6 Reasons Why You Should Sleeping Naked

Pack away the flannel pajamas: A handful of studies and surveys show sleeping naked could actually be good for you.

Six reasons why you should consider it: 

You may like your partner more: 

A 2014 survey of Brits by Cotton USA (which promotes cotton products that likely include both pajamas and sheets) found that 57 percent of those who slept nude reported being happy in their relationship.

Improve your relationship

That was 9 percentage points more than PJ wearers, followed by 43 percent of nightie wearers. Onesie wearers—they apparently exist—brought up the rear at 38 percent, per the Daily Mail. 

It could help prevent diabetes: 

It's a bit of a stretch, but here's the logic: Adults have small amounts of brown fat (aka "good fat") in their bodies, and a 2014 study looked at how bedroom temperature affected the fat.

The four-month study was small: just five males who slept in rooms heated to 66-, 75-, or 81-degrees. After four weeks spent at the coldest temp, the men had almost twice as much brown fat, and their insulin sensitivity was better, which a researcher says could lower their diabetes risk. 

Prevent diabetes?

Four weeks at 81 degrees undid all the benefits. Though the New York Times points out the test subjects slept in hospital scrubs, going naked could help prevent overheating. 

It's better for your lady health:

Cosmopolitan cites advice from Dr. Jennifer Landa, who points out that an overly warm environment could spur too much yeast or bacteria to grow in the vaginal area. By passing on PJs, you'll have a better chance of giving air access to the region, preventing infections. 

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It's how our ancestors did it: 

If you're a Paleo-dieter who eats like a caveman, why not sleep like one, too? Neurologist Rachel Salas with the Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep in 2013 told the Wall Street Journal that "back in the cave days," people slept naked.

It was, in part, a means of protection from predators, and that feeling of safety could be imparted by sleeping similarly in modern day. 

It could be better for the immune system: 

Mic reports that when skin-on-skin contact occurs, our adrenal glands get a message: lighten up on the production of the stress hormone cortisol.

Better Immune response?

As one doctor explains, "Cortisol suppresses the immune response." Skin-to-skin contact also increases levels of oxytocin, which can have positive effects on blood pressure and healing, says Salas. 

Body temp affects sleep: 

A 2004 study found that for sleep to "initiate normally," core body temp matters.

Cold temperature boost your sleeping efficiency

Per a researcher, "Studies of sleep onset insomniacs show that they consistently have a warmer core body temperature immediately before initiating sleep, when compared with normal healthy adults."

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Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Any cancer - a growth, lump, tumor - of the colon and the rectum is a type of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer. The UK National Health Service says colorectal cancer is the most common cancer globally today. However, the World Health Organization says it is the second most common cancer, after lung cancer. A US study found that incidence rates among adults younger than age 50 years are increasing.

Colorectal cancer rates are increasing worldwide

A colorectal cancer may be benign or malignant. Benign means the tumor will not spread, while a malignant tumor consists of cells that can spread to other parts of the body and damage them.

Cancer Cell replicating

What is the colon? What is the rectum?

The colon and rectum belong to our body's digestive system - together they are also known as the large bowel. 

The colon reabsorbs large quantities of water and nutrients from undigested food products as they pass along it.

Anatomy of Colon

The rectum is at the end of the colon and stores feces (stools, waste material) before being expelled from the body.

What are the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer? 

• Going to the toilet more often. 
• Diarrhea. 
• Constipation. 
• A feeling that the bowel does not empty properly after a bowel movement. 
• Blood in feces (stools). 
• Pains in the abdomen. 
• Bloating in the abdomen. 
• A feeling of fullness in the abdomen (maybe even after not eating for a while). 
• Vomiting. 
• Fatigue (tiredness). 
• Inexplicable weight loss. 
• A lump in the tummy or a lump in the back passage felt by your doctor. 
• Unexplained iron deficiency in men, or in women after the menopause. 

As most of these symptoms may also indicate other possible conditions, it is important that the patient sees a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Anybody who experiences some of these symptoms for four weeks should see their doctor.

How do people get Colorectal Cancer?

