Sleep less and Pros Can Damage the Heart

Get less sleep and excess sleep apparently had the same devastating effect on heart health. According to new research led by Dr. Rohit Arora, chief of cardiology of the Chicago Medical School.
Researchers found that sleeping too little can put people at higher risk of stroke, heart attack and congestive heart failure. On the other hand, people who sleep too much to have a higher prevalence of chest pain (angina) and coronary artery disease.
The plan of these findings will be presented on Sunday at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology in Chicago.

In his study, researchers analyzed data on more than 3,000 patients over the age of 45 years who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to look at the relationship between sleep duration and cardiovascular health.
The results showed that people who get too little sleep (less than 6 hours) were twice as likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack and 1.6 times more likely to have congestive heart failure. While those who slept more than eight hours a night, twice as likely to have angina and 1.1 times more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.
These findings also have cardiac risk factors such as age, blood cholesterol levels, smoking and obesity, as well as for sleep apnea and other sleep problems.
Researchers noted, previous research has shown that sleep deprivation is associated with a hyperactive nervous system, glucose intolerance, diabetes, inflammation, stress hormones and increased blood pressure.
Regarding the relationship between sleep too long and the risk of heart problems is still not clear. According to researchers, more research needs to look at the relationship between the two.
"Doctors should start asking patients about their sleep habits, especially those at greater risk of heart disease," says Arora.
"It's really a simple matter to assess it as part of a physical examination. This method requires any cost and can help patients to adopt better sleep habits," he explained.
Although the new studies found an association between sleep problems and heart problems, this does not prove causality.

Source : Kompas.com

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VITAMIN D

Caucasian skin produces approximately 10,000 IU vitamin D in response to 20–30 minutes summer sun exposure—50 times more than the US government’s recommendation of 400 IU per day!  While Vitamin D comes from the sun, and is the optimum source, we are not absorbing enough sunlight daily to get enough.  Vitamin D also occurs in some food sources but not in quantities to meet daily needs.

This high rate of natural production of vitamin D3 cholecalciferol (pronounced koh·luh·kal·sif·uh·rawl) in the skin is the single most important fact every person should know about vitamin D—a fact that has profound implications for the natural human condition.

Technically not a “vitamin,” vitamin D is in a class by itself. Its metabolic product, calcitriol, is actually a  hormone that is the key that unlocks binding sites on the human genome. The human genome contains more than 2,700 binding sites for calcitriol; those binding sites are near genes involved in virtually every known major disease of humans.

Current research has implicated vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in the pathology of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, periodontal disease, and more.  Three cancers Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with are breast, colon and prostate.  Over 53% of the population is deficient and research is showing us that optimal levels are higher than ever thought.

 


Vitamin D’s influence on key biological functions vital to one’s health and well-being mandates that vitamin D no longer be ignored neither by the health care industry nor by individuals striving to achieve and maintain a greater state of health.  Vitamin D is especially important in pregnancy for the developing fetus.

To find out what your vitamin D level is to start with, you should have your vitamin D checked with a blood test.  Blood levels of Vitamin D are not routinely checked although many physicians are starting to add this to their yearly lab workup during annual physicals.  If treatment is required, a supplement will be recommended. It is important that you take your supplement with a fatty meal, as Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and cannot be absorbed properly without the accompanying fat. After treatment to bring your level up (3-6 months), you should be rechecked and then find the dosage of vitamin D you need to take to maintain a level between 50-80 ng.

Vitamin D has co-factors that the body needs in order to utilize vitamin D properly. They are: 

• Magnesium 
• Zinc 
• Vitamin K 
• Boron

Magnesium is the most important of these co-factors. In fact, it is common for rising vitamin D levels to exacerbate an underlying magnesium deficiency. If one is having problems supplementing with vitamin D, a magnesium deficiency could be the reason why.

For more information, check out The Vitamin D Solution, by Michael F. Holick, PhD, MD, professor at Boston University School of Medicine.  Also, www.vitamindsociety.org.

Food Sources for the Vitamin D co-factors above:

Magnesium – artichokes, pearled barley, oat bran, buckwheat & whole wheat flours, nuts, beans, spinach, tomato paste, cornmeal, salmon

Zinc – oysters, wheat germ, sesame seeds & tahini, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, peanuts, liver, beef tenderloin, lamb

Vitamin K – green, leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, chard, etc.), brussel sprouts, broccoli, romaine lettuce, asparagus, green beans

Boron – apples, pears, grapes, avocadoes, nuts, beans, wine

Source : http://nutritionhealthnet.com

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Salmon, Super Foods For Pregnant Women

Salmon consumption was found to increase the health of pregnant women and fetus. The findings of the scientists from the University of Granda showed that consumption of two servings of salmon a week to promote the health of pregnant women and infants as a whole.

Scientists found that increasing levels of intake of salmon omega-3 fatty acids and increase the antioxidant defenses in pregnant women and infants. Consumption of salmon is also known to not change the level of oxidative stress, inflammatory response and homeostasis (resistance) vascular.

