poor diet Archives - Amazing Health Advances

How to Get Rid of Cellulite — 6 Natural Treatments

AHA Publisher — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 07:00:20 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Cellulite removal treatments are growing in popularity as more and more people struggle to maintain a healthy weight and look for ways on how to get rid of cellulite. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2019 over 2.6 million cosmetic surgery procedures were carried out in the U.S. alone — including over 265,000 liposuction procedures, many of which were performed to remove cellulite. Although they might sound like the perfect quick fixes, liposuction and laser cellulite treatments are not simple means of going from a size 16 to size 6 overnight. The ASPS itself even states, “Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite — the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips, and buttocks — or loose saggy skin.” How can you get rid of cellulite? Nothing can substitute for eating an anti-inflammatory diet and getting enough exercise. Just as with other signs of aging, if you want to reduce cellulite, first and foremost focus on maintaining a healthy weight throughout your adult life. Then, certain topical treatments may help dimply skin become less noticeable and improve skin’s overall appearance. What Is Cellulite? Cellulite is the appearance of lumpy or dimpled “cottage cheese skin,” which predominantly develops on the legs (especially the thighs), butt, stomach and the back of the arms. Some also refer to it as “orange peel skin” because it looks like the tiny bumps that form on the outside of citrus fruits. Basically, cellulite forms when globules of fat develop under the skin and push up against the connective tissue, forming an uneven, “mottled” look to the skin. There are three types cellulite with different severities, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the factors that contribute to this condition are a lack of exercise (a sedentary lifestyle), hormone changes and — you guessed it — a poor-quality diet. It’s possible to develop cellulite at any age, but it tends to get worse as someone gets older due to increased fatty deposits (and often a higher body weight). This condition is more common in women than men, with about 90% of women having some measure of cellulite, particularly as they age and the skin loses its elasticity. However, even teenagers dealing with weight and hormonal changes can deal with this skin concern. Cellulite is not serious or harmful, and therefore many choose to just simply leave it alone. Meanwhile, others become very bothered by unsightly cellulite, especially following life circumstances such as weight gain/loss or pregnancy — or in the summer when it’s common to reveal more skin. Causes What is the main cause of cellulite? Several primary factors contribute to the developmentof cellulite, including: Weak collagen structure of the skin, which leads to skin thinning and loss of elasticity Genetic factors Poor diet Fluid retention Dehydration Lack of circulation (blood flow) Being overweight Hormonal changes, including in estrogen and cortisol Lack of physical activity Some other factors that can cause skin changes, such as cellulite, sagginess, wrinkles and formation of dark spots, include: hormonal imbalances high amounts of stress existing medical conditions, like autoimmune disease or diabetes allergies smoking too much sun exposure other causes of toxicity While the connection between dealing with stress and developing cellulite may seem far-fetched, science has shown that all of the factors above increase inflammation and contribute to signs of aging. For example, according to a research study published in the Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, cellulite can be caused by increased levels of catecholamines due to high stress and raised cortisol levels. Things like stress and a poor diet also cause your body to slow down production of collagen, which is crucial to keep skin looking young. In fact, it’s now believed that collagen (a type of structural protein that forms skin’s layers) plays a big role in regulating cellulite. Dysfunction of collagen-rich fibers called fibrous septae seem to form cellulite dimples, so these are now the target of most professional cellulite treatments. How to Get Rid of Cellulite Can you get rid of cellulite once you have it? Unfortunately, it seems that the answer is not completely. As one 2019 review explains, “Despite multiple therapeutic approaches that attempt to treat cellulite, no procedures have been proven successful long term.” Considering all the lifestyle factors that affect the appearance and health of your skin, it’s understandable why intensive cellulite treatments — including noninvasive devices, such as massage or radio/acoustic frequency, laser and light-based treatments, liposuction, topical creams, injections, and carboxy therapy — are popular options. Unfortunately, these are not long-term solutions for keeping skin looking healthy. In order for some of these cellulite treatments to work — such as submission, vibrational therapy, wave therapy or lasers — ongoing treatments might be needed for many months on end or else results can diminish within six months to one year. How should you tackle cellulite then? As one study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science puts it, “Reducing adipogenesis (fat storage) and increasing thermogenesis (burning fat through body heat) appear to be primary routes, while also improving the microcirculation and collagen synthesis.” Here are the top six all-natural ways to help reduce the appearance of cellulite: 1. Eat a Healthy Diet Can cellulite on your legs go away? Losing weight and then maintaining a healthy body fat percentage may help reduce the appearance of cellulite on your legs or elsewhere. Some of the top foods for decreasing or preventing cellulite are: Flaxseeds — Flax is great for skin health and general health as it modulates estrogen levels and may also increase collagen production. You can sprinkle flaxseed on your breakfast, in your smoothies or simply eat the seeds by themselves. Hydrating foods — Because dehydration can lead to bloating and dry skin, try to eat more naturally hydrating foods. These include fresh veggies and fruit, especially melon, berries, cucumber, celery, citrus fruits and fresh herbs. Making Cellulite Slim Down Juice at home is a great way to consume a bunch