Six Key Ways That Boost Memory Function

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS —A recent study conducted at Harvard University found 6 ways that help improve your memory.

The study analyzed several previous studies that focused on different diets and hobbies that improved your thinking and memory abilities. The team came up with a list of the six best ways to keep your memory sharp, they include:


1.      Coconut Oil: Research has shown that the medium-chain triglycerides found in coconut oil helps fuel certain brain cells that have trouble utilizing carbohydrates, which is the brain’s main energy source. This has been shown to help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s.

2.      Fish Oil: Several studies have shown that the high amount of DHA found in fish oil is essential for brain cell communication. Without an abundance of DHA, our brains health could be compromised.

3.      Crossword puzzles and brain teasers: It has been proven that these keep parts of the brain active that may otherwise fall into a rut. These types of puzzles stimulate the brain, keeping it healthy and sharp.

4.      B-Vitamins: These vitamins have been proven to be associated with healthy nerve maintenance and the production of DHA. Studies have also shown that B vitamins help prevent brain shrinkage, which is commonly associated with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. You can find this vitamin naturally in the following foods: shellfish, liver, fish, cheese, and eggs.

5.      Curcumin: Studies have shown that this spice helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease, due to its anti-inflammatory abilities that prevent plaque build-up in the brain.

6.      Berries: The antioxidants that are found in berries, particularly anthocyanidins provide powerful protection to brain cells. It is noted that blueberries, strawberries, and cherries have the highest levels of this type of antioxidant.


If you are interested in improving your memory function, you might want to consider adding some or all of these foods and hobbies to your daily routine.


Have a gtrat day.

Can You Avoid Estrogen Dominance?

It is a fact that everyone fears cancer, no matter what type it is. But prostate and breast cancer are especially frightening. Not only is the word "cancer” involved. They also pose a direct threat to areas of your body that we equate with manhood and femininity.

These are two of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer in the U.S. There's also something else they have in common. Too much estrogen. This is called estrogen dominance. And today it's a real problem.
If you're a man, too much estrogen can throw your testosterone and estrogen levels out of balance.

This not only contributes to the development of unmanly breasts and trouble "keeping it up”, it also feeds tumors, which increases your risk of prostate cancer. That's a triple threat to your male ego.
And women...for years the medical community placed post-menopausal women on estrogen therapy. Guess what happened?

Breast cancer skyrocketed in these women. High levels of estrogen also add to your chances of uterine cancer, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. These are all feminine assets that can affect the way a woman views herself.

The problem today is partially the amount of estrogen your body naturally produces. What really raises the threat is your constant exposure to man-made estrogen mimics. You'll find bisphenal-A (BPA) in plastic bottles, plastic wraps and in the lining of canned goods. Phthalates may be hiding in your shampoo, liquid soap, perfume, hair spray, and nail polish – even your vinyl shower curtain. Additionally, your shampoo, deodorant, sunscreen and other personal care products might contain parabens.

Commercially raised meats and poultry are loaded with hormones that alter your estrogen levels. Dairy cattle get pumped up with a man-made hormone called rBGH.

All of these things boost your estrogen levels whether you're male or female. So it's a good idea to avoid eating or drinking out of plastic containers or wraps. Read labels on you personal care products. Buy grassfed/organic pasture-raised meat and poultry.

But what else can you do to help stop all of this excess estrogen from fueling tumor growth?

Well, here's a secret weapon. It's pomegranate. The power behind pomegranate is its high levels of antioxidant-rich polyphenols. It has an especially high concentration of ellagitannin. This compound suppresses the production of estrogen.

It works by inhibiting aromatase. (That's the enzyme that turns androgen into estrogen.)When it's suppressed, it can help stop the growth of estrogen responsive tumors.

In men, Pomegranate works on several different fronts to protect your prostate:

It reduces PSA production and can slow PSA doubling time by about four years. Pomegranate lowers levels of inflammation that put you at risk for prostate cancer. It can stop cancer cells from spreading, and even help kill them off.

All of the evidence points to similar protective benefits in women. Pomegranate appears to decrease the spread of cancer cells without harming normal breast cells. It also decreases inflammation. This can have a big impact on the progression of breast cancer.

Where can you get it?

