, which contain far higher amounts of catechins than regular green tea. Just remember, for tea to be beneficial, you need to drink it "straight," without sweeteners and milk. Whole leaf teas will also typically be of higher quality than bagged teas. Black tea contains thioflavins, which also appear highly beneficial. "Tea, I think, is one of the underappreciated sorts of things. I think it's just a part of a healthy lifestyle," Fung says, adding:
If you're intrigued by what you've heard so far and want to learn more, be sure topick up a copy of "The Longevity Solution." In addition, my latest book, "Ketofast" arrives in April and is now available for preorder.
from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/02/24/longevity-solutions.aspx If you were around in the early 1900s, you may have looked forward to reading about “The Poison Squad” in your morning paper. Photos of the group, dressed up in their Sunday best and seated for their evening meal, were popular across the U.S., along with articles detailing their latest experiments consuming potentially poisonous food additives — and describing the resulting ill effects. It was a time when food safety was an oxymoron, and it was commonplace to find not only adulterants in food — rock powder in flour or charcoal in coffee grounds, for instance — but also for foods to be anything but what was promised on the label.1 The Poison Squad was the name given to a group of men recruited by chemist Harvey Washington Wiley, who took part in some of the first experiments to weed out toxins in the food supply, and resulted in the creation of the first U.S. law to help protect the food supply. Transition From Homegrown, Local Food to Industrial Food Necessitated Food Safety LawsIn the early 1800s, 95 percent of Americans still lived in rural areas, where food came from family gardens or local small farms. By 1900, only 60 percent of Americans still lived in rural locales, with 40 percent living in urban cities instead.2 This industrialization and urbanization that occurred in the 19th century led to major changes in the U.S. food supply, as many Americans, no longer able to grow their own food, looked for other sources — a need happily met by industry. As reported in The Atlantic:3
Enter Wiley, who landed a job as chief chemist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1883. He had been petitioning the government for decades to look into the safety of food additives, but it wasn’t until 1902 that he was given $5,000 to conduct such studies, which were formally known as the “hygienic table trials,” but more commonly referred to as the poison squad trials.4 The Poison Squad Was Instrumental in the Creation of First US Food Safety LawWiley’s experiments into food safety began in 1881, when the Indiana State Board of Health asked him to look into products being sold as honey and maple syrup. According to Deborah Blum in her book, “The Poison Squad: One Chemist’s Single-Minded Crusade for Food Safety at the Turn of the Twentieth Century,” Wiley revealed that 90 percent of supposedly 100 percent maple syrup samples were fake and, as for the honey, “there were ‘beekeepers’ who had not, of late, been bothering to keep bees.”5 He then went on to investigate and publicize adulterated foods, including sawdust in pepper, metals in cocoa powder and whiskey made from ethyl alcohol and prune juice. Next came the now infamous poison squad trials, in which 12 men consumed questionable food ingredients to find out their effects. While it may seem like finding volunteers to consume what could easily be poison would be difficult, men were reportedly lining up to take part (women were not allowed to participate). In exchange for risking their lives as guinea pigs, they were offered some pay along with free lodging and meals for six months, along with medical care, while they otherwise went on with their normal lives. “Soon known as the Poison Squad, these idealistic volunteers embraced the motto on a sign in their special dining room: “ONLY THE BRAVE DARE EAT THE FARE,” The New York Times wrote.6 Fanfare for the Poison Squad Ensued While Industry Tried to Tarnish Wiley’s ReputationAs part of their regular fare, the poison squad consumed such additives as borax, formaldehyde and other preservatives while Americans eagerly awaited the outcomes. Such toxins were not necessarily added deceptively, either. Some food companies openly advertised products like Freezine, a formaldehyde-containing substance added to rancid milk.7 Upon consuming formaldehyde, some of the volunteers went on strike because their health plummeted so badly and Wiley stopped using it in the experiment to protect them. When consuming borax, meanwhile, the volunteers complained of headaches, depression and more. The idea that ingredients in their food could be toxic was a new one for many Americans, and one that the industry was not keen on letting out. “The National Food Processors Association and other industry groups were not pleased, to say the least,” according to The New York Times, which added:8
