Alternative Health News October 15, 2007

Only one in seven people in the United States eats enough fruits and vegetables and gets enough exercise, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, men rank consistently worse than women in this regard.

The CDC conducted a telephone survey of 356,112 people, assessing their diet and exercise habits with a series of questions. The goal was to determine what percentage of people meet the government's recommendations to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day and to engage in moderately intense exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or vigorous exercise for at least 20 minutes a day, three days a week.

Moderately intense exercise is defined as activity that causes small increases in breathing or heart rate -- such as bicycling, gardening, brisk walking or vacuuming. Vigorous exercise is any activity that causes a large increase in breathing or heart rate -- including aerobics, running or heavy yard work.

The study found that only 14.6 percent of those surveyed were getting both enough exercise and enough fruits and vegetables. This broke down into 16.6 percent of women and 12.4 percent of men.

To read the full article, follow this link :

Very few Americans take care of their health: Diet and exercise lacking by NewsTarget - September 21, 2007

Just five minutes of exposure to mobile phone radio wave emissions can trigger cellular changes that occur during cancer development, according to new research.

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, found that mobile phone signals induced the production of natural chemicals that stimulate cell division and growth – central to the growth of tumors -- even at very low power levels.

To read the full article, follow this link :

Just Five Minutes on a Cell Phone Can Trigger Cancer by Dr. Mercola - September 22, 2007

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered troubling side effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a common antioxidant used in nutritional and bodybuilding supplements.

NAC can form a red blood cell-derived molecule called nitrosothiol that fools your body into thinking there’s an oxygen shortage, which can lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

PAH is a serious condition, where the arteries in the lungs narrow, increasing the blood pressure in your lungs, causing the right side of your heart to swell.

To read the full article, follow this link :

This Common Antioxidant Supplement Could Cause You Loads of Trouble by Dr. Mercola - September 25, 2007

Many consumers have long known their favorite lotions and sunscreens contained parabens, or synthetic chemicals used as preservatives. But with more and more products being touted as “paraben-free," many are now wondering, "What, exactly, are parabens, and are they dangerous?"

Parabens, which inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds, have been used in personal-care products like shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and sunscreens for years, allowing these products to survive for months, or years, during shipping and on store shelves.

Studies have now shown that parabens mimic the activity of the hormone estrogen, which is associated with certain forms of breast cancer.

But, did you know they are also present in many prepared foods, like mayonnaise, mustard, salad dressings, and candy?

You can identify them on the label, where they may be listed as:

  * methyl paraben

  * ethyl paraben

  * propyl paraben

  * butyl paraben

  * isobutyl paraben

  * E216.

To read the full article, follow this link :

The Hidden Danger in Lotions and Sunscreens by Dr. Mercola - September 25, 2007

Lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients found in eggs, spinach, and other leafy green vegetables may protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness among the elderly.

The study involved 4,519 people aged 60 to 80 who were questioned about their dietary habits for a period of six years.

Participants who ate the most foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin (those in the top fifth) had a 35 percent lower risk of developing AMD than those who ate the least (in the bottom fifth).

The nutrients may protect against the condition by helping your eyes to filter dangerous short-wavelength light, and warding off other potentially damaging effects to the center of your eye’s retina (the macula).

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, which are responsible for the yellow color in many fruits and vegetables.

Over 1 million Americans, particularly those older than 65, have AMD.

Foods considered good sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include:

  * Eggs

  * Leafy greens like spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, and romaine lettuce

  * Broccoli

  * Zucchini

  * Garden peas and Brussels sprouts

To read the full article, follow this link :

The Two Superfoods That Stop Blindness by Dr. Mercola - September 25, 2007

Salad may seem an obvious meal choice when you’re watching your weight. But is it really? This AOL survey of some popular restaurant salads may make you think twice about what you order.

Some of the worst offenders include:

Salad Shocker: Do You Think All Salads Are Healthy? by Dr. Mercola - September 27, 2007

Dr. Donald W. Miller, a cardiac surgeon and Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle, shares impressive research findings on the cancer-fighting properties of selenium.

As scientists have now determined, cells of all organisms, whether bacterial, animal, or non-animal, need selenium for proper functioning.

Selenium deficiency has been linked to a wide variety of disorders and diseases, including:

  * Hypothyroidism

  * Cognitive decline

  * Cancer (including lung, prostate, colorectal, skin)

  * Heart failure

  * Coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis)

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), as set by the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board, is 55 mcg of selenium per day, based on two studies that show this amount of selenium supports the optimal generation of glutathione peroxidase. This is believed to be adequate for 98 percent of the population.

However, this government recommendation did not take into account a previous finding that shows a dose four times higher (200 mcg) to have an anti-cancer effect, without being toxic.

Some of the scientific explanations for selenium’s anti-cancer effect include:

  * Increased antioxidant protection and immune system

  * Regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death)

  * Suppression of growth of blood vessels supplying nutrients to the cancer

  * Inhibition of tumor cell invasion

The first indications of selenium toxicity are "garlic breath" and dry skin. As the toxicity increases, your fingernails develop white patches, become brittle, and fall off. Hair and nail loss occurs once selenium intake reaches 4,990 mcg per day, according to one study.

To read the full article, follow this link :

Can Selenium Protect You from Cancer? by Dr. Mercola - September 27, 2007

Tooth whitening is the leading dental procedure requested by people under the age of 20 and between the ages of 30 and 50. In the last 10 years alone, this procedure has exploded by 300 percent, according to The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Perhaps one reason for the explosion has to do with the vast numbers of people having their teeth whitened, which then sets a new standard for how "normal" teeth are supposed to look. Even if your teeth are a healthy shade, they may look yellow when compared to the pearly whites of celebrities and, now, the average person walking down the street.

The problem with most current tooth-whitening products, both over-the-counter versions and those performed in your dentist’s office, is that they use hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth.

This is not your best choice because peroxide can cause your teeth to become sensitive. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide forms radical intermediates that can damage and destroy your gums and nerves.

What causes your teeth to become discolored in the first place? Tooth discoloration is caused by colored molecules such as tannins and polyphenols -- found in red wine, coffee, and tea -- which become absorbed by your tooth enamel’s surface.

Cigarettes, blueberries, and other foods that contain dark pigments can also discolor your tooth enamel, as can certain medications. Some of the staining can be removed by brushing, but over time the compounds can seep into your enamel.

If you’re looking for a safer alternative to brighten your teeth, you can try this simple trick:

  * Crush one ripe strawberry and mix it with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.

  * Spread the mixture onto your teeth and leave on for five minutes.

  * Brush your teeth with a little toothpaste (non-fluoride, of course) and rinse.

This natural mixture works because of the malic acid it contains, which acts as an astringent to remove some of the surface discoloration on your teeth. Though this method is perfectly safe to use on occasion, don’t use it too often (no more than once a week) because the acid could potentially damage your tooth enamel.

To read the full article, follow this link :

Whiten Your Teeth With Strawberries by Dr. Mercola - September 27, 2007