 Try your local organic produce market for fresh, organic pomegranate fruit. You can also pick up pure, natural pomegranate juice. The natural sugars in this juice are attached to unique antioxidants. And they don't appear to have a negative effect on blood sugar.

So make sure to look for one that doesn't contain any added sugar. I think 8 ounces a day could beat hormone-related cancers. Or you can try supplementing with 100 mg capsules.

Rmember to consult with your doctor.

Have a great day.

Sinus Infection

Ever suffered from sinus infections?

Chances are good that, at some point in your life, you'll experience a sinus infection.
In fact, you may have already suffered through one or more – or have an ongoing infection that you can't seem to shake.

If you've ever experienced one of these infections, you know exactly what sinus hell feels like. The nasal discharge, sinus pressure and headache can leave you feeling wrung out. Other symptoms like ear ache, dental pain, fever and even nausea just add to the misery.

Your doctor will recommend all sorts of things – from saline nasal irrigations to steroid nasal sprays.
And if these treatments don't work, he may even write you out a prescription for antibiotics. You'll probably be more than happy to give them a try so you can start feeling normal again.

In fact, antibiotics could make matters worse. You see, your nasal cavity is loaded with both good and bad bacteria. But allergens, pollutants and viral infections can all disrupt the process that normally removes bacteria in your nasal passages. This allows bad bacteria to set up house and cause an infection.
And guess what happens when you take an antibiotic to "cure” that infection?It kills the good bacteria right along with the bad!

This leaves your nasal cavity without any defenses against the buildup of even more harmful bacteria. It's an ugly cycle that's hard to break.
For this reason, I like going the natural route. I have a very simple way to flush bad microbes out of your sinuses while replenishing the good ones. And you'll be surprised at how quickly it works.

Using probiotics helps your nasal passages flourish with healthy bacteria. And the more diverse the bacterial population, the healthier your sinuses will be.Here's what you'll need:

A neti pot, rubber ear bulb or spray bottle, one probiotic capsule, 8 ounces of saline solution.
(You can make your own saline solution if you want. All it takes is 8 ounces of distilled or sterilized water, ½ teaspoon of sea salt and a pinch of baking soda. Just mix them together and you have a saline solution).

Open up the probiotic capsule and pour the powder inside of it into the saline. Shake or stir it until it's dissolved, then use the solution as a nasal irrigation.

If you use a neti pot, stand over a sink and tilt your head to one side. Insert the neti pot spout into the upper nostril. Keep your mouth open and breathe through it while you gently pour the solution. When the pot is empty, blow your nose and repeat through the other nostril.

Using a rubber ear bulb is basically the same, but you'll need to hold one nostril shut while gently squeezing the bulb to release the solution into the other. If you use a spray bottle, just apply a few squirts into each nostril.

Here's a bonus tip to help replenish good nasal bacteria.

After brushing your teeth at night, empty a probiotic capsule into a small amount of water. Swish it around in your mouth like you would mouthwash, then swallow. Go directly to bed without drinking or eating anything, and some of those good bacteria will find their way into your nasal passages.


Have a great day.

Protein Helps Prevent Weight Gain

SWEDEN—A recent study conducted at Karolinska Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating a diet high in protein can help keep off weight that was previously lost.

It is noted that the greatest challenge after losing weight is reducing the rebound weight gain and maintaining the lower body weight.

The study analyzed the results of 20 previous studies, which included a total of 3,017 participants who were overweight at the start of the weight loss process. They then analyzed the effects that meal replacements, high protein diets, and dietary supplements had on rebound weight gain after following a low-calorie diet to lose weight.

The team found that following a high protein diet after the weight loss process had the greatest impact on keeping rebound weight off. It is recommended for men to consume 56 grams of protein a day, and women to consume 46 grams of protein a day.

According to Dr. Erik Hemmingsson:

"The body has several defense mechanisms against weight loss, such as increased hunger, lower energy metabolism and relapse back to old habits, if the problem of rebound weight gain didn't exist, obesity would be relatively easy to treat.”

According to WebMD, “people turn to higher-protein diets to lose weight. That's because some researchers suggest that higher-protein diets help people better control their appetites and calorie intake.”

They noted that the following foods are high in protein:

·         Red meat

·         Chicken and eggs

·         Seafood

·         Soybeans

·         Potatoes and beans

If you are interested in losing weight and keeping that weight off, you should consider consuming a diet that is high in protein.

