News & Research
Finding and processesing all the informaton available about health and illness can be overwhelming in itself. We are keep on the search for updated good information from quality reliable resources, we make it our concern to gather information on what we feel is of utmost importance to you and your loved ones. We hope you enjoy what we've gathered for you. We discuss regularly what is needed to keep our body healthy and what is best to help it recover from illness and disease. What we post on our newsletter will be regularly added to this page.
The Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
by contributor and massage therapist Rachel Neves @ Breathe Body Works of St Johns
Many different modalities of massage therapy can be used in preventative and maintenance care for chronic health and pain issues. One of the simplest, but most profound positive effects of massage is its effect on the nervous system. It helps to activate the parasympathetic side of the nervous system. This is often referred to as the “rest-and-digest” side, and plays a huge role in healing.
Any reduction of stress and increase in production of Seratonin and other healthy brain chemicals promotes the healing process, so of course massage is an obvious treatment. You may also take into account the powerful healing ability of human touch and interaction. Then there are the mechanical benefits of massage; moving blood, chemical waste products and lymphatic fluid, and stimulating natural nerve and muscle function. (i.e. encouraging perastalsis for IBS sufferers) Acupressure, shiatsu, reflexology, swedish massage, craniosacral, myofascial release, and more are all therapies that have resulted in improved daily life and better long term prognosis of many chronic illnesses. Sometimes, with severe illnesses such as Cancer, Hepatitis, and IBS, a patient’s sensitivity
level may be so high that they are unable to receive more aggressive forms of manual therapy, and in those cases, lymphatic drainage massage can be an excellent choice. What is it and how can it be beneficial?
Our lymphatic system is a series of capillaries, nodes and tubes that filter fluid that started as plasma and carries cellular waste products, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, cancer cells and toxins out of cells and tissue spaces between them. It is a major aid to the immune and circulatory systems. In addition to removing waste, it also helps to deliver nutrients, oxygen and hormones from the blood to the tissue that needs it. When the body is fighting infection, damaged cells, high amounts of waste and other problems, the lymphatic fluid can sometimes get stagnant. Because the lymph is so high in protein, if bacteria does enter these stagnant areas, it thrives on the protein rich lymphatic fluid. Unlike our circulatory system with the heart, the lymphatic system does not have a pump. Therefore in times of stagnation or a lot of stress on the body’s systems, aiding the flow of lymph can quicken the healing process and lower risk of infection. This makes sufferers of chronic illness prime candidates for lymphatic drainage. Also, because our lymph is so superficial to our skin, the treatment is extremely light, so it works for varying sensitivity levels. The light touch is very relaxing and has the calming nervous system effect mentioned in the first paragraph, further helping the healing process.
Of course, keep in mind that lymphatic drainage can be a powerful treatment, meaning you should consult your Doctor before making this part of your treatment plan. Because of the acceleration of the movement of waste, some people can feel nauseous, dizzy, or experience headaches. This can also be affected by amount and type of medication you may be taking. In many cases adverse reactions are only after the first treatment, and can be helped greatly by soaking in hot water and salts and hydrating adequately.
You can follow Rachel on Facebook under Breathe Bodywork as well as on Twitter at Breatebodywork.
Many different modalities of massage therapy can be used in preventative and maintenance care for chronic health and pain issues. One of the simplest, but most profound positive effects of massage is its effect on the nervous system. It helps to activate the parasympathetic side of the nervous system. This is often referred to as the “rest-and-digest” side, and plays a huge role in healing.
Any reduction of stress and increase in production of Seratonin and other healthy brain chemicals promotes the healing process, so of course massage is an obvious treatment. You may also take into account the powerful healing ability of human touch and interaction. Then there are the mechanical benefits of massage; moving blood, chemical waste products and lymphatic fluid, and stimulating natural nerve and muscle function. (i.e. encouraging perastalsis for IBS sufferers) Acupressure, shiatsu, reflexology, swedish massage, craniosacral, myofascial release, and more are all therapies that have resulted in improved daily life and better long term prognosis of many chronic illnesses. Sometimes, with severe illnesses such as Cancer, Hepatitis, and IBS, a patient’s sensitivity
level may be so high that they are unable to receive more aggressive forms of manual therapy, and in those cases, lymphatic drainage massage can be an excellent choice. What is it and how can it be beneficial?
