Showing posts with label brain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brain. Show all posts

These 3 Mineral Waters Can Remove Aluminum from the Brain

The prevalence of neurological diseases associated with aluminum toxicity is constantly on the rise, primarily due to the fact that the brain barrier is not longer able to prevent aluminum to get into our gray matter.  Consequently, aluminum builds up and remains in the tissue without rapid cellular turnover.

Apoptosis is a term used to describe cell death which occurs within the body, excluding the cancer cells. These cells keep multiplying and colonizing into tumors unless the process of apoptosis is introduced through chemical compounds, natural or synthetic.

Aluminum reaches toxic levels as time passes by and accumulates in tissues like the brain, heart, and the bone matter.  The brain and the nervous system is where diseases like MS, Parkinson`s and Alzheimer`s manifest, including the autistic disorders.

Many aluminum toxins in the environment

Aluminum is present virtually anywhere in our environment, from cookware, foil and beverage containers to sunscreens, antiperspirants, and cosmetics.  In addition to this, aluminum is found in all vaccines.  Injecting it bypasses the chance of elimination through normal channels, which causes it to get carried into the brain, adding to their built up toxicity loads.

According to Dr. Chris Exley, PhD, the period from the early 20th century to now is the ‘age of aluminum’.  While many claim that aluminum is harmless as it is the most prevalent mineral on the planet, experts like Dr. Exley have gone a long way in proving its toxicity.

Before this period, aluminum remained in the ground that hadn’t been mined.  According to Dr. Exley, the increase of neurological diseases is closely related to the aluminum mining that happens these days.

Dr. Chris Exley’s Message to the 2011 Vaccine Safety Conference

The major goal of this conference was to help vaccinated kids improve their neurological damage. The irony is that it involves silica, the second most abundant mineral in earth. Dr. Exley has put autistic children on a form of silica called silicic acid with amazing results.

Silicic acid is oxygenated silica and is the best way to get silica into the gut and the brain matter where it attaches to the aluminum molecules and flushes them out through the urine.

Dr. Exley used a mineral water called called Spritzer on autistic children and it was found that the aluminum levels were lower by 50-70% in all of the subjects.  In the 15 AD patients involved, 8 of them no longer deteriorated and 3 exhibited cognitive increase. Although coconut oil works better for reversing AD, mineral waters high in silicic will prevent it by reducing aluminum toxicity.


Mineral waters can penetrate blood-brain barrier

Apart from Spritzer, which is quite high in silicic acid, Fiji and Volvic are pretty much good options, too. Fiji has the highest concentration of ionic suspended silica and is the cheapest!  Additionally, People`s Chemist Shane Ellison analyzed a few different water bottles and found that Fiji water bottles are free or BPA!

The protocol is to drunk a 1.5 little bottle of water a day for at least five days. Higher levels of aluminum toxicity require more water.  Silica mineral waters can go a long way in preventing dementia.  Feel free to use them along with cold pressed coconut oil to stop the development of Alzheimer`s or reverse the symptoms.

More About Silica

Silica promotes collagen elasticity of all connecting tissues in the body, which in turn improves flexibility and reduces pains. It has been shown to prevent arterial plaque, too.

It is vital for keeping healthy cardiovascular system and healthy bones, making it critical anti-aging mineral.  Good sources of this mineral include cucumbers, diatomaceous earth powder, and horsetail. The problem with these three sources is that they do not have the ionic suspension of silicic acid present in the mineral waters.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com/

Alzheimer’s patients have almost immediate brain improvements after eating 4 tablespoons of coconut oil, study shows

When someone hears the word “dementia”, they immediately think of “memory loss”. Losing memory is indeed one of the major features of dementia, but those afflicted with either dementia or Alzheimer`s also suffer from a wide array of cognitive impairments, all of which make problem-solving, thinking, and communication tasks very difficult.

Sadly, most forms of dementia are not treatable, meaning that prevention is of utmost importance, particularly if dementia or Alzheimer`s runs in the family. The good news is that researchers have revealed the promising effects of one all-natural ingredient, which points to more efficient prevention and notably enhanced cognitive function after a diagnosis.

