Are you with the A, B, AB or O diet?

Forget those Juice and Green Tea diets, for this one is thicker than water. It’s the Blood Group Diet, that’s caught on abroad and warranted a lot of research on the subject. So, what should you have if you are A+? Here’s a peek into what it might entail…

How it works

Research says that the blood group diet is based on each individual's blood type. Each blood type has a unique antigen marker that complements the digestion of certain ingredients and defines stomach acidity. These antigen markers react differently to different ingredients and when identified correctly they can provide vital health solutions. Also, the levels of digestive enzymes and stomach acidity are directly related to one's blood type.

Executive chef Joy Bhattacharya of Trident, Nariman Point, who delved into the subject to find out what foods are best suited for health of mind and body, says, "Today, tailor-made dietary plans suiting one's blood type are gaining popularity by the day and this form of healthy living is well spoken about."

At Frangipani, we decided to take further this concept and showcase the nutritious characteristics of fine dining. Following broad guidelines that define the food and ingredients best suited to each blood group respectively, we crafted an exclusive menu with preparations for each blood type."

Boosts overall health

Adds Priya Karkera, nutritionist, "Each of us have a blood type and research on that connect with foods and blood groups is currently on, as it is considered a vital topic. While clinically a certain food will not increase the haemoglobin levels or the quality of blood, the overall health does improve with the food." She has a few suggestions for the groups. "A type people can have more alkaline foods while AB negative can go for more acidic foods like red meat, other non-vegetarian fare, potatoes, complex carbs, cucumbers and kale. Also, O being a universal donor can have more pulses, milk and milk products."

With reference to broadly accepted nutrition guidelines, here are chef Joy's foods that are best suited for each blood type:

Group A

It is best suited to have more vegetables and greens, with cereals, nuts, seeds and carbohydrates such as pasta. Meat should be consumed in lesser quantity.

Group B

They have a versatile diet, and can include a variety of meat, fish, vegetables and whole grains for wholesome nutrition.

Group AB

Fish, vegetables, carbohydrates and grains best suit this group

Group O

Being the oldest group, red meat proteins are easily digested along with fish. This was the blood group that was formulated when our ancestors had abundant red meat as their daily diet.

Watch out! Junk food diet may lower IQ in young children 1-2-3

Children fed chips, pizza and other junk foods are likely to have lower IQs, says a new research.

Researchers said that a diet, high in fats, sugars, and processed foods in early childhood may lower IQ, while a diet packed full of vitamins and nutrients may do the opposite.

The findings are based on participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), which is tracking the long-term health and well being of around 14,000 children born in 1991 and 1992.

Parents completed questionnaires, detailing the types and frequency of the food and drink their children consumed when they were 3, 4, 7 and 8.5 years old.

Three dietary patterns were identified: "processed" - high in fats and sugar intake; "traditional" - high in meat and vegetable intake; and "health conscious" - high in salad, fruit and vegetables, rice and pasta. Scores were calculated for each pattern for each child.

IQ was measured using a validated test (the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) when they were 8.5 years old. In all, complete data were available for just under 4,000 children.

The results showed that after taking account of potentially influential factors, a predominantly processed food diet at the age of 3 was associated with a lower IQ at the age of 8.5, irrespective of whether the diet improved after that age. Every 1 point increase in dietary pattern score was associated with a 1.67 fall in IQ.

On the other hand, a healthy diet was associated with a higher IQ at the age of 8.5, with every 1 point increase in dietary pattern linked to a 1.2 increase in IQ. Dietary patterns between the ages of 4 and 7 had no impact on IQ.

The authors say that these findings, although modest, are in line with previous ALSPAC research showing an association between early childhood diet and later behaviour and school performance.

"This suggests that any cognitive/behavioural effects relating to eating habits in early childhood may well persist into later childhood, despite any subsequent changes (including improvements) to dietary intake," they say.

The brain grows at its fastest rate during the first three years of life, say the authors, by way of a possible explanation for the findings, adding that other research has indicated that head growth at this time is linked to intellectual ability.

"It is possible that good nutrition during this period may encourage optimal brain growth," they suggest, advocating further research to determine the extent of the effect early diet has on intelligence.

The study has been published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

Source: ANI

America’s Healthist Pleasures10 'Vices' That Are Actually Good For You

America’s Healthist Pleasure 10 'Vices' That Are Actually Good For You 

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Many of life’s greatest indulgences bring big health benefits.

Permission granted

You can officially stop feeling guilty about those little “bad-for-you” habits you can’t seem to break. Turns out, many of life’s greatest indulgences bring big health benefits—helping you stay slim, fight off the blues, and kick disease to the curb. And we’ve got the 10 best right here, conveniently ranked by Health’s expert panelists.

Start at the top of the list to get the most bang for your healthy buck, and keep moving on down to learn how to boost your well-being in the most decadent ways possible.

Getting your zzz’s

Pillow time gives you energy, bolsters your immune system, boosts your memory, and even helps you get (or stay) slim. Cut slumber short, and you’ll increase your risk for anxiety and depression. “Lack of sleep has also been associated with hypertension, glucose intolerance, and belly fat—all risk factors for heart disease,” says judge Nieca Goldberg, MD.

Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night, the amount that studies show is ideal. If you’re up-and-at-’em on less, don’t sweat it: Some people are just wired that way, Dr. Goldberg says. But if you have trouble falling or staying asleep, or can’t seem to drag yourself out of bed on a regular basis, talk to your doctor about possible underlying causes, such as anxiety or sleep apnea.

Playing hooky

There’s a reason it’s called a mental-health day. Studies confirm that time off—whether on a trip out of Dodge or a 24-hour staycation—relieves stress, lowering your blood pressure and your risk for heart disease. It also promotes creative thinking (attention, bosses!). And women in a 2005 study who took two or more vacations per year were less likely to be depressed than women who took one every two years.