Our lymphatic system is a series of capillaries, nodes and tubes that filter fluid that started as plasma and carries cellular waste products, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, cancer cells and toxins out of cells and tissue spaces between them. It is a major aid to the immune and circulatory systems. In addition to removing waste, it also helps to deliver nutrients, oxygen and hormones from the blood to the tissue that needs it. When the body is fighting infection, damaged cells, high amounts of waste and other problems, the lymphatic fluid can sometimes get stagnant. Because the lymph is so high in protein, if bacteria does enter these stagnant areas, it thrives on the protein rich lymphatic fluid. Unlike our circulatory system with the heart, the lymphatic system does not have a pump. Therefore in times of stagnation or a lot of stress on the body’s systems, aiding the flow of lymph can quicken the healing process and lower risk of infection. This makes sufferers of chronic illness prime candidates for lymphatic drainage. Also, because our lymph is so superficial to our skin, the treatment is extremely light, so it works for varying sensitivity levels. The light touch is very relaxing and has the calming nervous system effect mentioned in the first paragraph, further helping the healing process.
Of course, keep in mind that lymphatic drainage can be a powerful treatment, meaning you should consult your Doctor before making this part of your treatment plan. Because of the acceleration of the movement of waste, some people can feel nauseous, dizzy, or experience headaches. This can also be affected by amount and type of medication you may be taking. In many cases adverse reactions are only after the first treatment, and can be helped greatly by soaking in hot water and salts and hydrating adequately.
You can follow Rachel on Facebook under Breathe Bodywork as well as on Twitter at Breatebodywork.
Does buying Organic really make produce safer?
by contributor and journalist Tara Fuller
Mom always said: "Eat your veggies" and that's exactly what you did. You may not have liked the vegetables selected for you, but you ate because frankly, what other choice did you really have? Now a mother, you likely find yourself mimicking those same words to your own child, if not to yourself as you scoop up a bite of your not so favorite vegetable or fruit. This on-going battle
continues from generation to generation because the health benefits of a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables are key components for improving health and reducing many prevalent health ailments.
However, unlike the days of our parents, shopping for produce has become much more complicated. No longer can we just grab and go but instead, we must weed through isles upon isles of produce bins labeled with terms such as conventional, organic and local. And if this weren't enough, now we throw GMOs in the mix. Yes, deciphering which apple is the healthiest has become quite complex and can be very time consuming and expensive.
So does buying organics really make them safer? In theory yes, because when you buy organic produce it means the food was grown without synthetic pesticides, genetic engineering or irradiation; which when given in high amounts (significantly higher amounts than commonly found in food) to animals, are proven to cause cancer and birth defects among other serious health issues. However, despite these studies, the amount of these substances consumed from food has not been linked to any adverse health effects in humans. Some experts go as far to say, just because it's organic doesn't mean it's going to be better or cleaner. The argument is that because many farms use manure as a fertilizer as well as 100 different pesticides, which can be used on organics, doesn't eliminate all contamination. This is why, despite whether or not that cantaloupe was grown organically or not, it is important to wash the melon thoroughly before slicing into it.
Knowledge is power. And you may think to yourself that just because scientists haven't proved a link between non-organic foods and adverse health effects, you would rather avoid what you can just to be safe. But, you can't afford the cost of organics, so what can you do? There is another option. Buying locally grown foods are usually less expensive than organic and although not certified, often meet the same standards as does organically grown foods. The reason many small farmers don't label their products as organic is because they aren't able to afford USDA certification.