The 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act, or the ‘Wiley Act’Wiley was able to gain allies via women’s clubs, consumer advocates and even the celebrity chef Fannie Farmer, who helped with the eventual passage of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act, otherwise known as the Wiley Act. “While Wiley was stumping for a law, muckraking journalists such as Samuel Hopkins Adams exposed in vivid detail the hazards of the marketplace,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported. It helped that, around the same time, Upton Sinclair’s novel, “The Jungle,” revealed the horrible conditions of the meat-packing industry. “In fact, the nauseating condition of the meat-packing industry that Upton Sinclair captured in ‘The Jungle’ was the final precipitating force behind both a meat inspection law and a comprehensive food and drug law,” according to the FDA.9 The 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act prohibited the interstate transport of unlawful food and drugs and prohibited the addition of “any ingredients that would substitute for the food, conceal damage, pose a health hazard, or constitute a filthy or decomposed substance.” The Act also prohibited false or misleading food and drug labels, and 11 dangerous ingredients, such as alcohol, heroin and cocaine, had to be listed on the labels. More Than a Century Later, You Still Don’t Know What’s in Your FoodIt’s been more than 100 years since the first food safety law was passed in the U.S., but much still remains to be desired about the safety and transparency of the U.S. food supply. Foods are still commonly adulterated, for instance. When it comes to olive oil, tests reveal anywhere from 60 to 90 percent of the olive oils sold in American grocery stores and restaurants contain cheap, oxidized, omega-6 vegetable oils, such as sunflower oil or peanut oil, or nonhuman grade olive oils.10 Further, according to a report by oceans advocacy nonprofit organization Oceana, 1 in 3 seafood samples tested in the U.S. were mislabeled.11 There are also a multitude of chemicals used in food that do not have to be in any way disclosed, as they're considered "processing aids." So, besides preservatives, emulsifiers, colors and flavors, which are generally listed, there are any number of others that are not. Even the artificial food coloring and other food additives, such as preservatives, allowed in foods can be problematic. They’re associated with increased hyperactivity in children, for instance.12 Emulsifiers, including carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polysorbate 80 (P80), are another problem, with research suggesting they could be leading to inflammation, anxiety and depression in those who consume them.13 Aside from the chemicals intentionally added to your food, pathogens are also still problematic in the food supply. Raw chicken, to give one example, is a notorious carrier of salmonella, campylobacter, clostridium perfringens and listeria bacteria.14 And antibiotics are still allowed in the food supply despite the spread of antibiotic-resistant disease, which is expected to affect more people than cancer by 2050.15 GMOs and Gene Editing: Is the US Public Acting as the Next Poison Squad?Wiley’s work set the stage to remove obvious poisons like lead and formaldehyde from the food supply, but he probably couldn’t have foreseen the current affront to food safety, which comes in the form of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and, possibly, gene-editing technologies like CRISPR, or Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat. In the U.S., the FDA considers most genetically engineered (GE) foods to be “substantially equivalent” to non-GE foods and, as such, categorizes them as “generally recognized as safe,” with no need for premarket approval.16 Yet, there is much we don’t know about the fate of GE foods, and GE food-derived DNA, once they enter our bodies. Research published in Food and Chemical Toxicology revealed that DNA from food not only can survive harsh processing and digestive conditions, but “DNA fragments up to a few hundred base pairs can survive and reach blood and tissues of human and animal consumers.”17 “There is limited evidence of food-born DNA integrating into the genome of the consumer and of horizontal transfer of GM crop DNA into gut-bacteria,” the researchers added. The first gene-edited foods are also expected to begin selling in the U.S. in 2019.18 Among the possibilities are “heart healthy” soybean oils, fiber-rich or low-gluten wheat or nonbrowning mushrooms. As for gene-edited animals, the FDA proposed to classify animals with edited or engineered DNA as drugs, prompting backlash from the biotech industry,19 which doesn’t even want such foods labeled. As for whether or not these foods are safe to eat, no one knows, but what is known is that gene editing produces off-target edits or, in other words, unintended changes to DNA.20 Whether the government decides to classify gene-edited foods similarly to GMOs or conventional foods remains to be seen, but without labels you’ll have no way of knowing whether the food you eat has been genetically edited or not. In many ways, the U.S. public as a whole is acting as the next poison squad by consuming an unprecedented multitude of food additives, chemicals, GMOs and gene-edited foods — not to mention chemical residues like glyphosate — in their meals on a daily basis — the ultimate health effects of which remain to be seen. from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/02/23/the-poison-squad.aspx The use of sewage sludge as fertilizer for your food, renamed "biosolids" by slick industry PR firms, is a growing and under-publicized threat to human health. Sewage sludge is the residue generated during the treatment of domestic waste and contains a cocktail of hazardous substances from industry, hospitals and humans — anything that is discharged into