Can’t swing more than a few days away? No problem: The length of a vacation had no bearing on how happy it made people, according to a recent study in the journal Applied Research in the Quality of Life. What’s more, the biggest thrill came before the vacation. So spread around the joy of that sweet anticipation by planning short jaunts throughout the year instead of one big blowout trip.

Sexual healing

Getting frisky is, hands-down, the most pleasurable form of physical activity there is. Having sex releases feel-good endorphins and oxytocin, the hormone that promotes attachment. “That component of feeling connected to another person really benefits mental health,” Domar notes. Another plus: Subjects in one study who did it once or twice a week had higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, which shields you from colds and other infections.

Why doesn’t sex rank higher on our list? It can bring unintended consequences, from sexually transmitted infections (especially if you’re not currently monogamous and not practicing safe sex) to “oops!” pregnancies.

A daily chocolate fix

Our experts gave a hearty thumbs-up to nibbling a little chocolate every day—as long as you stick to a square or two of the dark kind, to minimize sugar and fat intake and maximize the benefits. Dark chocolate and cocoa may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, and provide other cardiovascular benefits, multiple studies have shown. “Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, believed to improve the flexibility of blood vessels,” Dr. Goldberg explains.

A study published late last year found that eating 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced stress hormones in highly anxious people. Check for at least 75 percent cacao content to get the most bliss for your bite.

A Night Out With Friends

A flurry of recent studies have shed light on how huge an impact our friends and family have on our behavior, from what we drink and eat to how much we weigh—for better and for worse. But there’s little question that strong social ties can bring a host of benefits: fewer colds, better brain health, and a longer life, to name a few. “Friendships are very good for you—as long as you hang out with people with whom you have a well-balanced relationship and limit your time spent with people who are toxic for you,” Domar says.

Full-fat dressing

Full-fat foods not only taste better but also serve a real health purpose, as long as you get the right amounts of the right kinds. Aim for at least 10 percent of your daily fat intake to come from monounsaturated fats, judge Keri Gans, RD, says. These fats reduce your risks of heart disease and stroke—a big deal, since coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death of American women.

Omega-3 fatty acids also lower heart disease risk and may help decrease symptoms of depression, rheumatoid arthritis, and other ailments. Plus, “when you have a meal that includes a little fat, you tend to feel more satisfied, so you eat less,” Gans says. Still, no more than 30 percent of your daily calories should come from fat—even the good kind.

Your morning java

It’s completely OK if you need it to pry your eyes open in the a.m. A wealth of research suggests that coffee doesn’t just pick you up—it fights heart disease and some cancers, and it may even help you push through harder, longer workouts.

Enjoy up to two cups a day; more than that may leave you jittery or rob you of that precious number-one pleasure—sleep

Getting a rubdown

Don’t ever feel guilty about shelling out for massages. “In general, people who are touched regularly are healthier,” Domar says. And if your budget doesn’t include spa services, consider hands-on time with your honey. Women in a 2008 study noted less pain, depression, anxiety, and anger when they were massaged twice a week by their partners—and (bonus!) their partners reported better mental health, too.

Basking in the sun

Bright days really do lift our moods—sunshine is the ultimate natural antidepressant, triggering our bodies to nip production of the sleep-stimulating hormone melatonin so we’re alert, energized, and ready to face the day. Exposing bare skin to the sun also triggers the synthesis of vitamin D, a hormone that may reduce your risks for cancer, heart disease, fragile bones, and other problems. Still, many doctors feel that no amount of unprotected sun exposure is safe (that’s the official position of the American Academy of Dermatology). So always wear sunscreen and, Dr. Goldberg says, take a D supplement if your levels are low; see your doc to find out.

10 Medical Tests Women Need This Year

 

10 Medical Tests Women Need This Year

 

 

What health tests and checkups do you really need this year? We know it’s confusing, so that’s why we’ve assembled a team of top doctors and experts to help us figure out what medical exams women really need.

 

 

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Mammogram 

New rules: A government advisory panel recently gave annual mammos a thumbs-down for women ages 40 to 49 who don’t have an elevated risk of breast cancer. (Scientists are worried about overdiagnosis, false positives, and unnecessary biopsies and radiation exposure.) Now, only low-risk women ages 50 and older are supposed to get a mammo every two years.

But many doctors and cancer organizations disagree. If your breast cancer risk is elevated because of a personal or family history, yearly mammos starting at age 40 (or younger) are still advised. Talk to your doc during your annual physical about your cancer risks, and call her right away if you have any breast problems 

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Skin check 

 

More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. The best way to catch it early—when it’s highly curable—is by checking yourself once a month for new or suspicious moles and by getting a total-body exam once a year from your doctor or a dermatologist.

 

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Eye exam

 

If you wear glasses or contacts, visit your eye doctor for a vision screening every year; every other year if you don’t. Women are more likely to experience eyesight problems partly because they have higher risks for dry-eye syndrome and auto­immune diseases that affect eye health.

 

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Hearing test

 

The standard for getting an audiogram, which checks your hearing at a variety of pitches and intensity levels, is once a year starting at age 50, when hearing typically begins to decline. But if you blast your iPod at full volume, you may want one sooner.

 

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Periodontal exam

 

Once a year (at one of your twice-annual cleanings) your dentist should perform a periodontal exam, probing the health of your gums and taking X-rays. She’ll check for gum inflammation, which can contribute to heart disease and diabetes.

 

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TSH screening

 

Cold, tired, achy, constipated, gaining weight—all of these are symptoms of hypothyroidism, a deficiency of the thyroid gland that strikes about 10% of women. It’s diagnosed with a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test, given during your annual physical starting at age 50 (earlier if you experience symptoms).