In the study, researchers used a random sample of pregnant women are low levels of fish consumption. Samples were divided into two groups. The first group, the diet of pregnant women to apply as they do. While the second group, pregnant women were given the consumption of two servings of salmon from 20 weeks gestation until the specified time limit.

Salmon used in this study have been preserved and given a special diet so that salmon have a high content of omega-3 fatty acids of high and low contamination.

Blood and urine samples

Furthermore researchers took blood and urine samples from the two groups. Participants were also asked to fill out questionnaires about what they eat at weeks 20 and 34 of gestation, which will provide information about food intake during the previous 12 weeks.

Furthermore, blood and urine samples of participants drawn back into the 38th week of gestation. The result showed that the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids increased in pregnant women given intake of two servings of salmon each minggnya.

Similar results were also seen in newborns. Two servings of salmon each week to help mothers and their children reach the intake of omega-3 fatty acids in accordance with the recommendation.

The experts also found, and lipid oxidation biomarkers for oxidative damage to DNA is not affected by intake of salmon. Thus, researchers concluded that eating two servings of salmon a week during pregnancy does not increase oxidative stress.

Source : EurekAlert

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Choosing The Right Foods Based on Blood Type

To find out if the food you eat according to the requirement or not, seems to be heavily influenced by blood group type. Yes, every blood type is believed to have different responses to what you consume.

Dr. Peter D'Adamo, a naturopathic physician and expert in the field of human blood groups revealed that each blood group antigen which react to produce every kind of food. D'Adamo said, the consumption of foods that do not cause a reaction both to the blood type can cause fatigue, fluid retention and weight problems.

Meanwhile, if you eat foods that are compatible with your blood type, this will help increase energy, prevent disease and reduce weight. Here is a glimpse of the types of food that seseuai with blood type, as described by D'Adamo:

Blood Type O 

Blood type O is one of the most common blood type and amount than most other types of blood groups. About 45 percent of Americans known to have blood type O. Based on the type of food, people with blood type O is suitable for eating a high protein-rich meat. Individuals with blood group O had more gastric acid than other blood types, which makes them better suited for digesting meat.

Blood Type A 

According to D'Adamo, a person with blood type A is best suited for eating vegetables vegetarian alias, because they do not have enough stomach acid to digest meat. Vegetable protein diet such as beans, legumes, soy foods and complex carbohydrates are suitable for you who have blood type A.

Blood Type B

Corn, wheat, lentils, tomatoes, peanuts and sesame seeds are foods that can affect metabolism and cause fatigue and fluid retention. People with blood type B should also avoid eating chicken, because it has a lectin in muscle tissue and cause unfavorable reactions with their blood type. Adamo advised to eat lots of vegetables and select types of meat such as lamb, rabbit and venison.

Blood Type AB

Type AB is the rarest blood type. In America, only about 5 percent of the population has this blood type. Given the mixture of blood group genes you inherited, so it is best suited to your diet is to eat a mixture of seafood, wheat and vegetables. According to D'Adamo, individuals with blood type AB have less stomach acid levels are sufficient for the digestion of meat, but they can eat fish. D'Adamo says, green vegetables, fish and low fat milk is a food that is right for them with blood type AB.

Source  : LiveStrong

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7 Super Foods for Women's Health

Some specific foods known to have the ability to ward off disease. Nutritionists call it a super food. Here is a 7 (seven) to get the best food in your diet program, especially for women to prevent the risk of diseases such as osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer of the cervix, and breast cancer.

1. Tomatoes
As is known, the red fruit is rich in lycopene content that plays an important role in warding off breast and cervical cancer. Even a study showed the consumption of tomato can be heart healthy. After looking at almost 40,000 women, researchers from Boston concluded, lycopene also protects the heart. To increase levels of antioxidants and lycopene, are advised to eat tomatoes after cooking.

2. Flax
Flax seed (a type of hemp, such as sesame, Linum usitatissimum) is a food rich in benefits. Flax is basically divided into two varieties, the brown and golden flax. Flax is usually turned to industrial linen and linseed oil.

The experts from the Mayo Clinic found that 40 grams of flaxseed can reduce the symptoms of heat stroke are often experienced by menopausal women. Some reports indicate hemp can lower "bad" cholesterol or LDL and triglycerides. In a study in China known to the more obvious benefits in women. Meanwhile, in brown or golden flax, play a role in the fight against breast cancer.

Warning: Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not be eating flaxseed.

3. Cabbage
Many health benefits can be obtained from the vegetable on this one, especially for women. Cabbage contains antioxidants such as lutein and zeazanthin that serves to protect the eyes. In addition, cabbage is also a good mengadung vitamin K in bone builder. The researchers found that women who eat a diet rich in vitamin K, have a lower risk of hip fracture.

4. Salmon
Salmon is included in the omega-3 smber best. In pregnant women, studies show that fish oil (omega-3) also helped in overcoming postpartum sadness. Other benefits include improving the function of neural connections in the brain of the fetus.