Study: Medium-Chain Triglycerides and Alzheimer’s Disease

A 2004 study included 15 people with Alzheimer`s and 5 with amnesty cognitive impairment. The team of researchers tested the effects of 40mL of MTC`s (medium-chain triglycerides) after fasting from 8 pm the night prior. They tested the effects by comparing them with a placebo group.

It was found that consuming MCT led to notably improved cognitive function 90 minutes after, including the paragraph recall. The participants who consumed MCTs performed far better in many memory and recall tests.  Additionally, the blood test showed a significant increase in  beta-hydroxybutyrate levels,  which works to protect the brain from toxins.

It is worth noting that not only did MCTs improve cognitive function in those with dementia, but they also protected their brain from detrimental chemicals and toxins.  The best thing is that you can reap the benefits of MCTs through a very common natural ingredient.

Can Coconut Oil Help Prevent Dementia?

Those concerned about consuming oils regularly should understand that the MCTs like those found in coconut oil, have been shown to positively affect weight loss, unlike other oils. Coconut oil contains up to 62 percent of MCTs and works as an amazing source of these beneficial fats.  Still, many people opt for pure MCT oil which can be purchased in any natural health store.

In order to get the same results as the study`s participants, one diagnosed with dementia would have to eat about four tablespoons of coconut oil daily. While this may seem unmanageable, by cooking with it instead of vegetable oils, mixing it in your coffee, or adding it to your smoothies, is completely doable. Even a smaller dosage can help a healthy individual improve their cognitive function and prevent dementia.

Additional Tips on How to Prevent Alzheimer`s


1. Regular Exercise

Exercising on a regular basis helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer`s by 50%, according to the Alzheimer`s Research & Prevention Foundation. It also helps slow down further decline in those who have already been diagnosed. It works by stimulating brain`s ability to maintain old connections and form new ones.

2. Social Engagement

Staying socially engaged has been shown to prevent Alzheimer`s and dementia, so making and keeping a strong networks of friends is highly recommended.  This is not difficult at all, though! All you have to do is to join a club or some social group, volunteer, make a weekly date with your friend,  get the know your neighbors, take group classes, or connect to other people via social networks.

3. Healthy Diet

Adjusting your eating habits can go a long way in reducing inflammation, protecting the brain, and preventing dementia.  Here are a few tips on how to do this:


  • Cut down on sugar
  • Avoid trans fats
  • Enjoy a Mediterranean diet
  • Get plenty of omega-3 fats
  • Stock up on fruits and veggies
  • Consume tea regularly, especially green tea
  • Cook at home more often

There are a few supplements that can help preserve brain help, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, fish oil, and folic acid.

4. Mental Stimulation

People who keep on learning new things and stimulating their brain are at lower risk of developing Alzheimer`s disease and dementia. Here are a few things you can do to stimulate your brain:


  • Learn something new ( foreign language or a playing a musical instrument)
  • Practice memorization
  • Practice the 5 W’s by keeping a Who, What, Where, When, and Why” list of your daily experiences
  • Enjoy strategy games, puzzles, and riddles

Activities that involve multiple tasks or require interaction and organization provide the optimal protection.

5. Quality Sleep

A recent research shows that disrupted sleep is not a only a symptom of Alzheimer`s, but a potential risk factor, too.  So, if sleep deprivation is affecting your mood, you can be at greater risk of developing Alzheimer`s disease.

Sleep Tips:


  • Get screened for sleep apnea
  • Set up a regular sleep schedule
  • Be smart about napping ( if insomnia is a problem for you, avoid napping)
  • Set the mood
  • Create a relaxing bedtime ritual ( enjoying a hot bath or doing some stretches)
Needless to say, make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep per night.

6. Stress Management

Chronic stress can affect the brain in many different ways, leading to hampered nerve cell growth and increased risk for Alzheimer`s disease and dementia. The good news is that there are many ways to manage stress and minimize its effects!