Experts say we are not completely sure why colorectal cancer develops in some people and not in others. However, several risk factors have been identified over the years - a risk factor is something which may increase a person's chances of developing a disease or condition. The possible risk factors for colorectal factors are: 

• Being elderly - the older you are the higher the risk is. 
• A diet that is very high in animal protein. 
• A diet that is very high in saturated fats. 
• A diet that is very low in dietary fiber. 
• A diet that is very high in calories. 
• A diet that is very high in alcohol consumption. 
• Women who have had breast, ovary and uterus cancers. 
• A family history of colorectal cancer. 
• Patients with ulcerative colitis. 
• Being overweight/obese. 
• Smoking. This study found that smoking is significantly associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer and death. 
• Being physically inactive. 
• Presence of polyps in the colon/rectum. Untreated polyps may eventually become cancerous. 
• Having Crohn's disease or Irritable Bowel Disease have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. 

How common is colorectal cancer?

According to WHO (World Health Organization) colorectal cancer is the second most common tumor among both men and women (after lung tumors). 

40% of people who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer are already at an advanced stage of the cancer. For these patients surgery is probably the most likely option. 

Colorectal cancer tends to affect men and women equally. However, men tend to develop it at a younger age.

Tests and Diagnosis for colorectal cancer

Screening can detect polyps before they become cancerous, as well as detecting colon cancer during its early stages when the chances of a cure are much higher. The following are the most common screening and diagnostic procedures for colorectal cancer: 

Fecal occult blood test (blood stool test)

This checks a sample of the patient's stool (feces) for the presence of blood. This can be done at the GP's (general practitioner's, primary care physician's) office. However, most patients are given a kit that explains how to take the sample at home. The patient then returns the sample to the doctor's office, and it is sent to a laboratory.

However, a blood stool test is not 100% accurate - it might not detect all cancers because not all of them bleed. Even cancers that do bleed often do not do so all the time. Therefore, it is possible that a patient has a negative result, even though he/she has cancer. Even if blood is detected, this may be caused by other illnesses or conditions, such as hemorrhoids. Some foods may suggest blood in the colon, when in fact, none was present. 

Tumor Marker Test

Carcino Embryonic Antigen (CEA) 

CEA measurement is mainly used as a tumor marker to monitor colorectal carcinoma treatment, to identify recurrences after surgical resection, for staging or to localize cancer spread through measurement of biological fluids. CEA levels may also be raised in gastric carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma, lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, and medullary thyroid carcinoma, as well as some non-neoplastic conditions like ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, cirrhosis, COPD, Crohn's disease, hypothyroidism as well as in smokers.

Blood test

Cancer Antigen CA 19.9

Moderate to high levels of CA 19.9 are found in pancreatic cancer, other cancers, and in several other diseases and conditions. The highest levels of CA 19-9 are seen in cancer of the exocrine pancreas. CA19-9 can be elevated in many types of gastrointestinal cancer, such as colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

The doctor uses a sigmoidoscope, a flexible, slender and lighted tube, to examine the patient's rectum and sigmoid (the sigmoid colon is the last of the colon, before the rectum). The test does not generally take more than a few minutes and is not painful; but might be uncomfortable. There is a small risk of perforation of the colon wall. If the doctor detects a polyps or colon cancer he/she will then carry on a colonoscopy to examine the entire colon and take out any polyps that are present - they will then be examined under a microscope.

A sigmoidoscopy will only detect polyps or cancer present at the end third of the colon and the rectum. If there are any in any other parts of the digestive tract it will not detect them. 

Processed Meat and junk food increases the risk

Barium enema X-ray

Barium is a contrast dye that is placed into the patient's bowel in an enema form - it shows up on an X-ray. In a double-contrast barium enema air is added as well. The barium fills and coats the lining of the bowel, creating a clear image of the rectum, colon, and occasionally of a small part of the patient's small intestine. This procedure is often carried out along with a flexible sigmoidoscopy to detect any small polyps the barium enema X-ray may have missed. If the barium enema X-ray detects anything abnormal, the doctor may recommend a colonoscopy. 