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Blood tests

After a baseline screening for cholesterol levels in your 20s, get one at least every five years. From age 40 up, get your cholesterol and blood sugar (to check for diabetes) tested every year because heart attack and diabetes risks rise as you age.

 

 

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Pap smear

 

Starting at age 21, regardless of sexual history, women should have a Pap every other year to look for signs of cervical cancer. Those 30 and older need to get tested once every three years if they’ve had three consecutive normal Pap smears.

 

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Colonoscopy

 

This test, during which a camera scans your colon for cancerous polyps while you’re sedated, is recommended for people 50 and older and should be repeated every 10 years (more often if polyps are found). Get a colonoscopy earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer, or if you have unexplained bleeding or other changes in bowel habits

 

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Depression screening 

Simple questions from your MD at your annual physical can rule out depression, which affects one in four women in their lives but is often undiagnosed. Your doctor asks a series of questions about sleep troubles, irritability, and loss of interest in your favorite activities. Five or more warning signs could signal a problem. If you’re concerned about your mood, ask your doctor for this screening.

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Top 10 Careers With High Rates of Depression | Ten Jobs with High Depression rates

Top 10 Careers With High Rates of Depression | Ten Jobs with High Depression rates

Jobs and depression

By Tammy Worth

Some jobs are more depression-prone than others.

Here are 10 fields (out of 21 major job categories) in which full-time workers are most likely to report an episode of major depression in a given year. But if you want to be a nurse (No. 4), it doesn’t mean you should pick another profession.

“There are certain aspects of any job that can contribute to or exacerbate depression,” says Deborah Legge, PhD, a licensed mental health counselor in Buffalo. "Folks with the high-stress jobs have a greater chance of managing it if they take care of themselves and get the help they need.”

Nursing home/child-care workers

Personal-care providers top the list, with nearly 11% of people in this field reporting a bout of major depression. (The rate is 13% in the unemployed; 7% in the general population.)

A typical day can include feeding, bathing, and caring for others who are “often incapable of expressing gratitude or appreciation…because they are too ill or too young or they just aren’t in the habit of it,” says Christopher Willard, clinical psychologist at Tufts University and author of Child’s Mind.

“It is stressful, seeing people sick and not getting a lot of positive reinforcement.”

Food service staff

Ranking just below professional-care workers are the people who are serving the food at your favorite local digs. Wait staff often get low pay and can have exhausting jobs with numerous people telling them what to do each day.
While 10% of workers in general reported an episode of major depression in the past year, almost 15% of women in this field did so.
“This is often a very thankless job,” Legge says. “People can be really rude and there is a lot of physical exertion. When people are depressed, it is hard to have energy and motivation—when you have to be on, it is difficult.”

Social workers 

It’s probably not a huge surprise to find social workers near the top of this list. Dealing with abused children or families on the brink of every imaginable crisis—combined with bureaucratic red tape—can make for a demanding, stressful job that’s often 24-7.

“There can be a culture that says that to do a good job, you have to work really hard and often make sacrifices,” Willard says.

“Because social workers work with people who are so needy, it can be hard to not sacrifice too much to the job. I see that happen a lot with social workers and other caring professions, and they get really burned out pretty quickly.”

Health-care workers

This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, and other professions that attract people who might end up giving a lot without saving a little for themselves. Health-care workers can have long, irregular hours and days in which other people’s lives are literally in their hands.

In other words, the stress can be off the charts.

“Every day they are seeing sickness, trauma, and death and dealing with family members of patients,” Willard says. “It can shade one’s outlook on the whole that the world is a sadder place.”

Health-care workers

This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, and other professions that attract people who might end up giving a lot without saving a little for themselves. Health-care workers can have long, irregular hours and days in which other people’s lives are literally in their hands.

In other words, the stress can be off the charts.

“Every day they are seeing sickness, trauma, and death and dealing with family members of patients,” Willard says. “It can shade one’s outlook on the whole that the world is a sadder place.”

Teachers

The demands on teachers seem to be constantly growing. Many work after school and then take work home.

In many areas, they learn to do a lot with a little.

“There are pressures from many different audiences—the kids, their parents, and the schools trying to meet standards, all (of which) have different demands,” Willard says. “This can make it difficult for teachers to do their thing and remember the reason they got started in the field.”

Administrative support staff

People in this field can suffer from a classic case of high demand, low control.

They are on the front line, taking orders from all directions. But they are also at the bottom of the totem pole in terms of control and “everything filters down,” according to Legge

.
They can have unpredictable days and may not be acknowledged for all of the work that they do to make life easier for everyone else.

Maintenance and grounds workers 

How would you like to be called on only when something goes wrong? That’s essentially what maintenance people deal with each day.

They also have to work odd hours, seasonal or varied schedules, and frequent night shifts. They are often paid little for a tough job that can include cleaning up other people’s messes.

“There is also higher turnover. In terms of co-workers, they are often isolated, and it can be dangerous work,” Willard says.

Financial advisors and accountants

Stress. Stress. Stress. Most people don’t like dealing with their own retirement savings. So can you imagine handling thousands or millions of dollars for other people?

“There is so much responsibility for other people’s finances and no control of the market,” Legge says. “There is guilt involved, and when (clients) are losing money, they probably have people screaming at them with regularity.”

Salespeople

People who work in sales are No. 10 on the list, though there are a whole host of reasons why the job could contribute to depression.

 
Many salespeople work on commission, meaning you never know exactly when your next paycheck is coming. They may travel, and have to spend time away from home, family, and friends.

If they work independently, benefits may also be limited.

“This uncertainty of income, tremendous pressure for results, and long hours” can make for a high-stress occupation, Legge says.

Wheelchair yoga may hasten stroke patients’ recovery

Wheelchair yoga may hasten stroke patients’ recovery

A man, who was left paralysed after suffering strokes, has made remarkable progress – thanks to wheelchair yoga. 