  • Breathe! ( combat your stress with deep, abdominal breathing)
  • Nourish inner peace (prayer, meditation, religious practice, yoga, reflection)
  • Schedule daily relaxation activities ( walking your dog, taking a soothing bath, or listening to music)
  • Keep your sense of humor

This is what happens to your lungs, brain, kidneys, teeth and mood when you drink diet soda

Contrary to popular belief, diet soda doesn’t promote weight loss! As a matter of fact, a Purdue researcher advises people to stay away from diet soda just like they would do with regular soda. According to Susan Swithers, PhD, a professor of psychological sciences and a behavioral neuroscientist at Purdue, expanding warnings may help limit the intake of all sweeteners, without an exception of no-calorie sweeteners.

With the aim of answering the question “Is diet soda bad for you”,  Swithers reviewed many studies.  She found that nearly 30% of American adults and 15% of American children consume artificial sweeteners like saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose.

“There is a lot of pressure from the public health sector to find solutions to counter the rise of obesity and chronic disease, and there is a lot of money and business at stake for the food industry as it develops and promotes these products. Beverages are becoming political issues as government leaders and politicians seek regulation and taxing to limit their availability and consumption, but most of these measures exclude diet soft drinks because they are perceived as healthy. When it comes to making policy decisions, it’s more important than ever that the science is considered and that the public understands what the science says in order to help them make the best health decisions.” — Susan Swithers

Artificial sweeteners confuse body`s ability to manage calories based on eating sweet, meaning that people often overeat them even by drinking diet soda.  Those who ingest artificial sweeteners are two times as likely to develop metabolic syndrome.

Is Diet Soda Bad for You?

Mounting evidence suggests that diet soda leads to multiple health issues. Among them are:

1. Depression

Drinking more than 4 cans of soda daily is associated with a 30% higher risk of depression. On the other hand, drinking 4 cups of coffee daily offers protective effects, lowering depression risk 10%.  The risk appeared to be higher for those who drank diet soda when compared to those drinking regular soda.

2. Kidney Damage

According to Harvard researchers, long-term diet soda drinking is linked to a 30% greater reduction in kidney function.  This study involved individuals who consumed diet soda on a regular basis over the course of 20 years

3. Type 2 Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome

As reported by a 2009 study published in the journal Diabetes Car, drinking diet soda on a daily basis is associated with a 36% higher risk of metabolic syndrome and a 67% higher risk of type 2 diabetes when compared to those who aren’t drinking diet soda.

As a matter of fact, artificial sweeteners may interfere with the gut-brain connection, which in turn leads to metabolic derangements.  Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel found that diet soda changes gut microbes in a way that increases the risk of metabolic disease.  Mice given zero-calorie sweeteners found in these drinks developed glucose intolerance.

4. Cardiovascular Disease

Researchers at University of Miami and Colombia University followed over 2,000 adults for ten years and found that diet-soda drinkers had higher chances of getting stroke or heart attack and were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. The risk remained the same even when high cholesterol, exercise, smoking, weight, and sodium intake were adjusted.

5. Compromised Lungs

Drinking soda increases the risk of developing COPD and asthma symptoms.  As a matter of fact, the more soda a person drinks, the higher the risk.

According to an Australian study, 1.3% of the participants with asthma and 15.6% of those with COPD consumed more than 2 cups of soda daily.

6. A Less Protected Brain

Aspartame, one of the most common artificial sweeteners in diet sodas, removes brain`s antioxidant defense system, leading to imbalance in the antioxidant/pro-oxidant status in the brain.

In addition to these, aspartame is also linked to the following issues:


  • Fatigue
  • Migraines & headaches
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Short term memory loss
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Hearing loss
  • Weight gain
  • Brain tumors
  • Epilepsy
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Birth defects
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Lymphoma
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis (including rheumatoid)
  • Chemical sensitivities
  • ADHD
  • Parkinson’s

Eat 2 tbsp of coconut oil twice a day for 60 days and this will happen to your brain

According to the Alzheimer`s Association`s 2011 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, currently 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer`s disease.

While an estimate, this number will jump to 16 million by 2050 and in the next years this disease will affect 1 in 4 Americans, which is even more than the rate of obesity and diabetes at the moment.

Given that there are only a few treatments available, most of which are rarely effective, early detection and prevention became extremely important!