5. Cranberry juice
Cranberry is a natural remedy that is believed to treat urinary tract infections UTI in women and has been widely recommended by experts. This fruit contains antioxidants that work to prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall, which is a breeding ground for bacteria and cause infection. The findings are based on results of recent studies that examined the concentration of cranberry extract.

The right dose: Varies. But you should drink cranberry juice that is 100 percent fresh (60 calories per cup) to avoid excess sugar.

6. Greek Yogurt
Most of of you might not know much about Greek Yogurt. Yogurt is different from yogurt in general. Greek yogurt offers twice the protein is better (than other types of yogurt) with a little sugar.

Low levels of carbohydrates also helps us keep the blood sugar remains stable. In addition, studies show that foods with high protein levels (30 percent of calories) helps women to lose weight and maintain muscle.

7. Walnuts
Recent studies have shown, only eating two ounces of walnuts per day to help slow the progression of breast cancer and slow tumor growth (results of tests on mice). Walnuts contain an antioxidant called phytosterols, which have an important role in the fight against cancer. In fact, omega-3 fats in walnuts effective in preventing excessive bone turnover that makes bones strong and healthy.


Sources: FoxNews

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Cell Phone Radiation Dangers for Pregnant Women

Cell Phone Radiation Pregnant Women Make Kids Hyperactive? 

For pregnant women who frequently use cell phones or adjacent devices that emit radiation waves should be careful. Because recent research indicates that exposure to radiation from cell phones during pregnancy can affect fetal brain development, which could potentially lead to a hyperactive child.

The research conducted by scientists from the Yale School of Medicine, after conducting a series of experiments in mice. These findings were published on March 15, 2012 in the Scientific Report.

"This is the first experimental evidence showing that exposure to radio frequency radiation from mobile phones in the fetus may influence behavior," said senior researcher, Hugh S. Taylor, MD, professor and chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, the obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive.

In his research, Taylor and colleagues made two experimental groups. In the first group, pregnant rats given exposure to radiation from mobile phone signals. While another group is treated in the same conditions but with the phone turned off.

Then, the researchers measured brain electrical activity of adult rats exposed to radiation, and perform a series of psychological and behavioral tests. They found that mice exposed to radiation tend to be hyperactive and have decreased memory capacity

"We have demonstrated that problem behavior in mice that mimic ADHD is caused by exposure to a mobile phone while still in the womb," said Taylor.

"The increased risk of behavioral disorders in children of men may be partly due to mobile phone radiation exposure during pregnancy," he explained.

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), is a developmental disorder in an increase in motor activity of children to lead children's activities are not uncommon and tend to be exaggerated.

But he reiterated that further research is needed in humans to better understand the mechanisms behind these findings and to establish safe exposure limits during pregnancy. Dibutukan further study to determine whether the potential risks from radiation exposure during pregnancy in humans have the same effect.

Source : www.physorg.com

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Preventing Diabetes With Apples

Apples Prevent Diabetes by Eating Every Day.

Recent research from the United States found that the consumption of some types of fruits such as blueberries, apples and pears berkaitkan with a lower risk of diabetes.

According to researchers, this fruit contains flavonoids, naturally occurring compounds present in fruits, vegetables and grains, which is based on the results of some research related to health benefits such as lower risk of heart disease or cancer.

"People who eat blueberries or apples in the sheer number is higher, they tend to have lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes," said An Pan, a researcher from the Harvard School of Public Health.

According to Pan, the findings suggest an association, but does not directly prove that the fruits could prevent diabetes.

Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed results consistent with some previous research which had already connect a diet high in fruits (rich in flavonoids) associated with a decreased risk of hypertension.

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 26 million Americans have diabetes. This is caused by the body's inability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that converts blood glucose into energy.
Type 2 diabetes can usually be controlled with exercise and dietary changes and without insulin.

In the study, researchers from the U.S. National Institutes of Health track the diet of some 200,000 men and women for 24 years. The participants, are requested to fill out questionnaires about how often they eat certain foods and beverages with standard portion sizes. In early research, all participants are known no one had diabetes, but during the study period, a total of 12 600 participants were diagnosed with diabetes.

Research results found that those who love the blueberry has a 23 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who do not eat blueberries. While participants who ate five or more apples per week also had 23 percent lower risk of developing diabetes than participants who did not eat apples.

The researchers revealed that the flavonoids in fruits may have beneficial effects in reducing the risk of diabetes. "We found consistent results from three research results. Where the three studies indicate that consumption of apples and blueberries beneficial for preventing type 2 diabetes," said Pan.

According to Pan, the findings took into account other risk factors, such as weight, smoking and family history of diabetes. "This finding is very good because it encourages us to eat fruits directly rather than fruit juice (processed)," he said, citing recent evidence that the juice of sugar-sweetened fruit preparations and other additives may increase the risk of diabetes.

Source : reuters

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