While making dinner for his daughters one night, James Abram, 59, collapsed on his kitchen floor. He was rushed to Loyola University Medical Center where doctors determined he had suffered a stroke. He later suffered a second stroke and underwent emergency surgery to reduce life-threatening swelling in his brain.

But in the seven months since his strokes, he has made remarkable progress. He credits his recovery to the advanced, multidisciplinary treatment and rehabilitation that he received.

Abram's recovery included wheelchair yoga, a new Loyola programme for hospitalised patients, said psychologist and certified yoga instructor Susan Walsh, PsyD, who directs the programme.

"There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of yoga as a health and healing tool and a complement to standard medical interventions and therapy," said Dr. Walsh, assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. 

"I have seen firsthand how yoga facilitates recovery, which allows us to better manage the potentially debilitating side effects of various medical conditions."

Like other patients, Abram attended a one-hour yoga class twice a week in a conference room that is transformed into a yoga studio. Lights are dim and electric candles line the room as soft music plays.

The class is led through a series of modified yoga, breathing and guided-imagery exercises from their wheelchairs. The goal of the yoga classes is to enhance posture, alignment, coordination, mobility, psychological health and an overall sense of well-being. The exercises also help patients open their chest to increase oxygen flow, which makes movement easier and speeds healing.

"This was my first experience with yoga, and I found it to be enjoyable," Abram said. "Yoga and all of the other therapy has helped me regain control of the left side of my body. I now walk without assistance and have some use of my left hand and arm."

Source: ANI

Five easy steps to pump up your heart

Five easy steps to pump up your heart

Want to keep your heart healthy? Then you need to know the following. 

Holly Andersen, director of education and outreach at the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital has offered some easy steps to improve heart health and overall well-being throughout the year.

Step 1: Know your numbers

Your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are the most important numbers you will need to know before you begin on the path to good heart health. 

Step 2: Start walking

Exercise is the fountain of youth. A simple 20- to 30-minute walk a few days a week can actually reduce the risk of premature death by more than 50 per cent. 

Step 3: Laugh out loud

Laughter really is the best medicine. Just 15 minutes of laughter is about equivalent to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise with respect to our cardiovascular health. Laughter has also been linked to the healthy function of blood vessels, an increase of the brain hormones that improve mood, and reduction of pain and anxiety.

Step 4: Focus on your waistline, not your weight

Your waistline is a better measurement of your overall health than your weight because the amount of fat around your waistline is directly linked to high blood pressure and high cholesterol and can place you at increased risk for diabetes. 

Step 5: Get a good night's sleep

Sleep is one of the most undervalued elements of our daily routines, but it is absolutely vital to good health. Lack of sleep increases your blood pressure, induces stress, increases your appetite and slows down your metabolism, dampens your mood and decreases your cognition.

Source: ANI

Top 10 New Year 2011 resolutions

 

Top 10 New Year 2011 resolutions

Can’t think of a New Year’s resolution this year? Take your pick from this list of resolutions compiled by University at Buffalo researchers. 

1. Take care of a loved one

Research by a UB assistant professor of psychology Michael J. Poulin shows that helping sick family members can reduce stress and anxiety. 

2. Lose those pounds

Losing a few pounds may help you survive a car crash. Research by UB's Dietrich V. Jehle found that moderately obese drivers are more likely to die in a severe car crash. 

3. Hit the sack early

UB researcher Lisa B. Rafalson found that seven hours of sleep may decrease the risk of developing diabetes. 

4. Prevent kids from overeating

Keep kids involved with friends to prevent overeating. Research by UB's Sarah-Jeanne Salvy, associate professor of paediatrics, shows that childhood friendships can be a substitute for food and therefore can help stem obesity in children.

5. Don't give up hope when the going gets tough

Research by UB's Mark D. Seery, assistant professor of psychology, found that adverse life experiences appear to make us more resilient and adaptable to stress. 

6. Talk to your kids about current events

Research by UB's Ming M. Chiu, professor of learning and instruction, found that children who discuss current events with their parents develop better math and reasoning skills. 

7. Jack-up your consumption of soy

Research by UB's Anne M. Weaver and co-researchers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute shows that soy products are associated with a reduced risk of developing invasive breast tumours. 

8. Encourage your kids to walk to school

Research by UB's James N. Roemmich, associate professor of paediatrics, shows that a simple morning walk could help curb stress-related spikes in heart rate and blood pressure in children, potentially reducing their risk of heart disease later in life. 

9. Pay with cash at the grocery store

Research by UB's Satheeshkumar Seenivasan found that people who bought groceries with credit and debit cards were more likely to load up on unhealthy foods. 

10. Have a few drinks to boost romance

Drinking in moderation with your spouse or partner can increase intimacy, according to research by Ashley Levitt of UB's Research Institute on Addictions.

Source: ANI

27 minutes to improve memory

 

27 minutes to improve memory

A new study shows mindfulness meditation training changes brain structure in eight weeks

Participating in an 8-week mindfulness meditation programme appears to make measurable changes in brain regions associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress. In a study that will appear in the January 30 issue of Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, a team led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers report the results of their study, the first to document meditation-produced changes over time in the brain's grey matter.

"Although the practice of meditation is associated with a sense of peacefulness and physical relaxation, practitioners have long claimed that meditation also provides cognitive and psychological benefits that persist throughout the day," says Sara Lazar, PhD, of the MGH Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program, the study's senior author. "This study demonstrates that changes in brain structure may underlie some of these reported improvements and that people are not just feeling better because they are spending time relaxing."

Previous studies from Lazar's group and others found structural differences between the brains of experienced meditation practitioners and individuals with no history of meditation, observing thickening of the cerebral cortex in areas associated with attention and emotional integration. But those investigations could not document that those differences were actually produced by meditation.