of these at once. High-fiber foods — These include vegetables, nuts, seeds and berries. Fiber helps cleanse the colon, curb hunger, support your metabolism and balance hormones. High-fiber foods containing lots of antioxidants, such as leafy greens or berries, are also beneficial because of their ability to decrease free radical damage (which ages skin). Clean protein sources — High-quality protein foods, like grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, pastured eggs, wild-caught fish and organic protein powder, can support a healthy metabolism and aid in cellulite reduction. Ideally, aim to consume at least three to four ounces with every meal. Potassium-rich foods — Flushing excess fluids and waste out of cells can help reduce cellulite. Green leafy vegetables, avocados, bananas, coconut water and cultured dairy are all high in potassium. Healthy fats — Coconut and wild-caught fish contain fatty acids that promote healthy tissue. Consume one tablespoon daily of extra virgin coconut oil and one serving of wild-caught fish (or 1,000 milligrams of fish oil) daily for the best results. Kelp — Kelp contains a compound called “fucoxanthin,” which is found in chlorophyll-bearing green plants and supports metabolic and skin health. Try sprinkling a small amount onto your savory meals. Water — Wondering if drinking lots of water is really that important for reducing cellulite? Yes! Water keeps skin hydrated and helps flush out toxic compounds. Aim to drink eight to 10 glasses of fresh water daily. Well-hydrated skin looks more even, with less of a lumpy, dry or aged look. Try to avoid or reduce these foods, which may cause or worsen cellulite: Sugar and salt — If you think your diet has no effect on cellulite, think again! Here’s why: Sugar causes fluid retention, inflammation and storage of body fat — all of which can increase the appearance of cellulite. Read labels, and aim to reduce or remove added sugar. Limit your sodium intake as well, because salt is one of the main causes of water retention. Stick to a healing diet for best results, which is low in both sugar and salt. Refined flour and refined grain products — These break down quickly into sugar and are high in calories. Food allergens — Foods like gluten, A1 casein found in most dairy, shellfish and peanuts can cause allergies or inflammation in some. These have negative effects on skin health, like potentially decreasing circulation and interfering with normal nutrient absorption. Trans and hydrogenated fats — These are generally unhealthy and found in processed foods. 2. Consume More Collagen Connective tissue – including the layers of the skin – is composed of collagen. When the skin is strong, cellulite appearance is diminished. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and needed for skin’s elasticity, youthful texture and strength. One of the best ways to get more collagen is from consuming bone broth, which also has amino acids like glutamine. Bone broth contains the amino acids called proline and glycine that make up collagen, along with important trace minerals and even antioxidant compounds. The collagen in bone broth can strengthen skin tissue and help reverse the underlying the causes of cellulite. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that patients taking 2.5 grams of bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) experienced “significant decrease in the degree of cellulite and a reduced skin waviness on thighs … regular ingestion of BCP over a period of 6 months led to a clear improvement of the skin appearance in women suffering from moderate cellulite.” As expected, the results were most impressive in women who were overweight. 3. Take Anti-Cellulite Supplements Certain supplements and nutrients can help keep your skin in tip-top shape: Bromelain and proteolytic enzymes — These systemic enzymes have been used with great success to fight inflammation and dissolve gatherings of cellular tissue. According to findings published in Biotech Research Journal, “studies demonstrate that bromelain exhibits various fibrinolytic, antiedematous, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.” Uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, gallstones and cellulite may all be broken down more easily and eliminated with help from enzymes. Enzymes such as bromelain, serrapeptase and nattokwinase all have the ability to dissolve fibrinogen (the tissue that holds these unwanted formations together). Kola — This extract has been the subject of many cellulite studies and has shown some positive results. This is a caffeine-free herb that has relaxing properties and can be taken before bedtime. It works by helping improve the elasticity of the skin, while also making it thicker. Green coffee extract (which contains caffeine), African mango and fucoxanthin are additional supplements that offer similar benefits as those above. Caffeine has been shown to stimulate circulation and potentially help with fat-burning, so sources of caffeine are found in many cellulite supplements. 4. Exercise Regularly Can exercises get rid of cellulite? Although long-distance cardio can be of value in boosting your metabolism and helping prevent obesity, doing interval training (also known as burst training) will likely be much more effective. That’s because intervals are more effective at adding muscle to your frame and helping tone you all over. In 2011, a report published in the Journal of Obesity stated, “Emerging research examining high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) indicates that it may be more effective at reducing subcutaneous and abdominal body fat than other types.” Here are some quick facts and tips to keep in mind so you get the most benefits from your workouts: Look for a program that ideally combines burst cardio and resistance training. Aim for workouts that last between about 20 to 40 minutes a day. Interval or burst training is known to increase metabolism and burn calories long after (24–48 hours) your workout is over (known as the afterburn effect). Interval training incorporates short, intense exercises, such as sprinting, and then returns you to a cool-down period briefly. (This concept is also called high-intensity interval training, or HIIT.) If you’re targeting cellulite on your thighs and butt, try to incorporate moves like squats, lunges, donkey kicks and step backs. Two more effective strategies are weight training and isometric training – such as Barre, BarreAmped and Pilates. BarreAmped...

