Need Another Reason to Quit Smoking? Great, Smoking May Shrink Your Brain

It’s no secret: Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. Well, believe it or not, it’s now considered even worse. New research has discovered that in addition to increasing the risk of a plethora of diseases and cancers, smoking may also physically shrink the brain.

Need a reason to quit smoke? Here's one

If that sounds serious, it is, as brain shrinkage may result in greater risks of Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia, among other conditions.

New Research on Smoking’s Affect on the Brain

We have known for years that smoking can negatively affect the brain. From increasing the risk of strokes suffered as the result of clots or burst blood vessels in the brain to the impact that nicotine can have in changing the chemistry of the brain, the fact that smoking leads to poorer brain health is not new knowledge. However, new research from McGill University in Canada and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland has now found that smoking may actually cause a thinning of the cortex, the outer layer of the brain.

Smoking can "fried" your brain

This part of the brain is critical for essential functions, including memory, perception, and language. But as already mentioned, that’s not all. According to the researchers, and existing knowledge on brain function, a thinner cortex has been linked to poor balance, schizophrenia, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

In order to come to these determinations, researchers analyzed the brain scans of over 500 smokers, nonsmokers, and former smokers, who had an average age of 73 years. The study, which was the largest of its kind ever performed, was able to make the conclusion that smoking was indeed linked to a thinning of the cortex. Furthermore, even after quitting smoking, negative impacts may remain for years, including general cognitive decline and memory problems.

Cognitive decline is common among smokers

There is Good News

The good news is that the brain has the ability to at least partially recover over time. In their study, the researchers found that past smokers were able to restore at least some of their cortex, with these restorative abilities seemingly linked to the amount and duration of their smoking habit.

Those who smoked for a shorter period of time, or who smoked less on average, appeared to have better cortex regeneration compared to heavier smokers. However, regardless of the level of an individual’s smoking, quitting is likely to have a positive, restorative effect.

The Best Protection from Smoking-Related Brain Shrinkage? Quit Smoking.

As the lead author of the study, Dr. Sherif Karama, relates, these finding may be powerful enough to convince some people to finally quit smoking. “My mother-in-law had tried to stop smoking for years, and last year when I showed her the results, she stopped the next day,” Dr. Karama said. While that result is ideal and would produce the quickest health improvements, quitting smoking is not that easy for everyone, no matter how badly they may want to quit.

Quit smoke, for your baby's sake

Nevertheless, the results of this study serve as yet another reminder of the health hazards associated with smoking. If you have been trying to quit, are thinking about quitting, or if you know someone who is trying to quit, strongly consider (or share) this study. Perhaps it will be enough to convince some people to search for that extra inner source of determination to get over the hump. Of course, seek out the help of your physician, loved ones, medicinal resources and tools, and other professional resources and support. 

Quitting smoking may be one of the hardest things to accomplish, but if millions of people have done it before, you can too! Your brain will thank you for this.

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This Cooking Technique Removes Calories From Rice

Many folks are aware that processed rice lacks the nutritional value of brown rice, yet due to taste preferences, they continue to eat it.

White rice or brown rice?

Scientists have good news for these people, as they have found a new way to cook the food that makes it healthier. The discovery is a big advantage because rice is inexpensive and is a staple of many diets around the world.

The Fiber Factor

One reason that processed rice, otherwise known as “white” rice, is not considered a healthful food is because it contains little fiber. The lack of this important food constituent gives it a high glycemic index, a factor that increases the risk of diabetes and obesity in those who consume it.

Researchers at the American Chemical Society determined that a simple modification in the traditional method of cooking rice dramatically increased its content of resistant starch, a substance that is actually a type of fiber. This benefit can decrease the food’s calories by as much as 50 to 60 percent; therefore, it can cut the risk of obesity.

Too much of white rice raise the risk of diabetes

Why Is Resistant Starch Beneficial?

The starch contained in rice has digestible and indigestible parts. Digestible starch is broken down in the small intestine where it is changed into glucose and taken up into the bloodstream. “After your body converts carbohydrates into glucose, any leftover fuel gets converted into a polysaccharide carbohydrate called glycogen,” James explains. “Your liver and muscles store glycogen for energy and quickly turn it back into glucose as needed. The issue is that the excess glucose that doesn’t get converted to glycogen ends up turning into fat, which can lead to excessive weight or obesity.” Resistant starch is indigestible, so it escapes this process that leads to weight gain.