Colonoscopy

The doctor uses a colonoscope, which is much longer than a sigmoidoscope. A colonoscope is a long, flexible and slender tube which is attached to a video camera and monitor. The doctor can see the whole of the colon and rectum. Any polyps discovered during this exam can be removed there and then - sometimes tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken instead. Taking biopsies does not hurt.

Although colonoscopies are painless, some patients are given a mild sedative to calm them down. Prior to the exam the patient may be given a large amount of laxative fluid to clean out the colon (enemas are rarely used). Bleeding and perforation of the colon wall are possible complications, but extremely rare. 

CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)

A CT (computerized tomography) machine is used to take images of the colon. The patient needs to have a cleared colon for this exam to be effective. Even if anything abnormal is detected, the patient will then need conventional colonoscopy. A study found that CT colonography may offer patients at increased risk of colorectal cancer an alternative to colonoscopy that is less-invasive, is better-tolerated and has good diagnostic accuracy. 

Ultrasound scan

Sound waves are used to help show if the cancer has spread to another part of the body.

A affordable diagnostic method

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This gives a three-dimensional image of the bowel and may help the doctor in his/her diagnosis.

Prevention is better than Treatment

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Ways to Soothe a Sore Throat

A sore throat can be the first sign of a cold, a side effect of strained vocal cords, or an indication of something more serious (like strep throat).

Sore throat

Regardless of the cause, your immediate concern when soreness strikes is how to get relief, fast. You may be tempted to run to your doctor, but some of the best treatments are home remedies and over-the-counter meds, says Jeffrey Linder, M.D., an internist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, in Boston.

Often associated with Flu or cold

Anti-inflammatories

One of the most effective treatments for sore throat is probably already in your medicine cabinet: an over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Advil or Aleve.

"These medicines are combination pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, so they'll make you feel better and they'll also reduce some of the swelling associated with a sore throat," Dr. Linder says. "If you have a fever that's also contributing to your symptoms, they can help reduce that as well."

Saltwater gargle

Several studies have found that gargling several times a day with warm salt water can reduce swelling in the throat and loosen mucus, helping to flush out irritants or bacteria.

Doctors generally recommend dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of water. If the salty taste is too unpleasant for you, try adding a small amount of honey to sweeten the mixture slightly. (Just remember to spit the water out after gargling, rather than swallowing!)

Lozenges and sprays

Sucking on cough drops stimulates saliva production, which can help keep your throat moist. But many varieties are no more effective than hard candies, Dr. Linder says. For an added benefit, choose brands with a cooling or numbing ingredient, like menthol or eucalyptus.

Over-the-counter sprays like Chloraseptic produce an effect similar to cooling lozenges. They won't cure your sore throat or help you fight off the underlying cold, but they may help dull the pain temporarily. Chloraseptic's active ingredient, phenol, is a local antiseptic that also has antibacterial properties, Dr. Linder says.

Cough syrup

Even if you don't have a cough (yet), over-the-counter cough syrups can help ease soreness. Like drops and sprays, they coat the throat and provide temporary pain relief.

If you're headed to work, be sure to choose a non-drowsy formula. But if you're having trouble sleeping due to a sore throat, a nighttime formula like NyQuil (which contains a pain reliever and an antihistamine) or Robitussin AC (guaifenesin and codeine) can relieve pain and help you get some shuteye.

Drink More Water

"Staying hydrated is very important, especially when you're sick and your throat is irritated or inflamed," Dr. Linder says. "You should be drinking enough fluid so that your urine is light yellow or clear. This keeps your mucous membranes moist and better able to combat bacteria and irritants like allergens, and makes your body better able to fight back against other cold symptoms."

What you drink is up to you, Linder adds. Water always works (ice cubes, too!), but you can also change it up with something slightly sugary, like a watered-down fruit juice, or something salty, like chicken broth.

Tea

Tired of drinking water? A warm cup of herbal tea can offer immediate, soothing relief for a sore throat. What's more, non-herbal teas—whether they're made with black, green, or white leaves—contain antioxidants that are thought to strengthen immunity and ward off infection.