the sewage system. Today, city sewer lines run right to the factories, allowing them to dump their waste into the city's sewage treatment plants. This saves industries a lot of money because once a regulated chemical or waste enters the sewer line, they're suddenly exempt from EPA regulation. While many, including myself, have highlighted the serious dangers posed by wide application of sewage sludge for decades, new awareness was created by a recent report from the U.S. Inspector General's office (OIG) titled, "EPA Unable to Assess the Impact of Hundreds of Unregulated Pollutants in Land-Applied Biosolids on Human Health and the Environment." Beware the Biosolid ScamA recent video, "Biosludged,"1 from the Health Ranger/Natural News, added more concerns to the already recognized biosolid threats of heavy metals, drugs, hormones and antibiotic resistance, namely bioterrorism. Anyone could introduce deadly substances into the sewage system, such as the Ebola virus, which would, courtesy of wide biosolids application, be disseminated to harm a large amount of people. What people put down their toilet comes "right back on their dinner plate a few weeks later," warns the video, citing the discovery of the blood thinner Warfarin, the toxic herbicide and endocrine disrupter atrazine, pesticides, fungicides, pharmaceuticals, recreational drugs, industrial drugs, chemical solvents, plasticizers and disinfectants in biosolids. "If you wouldn't put it in your garden, don't flush it down toilet," says Mike Adams, known as the Health Ranger, who adds that biosolids are the greatest environmental crime in America that most people have never heard of. While there is a Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, a Clean Soil Act is sorely needed says Adams. Adams and his website are admittedly controversial, but it's indisputable that the application of massive amounts of biosolids containing nitrogen and phosphorus, combined with other nitrogen-rich fertilizers, have contributed to the growing algae blooms along U.S. coasts. This environmental destruction harms human and animal life as well as water quality. Unfortunately, many of the southern states experience greater use of biosolids as they accept excrement exported from other cities. Serious Questions About EPA Regulation of BiosolidsIn November 2018, the U.S. Inspector General's office released a scathing indictment of how the EPA regulates — or more accurately, doesn't regulate — the biosolids industry. The OIG charged that:2
What are some of the harmful pollutants the Inspector General found in biosolids?
Scientific Research Confirms the DangersFaced with the IOG's 60-page paper detailing the dangers of biosolids, the EPA had few defenses beyond, "Hazard alone does not indicate risk," and "Not all 352 pollutants found in biosolids lack data to evaluate risk. Those pollutants with sufficient data will be evaluated for risk" in the future. Is anyone relieved? Scientific papers clearly confirm the dangers of biosolids from their persistence in the soil to their ability to enter the very crops you eat. Triclocarban, an antibiotic similar to triclosan (found in toothpaste and other consumer products) "remained years after biosolid application" says research in Environmental Science and Pollution Research.3 The antibiotics amoxicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, oxytetracycline, sulfadimethoxine and others were detected "in sewage sludges after nearly a decade in frozen storage," says research in Science of the Total Environment.4 Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), man-made chemicals the EPA admits have "adverse human health effects"5 and flame retardants (HFRs and PBDEs) were detected in spinach, tomatoes and corn from biosolid-treated soil, according to research in Science Direct.6 Pharmaceuticals were believed to enter radish tissues according to Water Research,7 and lettuce readily absorbed estrogens, according to a study published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research.8 Antibiotic Resistance Is Also a Risk From BiosolidsIt should surprise no one who reads my newsletter that using sewer sludge to grow food increases the already pressing problem of antibiotic resistance. The over-prescription of antibiotics to humans and livestock has created superbugs that kill thousands each year. The combination of human waste — which contains both antibiotics, pathogens and antibiotic-resistant pathogens — with hospital and industrial waste only worsens the deadly problem. The accumulation of a metabolite of the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole "in the solid phase is less bioavailable and is hard to be desorbed in the existence of microbial activities ... and may lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes after discharge into the environment," warn researchers in Environmental Science and Pollution Research.9 "Ampicillin-resistant bacteria increased in [biosolid] amended soils four months after amendment and remained at least one log 10 higher 24 months later," says research in Science of the Total Environment. 10 The ubiquity of antibiotic use in medical, veterinary and agricultural practices "has instigated great environmental concern due to the toxicological effects associated with these compounds," says research in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.11
Strong Economic Forces Are Behind BiosolidsHow did the deceptive term "biosolid" replace the more accurate term toxic sewer sludge? It was coined by the Water Environment Federation, says PR Watch.12