A Healthier Method of Cooking Rice

James describes the new method, which is a simple modification involving two extra steps. After you boil the water but before you put in the raw rice, add coconut oil to the pot. The amount of oil should be equal to approximately 3 percent of the weight of the rice you are preparing. For example, if you are cooking 1 cup of rice, add 2 teaspoons of coconut oil. When the rice is done, let it cool in the refrigerator 12 hours before you eat it. The combination of the cooling step and the addition of the oil imparts the beneficial change, which is not affected when the rice is reheated.

Just add in the coconut oil and it just turns

How Does This Method Work?

During cooking, the oil enters the starch and alters its structure, making it resistant to the effects of digestive enzymes. Consequently, less calories are absorbed. “The cooling is essential because amylose, the soluble part of the starch, leaves the granules during gelatinization,” says James. “Cooling for 12 hours will lead to formation of hydrogen bonds between the amylose molecules outside the rice grains which also turns it into a resistant starch.” In effect, the digestible starches are converted into resistant ones that take more time to digest.

Next on the researchers’ agenda is to test which varieties of rice get the best results. They also will evaluate other oils to see if they produce the same benefit. Despite the improvement this method gives white rice, it is this author’s opinion that brown rice and black rice remain more nutritious options.

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Is This the Solution to Your Low Energy and Brainpower?

If you’re suffering from “mystery symptoms” like low energy, brain fog, moodiness, difficulty sleeping or just a vague feeling of malaise, chances are you’re suffering from a vitamin deficiency that affects 1 in 2 older adults. Yet tragically, doctors rarely detect this deficiency until it manifests as a severe neurological disorder, dementia, mental illness, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular disease, cancer…or worse! What’s more, doctors typically misdiagnose the symptoms of this deficiency and then prescribe drugs that do nothing to address the problem, but instead have plenty of side effects that only make you feel worse!

Vitamin B12 Rich foods

What I’m talking about here is vitamin B12 deficiency, and if you've experienced any of the symptoms I described above, it’s imperative that you take action NOW to get your B12 levels up to a healthy level — before irreversible damage occurs. The good news is that B12 deficiency can be remedied easily, quickly and inexpensively. But don’t run out and grab the first bottle of B12 you see — it’s crucial that you take the right kind of B12. There’s a shocking secret about what most B12 supplements are made from that you need to know about.

Are YOU Vitamin B12 Deficient?

The older you are, the higher your risk is for B12 deficiency, but younger people aren’t exempt from harm. In a shocking recent Tufts University study, researchers found that nearly 1 in 4 people over age 26 are at least borderline deficient in B12 and may already be experiencing symptoms as a result.

Here are some of the most common signs of B12 deficiency: 

• Low energy and weakness 
• Memory problems 
• Confusion or “fuzziness” 
• Irritability and mood swings 
• Persistent sleep problems 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Digestive problems 
• Weak immunity 
• Hearing and vision loss 
• Tingling in the extremities 

Why Your Body Needs B12

Your body depends on vitamin B12 for energy production. It’s crucial to the metabolic process that converts carbohydrates and fats into energy — this is why it’s often called the “energy vitamin.” B12 is also one of the building blocks your body uses to produce DNA, so it’s crucial for healthy cell growth and repair. B12 keeps your immune system functioning optimally, regulates mood and sleep cycles, and mitigates the harmful effects of the toxic stress hormone homocysteine, making it a vital player in maintaining heart health and more. But new research is showing that B12’s most vital function of all may be protecting your brain and entire nervous system by keeping your nerves communicating in an optimal manner.

How B12 Protects Your Brain

Did you know that if you live to be 80, your chances of suffering from severe loss of cognitive function are 1 in 2? Not coincidentally, roughly the same number of older adults is deficient in B12! Emerging research is showing that age-related cognitive decline and memory loss are linked to a process in the body that involves a decrease in brain mass. That’s right, your brain actually shrinks as you age!