For the current study, MR images were take of the brain structure of 16 study participants two weeks before and after they took part in the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program at the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness. In addition to weekly meetings that included practice of mindfulness meditation - which focuses on nonjudgmental awareness of sensations, feelings and state of mind - participants received audio recordings for guided meditation practice and were asked to keep track of how much time they practiced each day. A set of MR brain images were also taken of a control group of non-meditators over a similar time interval.

Meditation group participants reported spending an average of 27 minutes each day practicing mindfulness exercises, and their responses to a mindfulness questionnaire indicated significant improvements compared with pre-participation responses. The analysis of MR images, which focused on areas where meditation-associated differences were seen in earlier studies, found increased grey-matter density in the hippocampus, known to be important for learning and memory, and in structures associated with self-awareness, compassion and introspection. Participant-reported reductions in stress also were correlated with decreased grey-matter density in the amygdala, which is known to play an important role in anxiety and stress. Although no change was seen in a self-awareness-associated structure called the insula, which had been identified in earlier studies, the authors suggest that longer-term meditation practice might be needed to produce changes in that area. None of these changes were seen in the control group, indicating that they had not resulted merely from the passage of time.

"It is fascinating to see the brain's plasticity and that, by practicing meditation, we can play an active role in changing the brain and can increase our well-being and quality of life." says Britta Hölzel, PhD, first author of the paper and a research fellow at MGH and Giessen University in Germany. "Other studies in different patient populations have shown that meditation can make significant improvements in a variety of symptoms, and we are now investigating the underlying mechanisms in the brain that facilitate this change."

Amishi Jha, PhD, a University of Miami neuroscientist who investigates mindfulness-training's effects on individuals in high-stress situations, says, "These results shed light on the mechanisms of action of mindfulness-based training. They demonstrate that the first-person experience of stress can not only be reduced with an 8-week mindfulness training programme but that this experiential change corresponds with structural changes in the amydala, a finding that opens doors to many possibilities for further research on MBSR's potential to protect against stress-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder." Jha was not one of the study investigators.

Source: India Syndicate based on release from Massachusetts General Hospital

Process of Detoxification With Foot Patches

Process of Detoxification With Foot Patches

Usage

Daily usage is recommended for 3-5 weeks. You will notice the patches turning a lighter and lighter shade as the days go by. During this treatment time, you will notice your health become better and better. Once the patches from your feet become significantly lighter and your health becomes better, you can then apply the patches every alternate day and then once a week as you improve.

The  Foot Patch may be applied to many parts of the body but you will see the most dramatic results by applying them to the soles of your feet.

According to Chinese medical knowledge, our body has over 60 reflexology points on the soles of the foot. They are the reflective zones of our major internal organs. And, because gravity and your body's own natural defense system move toxins away from vital organs, your feet become a holding area for these heavy metals and toxins. Ideally, you want to leave them on for eight to twelve hours for the maximum effect. You may choose to rotate the position of the Detox Foot Patches each night, starting with the ball of the foot the first night, the arch the second night, the heel the third night, then back to the ball of the foot.

Benefits For Other Parts of the Body

Foot Patches can be attached to other parts of the body to assist in eliminating pain and swelling, and to improve your overall health. For knee problems, place patches on the back of the knee. For eye problems, place on the back of the ears or on the temple, but not directly on the eye. For those whose health condition is more critical, the Foot Patch can be placed on the back, on either side of the spine along the waistline and over the kidneys to boost its functions and excretion.

Multiple Foot Patches can be applied overnight for accelerated results. Use from one to a maximum of three Foot Patches at any one time. If applying patches to other parts of the body, still put one or more on both feet.

After use, the Foot Patch may range in color from light brown to dark brown with wetness, to near black and soaking with a foul smell in the more extreme cases. Remove the used patches after sleep and discard them, even if they are light and dry. First time users tend to have more extreme results.

Top 10 Fresh Juices To Help Lose Weight

Top 10 Fresh Juices To Help Lose Weight 

1. Carrot Juice

Carrot Juice is highly beneficial for the human body. This particular juice contains high level of calcium, potassium and magnesium. Carotenes contained in this juice helps you remain healthy. It is converted into vitamin A by the human body and utilized accordingly. Carrot Juice also contains high level of antioxidant which is used to protect the body and helps in fighting diseases such as cancer etc.

2. Beetroot Juice

Beetroot Juice helps in the development and creation of red blood cells. This particular juice is rich in potassium, iron, Vitamin C and magnesium. This particular juice also helps those patients having memory losses or face problem concentrating. Beetroot Juice is particularly helpful in decreasing the damage done due to menstrual and menopausal problems. 

3. Cranberry Juice

Cranberry Juice contains high volume of Vitamin C. This particular juice is known to be helpful in avoiding the various urinary tract infections which many women face all over the world. Cranberries can easily mix with bananas and form a natural, healthy drink full of vitamins and proteins which are necessary for your body. This particular juice is also known to prevent many other diseases such as E.coli which infects the bladder.

4. Pear Juice

Pear Juice is a must have in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This particular drink works miracles on its own but can be mixed with other fruit juices as well to form an even more powerful drink. Pear Juice is not only rich in calcium and Vitamin C but also contains high level of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus which is essential for the body to have. 

5. Grape Juice

The purple colored grape juice is particularly useful for protecting brain cells. By consuming grape juice you are able to improve your memory. This particular drink is also rich in antioxidant which enables the body to effectively fight against any and all sorts of diseases. 