Have a great day,

Fruits and Vegetables Reduce Death Risk by 10%

OXFORD , ENGLAND —A recent study conducted in Oxford and published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that those who had diets high in fruits and vegetables significantly reduced their risk of death.

The researchers used data collected from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study, which investigated how diet, nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors are related to cancer and other diseases. The study included more than half a million people.

The volunteers provided information through questionnaires and surveys, they had body measurements and blood samples taken in 1992 and were followed until 2010.

The team found that those who consumed more than 6 portions of fruits and vegetables per day reduced their risk of death by 10 percent. It was noted that the benefits were strongest when raw vegetables were consumed rather than cooked.

According to the author:

“These results support the evidence that fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with a lower risk of death.”

If you are interested in minimizing your risk of death, you might want to consider adding fruits and vegetables to your daily diet.


Have a great day.

Know The Difference Between Heart Attack And A Stroke

If you watch television, you probably think you know what a heart attack looks and feels like. TV shows and movies make it clear that there's a lot of chest pain. Sometimes the character having the heart attack even falls to the ground. They are having a Hollywood Heart Attack…

But the truth of the matter is this: No two heart attacks are the same. And the majority of them aren't Hollywood worthy.

If you're a male, you're more likely to have chest pain than women. But that doesn't mean all men have chest pain. A small number – about one out of ten – don't. And if you're a woman, it's important to know that around a third of all women don't have any chest pains, either.
So what does a heart attack feel like when you don't have chest pain or pressure?

Both men and women may develop sweating, fatigue or nausea. You might experience lower chest discomfort that feels more like heartburn. Shortness of breath and lightheadedness can also occur. And it wouldn't be uncommon to develop arm, back, neck or jaw pain.

Sometimes its sudden exhaustion or just not feeling right ( for minutes or hours).
Now, it's essential that you don't get any of these symptoms mixed up with those of a stroke.

When a stroke occurs, you're more likely to develop numbness or weakness in one of your arms rather than pain. And it's not just the arm that may become weak and numb. You might also feel it in the face, a leg or along an entire side of your body.

And unlike a heart attack that may provoke lightheadedness, strokes are more likely to make you feel dizzy, confused and have trouble speaking or understanding words. Blurred vision, loss of coordination and severe headache are also common in a stroke.

However, the general rule of thumb is, if you think someone is having a stroke is the FAST acronym. This stands for Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.

It's crucial to call 911 for a heart attack, too. But if someone is suffering from a heart attack, there are things that can be done while you're waiting for the paramedics to arrive.

One of the first is to swallow an aspirin. This will help prevent dangerous clotting. But it's not a guarantee for survival, so keep a close eye on the person having the attack.

If the person stops breathing, they could be in sudden cardiac arrest. Some gyms, offices and public buildings have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on hand. This is a great idea to suggest at the building where you work.

These machines can check a person's heart rhythm and determine if it requires a shock. If one is available, read the instructions and follow the voice prompts.

If you don't have access to an AED or if it fails to resuscitate the patient, stay on the line with 911 and have them talk you through the steps for CPR.

The more quickly you can recognize the problem and get that call made to 911, the greater the chances you or someone you know have for survival.

Finally, don't try to drive yourself to the hospital...and don't ask anyone else to drive you. Getting the medics to you as quickly as possible so they can immediately start treatment is always the best solution.


Have a gret day

Food that Reduces Desire to Eat by 40%

CALIFORNIA—A recent study conducted at Loma Linda University in California and published in the Nutrition Journal found that adding avocado to your lunch could help with weight management and diabetes.

The study included 26 participants; they were required to eat their normal breakfast followed by one of three lunch meal options:

1.      Lunch with no avocado

2.      Lunch with avocado (avocado replaced other foods)

3.      Lunch with half of a fresh avocado added

The team found that the participants who ate half of a fresh avocado with their lunch had a 40 percent decreased desire to eat during the 3 hours after their lunch, and a 28 percent decreased desire to eat 5 hours after their lunch. In addition to this, they found that avocados also help regulate blood sugar levels.

According to the director of nutrition from the Hass Avocado Board:

"These results further complement our research efforts in weight management and diabetes, as well as our continued work to explore the many benefits that fresh avocados have to offer when consumed in everyday healthy eating plans."