A recent landmark study showed that B12 supplementation slows the accelerated rate of brain shrinkage and declining cognitive function in older individuals. Another study showed that older people with higher levels of B12 in their blood had bigger, healthier brains and scored higher on cognitive tests than those with lower levels.

Take B12 to SUPERCHARGE Your Days

As I mentioned, B12 helps your body produce energy by metabolizing carbs and fats in the food you eat. The effects of replenishing your B12 stores on your energy levels can be dramatic. Most people report significant increases in energy, stamina, motivation and ability to focus within days of beginning to take B12.

B12 is also needed for the production of the important neurotransmitter serotonin, which regulates mood, sleep and appetite. A study from the National Institute of Aging found women with low B12 levels were more than twice as likely to develop depression as women with normal B12 status. Many people find that taking B12 helps them to get the deep, rejuvenating sleep they need at night, so they wake up feeling refreshed.

How B12 Can Save Your Heart, Bones, Eyes and Ears

Another major benefit of having enough B12 in your body is reduced levels of the toxic stress hormone homocysteine. Not only does lowering homocysteine levels make you feel less stressed, studies have shown that it also confers protection for your heart, bones, vision and hearing. Homocysteine is known to damage to the inside of blood vessels and arteries, making elevated homocysteine levels a serious risk factor for heart disease.

Homocysteine weakens bones by interfering with collagen cross-linking, the molecular “stitching” that makes bones strong and flexible. In one study, people with low B12 levels had lower-than-average bone mineral density. B12 also helps to build stronger bones by aiding osteoblasts, the cells that build bone.

Additionally, B12’s homocysteine-lowering effects help it protect your eyes and ears. Harvard researchers found at least a 34% decreased risk of vision loss and improved retinal blood vessel function for women aged 40 and older who supplemented with B12. And one study found that low blood levels of vitamin B12 were linked to a higher risk of hearing loss in women in their 60s. Researchers think that homocysteine may damage the delicate cells that transmit sound waves in the inner ear.

Why Are So Many People B12 Deficient?

The reason that the vast majority of people end up B12 deficient has nothing to do with their B12 intake, but rather, their ability to absorb B12 from food. As you get older, the lining of your stomach gradually loses its ability to produce hydrochloric acid, which you need to absorb B12 from food. The use of certain drugs can also lower your stomach acid secretion, further hampering B12 absorption. This is why with B12 supplements, a sublingual (under-the-tongue) delivery system is absolutely essential. This ensures the B12 goes directly into your bloodstream, bypassing your digestive tract.

WARNING: Some B12 Supplements Contain Cyanide

The form of B12 that you’ll find in most B12 products — even the B12 injections your doctor may administer — is cyanocobalamin. And here’s the shocker. Can you guess how this form of B12 gets its name? Cyanocobalamin is comprised of a cyanide molecule attached to a cobalamin (B12) molecule. Cyanide is a toxic poison that the body cannot metabolize, and over time, it can accumulate in brain tissues with disastrous results.

For reasons I’ll never fully understand, way too many B12 supplements on the market today are made with this virtually worthless form of B12. My guess is that these companies are just out to save money at the expense of your health, which is truly a shame.

What you want to take is a supplement made with the methylcobalamin form of B12, which research has shown to be the safest and most effective. Currently, most experts recommend taking a minimum of 1,000 mcg a day of sublingual methylcobalamin. Higher dosages of up to 15,000 mcg per day are sometimes required to bring levels back up to an optimal level and to restore energy, mental function and mood balance. B12 has no known drug interactions and has never shown any adverse or toxic effects in humans, even when given in very large doses.

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The Pain Relief Solution Your Doctor May Not Know About

Do you have stiff joints, sore muscles or general aches and pains that just never seem to go away? I know from personal experience just how frustrating dealing with this kind of pain can be, which is why I want to share with you the solution that helped me. 



Back Pain?

Unfortunately, many doctors address pain with band-aid solutions like painkillers or steroids. What your doctor may never tell you is that there could be an underlying cause for your aches and pains, for which there is a natural remedy that is both safe and permanent
.