For an extra boost, add a teaspoon of honey. It'll help the "medicine" go down, and it has antibacterial properties that may help you heal faster.

Chicken soup

An age-old home remedy for colds, chicken soup can help soothe a sore throat, as well. "The sodium in the broth may actually have anti-inflammatory properties, and it can feel good going down," Dr. Linder says.

Chicken broth

Soup has an added benefit when you're sick: Eating can be painful and difficult with a swollen or very sore throat, so sipping some liquid nourishment will ensure that you're getting the nutrients you need to fight off your infection.

Get a Good Night Rest

It may not be the quickest solution, but getting some rest is probably the best thing you can do to battle the infection that caused your sore throat in the first place, Dr. Linder says.

Sleep like a baby

"The vast majority of sore throats are caused by cold viruses, and we know that there's very little we can do to cure a cold once we've got it," he says. "Making sure your body is well rested will at least help it fight off the virus so you can get better sooner."

Last Choice - Antibiotics

Every once and a while—about 10% of the time in adults—a sore throat will be caused by a bacterial infection such asStreptococcus pyogenes. If, and only if, you test positive for strep throat or another bacterial infection, your doctor should prescribe an antibiotic. (Taking antibiotics for a sore throat caused by a virus will not be effective.)

Always take the full course of medicine, even if you feel better after a few days.

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How Much Sugar We Consume Everyday Without Being Notice

In our modern and fast-paced lives, it may be difficult to keep a healthy balance of nutrients in our food. Sugar is one of these nutrients, and the cells in our body would die without it. Consuming too much sugar, however, raises the risk of several problems, including poor dental health, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

To keep control of sugar levels, it helps to know just how much sugar there is in the food we eat. Here, we have listed the sugar content of numerous everyday foods, both processed and natural ones.

What is Sugar?

Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that belongs to a class of chemically-related sweet-flavored substances. It comes in many different forms. The three main types of sugar are sucrose, lactose, and fructose.

Even though our cells need sugar (glucose) to survive, consuming too much of it can cause numerous different health problems. Added sugar contains no beneficial nutrients and in excess only contributes to tooth decay, diabetes, and obesity.

The American Heart Association (AHA) have said that added sugars "contribute zero nutrients" and are just empty calories "that can lead to extra pounds, or even obesity, thereby reducing heart health."

Being aware of the existing and added sugar contents of the foods and drinks we consume is vital for our health - even more so today because so many products have sugar added to them.

The AHA currently recommend that men consume no more than 150 calories from added sugar per day, and women 100 calories.

In early 2014, however, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for a reduction of daily sugar intake to 5% of total daily calories in order to tackle public health problems, such as obesity and tooth decay. Nutritionists strongly recommend against consuming more than 13 teaspoons a day.

Sugar content in common foods and drinks

To help you keep track of how much sugar you're consuming we've listed some common everyday foods and drinks, together with their sugar content. Some of these may surprise you:

How Much Sugar Is In A Chocolate Bar?

With high sugar content, chocolate should always be viewed as an occasional treat. 

• Milk chocolate bar (44g) - 5.75 teaspoons of sugar 
• Snickers bar (57g) - 7 teaspoons of sugar 
• Milky Way bar (58g) - 8.5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Marshmallows (100g) - 14.5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Caramel piece (10g) - 1.7 teaspoons of sugar 
• Butterfinger bar (60g) - 6.9 teaspoons of sugar 
• Dove chocolate bar (37g) - 5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Starburst packet (45 grams) - 5.5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Twix bar - 2.75 teaspoons of sugar 
• M&Ms packet (45 grams) - 5.75 teaspoons of sugar 
• Boiled sweets bag (100 grams) - 11.5 teaspoons of sugar 

How Much Sugar Do Soft Drinks Contain?

Soft drinks often contain a high amount of sugar. 