It turns out that something as simple as a tablespoon of peanut butter and a ruler could be used to diagnose the disease in its early stages. As reported by Medical News Today:

“Jennifer Stamps, a graduate student in the University of Florida (UF) McKnight Brain Institute Center for Smell and Taste, and her colleagues reported the findings of a small pilot study in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences.

Stamps came up with the idea of using peanut butter to test for smell sensitivity while she was working with Dr. Kenneth Heilman, one of the world’s best known behavioral neurologists, from the UF College of Medicine’s department of neurology.

…The ability to smell is associated with the first cranial nerve and is often one of the first things to be affected in cognitive decline… She thought of peanut butter because, she said, it is a ‘pure odorant’ that is only detected by the olfactory nerve and is easy to access.”

This study tested the ability to smell of 24 patients with mild cognitive impairment. The patient had to close their eyes and mouth and hold one nostril close while breathing through the other. The clinician measured the distance between the open nostril and the peanut butter with the help of a ruler, identifying the distance at which the patient had the ability to detect the smell. The procedure was done with the other nostril after a 90 second delay.

It has been found that patients diagnosed with an early stage of Alzheimer`s disease underwent a notable difference in their ability to detect the smell between the two nostrils. According to the report:

“[T]he left nostril was impaired and did not detect the smell until it was an average of 10 cm closer to the nose than the right nostril had made the detection in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

This was not the case in patients with other kinds of dementia; instead, these patients had either no differences in odor detection between nostrils or the right nostril was worse at detecting odor than the left one.”

Benefits of Coconut Oil Make Headlines Again

Florida researchers are currently investigating whether coconut oil can be beneficial when it comes to this disease. Three years ago, Dr. Mary Newport`s theory suggested that ketone bodies offer benefits in the battle against Alzheimer`s disease.

Presently, this theory is being used to set up the first clinical trial of this kind and the research is being done at USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute.

For the purpose of this study, 64 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer`s were included to evaluate the effects of coconut oil on the disease. As reported by CTV News:

“While there is currently no clinical data showing the benefits of coconut oil on the prevention and treatment of dementia, Newport — whose husband Steve was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 51 — said she began to see improvements after starting him on four teaspoons of coconut oil per day.

‘Before the coconut oil, he could not tie his shoes. His weird slow gait… That improved. He walked normally and he was able to start running again.

He was able to start reading again, his conversation improved dramatically and then over several months we saw improvements in his memory,’ Newport said. Prior to starting him on coconut oil, Newport said none of the existing medications were working.”

Coconut Oil Appears to Be an Ideal Brain Food

Carbs/ sugar and fat are the only types of fuel the body can turn into energy.  Ketones are produced by the body during the conversion of fat into energy.  The major source of ketone bodies are the medium-chain triglycerides, found in coconut oil.

These triglycerides are fats which are not processed by the body in the same way as long-chain triglycerides.  Typically, a fat taken into the body must be mixed with the bile before it can be broken down into the digestive system.

On the other hand, medium-chain triglycerides go straight to the liver, which turns the oil into ketones, which are immediately released into the bloodstream and then transported to the brain.

Even though the body loves glucose and is happy running in this type of primary fuel, it has been found that ketone bodies help restore neurons and nerve function in the body. The mechanism of this MCT-ketone metabolism appears to be that the body treats MCTs as carbohydrates, allowing the ketone energy to hit the bloodstream without insulin spike which typically occurs when carbs enter the system.

How Much Coconut Oil Might You Need?

According to Dr. Newport`s assessments, only two tablespoons of coconut oil, which is 35 ml or seven level teaspoons,  supply the body with 20 grams of MCT, amount which has been found to prevent against degenerative neurological disease and to treat already established case.

Note that not all people tolerate coconut oil the same way, which means that you need to start slowly and work your way to these therapeutic levels. The best would be to start with one teaspoon along with food and then gradually increase the amount until you are able to tolerate four tablespoons.