Another reason to consider locally grown foods as opposed to organic are because they are local. First and foremost, buying locally grown foods typically taste better because they are harvested at just the right time for consumption. Whereas many conventional and organic products are picked well before their maturity and left to ripen on trucks, boats and planes as they make their cross-country and/or intercontinental journey to your local grocer. In a nutshell, buying local keeps harmful toxins out of your body, supports your local economy and reduces environmental pollution caused from transportation; and it tastes good!
Unfortunately, buying organic and locally grown foods aren't viable options for many people struggling in today's difficult economic condition. It can be costly and outright unobtainable for millions of families. And it is important parents understand that buying conventional doesn't make them bad parents! Above all, the most important thing you can do for yourself and your family is to eat as many fruits and vegetables as you possibly can! The benefits of consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetable far outweigh any risks of pesticide and hormone exposure.
If you can afford to make some changes, each year, Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases the "Dirty Dozen" fruits and vegetables that they recommend should be bought organic as well as the "cleanest" fruits and vegetables; which contain the least amount of pesticide exposure. EWG recommends shoppers use the lists as a guide when shopping for produce as a way to lower pesticide intake.
Print your own EWG's 2011 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
photo credit from runningwithmascara.com
Mom always said: "Eat your veggies" and that's exactly what you did. You may not have liked the vegetables selected for you, but you ate because frankly, what other choice did you really have? Now a mother, you likely find yourself mimicking those same words to your own child, if not to yourself as you scoop up a bite of your not so favorite vegetable or fruit. This on-going battle
continues from generation to generation because the health benefits of a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables are key components for improving health and reducing many prevalent health ailments.
However, unlike the days of our parents, shopping for produce has become much more complicated. No longer can we just grab and go but instead, we must weed through isles upon isles of produce bins labeled with terms such as conventional, organic and local. And if this weren't enough, now we throw GMOs in the mix. Yes, deciphering which apple is the healthiest has become quite complex and can be very time consuming and expensive.
So does buying organics really make them safer? In theory yes, because when you buy organic produce it means the food was grown without synthetic pesticides, genetic engineering or irradiation; which when given in high amounts (significantly higher amounts than commonly found in food) to animals, are proven to cause cancer and birth defects among other serious health issues. However, despite these studies, the amount of these substances consumed from food has not been linked to any adverse health effects in humans. Some experts go as far to say, just because it's organic doesn't mean it's going to be better or cleaner. The argument is that because many farms use manure as a fertilizer as well as 100 different pesticides, which can be used on organics, doesn't eliminate all contamination. This is why, despite whether or not that cantaloupe was grown organically or not, it is important to wash the melon thoroughly before slicing into it.
Knowledge is power. And you may think to yourself that just because scientists haven't proved a link between non-organic foods and adverse health effects, you would rather avoid what you can just to be safe. But, you can't afford the cost of organics, so what can you do? There is another option. Buying locally grown foods are usually less expensive than organic and although not certified, often meet the same standards as does organically grown foods. The reason many small farmers don't label their products as organic is because they aren't able to afford USDA certification.
Another reason to consider locally grown foods as opposed to organic are because they are local. First and foremost, buying locally grown foods typically taste better because they are harvested at just the right time for consumption. Whereas many conventional and organic products are picked well before their maturity and left to ripen on trucks, boats and planes as they make their cross-country and/or intercontinental journey to your local grocer. In a nutshell, buying local keeps harmful toxins out of your body, supports your local economy and reduces environmental pollution caused from transportation; and it tastes good!
Unfortunately, buying organic and locally grown foods aren't viable options for many people struggling in today's difficult economic condition. It can be costly and outright unobtainable for millions of families. And it is important parents understand that buying conventional doesn't make them bad parents! Above all, the most important thing you can do for yourself and your family is to eat as many fruits and vegetables as you possibly can! The benefits of consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetable far outweigh any risks of pesticide and hormone exposure.
