Category: Wellness (Page 45 of 116)

Bisphenol-A and Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

February 21, 2012 / Staff

BPA in the environment is as pernicious as it is ubiquitous.

BPA can be found in products such as the lining of cans, baby bottles, plastic drinking containers and toilette paper.

Findings in a recent peer reviewed study indicate that BPA should be considered a risk factor for metabolic disorders in humans.

BPA has been considered a weak estrogen because of its low binding affinity to two types of estrogen receptors which work in the endocrine system in the synthesis of insulin within the pancreas.

Among many other complex functions of the cells including the release of energy as glucose, the development of Type 2 diabetes has been seen to increase when BPA is present.

In addition it may provoke insulin resistance in liver and skeletal muscle together with β-cell exhaustion, contributing to the development of type-2 diabetes [1]. Alterations of glucose and lipid metabolism by BPA in adults may constitute a significant hazard during pregnancy for both mothers and offspring as demonstrated in mice and rats

Quality Control, Research, Wellness

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Gluten Free; Gimmick or Good Nutrition?

February 21, 2012 / Staff

Gluten free products are popping up everywhere and some would say that they are a waste of money.

The gluten free frenzy has become “food fashion”.

Many people falsely believe that gluten-free means healthier when, indeed, it does not.

For those who have been diagnosed with celiac disease there is a medical reason to avoid products containing gluten, however, many people have been self diagnosing gluten sensitivity based on internet research and conversations with friends and simply end up funding an industry which preys on fear and misinformation.

The worldwide market for gluten-free products is nearly $2.5 billion, spurred in part by the Internet, alternative medicine and questionable scientists with ties to manufacturers, coauthor Dr. Roberto Corazza of the University of Pavia told msnbc.com in an email.
Gluten is a component of the protein mixture in wheat, rye and barley flour. For people with the autoimmune condition celiac disease, foods that contain gluten trigger the immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine. The only treatment is a lifelong, gluten-free diet. Untreated, celiac disease raises the risk of life-threatening conditions such as digestive tract cancers. About 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Nutrition, Quality Control, Research, Wellness

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Addicts’ Brains May Be Hard Wired for Addiction

February 20, 2012 / Staff

Some people may be born with brains which are hard wired to become addicted.

The new study shows it’s possible to identify people who have inherited a susceptibility to addiction. Further research will help researchers figure out how to help those who are susceptible and strengthen their self-control.

“We know that in people who are addicted to drugs like cocaine, that self-control is completely impaired,” she says. “These people use drugs and lose control on how much they use. They put everything at risk, even their lives.”

Being predisposed does not mean you are destined to be addicted.

Exercising self control can be perfected with practice.

Research, Wellness

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Restricting Calories May Help Control Asthma

February 20, 2012 / Staff

Calorie restriction may aid in controlling asthma and other diseases, as well.

Calorie restriction has been used for over a century to treat a variety of illnesses as well as to improve overall health and extend lifespan.

There is controversy over the efficacy of such practice, however, there are those who swear by it’s benefits.

Scientists are exploring caloric restriction as a way to treat a host of conditions — including asthma, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and spinal cord injury — and so far, findings suggest a benefit. In addition, caloric restriction may have a role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and cancer, said Mark Mattson, a neuroscientist at the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore.

Nutrition, Research, Wellness

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When Being “In The Dark” Is A Good Thing

February 18, 2012 / Staff

Light affects our biology and that includes artificial light, as well.

From regulating sleep cycles and menstrual cycles in addition to combating tumors, our bodies rely on natural cycles of light and dark to manage our hormones which govern a variety of necessary functions in the human body.

It seems our bodies have yet to adjust to the luminous 24-hour cityscape many of us know today. Considering that artificial light stimulates non-visual systems like hormones, fertility and the sleep-wake cycle, it might be worth it to cut your exposure to TVs and computers a few hours before bed-time and enjoy your shut-eye in total darkness. A happy pineal gland pays off for your body, mind and soul.