6. Orange Juice

Orange juice is the healthiest, one hundred percent natural toner available to us. This particular juice is also rich in antioxidant. Intake of orange juice stimulates blood movement all over the body and the heart. Orange juice is also particularly useful for your digestive system. This particular drink contains Vitamin C and flavonoids which help strengthen the immune system and fight against infectious diseases. Orange juice can easily be mixed with other types of juices for example banana. 

7. Mango Juice

Mango Juice contains high level of antioxidant which helps prevent various types of cancer. This particular juice helps in the cleansing of your blood leading to a healthy and a happy life. Mango juice is also beneficial for your kidneys. It can be mixed with several other types of fruit juices for example kiwi and banana.

8. Blueberry Juice

The color of this particular juice alone would suggest the amount of antioxidant present. High levels of Vitamin C is present in this particular drink along with a lot of fibers which are very beneficial for the overall body structure. Blueberries are known to have very less calories which make it a very healthy juice to have every now and then.

9. Pomegranate Juice

 

If you want a healthy heart and then is the drink to have. Pomegranate Juice is recommended by almost all the doctors, physicians and health experts. This particular drink contains almost every type of antioxidants present. This factor alone makes the pomegranate juice very beneficial since many types of cancer can be simply avoided, for example prostate cancer, to name a few.

10. Concord Grape Juice

If you are facing high blood pressure and other related problems than this particular drink can be a solution to a healthy lifestyle. This particular drink is extremely potent and contains large amounts of antioxidants which in turn helps reduce blood pressure. This particular drink helps in maintaining a healthy heart and avoiding a number of other diseases and risks.

The Brain: 5 Things Men Should Know

The Brain: 5 Things Men Should Know

The brain is the focal point of our entire being. It is the mainframe, the hub and the central processing unit of all thoughts, emotions and actions. Even as such a vital component of human biology, the brain is still the least understood, housing mysteries that in this day and age still remain unsolved: How are memories stored and retrieved? Why do brains sleep and dream? What is consciousness? All these are questions without firm answers. But there are some interesting facts about the brain that have been uncovered and are not generally well known. Here are five things men should know about the brain.

1- Your brain is the most energy-consuming part of your body

Despite amassing to only 2% of our body weight, our brains demand 15% of our total heart output and 20% of our total oxygen to function. Talk about high maintenance! Perhaps more intriguing is that much of this oxygen is still needed when our brains are awake but resting, and this is for reasons that are not entirely known. So, our brains are demanding, but they demand without restraint or explanation. In order to achieve this insatiable demand, three major cerebral arteries are constantly pumping in oxygen. So vital is this demand that a blockage in any of these arteries is a one-way ticket to a stroke. Aside from energy, our brains also demand prime skull real estate. The expansion of the human brain over evolutionary time has left most of us with overcrowded mouths and, accordingly, little room for wisdom teeth. Oral surgeons may now rejoice.

2- Your brain was almost fully grown by age 7

Taking complex development out of the equation, it is true: Our brains are 95% of their adult size by the age of seven. This rapid growth probably explains why the brain of a 2-year-old consumes twice as much energy as the brain of an adult. Moving from diapers to briefcases -- once the human brain reaches its full adult size -- interesting contrasts become clear. Men, for example, have larger brains than women, a finding also observed in developing children. However, such differences should not, unfortunately, be interpreted as pointing toward any functional advantage (sorry, guys). In fact, this difference in size is due more to variances in specific regions of the brain than to an overall proportional difference. Women, for example, tend to have a larger hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for smell and memory. Men, on the other hand, tend to have a larger amygdala and hypothalamus, but again, the effect of these differences is unclear.

3- Your brain doesn't feel pain

Do you ever wonder why some patients who undergo open brain surgery aren't sedated? The answer is laughably obvious: because the brain itself has no pain receptors, and hence, cannot sense any pain. A common headache is not actually caused by a stimulation of pain receptors in the brain. Instead, the membrane surrounding the brain, known as the dura mater, is innervated with pain receptors and is somehow involved in producing the pain felt during a headache. There are, however, many different kinds of headaches, and their exact causes remain unclear, so pinning an underlying cause to all headaches just isn't possible.

4- You use more than 10% of your brain

The common adage that we humans use only 10% of our brains is nothing more than a myth, perpetuated by movies and manipulated by paranormal pushers and psychics to explain the origins of psychic powers. The idea, of course, is completely false, but it certainly makes for an inspiring message. Imagine if we could unlock the other 90% of our brains! No one would turn down such an offer if it were truly attainable. Brain-imaging techniques, however, show quite convincingly that the vast majority of the brain does not lie dormant. Indeed, complex activities will use many parts of the brain. Observing the effects of head trauma also reveals that there is almost no area of the brain that can be destroyed without leaving the victim with some functional deficit. It's sad but true: We use most of our brains, if not all.

5- Brain cells regenerate

There is something to be said about mystery because with it comes a lot of myth. Another thing you thought you knew about the brain -- a belief that has literally persisted for 100 years -- is that brain cells don't regenerate. However, thanks to work conducted over the last decade or so, we now know that they most certainly do. Modern science now shows us that even neurons can be persuaded to regenerate. This should come as great news to alcoholics everywhere who should also know that drinking does not, in fact, kill brain cells but instead damages the connections between the neurons, the synapses. Who knows -- maybe one day, science will find a real cure for hangovers too.

9 Essential Oils with Huge Health Benefits

9 Essential Oils with Huge Health Benefits

Essential oils have their place secured in a natural beauty routine: They’re natural, chemical-free alternatives to everything from traditional cosmetics to potentially toxic fragrances. But many can do a lot more than just smell good: While we can’t say with authority the 10 oils highlighted here are miracle cures, throughout history they’ve been credited with treating problems including digestion issues and acne; increasing concentration; killing germs and much more.