Pain everywhere

The current mainstream medical mentality on treating joint pain has spurred a multibillion-dollar industry for Big Pharma. However, their painkilling drugs are far from an ideal solution. Studies show that long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin, ibuprofen and Celebrex, actually weakens joints. And the prescription painkiller, Vioxx, claimed as many as 55,000 lives before being banned. It makes me wonder, is the next Vioxx lurking out there?

The Traditional Route Didn't Work So Well for Me

A few years ago I started to experience significant, unexplained joint and muscle pain. I went the traditional route first, seeing one doctor after another, but every test came back negative. Two years went by with very little progress, and I knew that surgeries, steroids and painkillers were not the long-term solution I was seeking. What none of my doctors knew was that I was suffering from low-grade body-wide inflammation – an affliction that causes body-wide symptoms such as pain and stiffness.

Glucosamine?

Glucosamine Worked Great…But It Wasn't Enough

During this time I was taking a high quality glucosamine and chondroitin supplement, which is an extensively studied combination proven to be effective for natural joint health support. It worked pretty well, however, it just wasn't getting the job done. That’s when I decided to “hit the books” to learn what other natural solutions were out there that could help.

Looked at Virtually Every Natural Option for Pain Relief

Determined to find a solution, I read volumes on natural healing and nearly every research paper ever published on joint and muscle pain. I learned that the underlying cause of these issues is often bodywide inflammation. Many people unknowingly suffer from “invisible” widespread inflammation. But I've learned that by putting an end to this inflammation, while at the same time taking nutrients to fortify your joints, you can end pain and discomfort and begin healing your body from the inside out.

It’s Not Just Cartilage That Protects Your Joints

Glucosamine and chondroitin are known to work together to protect and rebuild cartilage, but it turns out that this is only half the battle. Surrounding your cartilage is a thick gel-like substance called synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant, shock absorber and nutrient carrier. A major component of this fluid is hyaluronic acid (also known as HA). Your ability to produce HA declines with age and compromises the synovial fluid. Research shows that supplementing with HA can actually replenish synovial fluid, leading to enhanced cushioning and protection for your joints.

Run out of Cartilage?

3 Letters That Rid Your Body Of Inflammation

My research helped me to discover the role that a compound called methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, plays in keeping inflammation at bay. MSM is a natural form of sulfur, which is an essential building block for joints and cartilage. Most of us lack MSM because it’s been processed out of many foods. Amazingly, MSM provides powerful relief from swelling, inflammation and pain by allowing harmful substances that have accumulated in the tissues to flow out and healing nutrients to flow in. Additionally, studies have shown that MSM works with glucosamine to protect and rebuild cartilage.

Spice of Life

As I continued to read about natural ways to reduce inflammation, I learned about the amazing benefits of curcumin, a component of the spice, turmeric, which is commonly used in curries. Research shows that curcumin inhibits the synthesis of inflammatory substances in the body. One exciting study found that those taking curcumin showed:

• A 58 percent decrease in overall reported pain and stiffness
• A 16-fold decline in C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation
• A 63 percent reduction in the use of OTC drugs such as ibuprofen
• A 300 percent improvement in emotional well being

A Little Ginger Goes a Long Way

Ginger has many of the same benefits as curcumin, however it affects the body in ways that complement curcumin’s benefits. In two different clinical studies that I reviewed, physicians found that 75% of patients with joint pain and 100% of patients with muscle pain experienced significant relief from pain and swelling after taking ginger!

Nature’s Gift for Easing Joint Pain

New research suggests that an age-old herbal remedy, called boswellia, may be nature’s “gift” to joint pain sufferers. Boswellia has emerged as a powerful pain and inflammation fighter capable of providing significant and rapid relief. In a gold standard research study conducted at UC Davis, boswellia was shown to ease knee pain and stiffness within just seven days. And in another study just completed this year, researchers found that boswellia inhibits the production of key inflammatory molecules, which helps to prevent the breakdown of cartilage.

What Do Pineapples Have to Do with Joint Pain?

Pineapples have been used for centuries to reduce inflammation and pain. It turns out that an enzyme found in pineapples, called bromelain, is capable of reducing pain, inflammation and healing time. Amazingly, some studies show that bromelain can reduce knee pain as effectively as over-the-counter pain medications.