If you can afford to make some changes, each year, Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases the "Dirty Dozen" fruits and vegetables that they recommend should be bought organic as well as the "cleanest" fruits and vegetables; which contain the least amount of pesticide exposure. EWG recommends shoppers use the lists as a guide when shopping for produce as a way to lower pesticide intake.
Print your own EWG's 2011 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
photo credit from runningwithmascara.com
Diet drinks to prevent diabetes
No way! Recent studies link the use of artificial sweeteners to a 2-fold increase in diabetes. Hard to believe that physicians often advise patients predisposed to diabetes to use artificial sweeteners as a means of prevention! Another example of how being misinformed, about the impact of food and nutrition on our health, does so much harm and is a major contributor to our healthcare crisis.June 15, 2009 (Washington, DC) -- People who use artificial sweeteners are heavier, more likely to have diabetes, and more likely to be insulin-resistant compared with nonusers, according to data presented at ENDO 2009, the 91st annual meeting of The Endocrine Society. Sugars and other nutrients within the digestive tract activate sweet taste receptors called enteroendocrine cells, leading to the release of hormones like incretin and insulin. These hormones result in increased absorption of glucose and other caloric sugars. Non caloric (artificial) sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose have many of the same effects on these "gut taste receptors" as do energy (calorie) containing sugars.One theory suggests that ingestion of non caloric (artificial) sweeteners may prepare the gut for the presence of nutrients in the same manner as the nutrients themselves, but in the absence of a source of calories, the balance between taste receptor activation, nutrient assimilation and appetite may be disturbed, leading to an increase in appetite and overeating of unnecessary calories when they are readily available. A study analyzed data, from participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), to determine whether weight status and health risk measurements differed among artificial sweetener users and non-artificial sweetener users. The primary sweetener consumed was aspartame followed by saccharine and sucralose. Although the group who used sweeteners was younger and heavier, they did not consume any more calories than those who did not use sweeteners yet they were twice as likely to develop diabetes.
Other reasons to avoid artificial sweeteners:
linked to cancer triggers
headaches and migraines
causes brain tumors and seizures in animals
All of the possible dangers of artificial sweeteners are still unknown. Utilizing such artificial products is gambling with your health. Aspartame also exposes us to a methyl ester that may have toxic effects. Play it safe and stick to natural foods.
The bottom line here is, try to enjoy your food choices without refined or artificial sweeteners of any kind. Fresh fruit and occasionally dried fruits or ground dates is the safest way to go to satisfy a sweet tooth. I recommend dropping colas, sodas, sweetened teas, and juices - diet or not. If they don't contain artificial sweeteners, they are loaded with sugar. Eat unrefined food and drink water. Melons blended with ice cubes and dates for added sweetness make delicious, cooling summer drinks.
Find out how this "big business" is maintained, avoids negative press, and contributes to keeping Americans in the dark about their health at www.DiseaseProof.com
~ Dr Joel Fuhrman
Other reasons to avoid artificial sweeteners:
linked to cancer triggers
headaches and migraines
causes brain tumors and seizures in animals
All of the possible dangers of artificial sweeteners are still unknown. Utilizing such artificial products is gambling with your health. Aspartame also exposes us to a methyl ester that may have toxic effects. Play it safe and stick to natural foods.
The bottom line here is, try to enjoy your food choices without refined or artificial sweeteners of any kind. Fresh fruit and occasionally dried fruits or ground dates is the safest way to go to satisfy a sweet tooth. I recommend dropping colas, sodas, sweetened teas, and juices - diet or not. If they don't contain artificial sweeteners, they are loaded with sugar. Eat unrefined food and drink water. Melons blended with ice cubes and dates for added sweetness make delicious, cooling summer drinks.
Find out how this "big business" is maintained, avoids negative press, and contributes to keeping Americans in the dark about their health at www.DiseaseProof.com
~ Dr Joel Fuhrman