If you are interested in managing your weight or blood sugar levels, you might want to consider adding half of a fresh avocado to your lunch every day.


Have a great day.

Ways to Improve Your Brain Health

NEW YORK—A recent study conducted at Cornell University in New York City and released by the Alzheimer’s Association found that a healthy body is directly associated with a healthy brain.

The study analyzed several previous studies that focused on ways to help improve or maintain a healthy brain.

The team found several lifestyle factors that helped boost brain health, some of them included:

·         Engage in regular physical activity, physical exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of brain decline.

·         Quite smoking: Studies have shown that smoking increases the risk of brain decline, and quitting can reduce a smoker’s risk down to levels comparable to those who have never smoked.

·         Treat conditions that can affect heart health, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

·         Get enough sleep: Several studies have shown that lack of sleep can be linked with problems in memory and thinking.

·         Eat a healthy, low-fat diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. It is noted that a good diet can address nearly all chronic illnesses, ultimately helping your brain.

·         Keep learning, and remain social

According to a neurologist at Cornell University , Dr. Norman Relkin:

"All these pieces of advice seem to bear out in the reduction of the development of dementia, we have a lot of knowledge about ways to prevent the deterioration of the brain due to aging, and they all appear to be beneficial in terms of preserving the health of the brain."

If you are interested in maintaining a healthy brain, you might want to consider adding these healthy lifestyle factors to your daily routine.


Have a great day.

Eating Breakfast and No Late Night Snacks Prevents Heart Disease

CAMBRIDGE , MASSACHUSETTS —A recent study conducted at Harvard University and published in the journal Circulation found that eating breakfast every day and eliminating late night snacks could help prevent heart disease.

The study included 26,902 participants between the ages of 45 and 82. The researchers followed them over a 16-year period and analyzed food frequency questionnaire data.

The team found that those who reported that they skipped breakfast had a 27 percent higher risk of heart attack or death from heart disease compared to those who ate breakfast. In addition, they found that those who ate late night snacks before bed had a 55 percent higher heart disease risk compared to those who did not eat after dinner.

According to lead study author, Dr. Leah Cahill:

“Don’t skip breakfast… eating breakfast is associated with a decreased risk of heart attacks. Incorporating many types of healthy foods into your breakfast is an easy way to ensure your meal provides adequate energy and a healthy balance of nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.”

If you are interested in minimizing your risk for heart disease, you might want to consider eating breakfast and eliminating late night snacking.


Have a great day.

Stimulate Your Brain Daily

Do you ever notice that your mind isn't quite what it used to be?

Now, I'm not talking about total memory loss or dementia.
I'm thinking about those times when you can't remember a word you were just about to say, or the name of the movie you just finished watching.
Or how about when you add up the three or four checks on your deposit slip without a calculator? You mentally add it up a second time, to make sure the total is accurate...only to find you have to perform the addition another time or two before you finally manage to get two answers that are the same.

These are minor slippages that seem to occur more and more frequently as we age.
And yes, they may indicate your mental abilities are on the decline. But it's not old age that brings it on. There's actually a reason for it. It's called brain plasticity.

In fact, your brain is constantly changing. New connections are made, while others may disappear. Brain volume might shrink in some areas and expand in others. Brain cells are constantly regenerating. It's like a roadmap that changes everyday.

But it really is a "use it or lose it” scenario. Once you stop regularly using your cognitive skills, the roadmap in your brain stops creating new pathways. It starts to wither away.

This can be especially true once you reach retirement age. That's because your entire working life is spent dealing with daily challenges, constant learning and the exchange of new ideas with co-workers. This keeps your mind nimble. And if you don't keep your brain active after leaving your job, it will lose plasticity much more quickly.

So what can you do?

While there are many things that can boost brain plasticity, like getting plenty of exercise and eating a healthy diet, today I'd like to zero in on three challenges that are directly related to the "use it or lose it” concept.

Regularly present yourself with mental challenges. These days, most brain-boosters are presented in the forms of brain-training games. And yes, I'm sure they can help to some extent. However, you didn't get to where you are todayThink back to your childhood. Do you remember studying out of books, always doing math in your head, and having assignments every single day? You really had to dig in and learn! Just imagine all of the neuronal pathways that were created during those years.