The Cherry on Top of the Joint Pain Solution

One of the most exciting things I learned in my research was that tart cherries provide amazing healing and pain relief benefits. Tart cherries contain unique anti-inflammatory compounds that specifically target muscle tissue. According to researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, “Tart cherry juice may be a safer way to treat muscle pain and inflammation than over-the-counter pain relievers.” Another amazing study suggests that eating even a small amount of tart cherries helps to significantly improve muscle recovery after exercise.

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3 Secrets to Shielding Your Brain from Memory Loss

If you expect to live into your 80s and beyond, which I dare say most of us do, there’s an important statistic you need to be aware of…

According to the National Institute on Aging, by the time you reach your 80s, you have a 50% chance of suffering from significant cognitive decline. That’s right, the odds that you’ll literally lose your mind by the time you’re in your 80s are no better than the toss of a coin!

Cognitive decline

It’s sad but true — there is no cure for age-related cognitive decline, and experts say that the problem is becoming increasingly widespread. But that doesn't mean you have to be a “sitting duck,” just waiting to become another victim.

While the cause of this sharp rise in age-related cognitive decline is not fully understood, one thing is for sure — if you want to keep your mind and memory intact as you age, you can’t risk a passive “it won’t be me” mentality.

There may not be a cure for cognitive decline, this doesn't mean you’re helpless. Just a few simple steps can help stack the odds in your favor for an active brain and healthy memory throughout your life.

The Sad Truth: If You Wait for Treatment…

It’s Too Late

If concern about losing your cognitive abilities prompts you to ask your doctor about prevention strategies, you probably won’t be happy with the answer you get. You’ll most likely be told that there’s little you can do and no need to worry. But according to NIH’s National Institute on Aging, the sad truth is that current drugs are only marginally effective at treating brain decay and have many side effects. So why aren't doctors focusing their attention on prevention?

Memory loss

Brain decay is terrifying — from losing your memories and being unable to recognize familiar faces… to losing the ability to take care of yourself. My advice to you, whether you’re 45 or 75, is to start protecting your mind now, before you become just another sad statistic.

The 3 Secrets to Life-Long Brain Health

What I’ve learned is that amazing new research is proving that specific nutrients, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, may be the secret remedy long overlooked by traditional medicine. The science shows that these nutrients have an undeniable positive impact on brain health.

Old people suffered from Cognitive decline

Based on my research, the following three nutrients are the “best of the best” and what I believe to be the overlooked “secrets” to preventing cognitive decline.

1. This Antioxidant Is the Brain’s Fountain of Youth

Your brain depends on the powerful antioxidant CoQ10 to keep it healthy. This makes sense since CoQ10 is a primary player in your body’s energy production processes, and your brain has incredibly high demands for cellular energy.

Research shows that a deficit of CoQ10 severely compromises brain function, leading to sluggish thinking and memory impairment. Yet, far too many people are deficient in CoQ10, especially seniors. That’s because as you get older, your body produces less and less CoQ10.

However, when you do have adequate levels, your mind and memory thrive! According to a UCSD study, proper levels of CoQ10 can slow brain deterioration by 44%. Furthermore, studies show that people with high levels of CoQ10 have sharper mental acuity, better motor abilities and more mental energy. CoQ10 also benefits your heart and overall energy levels.

It’s important to take the right kind of CoQ10, since many supplements out there are junk. I’ll cover this in more detail in my “buyer’s guide” below.

2. The Omega-3 That Your Brain Craves

One particular omega-3 called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is absolutely critical to optimal brain function. As you age, your brain’s ability to absorb DHA declines and your levels can drop significantly. This literally starves your mind, compromising both brain function and memory retention.

The results of scientific studies on the brain protecting effects of DHA are incredibly compelling. For example one study showed a 60% decrease in cognitive decline in those who had a regular intake of DHA. Additionally, research has shown that those suffering from cognitive decline have dramatically lower levels of DHA in their brains.

Omega-3 rich fish oil

Overall, if you really dig into the research, it’s basically irrefutable that DHA can speed up brain wave activity, help to create more synapses in the brain and preserve healthy memory function.