• Coca cola (one can) - 7 teaspoons of sugar 
• Red Bull (one can) - 7.5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Lemonade (one glass) - 5.5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Orange squash (one glass) - 2.5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Hot chocolate (one mug) - 4.5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Fruit smoothie (one glass) - 3.5 teaspoons of sugar 

A study published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, identified a link between drinking more than one soft drink a day and increased risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

How Much Sugar Does Fruit Contain?

Fruits contain fructose, a type of sugar. Fresh fruit have no "added sugar", but as you can see below, their levels of sugar range from 1 teaspoon per 100 grams in cranberries to 4 teaspoons in grapes.

*per 100 grams

• Bananas contain approximately 3 teaspoons of sugar (fructose). 
• Mangos - 3.2 teaspoons of sugar 
• Bananas - 3 teaspoons of sugar 
• Apples - 2.6 teaspoons of sugar 
• Pineapples - 2.5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Grapes - 4 teaspoons of sugar 
• Lemons - 0.6 teaspoons of sugar 
• Kiwi fruit - 2.3 teaspoons of sugar 
• Apricots - 2.3 teaspoons of sugar 
• Strawberries - 1.3 teaspoons of sugar 
• Raspberries - 1 teaspoon of sugar 
• Blueberries - 1.7 teaspoons of sugar 
• Cranberries - 1 teaspoons of sugar 
• Tomatoes - 0.7 teaspoons of sugar 

How Much Sugar Do Cakes and Desserts Contain?

• A medium slice of carrot cake contains approximately 3 teaspoons of sugar. 
• Banoffee pie (1 medium portion) - 4.25 teaspoons of sugar 
• Carrot cake (1 medium slice) - 3 teaspoons of sugar 
• Custard (1 medium portion) - 3.25 teaspoons of sugar 
• Chocolate mousse (1 medium portion) - 3 teaspoons of sugar 
• Cornetto (1 cone) - 3 teaspoons of sugar 
• Donut (1 jam doughnut) - 3.5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Fruit pie (1 medium portion) - 3.5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Fruit cake (1 medium slice) - 5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Muffin (one chocolate chip muffin) - 4.75 teaspoons of sugar 
• Ice cream (1 scoop) - 3 teaspoons of sugar 
• Rice pudding (1 portion) - 3.75 teaspoons of sugar 
• Sponge cake (1 medium slice) - 5.5 teaspoons of sugar 
• Swiss roll (1 roll) - 2.5 teaspoons of sugar 

Why Should I Monitor My Sugar Intake?

The American Heart Association has urged people to cut their added sugar intake because of evidence that it can cause the following health conditions: 

• Obesity - Scientists at the Medical Research Council found that eating more sugar is associated with obesity. 
• High blood pressure - A high-fructose diet raises blood pressure in men, according to research reported at the American Heart Association's 63rd High Blood Pressure Research Conference. 
• Heart disease - Researchers at the Emory University School of Medicine and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that people who consume higher amounts of added sugar are more likely to have heart disease risk factors. 
• Type 2 diabetes - Research conducted at the University of California-San Francisco indicates that sugar intake could be directly linked to type 2 diabetes.

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What Are The Health Benefits of Grapefruit?

The grapefruit was bred in the 18th century as a cross between a pomelo and an orange. They were given the name grapefruit because of the way they grew in clusters similar to grapes. Grapefruits vary in hue from white or yellow to pink and red and can range in taste very acidic and even bitter or sweet and sugary.

Grapefruits vary in hue from white or yellow to pink and red and can range in taste very acidic and even bitter or sweet and sugary.

Grapefruits are low in calories but full of nutrients. They support clear, healthy skin, help to lower our risk for many diseases and conditions and may even help with weight loss as part of an overall healthy and varied diet.

Nutritional Breakdown of Grapefruit

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, half of a medium pink grapefruit, (3 ¾ in diameter) contains approximately 52 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of sodium, 0 grams of cholesterol, 13 grams of carbohydrate (including 8.5 grams of sugar and 2 grams of dietary fiber), and 1 gram of protein.

Eating half of a grapefruit per day will meet 64% of your vitamin C needs, 28% of vitamin A, 2% of calcium and 2% of magnesium.