Low-Fat Craze Has Likely Contributed to Dramatic Rise in Alzheimer’s

Dr. David Perlmutter believes that avoiding fat and carbohydrates are the main causes of Alzheimer`s epidemics, which is preventable disease, influenced by lifestyle factors. Dr. Perlmutter`s book provides a strong argument for removing grains from your diet to protect the brain. As Amanda Smith, Medical Director at University of South Florida (USF) Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute told CTV News:

“The pharmaceutical industry is in this — of course to make money for their companies, and of course they want to help people theoretically — but at the end of the day it is about dollars and cents, and so money gets invested in things that are new or patentable rather than things that are sitting on the shelf already.”

Intermittent Fasting Can Also Increase Ketone Production

Intermittent fasting is one of the ways to boost ketone production. It involves timing of meals, allowing the body to enter the fat-burning process. For optimal results, the length of the fast must be at least 16 hours, meaning that you should eat only between the hours of 11 am until 7 pm or noon until 8pm.

The best would be to avoid eating anything for three hours before bedtime and then extend the time before you have breakfast to the point you have skipped breakfast and have the first meal at lunch.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Brain Function and Avoiding Alzheimer’s Disease

The tips below help maintain healthy brain function as you age and thus successfully prevent Alzheimer`s disease:

1.     Avoid anticholinergics and statin drugs
2.     Avoid flu vaccinations
3.     Avoid and eliminate mercury from your body
4.     Avoid aluminum, such as antiperspirants, non-stick cookware
5.     Avoid gluten (primarily wheat)
6.     Avoid sugar and refined fructose
7.     Reduce your overall calorie consumption, and/or intermittently fast
8.     Keep your fasting insulin levels below 3
9.     Eat a nutritious diet, rich in folate
10.  Optimize your vitamin D levels with safe sun exposure
11.  Increase consumption of all healthful fats, including animal-based omega-3
12.  Optimize your gut flora
13.  Eat blueberries
14.  Challenge your mind daily
15.  Exercise regularly


Other Natural Treatments for Your Anti-Alzheimer’s Arsenal

The four natural foods/ supplements below have been found to prevent age-related cognitive changes:

1.     Alpha lipoic acid (ALA)
2.     Astaxanthin
3.     Ginkgo biloba
4.     Vitamin B12

source: http://besthealthyguide.com/

Five Ingredients that Poison your Brain

These days there are so many toxic ingredients which are gut disturbing, liver compromising, and brain damaging.  The good news is that there are some things we can do to avoid them and protect ourselves. Below you have a list of five ingredients that poison the brain and which should be avoided at any cost.

1.      Gluten

Gluten is protein found in kumut, spelt, wheat, rye, and barley. It is sticky and tends to bind to the small intestinal wall, causing digestive and immune system disorders, such as celiac disease. Moreover, there is also non-celiac, gluten sensitivity, a condition which is the key factor to inflammatory disorders of the nervous system and the brain.

It has been scientifically shown that there is a strong link between gluten sensitivity and disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.  This ingredient has been linked to psychiatric disorders, dementia, cognitive impairment, and many more.

2.      Artificial Sweeteners

Aspartame, sucralose, saccharin and all types of artificial sweeteners are popular due to their zero calorie marketing. However, it turns out that these sweeteners are toxic and detrimental to the brain. For instance, aspartame, which is a combination of many chemicals, including methanol, phenylalanine, and aspartic acid, produces a brain-tumor chemical when broken down.

The consumption of aspartame causes different symptoms, including migraines, slurred speech, depression, and anxiety attacks. It is found in chewing gums, tabletop sweeteners, flavored water, cereal, sodas, yogurt, cooking sauces, and other sugar-free products.

3.      Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG, is a concentrated form of salt which is added to foods to enhance flavor. It actually tricks the taste buds and the brain into thinking that the food is delicious, but it also stimulates the production of excess dopamine, thefeel-goodd drug. Being an excitotoxin, this ingredient is associated with brain damage and other neurological diseases, such as lupus, dementia, MS, Parkinson`s disease, Alzheimer`s disease, etc

It is commonly found in salad dressing, canned soups and vegetables, barbecue sauce, bouillon cubes, and other processed foods.

4.      Refined Sugar

Refined sugar is both most popular and most dangerous ingredient in our food. Regular sugar intake is associated with many health issues which negatively affect the brain.