Sadly, too many people have critically low levels of DHA, especially people over the age of 65. However, I recommend you take only a specific type of DHA to make sure you’re not doing more harm than good — more on that later.

3. One of the Most Powerful Brain Protectors Ever

Here are 2 factoids about the nation of India. The first one you’ll probably find only moderately interesting, and perhaps not too surprising. However, the second one might wow you.

Fact 1:The nation of India has the highest consumption rate of the spice turmeric in the word. Turmeric is the primary spice used in curries. 

Fact 2:India has one of the lowest rates of cognitive decline in the world, with a death rate that is 8 times lower than that of the U.S.

What’s the connection between these two facts? The answer can be found in a powerful antioxidant called curcumin, which is a component of the curry spice turmeric. In fact, research shows that curcumin has profound protective benefits for the brain.

Curcumin rich in Tumeric

One study shows that curcumin turns on a key gene signal involved with nerve protection, which boosts antioxidant enzymes in the brain and helps to prevent neurodegeneration. Other research has shown that curcumin not only has positive benefits on memory, but also acts as a potent anti-inflammatory. However, it’s important to take a standardized extract of curcumin to make sure you’re getting therapeutic amounts of the active ingredient.

So How Do You Put These 3 Secrets to Good Use?

I want to remind you that by the time you reach 80, you have a 50% chance of suffering from cognitive decline.

That’s why I firmly believe that CoQ10, DHA and curcumin are the best tools available to you for brain protection, along with healthy eating, exercise and keeping your mind active. However, readers ask me all the time how they can put these secrets to good use on a practical basis.

It’s important to understand that you can’t just take any supplement. If you’re not careful, you could end up wasting your time and money, and more importantly, missing out on the opportunity to prevent something terrible from happening.

Suggested daily dosages

Here are some quick tips for you: 

• CoQ10: Many CoQ10 supplements contain “fake” CoQ10 synthesized from tobacco leaves of all things. Look for the words “trans-form” on the label to make sure it’s natural CoQ10. Don’t take less than 100 mg per day. 
• DHA: Lots of DHA supplements have too little DHA to be beneficial. 100 mg is a good amount. I prefer plant-based DHA, so I don’t have to worry about any marine pollutants like mercury. 
• Curcumin: The “good stuff” in curcumin is called curcuminoids. And too many supplements have too little of it. Look for a supplement that provides about 200 mg per day and is standardized to 95% total curcuminiods.

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5 Reasons to Kick Plastic Containers Out of Your Life

Plastic has its role in modern society. It’s an essential part of our cars, computers, mobile phones, children’s toys – and practically most everything we use on a day-to-day basis. But there’s one place where plastic has worn out its welcome – and that’s as a container for the food we eat and the water we drink.

The bottom line is that plastic is made from toxic materials. It’s a known fact that these toxins can leach into whatever they come into contact with. And it’s a known fact that when the compounds that make up plastic are ingested, they damage your body on a cellular level and cause health problems.

Plastic in our daily life

The pundits will say that the human body can easily handle the “small” amounts (which the government insultingly likes to call “acceptably safe levels”) of toxins that are ingested from plastic. But I find this excuse to be one of the world’s biggest cop-outs. If the human body wasn't designed to ingest plastic, then no amount is good.

Here are 5 reasons why you should avoid plastic containers:

Toxic Compounds in Plastic can Make You Really Sick.

It’s typical to suffer from a variety of health problems as you age. But is this just “part of getting older”? Or is this perhaps the result of a toxic overload in the body? It’s common knowledge that illness and disorders such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, heart disease, vision impairment and many others health problems are all on the rise. Could this be in some way associated with the increasing amount of plastic in our lives? Plastic food and beverage containers became popular fairly recently (in the 1970s) and have become ubiquitous in our lives since then. More and more research is proving that toxic compounds found in plastic cause health problems ranging from cancer to infertility.

Don't use plastic as your drinking bottle

There’s no Such Thing as a Safe Plastic.