The post How to Get Rid of Cellulite — 6 Natural Treatments appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Scientists Find INTRICATE Connection Between Breast Cancer and Depression

AHA Publisher — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – It is estimated that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. That’s about 13% of the population. A cancer diagnosis can leave you feeling scared, overwhelmed, and stressed but researchers are now drawing a link between breast cancer and depression while making an unsettling discovery. A review and analysis of several studies, published in August 2020 in Molecular Psychiatry found depression affects breast cancer in several ways: Recurrence of cancer – 24% increase All-cause mortality – 30% increase Breast cancer-specific mortality – 2% increase Pay Attention: These Symptoms Could Indicate a More Serious Problem Than Sadness Sadness is a normal emotion in its appropriate context. Everyone gets sad now and then and that sadness may last a few minutes, a few hours, or a few days. We, humans, are emotional creatures and sadness is just a part of our emotional palette. But when those feelings drag on for a week or more and interfere with your daily life, it is becoming a problem. Depression is very common and just about everyone experiences symptoms of depression from time to time. The symptoms can be subtle, but when you can tick just four or five boxes on this list, you are likely dealing with depression. Sadness that drags on Difficulty finding the good in things Difficulty finding anything good in your life Change in appetite – increase or decrease Change in weight – increase or decrease Loss of pleasure or interest in activities you once enjoyed Fatigue “Heavy” feeling like it’s too much effort to get up, move, etc. Hopelessness Sleep difficulties Lack of motivation Feelings of worthlessness Thoughts of suicide or death Thoughts that the world would be better without you in it Unable to get up to go to work, take care of kids, etc. Feelings of helplessness Brain fog or difficulty sorting your thoughts Breathing, blinking your eyes, everything feels like work Lack of concentration Irritability or lack of patience Feelings of being dull or that the world is dull, colorless Ruminating on your situation, events, the past, etc. Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea Feelings of emptiness If these feelings and symptoms persist, especially past about ten days or two weeks, or if your feelings continue to intensify, you are likely experiencing serious depression. What Is at the Root of Your Depression? Many people cite an imbalance in certain chemicals in the brain as the cause of depression. However, while brain chemicals do play a part, there are other factors that impact your mood and mental health as well: Medications you take (including opiates for pain, and certain hormonal therapy medications) Poor dietary and /or an inability to sleep well Cancer treatments like chemotherapy Your brain’s mood regulation is faulty Stressful life events You have a genetic vulnerability Medical conditions or issues A diagnosis of breast cancer is an extremely stressful life event. The condition itself can cause or exacerbate depression, as can cancer medications. When you put that all together, it’s no surprise that a person with breast cancer may experience depression. But knowing the impact that depression has on your prognosis, it is important to take steps to manage your depression, so you have the strength to fight. Here Are 5 Ways to Manage Depression While Managing Breast Cancer If you feel that you are depressed, talk to an integrative physician. Together you can discuss your symptoms and feelings, then sort it out to determine if you are indeed depressed or if you are experiencing severe fatigue from the chemo and medications. It is important to keep digging until you find out what is causing your depression. It could be a hormonal issue, your meds, the entire situation, fear, grief, or any combination. Finding the source though will allow you to treat the root of the problem instead of just putting a band-aid on it. You may need to change medications and your doctor may prescribe you antidepressant medication or suggest working with a health coach. No doubt, managing cancer is tough enough. But, managing cancer and depression is too much. Try these tips to manage depression while you manage cancer. Keep healthy habits. Eat a healthy diet, get some exercise, get enough sleep, stay hydrated, all these things help keep you balanced and healthy, inside and out. Get social. While your first impulse may be to isolate yourself, resist that urge! Spend time with family and friends and surround yourself with the people who love you. Set realistic goals. Break large chores into several smaller ones. Don’t try to do it all in a day. You don’t have to do it all, and you shouldn’t, so don’t try. Keep a gratitude journal. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a small notebook that you use to write down the things you are thankful for. You can write about people or things you are thankful for, paste pictures in there, or add mementos, jokes, comics, anything that makes you smile. Talk to someone. Talk to a health coach, therapist, pastor, friend, someone who will let you vent and help you work through all the feelings that you are dealing with. Depression doesn’t have to be part of your cancer journey. If you are experiencing feelings of depression or sadness that won’t go away, don’t wait to see what happens. Talk to your doctor and begin taking steps to manage it. Remember, you don’t have to accept depression as just a part of cancer, fight back. You can find your joy again. Sources for this article include: BreastCancer.org Nature.com NIH.gov BMJ.com Health.Harvard.edu BreastCancer.org FredHutch.org To read the original articles click here.