Peppermint

The bright scent of peppermint does more than freshen your breath: It is also used to soothe nausea and other stomach issues, help stop itching, and cool overworked muscles (thanks to the menthol).Add drops of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water and breathe in the steam to fight congestion, or rub diluted oil into sore muscles. And that’s not all: Peppermint is a key ingredient in oil mixtures that fight PMS, act as an all-natural alternative to VapoRub, cool sore throats, and quiet headaches — and it’s often credited with increasing concentration, so ideal for a mid-afternoon alternative to coffee pick-me-up.

Lavender

For Anita Boen, who runs an organic farm that provides herbs and oils to upscale spas, lavender is a go-to oil for almost any situation: Not only is it one of the few oils that is gentle enough to use undiluted, it’s a “virtual first aid kit in a bottle.”The antibacterial properties allow it to fight germs (which is why it’s also such an important ingredient in many all-natural cleaning products for home and body), and, like peppermint, it’s often credited with aiding digestion and helping fight headaches.
Lavender oil’s soft scent is said to help calm the nervous system, improve sleep quality, combat joint pain, and fight everything from urinary disorders and respiratory problems to high blood pressure and acne.

Sesame

Sesame oil may be best known for its moisturizing qualities, which make it a favorite ingredient for hair and skin treatments.But the health benefits go beyond beauty: Sesame oil has a slight SPF factor, contains fatty acids believed to lower stress and blood pressure, and has been shown to help slow the growth of cancer in cells.

Rose

This rose by any name will smell as sweet: Look for it labeled as Rose Otto, rose oil, or rose essential oil, and choose oils produced in Bulgaria and Turkey for the highest quality. These slightly-distilled oils won’t have the strong scents of oils used for perfumes, but they are more popular with aromatherapists. Nature’s Gift calls rose oil “the ultimate woman’s oil,” because it has a reputation for improving hormone balance, treating PMS and menopause, counteracting problems in the bedroom, and improving the look and health of your skin.

Geranium

Planet Green suggests including geranium oil as an ingredient in a PMS-fighting solution, but it’s also well-known for its astringent properties — which allow it to refresh skin — and its styptic aspects, which calm inflammations and stop hemorrhaging.You can also use geranium oil to treat acne, and oily skin, boost circulation, and decrease bloating. The oil can reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes, get rid of body odor, and contract blood vessels to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Pine

The sharp tang of pine oil may call up Christmas trees and rugged aftershaves, but this tree’s needles also offer antiseptic, antibacterial, and analgesic properties that make it a favorite of holistic health experts.Pine oil is said to help treat skin issues — including psoriasis, eczema, and pimples; speed up metabolism; act as an antidote to food poisoning; ease joint pain and arthritis; kill germs; and battle respiratory problems that go along with cough and cold season.

Clove

Spicy clove oil is one of the main ingredients in Tiger Balm, an all-natural remedy said to temper hangover headaches — but holistic health practitioners find other uses for it, too.It’s a popular choice for dental issues, including tooth and gum pain, and some sites recommend using it for bad breath (although whether you’d rather have your breath smell like cloves is up to you).
Clove oil is also antiseptic, so diluted versions can treat bug bites, cuts, and scrapes; other suggested treatments help clear up earaches, digestion problems, nasal congestion, stomachaches, and headaches. As an added bonus, it’s an aphrodisiac — and therefore a popular form of stress relief.

Black Pepper

It might not be as sweet-smelling as the more floral entries on this list, but black pepper oil still has its place in your natural health arsenal.Pepper had its day as one of the world’s most valuable spices, in part because of its healing properties, which include aiding digestion, undoing cramps and convulsions, warming muscles to ease joint pain and arthritis, and curing bacterial infections.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm essential oil, also known as Melissa essential oil after the plant’s Latin name, Melissa officinalis, doesn’t look like much, but it has plenty of benefits. It’s an antidepressant, it keeps your nervous system working smoothly, it calms anxiety and inflammation, it counteracts insomnia, it heals ulcers, it fights bacterial infections, and has been credited with treating herpes, headaches, and high blood pressure.

14 Proven Side Effects of Sitting All Day

14 Proven Side Effects of Sitting All Day

It should come as no surprise that sitting around and not moving all day isn't really good for your body, but many may not be aware of just how many problems can be caused by such a sedentary lifestyle. Whether you choose to sit all day or are required to by the logistics of your job, you may want to take a new approach to your workday after learning just what health effects sitting can have on the body. It could impact not only your health, but the lives of your loved ones and expenditures towards healthcare.