Plastics that contain the super toxic compound bisphenol A (BPA) have been in the news a lot lately. And for this reason, consumers have been duped into thinking that if a product is “BPA-free” it’s perfectly safe. But this is a lie. Lots of companies have caught on to the fact that they can sell more of a product if it’s labeled as “BPA-free.” But guess what? It may be BPA-free, but in its place, these companies are using BPS, a close cousin of BPA that may be equally as toxic! The bottom line is – you can’t 100% trust that any plastic doesn't contain compounds that are toxic to your body.

Toys made from plastic claims to be BPA Free and safe, do they?

Plastics can Cause Fertility and Reproductive Problems.

The ability to produce a healthy child is a wondrous miracle and an amazing event in one’s life. But toxic compounds found in plastic could be making this difficult, if not impossible, for millions of people. What was once speculation is now becoming fact as more and more research is proving that this is a very real problem. For example, almost all plastics contain toxic chemicals that have a negative effect on immunity and hormone regulation, both of which directly affect fertility. Specifically, BPA has been found to make it more difficult for women to conceive and to cause increased risk of miscarriages. New research is also showing that toxins found in plastic can cause birth defects and developmental problems in children.

Another problem cause by plastic pollution - Infertility

Chemicals in Plastic can Make You Fat.

There are lots of reasons why nearly two-thirds of American adults are either overweight or obese. But one of them may be the vast amounts of plastics our food and beverages come in contact with. After all, America is the world’s largest consumer of disposable plastic containers. Interesting new research published in Environmental Health Perspectives explains that a chemical widely used in plastics, called bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), may actually cause stem cells to become fat cells. According to one of the study’s authors, “Exposure to these kinds of chemicals can reprogram your metabolism and make it more likely for you to store calories instead of passing them through.” Have you found that losing weight is next to impossible, despite eating less and exercising more? Perhaps it’s chemicals in plastics that make losing weight harder than it needs to be.

Chemicals in Plastic can make me become Fat?

Plastics are Just Terrible for Our Planet.

Whether you are a hardcore environmentalist or if being “green” is low on your list of priorities, the fact of the matter is that you live on planet Earth, and so will your children and your children’s children. We all have a responsibility to keep the planet has livable as possible. Firstly, plastics are in most cases made from petrochemicals through an energy intensive process that itself creates lots of pollution and toxic discharge. The fact is, every plastic container you use is making the planet less habitable. Also, most plastic in the world is not recycled and usually ends up in landfills, where it degrades very slowly. According to Wikipedia, “Since the 1950s, one billion tons of plastic have been discarded and may persist for hundreds or even thousands of years.”

Tons of non-biodegradable plastic in wasteland

What Are Your Best Solutions?

Like I said earlier, plastics are a nearly unavoidable part of our everyday lives. But there is a big difference between the plastic on your computer and the plastic that may come into contact with your lunch. You don’t eat your computer. The best solution, which is affordable, convenient and really safe is glass and certain types of metal. Here are some great solutions I've found.

• Break-proof glass water bottles: This glass water bottle has a rubber coating that prevents breakage. It makes water taste amazing! I take mine everywhere I go and it helps me avoid using plastic water bottles.
• Stainless steel straws: My kids don’t use plastic straws anymore, and instead use these stainless steel straws.
• Stainless steel containers: Dump your plastic Tupperware and instead go for stainless steel containers. Glass containers are great too, but most of them still have plastic lids.
• Glass water coolers: If you have a water cooler at your home or office, more and more companies are offering glass containers instead of plastic ones.
• Alternative to non-stick cookware: The coating on your non-stick cookware may be a type of plastic. Instead choose ceramic cookware or enameled cast iron.

Sneaky Sources of BPA

Even if you remove all plastic from your food and water supply, there are still some sneaky ways that highly toxic BPA can find its way into your life. Here are the most common:

• Cash register receipts: This usually shocks most people. But if you handle a receipt with your hands, then eat your food with your hands, BPA is getting in your system. Avoid receipts or wash your hands immediately after touching one.
• The lining of most canned foods.
• Some baby bottles and pacifiers
• Many toys and other children’s products
• Some aluminum water bottles (stainless steel is generally safe)
• Canned soda and beer

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The Dark Side of Coffee

Are you tired all the time? Incredibly, most of the patients I see complain of persistent, ongoing fatigue. Sometimes lack of sleep is a factor, but in almost all cases, there is another, often overlooked factor at play.