The post Scientists Find INTRICATE Connection Between Breast Cancer and Depression appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Study Shows New Links Between High Fat Diets and Colon Cancer

AHA Publisher — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 07:00:45 +0000

Arizona State University via EurekAlert – For decades, physicians and dieticians have urged people to limit their intake of high fat foods, citing links to poor health outcomes and some of the leading causes of death in the U.S., such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dietary components high in saturated fats such as red meat are thought to be risk factors for colon cancer. Diet is thought to strongly influence the risk of colorectal cancer, and changes in food habits might reduce up to 70% of this cancer burden. Other known epidemiological risk factors are family history, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking and type-2 diabetes. But out of all the risk factors that elevate colon cancer risk, diet is the one environmental and lifestyle factor that may be the easiest to control —simply by changing people’s behavior and eating habits—-if we knew the exact connections. “There’s epidemiological evidence for a strong link between obesity and increased tumor risk,” said School of Life Sciences assistant professor Miyeko Mana. “And in the intestine, the stem cells are the likely cell of origin for cancer. So, what is that connection? Well, diet is something that feeds into that cycle of obesity and colorectal cancer.” Now, a new ASU study led by Mana and her team has shown in greater detail than ever before of how high fat diets can trigger a molecular cascade of events that leads to intestinal and colon cancer. The study was published in the journal Cell Reports. Tales from the Crypts As foods are broken down and make their way through the gut, they interact with intestinal stem cells (ISC) that lie along the inside surfaces of the gut. These ISCs reside in a series of regularly folded valleys of the gut, called crypts. ISCs are thought to be the gateway that coordinates intestinal tumor formation when they adapt to high-fat diets, and elevate cancer risk. Within the ISCs are high-fat sensor molecules that sense and react to high-fat diets levels in the cells. “We were following up on mechanisms that might be required for stem cells to adapt to the high fat diet —and that’s where we came across the PPARs,” said Mana. These peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (or PPARs) trigger a cellular program that elevates cancer risk, but the exact mechanisms were unclear because there are multiple types of PPARs, and complexities in teasing out their roles. “There is a family of 3 PPARs, named delta, alpha and gamma. At first, I thought just PPAR delta was involved, but in order to see if that gene is really responsible for the phenotype, you have to remove it.” Mana’s team was able to explore and unmask the role of individual PPAR delta and alpha using a mouse model that controlled their activity in the cell. In her team’s study, mice were given a long-term high fat or normal diet, and the activity of each PPAR was carefully monitored to study the effects on cancer risk. In their knockout study, they first removed the PPAR delta gene. “But when we removed it from the intestine, we still observed the phenotype. So, we wondered if maybe another PPAR was compensating and that’s where we thought about PPAR alpha. Both of those (PPAR delta and PPAR alpha) appear to be required for this high fat diet phenotype within the stem cells.” This was frustrating to Mana because she knew right away that developing a potential therapeutic to offset the PPARs just became a much taller task. “When you think about this therapeutically, if you are incorporating a lot of fat into your diet and you want to reduce your risk of colon cancer, targeting two different factors is more challenging then if you are targeting just one.” Looking Farther Downriver To further tease out the genetic complexity, Mana next turned her attention downstream of the PPARs. From their studies, and using new tools of the trade, they were able to slowly tease out the details—down to the level of doing molecular sequencing from individual cells from different areas of the small intestine and colon, mass spectrometry to measure the amounts of different metabolites, and radiolabeled isotopes of fuel sources to measure the carbon flow. Their first big clue came from the metabolic analysis. The high fat diet found in the ISC crypt cells they isolated increased the metabolism of fats, while at the same time, decreasing the breakdown of sugars. “So, we looked more downstream at what these two factors (PPARs) may target, and that was this mitochondrial protein, Cpt1a,” said Mana. “This is required for the import of long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) into mitochondria for use. The