The problem with refined sugar is that it suppresses BDNF, a growth hormone which is of utmost importance for the brain.  The brain derived neorotrophic factor (BDNF), triggers new relations between the neurons in the brain which are important for the memory function. It has been scientifically shown that low BDNF levels in people suffering from schizophrenia and depression combined with sugar intake could worsen those conditions.

In addition to this, refined sugar increases inflammation, disrupting the immune and digestive system. Chronic inflammation increases the risk of schizophrenia and depression.  Both depressed people and those who want to improve their mental mood and clarity should eliminate refined sugar from their diets.

5.      Fluoride

It seems that the decision to add fluoride to public drinking water is one of the most dangerous effects on our brain as well as on the overall health.

As reported by the Fluoride Action Network, fluoride is associated with lower IQ. A study funded by UNICEF has shown that IQ was reduced at the level which is added to U.S drinking water, which is 0.88 mg/l.

Additionally, the Fluoride Action Network stated that 34 studies associate fluoride to lower IQ levels, while other studies suggest that it is linked to altered neurobehavioral function, fetal brain damage, and memory impairment.

source: http://www.naturalnewsblogs.com

The Fruit That Stops Insomnia and Boosts Brain Work After a Few Minutes

Have you heard about quenepa? If not, you will definitely become a fan of this fruit once you learn more about its amazing health benefits.

Most people know this fruit under the name of Spanish lime, a fruit which treats insomnia and enhances the function of the brain.

It is native to the north of South America but it also widely cultivated in Central America and the Caribbean. It has a hard shell but delicate and soft texture. It has bittersweet taste and it goes well with chilly, lime, and a pinch of salt.

The experts describe this fruit as a combination of lychee and lime. It is very similar to limes as they share the same characteristics, except for its color. It is colorful fruit with a pulp which surrounds the seeds.

It has an exceptional nutritional value and below you have a list of some of the nutrients it contains:


  • Riboflavin
  • Fiber
  • Tryptophan
  • Niacin
  • Tannins
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Thiamine
  • Amino acids
  • Vitamin C
  • Protein
  • Vitamins B1, B3, B6 and B12
  • Unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic)

Quenepa has the ability to prevent high cholesterol levels and chronic constipation due to its high fiber content.

In addition to this, quenepa is abundant in vitamin A, a nutrient which boosts immunity and prevents the formation of urinary tract stones. It is also high in phosphorus, a mineral which lowers blood pressure, treats asthma, improves digestion, and balances the hormones.

Its calcium content strengthens the bones and teeth while the antioxidants it contains prevents radical damage and development of cancer.

According to the experts, quenepa contains a phenolic acid which prevents heart disease and boosts immunity.

In a nutshell, this fruit provides a wide plethora of health benefits and it is believed to be one of the healthiest fruits on the planet. Below, you have a list of only few of its medicinal uses and benefits:


  • Soothes gum infections
  • Prevents and treats urinary and lung infections
  • Lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels
  • Treats skin issues
  • Treats constipation
  • Treats and prevents kidney problems
  • Stimulates red blood cell production, preventing anemia
  • Improves the reproductive system’s function
  • Eliminates parasites
  • Prevents bronchitis and the flu
  • Strengthens the immune system and prevents bacterial buildup in the body

To treat diarrhea, combine a couple of roasted quenepa seeds and honey and you will solve this issue in no time.

With this being said, it becomes evident that this fruit is extremely healthy and beneficial, which is why you should include it in your diet as soon as possible.

Love it? Pin it to your HEALTH board to SAVE it!



source: http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com

The One Ingredient That’s Destroying Your Liver and Brain

A long time ago, sugar was considered luxury and only certain people had access to it. You had to be very lucky to have it added to your tea or coffee.

According to Dr. Robert Lustig, professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco (USCF), sugar was “still extraordinarily expensive until the middle of the 18th to 19th century.”

“That expense may have been a blessing in disguise, as it made it virtually impossible for most people to consume in excess. And therein lies the problem. Sugar acts as a chronic, dose-dependent liver toxin (poison) when consumed in excess,” Dr. Lustig explained.

These days, we consume 20 times more sugar when compared to our ancestors and it seems that we have completely lost our control over the amount we use.