Coffee is good or bad?

If you rely on coffee or other caffeinated beverages, sugary foods or medication to provide you with the energy you need to make it through the day, please keep reading. I’m going to explain why you’re so tired all the time, and how you can fix the problem and restore your natural energy levels safely and quickly

Feeling tired without a cup of coffee?

Research shows that an astounding 80% of Americans use caffeinated beverages every morning for an energy boost. The fact is, we have become accustomed to consuming huge amounts of caffeine to keep pace with our busy lifestyles and stressful schedules.

The Dark Side of Caffeine

Although caffeine (along with sugar and stimulants like medication for Attention Deficit Disorder) can help boost energy temporarily, it does so at a significant expense. For example, research from Duke Medical School found that the average daily caffeine consumption of many Americans may raise heart attack and stroke risk by up to 20-30%, due to caffeine’s effects in raising blood pressure and increasing blood flow.

Feeling tired always

Additionally, and importantly in the case of those struggling with fatigue, caffeine pushes the body to release more stress hormones, which can leave you feeling burned out and fatigued in the short and long term.

The Hidden Cause of Energy Burnout, Weight Gain and Health Problems

Two small glands near your kidneys, called the adrenal glands, play a large role in producing energy and helping the body to manage stress. Caffeine, sugar and stimulant medications have a significant impact on these glands and drive them to release more of the body’s primary stress hormones, including epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol.

Coffee lover just can't stop drinking

Chronic elevations in cortisol levels can lower your immunity, disrupt your sleep, make you anxious, lower your energy, accelerate the aging process, affect your fertility, kill your sex drive, cause food cravings and increase your weight even if you manage to resist the cravings.

Even worse, when the adrenal glands have been artificially pushed by caffeine and stimulants for too long, they can become exhausted. The ability of the gland to produce even adequate levels of cortisol becomes compromised, and that’s when you may start to experience fatigue, brain fog, decreased ability to handle stress, poor immunity or auto-immune conditions, low body temperature and a general feeling of burnout. This state, called adrenal fatigue, has become epidemic in our society due to hectic lifestyles, poor nutrition and the over-consumption of stimulants like coffee, sugar and certain medications.

If you are among the majority with adrenal fatigue, what can you do? First, you’ll want to get more sleep if at all possible and reduce or eliminate your consumption of sugar, caffeine and stimulant medications (working with your doctor). Second, you’ll want to support your adrenals to coax them back to full vitality.

High sugar content in coffee

Unfortunately, modern medicine does not offer us many solutions to being burned out and tired. Anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants may be suggested if your mood is starting to suffer. Or stimulant medications, which only make the matter worse, are recommended if the fatigue is persistent. Of course, none of these pharmaceutical interventions address the issue of stressed adrenal glands or help to restore balance to the output of adrenal-related stress hormones.

Is There a Natural Solution for Increased Energy and Vitality? 

Luckily, nature has provided us with tools that can improve our energy levels by supporting our natural stress response and boosting our body’s natural energy production without depleting us. As a holistic physician and pioneer in the natural health industry, I have spent years studying and researching nature’s pharmacopeia to bring you a safe, effective and healthy way to boost your energy.

Some study connects between coffee and stress

It’s important to understand that certain nutrients in the B vitamin family are closely linked to supporting the body’s response to stress and assisting the adrenal system in increasing energy and stamina. Vitamins B12, B6 and B5 in particular play critical roles in energy production and have all been shown to enhance adrenal function and cortisol balance during times of stress. Vitamin B12 also facilitates a biochemical reaction in the body necessary for the production of energy while vitamin B6 is vital to over 100 enzymes that catalyze energy producing reactions in the body. Vitamin B5 is part of a co-enzyme complex that is required by the body in order to make energy from food.

Many people are deficient in these vitamins and notice considerable increases in their energy level once they begin taking them in supplemental form. I always recommend B vitamins to my patients with adrenal fatigue, as well as vitamin C and calcium, which are also helpful when someone has been dealing with prolonged stress.

Craving for another cup of coffee? Think twice!

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