LCFAs are part of the high fat diet.” And when they performed the mouse knockout study of Cpt1a, they found they could stop tumor formation in its tracks. The loss of Cpt1a prevented both the expansion and proliferation of the ISCs in the crypts. “If you remove Cpt1a, you are spared this high fat diet phenotype in the intestinal stem cells,” said Mana. “So, you lower your risk of tumorigenesis at this point.” A New Model Emerges From their data, Mana’ team could trace the development of cancer, from diet all the way to tumor formation. First, fats are broken down to free fatty acids. The free fatty acids then stimulate sensors such as the PPARs and turn on genes that can break down the fatty acids. Next, the surplus free fatty acids are transported to the mitochondria, which can burn them up by oxidation to make more energy to feed the stem cells, which multiply, grow and regenerate gut tissue. But when the ISCs numbers are expanded, there is a greater likelihood that mutations can occur—just from random mutations and sheer numbers of cells—that lead to colon cancer. “The idea is that this larger pool of cells remain in the intestine and accumulate mutations, and that means they can be a source of mutated cells leading to transformation and tumor initiation,” said Mana. “We do think that is a likely possibility when there are conditions that expand your stem cell pool.” Mana’s group also found that feeding a high fat diet dramatically accelerated mortality in this model compared with the control condition, by accelerating tumorigenesis. “The levels of these fats that you can get through your diet are going to impact your stem cells, probably in a fairly direct way,” said Mana. “I think one of the surprising things we are finding in our studies is that fatty acids can have such a direct effect. But you can remove these PPARs, you can remove CPT1a, and the intestine is fine.” New Hopes With the new evidence from the study, the hope is to one day apply their work to human colon cancers. “These studies have all been in these mouse models to date,” said Mana. “One idea we started with was to understand the metabolic dependencies of the tumors that can arise in a natural or pharmacological context and then target these metabolic programs to the detriment of the tumor but not the normal tissue. We are making progress with the high fat diet model. Ultimately though, the goal is to eliminate or prevent colorectal cancer in humans.” To read the original article click here.

The post Study Shows New Links Between High Fat Diets and Colon Cancer appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

The 5 Best Probiotic Foods for Good Gut Health

AHA Publisher — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 08:00:38 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – A simple way to improve your digestion is by eating more fermented foods. That’s because they contain probiotics that: Encourage the right balance of good bacteria in your digestive tract so it can filter out harmful toxins, chemicals, and waste Offset bad bacteria caused by poor diet, lack of sleep, stress, and environmental toxins to maintain a healthy gut barrier Research also shows probiotics can support a healthy immune system and may have protective effects against everything from IBS, constipation, and bloating to autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis [1,2,3]. CHOOSE THESE BEST PROBIOTIC FOODS FOR A HEALTHY GUT You can reap the benefits of probiotics every day by eating the following best probiotic foods. They’re rich in that good bacteria needed for a healthy gut! FERMENTED VEGETABLES The best way to get probiotics and fiber is from whole, fermented vegetables. Sauerkraut and kimchi are the best low-carb choices. SAUERKRAUT Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage high in organic acids and enzymes. It contains probiotics, fiber, vitamins B, C, and K, iron, manganese, folate, copper, and potassium, all important for gut health and overall wellness. KIMCHI Kimchi is a reddish cabbage fermented with salt, garlic, vinegar, chili peppers, and other spices. A very popular condiment in Korea, kimchi is rich in probiotics and has lots of benefits. Besides supporting your gut with healthy bacteria, a number of studies have shown eating fermented kimchi may significantly decrease blood pressure, BMI, weight, total cholesterol, fasting, and more [4,5,6]. Note: Eat sauerkraut and kimchi in small, condiment-sized portions, as large amounts may cause bacterial imbalance. MILK OR WATER KEFIR Kefir is fermented and cultured drink made from a combination of yeast, bacteria, and either milk or water. Kefir is great for healing gut and digestion function. Although kefir initially contains sugar, its bacteria actually eat up that sugar, making it a keto-friendly food. It also contains calcium and protein (if made with milk), B vitamins, and potassium. UNSWEETENED YOGURT Yogurt can be a great probiotic keto snack. But make sure it has no added carbs from sugar or fruits, as these will take you out of the Keto Zone! Look for full-fat, organic and/or grass-fed yogurt from cows, sheep, or goats as much as possible. These options are more nutritious and less likely to contain pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones along with that beneficial bacteria. LOW-SUGAR KOMBUCHA Kombucha is a fermented black or green tea full of probiotics, enzymes, and