Sludge is big business and waste giant Synagro leads the industry. According to its website:13
Selling sludge as "fertilizer" is the least expensive way for municipalities to get rid of their biosolids and make room for more, says In These Times .14 Corporations that sign contracts with municipalities to remove and haul the sludge are also fans of the lucrative status quo, as are farmers who appreciate inexpensive "fertilizer." But some communities are resisting. We Don't Want Your Poop, Say Community ActivistsAt a hearing held in November 2018 by the Pennsylvania State Council of Farm Organizations, Darree Sicher, founder of the United Sludge Free Alliance, said one of her main concerns is that biosolids are contaminated with pharmaceuticals and flame retardants, which could lead to birth defects in livestock.15 Much of Europe incinerates rather than spreads such waste, said others at the hearing. In January, Florida state representative Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach) introduced a bill that would allow landowners to keep spreading imported biosolids if the landowner "can affirmatively demonstrate that the nutrients in the biosolids will not add to nutrient loadings in the watershed," which was greeted by citizen resistance.16 Residents in Washington state have similarly spoken out.17 "There's a saying that the biosolids flow downhill — I live downhill," said James Brigham, who lives near the proposed biosolids site. Delivery of the biosolids would involve 50 trucks, it was revealed at the meeting. In Michigan, the application of biosolids are suspected of containing the "forever chemicals" PFAS, linked to numerous health hazards and contamination of drinking water.18 Gardeners BewareToxic sewer sludge is not just an agricultural risk, "Biosludged" points out. Biosolids are also sold as lawn and garden fertilizer to homeowners despite their dangerous components. Both Dillo Dirt and Milorganite present themselves as eco-friendly and environmentally-sound soil treatments, yet both carry warnings of serious risks to human health in their fine print. Dillo Dirt contains toxic sludge from Austin, and Milorganite is made with toxic sludge from Milwaukee, says Mike Adams. Both should be avoided at all costs. Unfortunately, companies do not have to disclose when biosolids are used in their compost or potting soil. Composted products can even have the USDA organic label on them, and still be loaded with toxic biosolids. Milorganite is just one example. If you grow vegetables in your garden and want to avoid toxins contained in biosolids, your best bet is to buy organic potting soil and/or compost from a local nursery you know and trust that can guarantee no biosolids have been added. from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/02/23/biosolids-scam.aspx
Peppermint tea may be one of the most well-known and most widely consumed teas in the world, and not just because of its refreshing taste. Peppermint tea is loaded with various antioxidants and minerals, offering people a surplus of health benefits. Learn more about this tea, its history and benefits, and techniques on how you can brew your own cup. What Is Peppermint Tea?You've probably seen peppermint on the packages of toothpastes and gum, but this herb has actually been around for far longer than you might think, with the Romans using it to adorn their heads and dining tables for feasts and other festivities. Dried peppermint leaves were even found inside the pyramids, meaning Egyptians have put it to good use as well.1 Today, peppermint products are widely available in the market, with peppermint essential oils and peppermint tea being used to promote wellness. Peppermint tea is an infusion of the peppermint plant's leaves (Mentha piperita), the hybrid of watermint and spearmint.2 This herb is often sold as loose leaf tea or in teabags, either of which can be used to brew your daily mug or two of peppermint tea. Check Out These 3 Peppermint Tea Health BenefitsPeppermint may be famous for its ability to put a stop to bad breath, but its benefits don't end there. Drinking peppermint tea may help regulate numerous body processes due to the surplus of active compounds it contains. Here are some health benefits you may get when you make peppermint tea part of your daily routine:
Nutrition Facts of PeppermintThe peppermint herb contains vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and vitamins A and C. Some of these may be carried over to the tea when brewed, but only in trace amounts.6 A good bulk of peppermint tea's health benefits are also attributed to its high content of menthol, menthone and menthyl acetate.7 Does Peppermint Tea Have Caffeine in It?For people who are caffeine-sensitive, the good news is that peppermint tea does not contain any caffeine. If you usually have issues with falling asleep or staying asleep, drinking peppermint tea would be a good idea because it will not cause any side effects.8 Some people even drink peppermint tea before sleeping to help themselves relax.9 Here's How You Can Brew Your Own Peppermint TeaYou can use loose dried tea leaves, teabags or even fresh mint leaves to make your own peppermint tea. To help you brew your first batch, here's a recipe from the blog, Fearless Fresh.10 Peppermint Tea With Fresh Mint Leaves Ingredients
Procedure