Rich in Vitamins

Grapefruits also contain small amounts of vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and copper.

Not only are pink grapefruits high in common vitamins and minerals, they also pack a powerful antioxidant punch with lycopene and beta-carotene along with the phytonutrients limonoids and naringenin.

Studies have shown that fresh pink or red grapefruit contains higher quantities of bioactive compounds and has significantly higher antioxidant potential than white or yellow grapefruit.

Possible health benefits of consuming grapefruit

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many adverse health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like grapefruit decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion, increased energy, and overall lower weight.

Weight loss

Grapefruit may not be a miracle weight loss food as touted in some previously popular fad diets, but consuming grapefruit as part of a healthy diet may just give you a little boost. The Scripps Clinic 'Grapefruit Diet' study, led by Dr. Ken Fujioka, monitored the weight and metabolic factors of 91 obese men and women for 12 weeks. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of four groups to receive either placebo capsules along with 7 ounces of apple juice, grapefruit capsules with 7 ounces of apple juice, 8 ounces of grapefruit juice with a placebo capsule or half of a fresh grapefruit with a placebo capsule three times a day before each meal.

After 12 weeks, the fresh grapefruit group had lost the most weight at 3.52 lbs, the grapefruit juice group had lost 3.3 lbs, the grapefruit capsule group had lost 2.42 lbs, and the placebo group had lost 0.66 lbs. According to the researchers, there was also a significant reduction in 2-hour post-glucose insulin level in the grapefruit group compared with placebo. Half of a fresh grapefruit eaten before meals was also associated with improved insulin resistance.

Stroke

According to the American Heart Association, eating higher amounts of a compound found in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit may lower ischemic stroke risk for women. Those who ate the highest amounts of citrus had a 19 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke than women who consumed the least.

Blood Pressure and Heart Health

The powerful nutrient combination of fiber, potassium, lycopene, vitamin C and choline in grapefruit all help to maintain a healthy heart.

One study found that a diet supplemented with fresh red grapefruit positively influences blood lipid levels, especially triglycerides. Researchers concluded that the addition of fresh red grapefruit to the diet could be beneficial for people with atherosclerosis wanting to lower their high lipid levels, especially triglycerides.

In one study, those who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49% lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium (about 1000 mg per day).

High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones. Increasing potassium intake is also important for lowering blood pressure because of its powerful vasodilation effects.

Cancer

As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C as well as other antioxidants, grapefruit can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. Lycopene intake has been linked with a decreased risk of prostate cancer prevention in several studies and foods high in vitamin C and beta-carotene have been shown to lower the risk of esophageal cancer in particular.

Digestion and regularity

Grapefruit, because of its water and fiber content, helps to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.

Hydration

As one of the most hydrating fruits in the world made up of 91% water (just below watermelon) and full of important electrolytes, grapefruit is a great snack to have on hand to prevent dehydration.

Skin Repair

The antioxidant vitamin C, when eaten in its natural form (in fresh produce as opposed to supplement form) or applied topically, can help to fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution, reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen, the main support system of skin. Hydration and vitamin A are also crucial for healthy looking skin, both of which grapefruits can provide.

Asthma Prevention

The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is vitamin C, found in many fruits and vegetables including grapefruit.

Potential Health Risks of Consuming Grapefruit

Grapefruit intake should be avoided when taking certain medications, because of its enzyme binding ability. This means the medication can pass from your gut to your bloodstream easier and faster than normal. In many cases, these higher levels can be dangerous. Statin drugs, calcium channel blockers and psychiatric drugs are some of the most-common medications that interact with grapefruit.

Take caution when consuming grapefruit if you have a current kidney condition. Too much potassium can be harmful to those whose kidneys are not fully functional. If your kidneys are unable to remove excess potassium from the blood, it could be fatal.

Those with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) may experience an increase in symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation when consuming highly acidic foods such as citrus fruit, however individual reactions vary.

Keep in mind that is the total diet or overall eating pattern that is most important in disease prevention and achieving good health. It is better to eat a diet with a variety than to concentrate on individual foods as the key to good health.

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