beneficial vitamins and minerals for gut health. Kombucha has a range of health benefits for your digestion, immunity, joint health, and detoxification. Make sure the kombucha is: A low-sugar brand, as many kombucha varieties have a lot of sugar that will kick you out of the Keto Zone (check the sugar and net carb grams to be sure) Packaged in a dark glass bottle, as too much UV light can kill the good bacteria inside Organic, raw, and unpasteurized (pasteurization kills the friendly probiotics!) If you can’t find low-sugar kombucha, probiotic vinegar is a good alternative that’s still highly beneficial. DIVINE HEALTH PROBIOTIC FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS Dr. Colbert offers several products offering the benefits of probiotics plus more: Beyond Biotics Ultra Blend Probiotics: a new product containing three clinically studied and tested strains consisting of 12 billion bacteria. Boosts immune response and natural defenses. Helps to support the natural balance of good bacteria in your gut where 70% of the immune system is found. Living Chia: ground chia seeds plus added probiotics. Fermented Green Supremefood and Red Supremefood for daily probiotics from 10 fermented veggies and four fermented grasses! Boost your gut health daily by consuming these best probiotic foods along with a healthy diet and lifestyle. More and more, science is proving that a healthy digestive system is the key to a healthy brain and body—and the power to keep your gut healthy lies directly with you! Get Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book today to help you understand the connection between your gut and your health. You will learn that whatever inflames your gut will eventually inflame your brain and the rest of your body. Making the right food choices will become the medicine in which you will walk and live in divine health. SOURCES 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3448089/ 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25099542 3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11894-015-0439-z 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21745625 5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23444963 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24456367 To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

The post The 5 Best Probiotic Foods for Good Gut Health appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease by Eating Walnuts?

AHA Publisher — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:00:15 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – How can walnuts help someone concerned about heart health issues? Well, the answer may just surprise you. Heart disease claims the lives of over 655,000 Americans every year, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that someone dies of the condition every 36 seconds. Along with smoking, high blood pressure, obesity and a poor diet – high in unhealthy fats and refined sugar – are major triggers for this killer disease. The good news: simple dietary changes can help lower the risk, and lead to real improvements in heart health. In fact, researchers and nutritionists have long praised nuts as an example of the type of food that we should eat to reduce heart disease risk. And, walnuts are at the very top of the list, with brand-new research revealing a dramatic connection between daily walnut consumption and improved cardiovascular health. The Benefits of Walnuts Would Surprise Most Heart Disease Patients In a trial published just this month in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 600 healthy adults in their 60s and 70s were told to follow their standard diet for two years – with the only difference being that one group ate between 30 and 60 grams (roughly one to two ounces, or seven to fourteen walnuts) a day in addition to their regular fare. The study, the largest and longest scientific trial ever conducted on the effects of daily walnut consumption, showed compelling results. The volunteers in the walnut group showed a significant decrease in inflammation, with inflammatory markers in the blood reduced by over 11 percent. This is significant because – while short-term inflammation is vital for healing wounds and combating infections – chronic, long-term inflammation is believed to be at the root of many diseases, including artery-clogging atherosclerosis. In fact, walnuts helped to reduce six out of ten notorious proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin – 1 beta. Researchers say that reducing interleukin-1 is strongly connected with lowered rates of heart disease. Why Is There Such a Positive Cardiovascular Effect? While all nuts can improve heart health (in fact, regular nut consumption is associated with a 15 percent lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease – and a 23 percent lower risk of dying from it), researchers are most impressed by the benefits of walnuts. Earlier research focusing on walnut-enriched diets reveals that they are consistently linked with lower LDL cholesteroland better arterial function. So, what gives walnuts their disease-fighting “edge?” Of all nuts, walnuts are the highest in desirable monounsaturated fats known as omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can lower dangerous triglycerides in the blood and reduce atherosclerotic plaque in arteries. They are also linked with improved cognitive