Store Your Peppermint Correctly so You Can Benefit From It LongerLike other tea leaves, peppermint leaves need to be prepared and stored correctly to preserve its beneficial active compounds. If you're lucky to have a peppermint plant in your garden, you can follow this guide to dry and properly store peppermint leaves:11
Watch Out for These Peppermint Side Effects and ContraindicationsWhile peppermint offers impressive health benefits, there are certain subpopulations who need to avoid this herb to protect themselves from the possible side effects that peppermint may trigger. If you fall under any of the following categories, it's best that you steer clear of this tea as much as possible:
Sip on Peppermint Tea the Next Time You Get a HeadacheThere's no question that peppermint tea is popular — the multiple peppermint tea products in the grocery stores can attest to that. But if you're not fond of sipping tea, the health benefits of peppermint may just change your mind. It may even prove to be one of the best natural remedies for some of your most common daily healthy woes. The next time you get a headache or you start feeling nauseous, don't reach for those painkillers. Just get a hot cup of peppermint tea. from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/02/23/xdjm18-teas-18mcsa-peppermint-tea.aspx Aloe vera — of which there are about 450 species1 — is a succulent plant that thrives in tropical areas of the world and is well-known for its soothing qualities, especially for skin conditions such as burns, rashes, cuts and scrapes, but also for more serious skin conditions such as psoriasis. In one study,2 aloe vera gel had an overall antipsoriatic activity of nearly 82 percent. Aloe vera has spiky, variegated leaves, made up of:
The Healing and Nutritional Benefits of Aloe VeraAloe vera contains about 75 potentially active compounds, including lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and 12 anthraquinones (phenolic compounds traditionally known as laxatives). It also provides campesterol, β-sisosterol and lupeol, and the hormones auxins and gibberellins that help in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory action.5 The pulp contains most of the healing compounds, including:6,7
Perhaps most importantly, its wound healing abilities stem from the gel's disinfectant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic and antibacterial properties. As an adaptogen,9 aloe vera gel may also help your body adapt to stress. Growing Aloe Vera Is Super EasyWhile you can purchase aloe vera gel at most health food stores and pharmacies, if you grow your own, you'll always have fresh aloe on hand when cuts, scrapes or even psoriasis flare-ups occur. The plant is easy to grow and care for, and thrives outdoors in grow zones 9 through 11. Indoors, it can be grown year-round in all areas, provided it gets enough sunlight. For medicinal use, be sure to select an aloe species with thick, "meaty" leaves. A good choice, and one of the most popular, is Aloe Barbadensis Miller.10 Many varieties are very thin and long, making them more difficult to use. Here are some quick basics for growing aloe vera: • Ideal soil conditions -- Aloe vera prefers dry, sandy soil. If planting in a pot, cactus potting mix is a good choice. If planting in the ground, adding a thick layer of wood chips will help improve the soil quality over time by increasing the soil microbiology, which will provide needed nutrients to the plant. Aloe vera typically does not require fertilizer. • Sunlight -- The plant needs plenty of sun. If using a planter, rotate the pot now and then to promote even, upright growth, since the plant will grow toward the sun. Droopy leaves, or leaves that lie flat on the ground, are an indication that it needs more sunlight. • Planter specs -- If using a planter, select a medium or large pot with good drainage. • Spacing -- Each plant will multiply, so leave several inches of space between the aloe vera buds if planting more than one. Once pups begin to grow, you can gently dig them up and replant elsewhere, or in another pot. • Water requirements -- Water cautiously. Soil should be kept dry to damp, not soaked, as excessive wetness will promote fungal growth. If the leaves feel cool, plump and moist, the plant is getting sufficient amounts of water. Should the leaves start to turn dry and brittle, or if they're growing in thin and curled, the plant needs more water. Just allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Simple Harvesting Tips for Aloe VeraOnce your plant matures, begin harvesting the outermost, most mature leaves first. Using a sharp knife, cut the leaf as close to the base as possible, being mindful not to cut the roots. Remove the spines by cutting along each side.
Using Aloe Vera for Psoriasis and Other Skin ProblemsPart of the discomfort from psoriasis is that skin can crack, which, pain-wise, could be described as rivaling a dozen paper cuts all in one place. A 2015 review11 of several studies found aloe vera can benefit this painful skin condition, and others as well. Among them:
Aloe Vera Precautions and ContraindicationsWhile fresh aloe vera is very safe, you should not use it internally or externally if you're allergic. If you're unsure, perform a patch test on a small area and wait to make sure no signs of allergic reactions occur. As noted by Healthline:14
Possible side effects of aloe vera include the following:15,16
from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/02/22/xdjm18-gardening-18mcsa-how-to-grow-aloe-vera.aspx |
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