1. Deep Vein Thrombosis. Most are familiar with this condition through warnings urging people not to sit without getting up on long flights. The same goes for sitting for hours on end anywhere– at work or at home– without moving. If you don't get up and walk around occasionally, you could be putting yourself at risk of potentially deadly blood clots in your legs.
2. Obesity. Surprise, surprise, sitting all day rather than standing or moving around can play a contributing role in obesity. While not burning enough calories is part of the problem, studies have also shown that being overly sedentary can slow your metabolism and change how your body functions, further contributing to weight gain.
3. Increased Risk of Heart Disease. You think a workout after work is enough to make up for sitting still all day? Think again. New studies have shown that exercise once a day, even for an hour, isn't enough to make up for sitting all day at work. Those who work out and sit all day are just as likely to develop heart disease as those who don't work out and sit all day, something that should make any health conscious worker reevaluate their daily schedule.
4. Risk of Diabetes. Along with an increased risk of heart disease, sitting for prolonged periods of time can increase your chances of developing diabetes by as much as 7 percent. Why? Sitting all day actually causes your body to slow down considerably and can result in increased blood sugar (since your body doesn't need the sugar for energy it simply stays in your system), insulin resistance and a much less healthy you.
5. Raised Cholesterol. Those standing desks and treadmills desks won't sound so bad after you learn what other side effects sitting all day can have. Not only will it raise your blood sugar, but your cholesterol as well. Sitting causes enzyme activity in the body to drop by as much as 90%, preventing those helpful enzymes from grabbing that fat and using it for energy. In fact, after a few hours of sitting, healthy cholesterol plummets by 20%.
6. Herniated Disk. Our bodies aren't really designed to sit all day long. Sitting puts a lot of pressure on your hips and spine, and can lead to some injuries in them over an extended period of time. One such injury may be a herniated disk. Continued pressure on your spine may cause a disk to come out of place, creating a painful condition that can require medication, physical therapy or even surgery.
7. Poor Posture. Do you always sit correctly when you're sitting down at work or at home? More than likely you're not, which can put undue pressure on certain parts of your body and lead to poor posture even when you're not sitting at a desk. Weakened muscles and tight joints caused by prolonged sitting take their toll over time, and can leave you feeling tired, cause extreme lower back and neck pain and harm your body as a whole.
8. Knee Pain. When you sit, your knees are generally at a ninety degree angle. At first, this doesn't seem so bad, but after sitting all day, for weeks on end, this can take its toll on your knees. Sitting in this position puts pressure on the kneecap and can lead to pain and swelling and may result in having to wear a knee brace while at work.
9. Muscle Weakness. It makes sense that moving less results in loss of muscle mass and muscle weakness. One of the hardest hit muscles is the gluteus maximums, or the buttocks. It is one of the largest muscles in the body and plays a big role in just about any movement you could want to do, so it's essential that it stays strong. Weak gluteus muscles can result in lower back pain and hip bursitis as well.
10. Increased Risk of Depression. Sitting at your desk all day may make you depressed through the sheer tedium of it all, but there's a scientific reason for it as well. Reduced movement means less blood flow. Less blood flow means fewer feel-good hormones are moving through your body, helping you keep depression at bay. The effects can be even worse for those who already struggle with or are more prone to depression.
11. Slowed Metabolism. When you sit for an extended period of time, your body starts to slow and shut down on a metabolic level. Since you're not moving around, your circulation slows and you're burning fewer calories and fewer fat burning enzymes are moving through your body. All of this can lead to an overall slowed metabolism that can affect your energy levels and cause you to gain weight.
12. Neck Problems. Many people who work at a computer extend their necks to see or bend them slightly when working. While over the short term this may not be a huge problem, but over long periods of time it can start to harm the muscles and joints in the neck and lead to pain even when you're not at work.
13. Back Aches and Pain. One of the hardest hit parts of the body when you're sitting all day is the lower back. It is under a large amount of pressure and can begin to ache while at work and for hours afterward. While stretching, working out the muscles and moving around can all help, many sitting all day just don't realize how much they're hurting their backs and could face long term problems trying to get them back into shape.
14. Shorter Life Span. Those who sit more than six hours a day are at an increased risk of early death from all causes, higher by an average 35% for women and 18% for men, for those who exercise. Those who don't exercise and sit all day are at a 94% higher risk of premature death for women, and a 48% higher risk for men. This is no joke for those who spend their days at a desk. Get up, get exercising and start reducing the effects of being sedentary before it's too late.

6 Ways to Slash Colon Cancer Risk

6 Ways to Slash Colon Cancer Risk

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancers. Making some simple dietary and lifestyle changes can cut your risk in half. Here’s how:

1. Eat more vegetables. We know we should eat more veggies. Research shows that eating more vegetables can cut a person’s risk of colon cancer in half. Eat a daily salad, a homemade vegetable soup, or add steamed or sauteed veggies to your main dish. Better yet, make vegetables the main course and meat the side dish.
2. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and nitrates. That includes processed luncheon meats, bacon, cold cuts, hot dogs, and sausage. The saturated fat is linked to inflammation while the nitrates they contain are known carcinogens.
3. Choose chicken (or turkey or Brazil nuts). According to a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, eating lean chicken several times a week decreases a person’s chances of developing precancerous polyps in the colon by 21% and the risk of malignant tumors by 39%. Researchers believe the mineral selenium may be to thank. Looking for vegetarian sources of selenium, choose Brazil nuts, which are one of the best sources of this mineral. Brown rice and walnuts are also good sources of selenium.
4. Eat more magnesium. Research shows that magnesium can cut the risk of colon cancer by 41% yet experts estimate that 80% of North Americans are deficient in this critical mineral. Some excellent sources include: raw almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, figs, alfalfa sprouts, and dark leafy greens.
5. Eat more fiber. Beans and whole grains are among the best sources of fiber. Fiber helps keep your bowels moving and that means toxins too. Fiber helps bind toxic matter in the colon and escorts it out of your body. Add a handful of beans to soup, stew, salad, or add tomato sauce to beans and enjoy. Strive for at least one-half cup of beans daily.
6. Spice up your life with curries. One of the key ingredients in many curries—turmeric—contains a compound called curcumin which has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer by 25%. What’s more: scientists at the University of Chicago found that curcumin destroys H. pylori, a harmful bacteria that is linked to ulcers and colon cancer. Sprinkle turmeric on your veggies or meat dishes, or add to soups and stews. There are also many delicious curry recipes you can try. Be sure they contain turmeric.

Top 10 Leading Causes of Death in The World 2010 – 2011

Top 10 Leading Causes of Death in The World 2010 – 2011 

This data after some research and thought to share it with you people, Hope you will find the list of top 10 leading causes of death in the World by 2011 interesting, Find the list below and comment.

1: Heart disease
2: Cancer
3: Respiratory infections
4: Lung disease
5: HIV/AIDS
6: Digestive diseases
7: Diarrhoeal diseases
8: Tuberculosis
9: Malaria
10: Traffic accidents

Above are 10 causes of death This is a medically gathered data from most countries in the World, In further our next articles i will also discus about the leading causes of death country wise. Keep reading.