health, and may lower risk of depression. Walnuts contribute omega-3s in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, with every one-ounce serving of walnuts offering up 2.5 grams. And, researchers report that every gram of alpha-linolenic acid you eat a day lowers the risk of dying of heart disease by an impressive 10 percent! In addition to being anti-inflammatory, walnuts contain powerful antioxidants, including quercetin and vitamin E. This enables them to gobble up harmful free radicals (reactive oxygen species) that would otherwise cause oxidative damage, potentially triggering heart disease. Finally, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition showed that walnuts as part of a healthy diet can strongly benefit the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The researchers reported that the walnut group had healthier levels of “friendly” bacteria that help discourage heart disease by promoting healthy blood pressure. The Surprising Anti-Obesity Benefits of Walnuts Believe it or not, the benefits of walnuts include a healthier body weight. At 185 calories per ounce, they are not a classic “diet food.” Yet, they are so nutrient-packed that they are still a caloric bargain. And, studies have shown that eating several walnuts before meals can, surprisingly, decrease appetite and help ward off overeating. By the way, the study participants who added walnuts to their usual daily diets did not gain weight as a result. A one-ounce serving of walnuts also contributes half the RDA of a disease-fighting trace mineral called manganese – along with copper, zinc, B vitamins and vitamin K, which has been shown to help to prevent atherosclerosis. Walnuts are also high in dietary fiber, which helps cleanse toxins and carcinogens from the body. In fact, a recent Harvard study showed that walnuts could help prevent colorectal cancer. The BIG Question: How Many Walnuts Are Enough? Most natural health experts recommend eating a small handful of walnuts a day. For maximum benefit, opt for unshelled organic walnuts and crack them yourself. If wielding a nutcracker isn’t your “thing,” buying shelled halves is a good alternative. Walnuts can be enjoyed raw, sprouted or lightly roasted – but avoid commercially prepared walnuts packaged or roasted in oil. With their rich, buttery taste and satisfying consistency, walnuts can be enjoyed out of hand as a convenient snack, or sprinkled throughout oatmeal, salads and yogurt. Incidentally, historians tell us that walnuts were once so prized that they were reserved for Persian kings. Fortunately, you don’t have to be of royal descent to access the cardioprotective benefits of walnuts these days. Sources for this article include: GenengNews.com, Healthline.com, CDC.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease by Eating Walnuts? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Great NEWS: Fruits and Veggies That Actually Destroy Cancer Cells

AHA Publisher — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 07:00:58 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – In the United States, cancer – second only to heart disease as a leading cause of death – will claim the lives of over 600,000 people, according to current statistics from the National Institutes of Health. Yet, sadly – to this day, most people remain uninformed about the true power of fruit and veggies to stop cancer cell growth and premature death. No doubt, this will come as no surprise to anyone aware of the increase in pesticide/herbicide usage on our farm lands; the consumption of too many (heavily processed) junk foods and dangerous medications; the ever-expanding exposure to wireless (microwave) radiation; and the constant application of chemtrail toxins in the sky. Of course, the proliferation of highly-processed, sugary foods loaded with genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) is the major reason why we see so much suffering in this world. But, let’s just say the obvious: According to many qualified healthcare providers, the vast majority of these deaths – as well as the 1.8 million new cases that will be diagnosed in 2020 – are preventable. We must do everything in our power to avoid any threat to our health and happiness. What could be more important than that? Where Are the Veggies?! It’s Time to Expose the “800 Pound Gorilla” in the Room In an article published in Pharmaceutical Research, the authors – researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center – assert that only 5 to 10 percent of cancers can be attributed to genetic causes; lifestyle and environmental factors account for the rest. Of the factors believed to contribute to cancer, which include smoking, poor diet, environmental pollutants, sun exposure, obesity, infections, stress, alcohol and physical inactivity, diet is one of the most significant, accounting for roughly a third of many types of cancer, and up to 70 percent of colorectal cancers. These statistics are actually cause for hope – diet is one thing over which you have complete control. To be perfectly clear, nothing can be more important for avoiding cancer cell growth than eating a healthy (organic) diet filled with locally-grown fruits and veggies. Bright Coloration of Fruits and Vegetables Are a Tip-Off to Their Protective Qualities Eating a good amount of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables; a modest amount of high