You can revive that natural learning process and expand the roadmap of your mind by studying a new area of interest, signing up for adult education classes or even learning a new hobby.

For example, you could study a new language, take up golf or learn how to play a musical instrument. It could even be as simple as learning a new skill, like wood-working or organic gardening.
Develop stimulating social relationships. Interacting with others provides you with something in the way of "mental activation.”

It sparks new ideas and concepts that can stimulate your thought process and create positive changes in brain plasticity. (It's also important to note that people who have fewer social ties are at much higher risk of mental decline.)

Take time to develop firm relationships with your family, neighbors, community and others – and stay involved on a regular basis. Talk to everyone you meet. Head out to the community college and sign up for a class or two. Join a social club or become a volunteer for something you believe in. Take your new friends to the museum, planetarium or local art fair. All of these activities will expand your knowledge and ramp up your brainpower.

Change things up as often as possible. If you do the same thing – or drive the same route – every day, your brain never has the opportunity to experience new stimulus. So the more you can change things up, the more chances you have to create new brain connections. Take a walk to explore your neighborhood, drive to the local art museum and investigate the exhibits, or stop by the library to pick up a book.

The key is to do something different – and stimulating – every single day.
The more active, productive, involved and challenged you are, the greater your chances of reaching old age with your wit, intelligence and memories firing on all cylinders.


Have a great day.

Strawberries Help Boost Heart Health

OKLAHOMA—A recent study conducted at Oklahoma State University and published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that consuming strawberries could help improve heart health.

The study included 23 participants; all of them had an initial 10-day period, which consisted of consuming no strawberries. After the 10-day period, the participants added strawberries to their daily diet. Finally, after the 30 days the subjects were told to avoid strawberries again for 15 days.

The team found that when the subjects consumed strawberries there were significant reductions in their cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and markers of oxidative stress. It is noted that oxidative stress can cause heart failure, heart attack, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

According to the researchers:

“The findings presented here are interesting, because they may partly explain the protective role of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables in preventing CVD and other chronic diseases mediated by oxidative stress.”

If you are interested in improving your heart health, you might want to consider adding strawberries to your daily diet.


Have a gteat day.

Could Frozen Fruits and Veggies Be Better?

UNITED KINGDOM —A recent study conducted at the University of Chester found that frozen fruits and vegetables may contain higher levels of essential vitamins and antioxidants compared to fresh fruits and vegetables.

The study analyzed two independent studies, which involved researchers purchasing both fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. They then stored the produce for 3 days. After the 3 days, they compared the amount vitamins found in both groups.

The team found after more than 40 tests, that 66 percent of the tests revealed that after the 3 day storage the frozen fruits and vegetables had higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants compared to the fresh group.

The vitamins and antioxidants they measured included:

·         Vitamin C: helps reduce risk for disease, and boosts immune system.

·         Polyphenols: helps prevent cancer and heart disease

·         Lutein: has been proven to help reduce the risk for disease

·         beta-carotene:  also known as “vitamin A”, which helps boost your immune system

·         anthocyanins: Helps fight off inflammation, and cancer.

According to Professor Graham Bonwick:

“Unlike frozen, some fresh produce concentrations exhibited a decrease during refrigerated storage to levels below those observed in the corresponding frozen produce”

If you are interested in receiving the highest levels of beneficial vitamins and nutrients, you might want to consider eating frozen fruits and vegetables.


Have a great day.

Moderate Exercise Prevents Stroke

DUARTE, CALIFORNIA —A recent study conducted at the Beckman Research Institute and presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference in San Diego found that moderate exercise could significantly lower your risk of stroke.

The study looked at the number of strokes that occurred among about 133,500 participants who took part in the California Teacher’s Study, which ran from 1996 to 2010.

The team found that those who took part in moderate physical activity within the three years before the study were 20 percent less likely to have a stroke, compared to those who were inactive.

According to study author, Sophia Wang:

"I was surprised that moderate physical activity was most strongly associated with a reduced risk of stroke."

The researchers noted that moderate exercise is considered brisk walking, or even doing work around the house (mopping, mowing the lawn).

If you are interested in minimizing your risk for stroke, you might want to consider adding moderate exercise to your lifestyle.


Have a great day.