quality animal foods and select grains like quinoa or millet and restricting overall calorie intake can help you to dramatically reduce your cancer risk. Due to their beneficial natural pigments, fruits and vegetables tend to be brightly or deeply colored – picture the brilliant orange of carrots and tangerines, the vibrant red of tomatoes, the intense green of broccoli, and the rich indigo of blueberries. With some notable exceptions – such as onions and garlic – life-prolonging fruits and vegetables are recognizable by their eye-catching hues. Naturally, due to social pressures or ‘old’ habits, it can sometimes be a challenge to eat healthy – but the rewards are worth the effort. Fruits and Vegetables Are Loaded with Phytochemicals to Prevent Cancer Researchers tell us that there are as many as 25,000 different plant chemicals, many of which are anti-carcinogenic; carotenoids, quercetin, resveratrol, indole-3-carbinol and sulfurophane are among the most well-studied – and potent. Not only are these compounds a safe way of targeting multiple cell-signaling pathways, but they perform an important role in reducing inflammation, now acknowledged to be at the root of many life-threatening diseases, including cancer. One of the ways phytochemicals target cancer is by blocking production of nuclear factor kappa b cells. These cells, also known as NF-kB, are an inflammatory marker; biochemists believe that incorrect regulation of NF-kB by the body is associated with the development of cancer. What Is So Special About Carotenoids? Carotenoids, a group of plant pigments, are both anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic. Beta-carotene, found in carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and beet greens, is a provitamin that the body turns into the antioxidant vitamin A. Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, grapefruit and watermelon, has been demonstrated in animal and human studies to be a powerful cancer fighter, capable of scavenging free radicals – pumping up the body’s detoxification systems and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Other carotenoids include lutein, zeaxanthin, capsanthin, crocetin and phytoene. According to a 2002 scientific review of studies published in Cancer Metastasis Review, some of these may have cancer-preventing abilities to surpass even that of beta-carotene and lycopene; research is ongoing. How Can Quercetin Help to Prevent Cancer? A flavonoid found in citrus fruits, parsley, apples, onions, grapes, and various types of berries, quercetin is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptopic – meaning it can induce programmed cell death in cancer cells. Quercetin also blocks NF-kB activation, and has been found in animal studies to prevent colon and lung cancer. Onions, a particularly rich source of quercetin, have been credited by researchers with potency against squamous cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. Researchers are particularly impressed with the way quercetin prevents damage to cell DNA by protecting strands from breakage. Fruit and Dark Chocolate Can Inhibit Inflammation A polyphenolic compound found in grapes, blueberries and dark chocolate, resveratrol acts against cancers of the breast, prostate, stomach, pancreas and colon. Like quercetin, resveratrol can induce apoptosis, suppress NF-kB activation, and inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. It also suppresses nitric oxide synthase, inhibits the inflammatory substances COX-2 and lipoxygenase, and impedes tumors by reducing their ability to grow blood vessels. In addition, resveratrol suppresses adhesion molecules, making platelets in blood less likely to clump together – thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. Researchers are currently working to create versions of resveratrol with increased bioavailability – in other words, the capacity to be absorbed and used by the body – for applications in treating cancer. Indole-3 Carbinol Blocks Cancer Cell Growth A flavonoid found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower, indole-3-carbinole fights cancer by inducing enzymes that help to metabolize carcinogens. Like other beneficial phytochemicals, this cancer-fighter modulates nuclear transcription factors. In test tube studies, indole-3-carbinol has been shown to inhibit the invasion of normal tissue by invasive cancer cells. So, we’ve got another good reason to eat our veggies. Concerned About Cancer? Eat Lots of Cruciferous Vegetables Like indole-3-carbinol, sulfurophane is found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Cell and animal studies have attested to strong anticancer effects. Researchers have found that sulfurophane induces phase-2 enzymes that detoxify carcinogens. In addition, sulfurophane induces apoptosis, inhibits NF-kB, and scavenges free radicals. The bottom line: Nature has reserved the brightest colors in her palette to ornament those foods that do the most to protect us from cancer and other diseases. Unlike the protocol of traffic lights, the colors red, yellow and green – when found in fresh, organic fruits and vegetables – all signal “Go.” Sources for this article include: Cancer.gov, NIH.gov, NIH.gov, Livescience.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Great NEWS: Fruits and Veggies That Actually Destroy Cancer Cells appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.