Why Is Sugar Bad for Your Liver?


Due to the fact that our liver has limited capacity to metabolize processed fructose, this is the major reason why sugar is detrimental to the liver. The video above explains why sugar may lead to diabetes and how it damages the liver.

According to Dr. Lustig, the liver has the capacity to metabolize only six teaspoons of sugar daily.

Still, an average American consumes about twenty teaspoons of added sugar daily. This excess sugar turns into body fat and leads to many chronic metabolic diseases over time. Among them are:


  • Cancer
  • Dementia
  • Hypertension
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Type 2 diabetes

According to SugarScience.org, a product of Dr. Robert Lustig and his colleagues, who have reviewed over 8,000 independent studies on sugar and its effect on heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease and more:
“Over time, consuming large quantities of added sugar can stress and damage critical organs, including the pancreas and liver. When the pancreas, which produces insulin to process sugars, becomes overworked, it can fail to regulate blood sugar properly.

Large doses of the sugar fructose also can overwhelm the liver, which metabolizes fructose. In the process, the liver will convert excess fructose to fat, which is stored in the liver and also released into the bloodstream.

This process contributes to key elements of MetS [metabolic syndrome], including high blood fats or triglycerides, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and extra body fat in the form of a sugar belly.”

Borderline High Blood Sugar Levels Linked to Kidney Damage


The body is designed to have only a teaspoon of sugar in the blood. So, in case the blood sugar levels significantly rise, you are likely to go into a hyperglycemic coma.

In order to prevent this and maintain healthy sugar levels, the body works very hard by producing insulin. Any meal which is high in sugar and grain carbohydrates usually raises the blood glucose levels.

To make it up for this, the pancreas secretes insulin and lowers the blood sugar to prevent a fatal outcome. However, insulin turns the sugar into fat, which means that the more you secrete, the fatter you become.

Regular consumption of foods high in sugar and grains keeps the blood glucose levels high at all times, which in turn makes the body “desensitized” to insulin. Consequently, you become insulin resistant and then diabetic.

According to a recent study, people with slightly elevated blood sugar levels are at greater risk of kidney disease. Those with abnormal sugar levels were 95% more likely to have hyperfiltration, which may lead to kidney damage in diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Raises Your Risk of Dementia


Even though insulin keeps blood sugar levels healthy, it is also responsible for brain signaling. According to an animal study, when researchers disrupted to a proper signaling of insulin in the brain, they managed to induce many of the brain changes typical for Alzheimer`s disease.

Higher sugar and grains intake make the brain overwhelmed by the high levels of insulin and the signaling becomes significantly disrupted, causing impairment in memory and thinking abilities.

This may cause permanent brain damage and many other health issues. Therefore, the fact that a recent study linked type 2 diabetes to a 60% higher risk of dementia doesn’t come as a surprise.

A past study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2013 showed that a mild elevation of blood sugar is also linked to an elevated risk for dementia.

Hedonic Hunger: Junk Foods Trick Your Brain into Wanting More Food


The term “hedonic hunger” refers to the desire for food even when the body doesn’t actually need it. This is one of the major causes of obesity in the United States and it always involves cravings for unhealthy, sugary foods.

The more junk foods you eat, the more your body needs them.  This works similarly to addiction of drugs and it eventually “forces” the person to eat more junk food in order to keep a feeling of well-being. According to Scientific American,

“Research has shown that the brain begins responding to fatty and sugary foods even before they enter our mouth. Merely seeing a desirable item excites the reward circuit. As soon as such a dish touches the tongue, taste buds send signals to various regions of the brain, which in turn responds by spewing the neurochemical dopamine. The result is an intense feeling of pleasure.

Frequently overeating highly palatable foods saturates the brain with so much dopamine that it eventually adapts by desensitizing itself, reducing the number of cellular receptors that recognize and respond to the neurochemical.

Consequently, the brains of overeaters demand a lot more sugar and fat to reach the same threshold of pleasure as they once experienced with smaller amounts of the foods. These people may, in fact, continue to overeat as a way of recapturing or even maintaining a sense of well-being.”

Reengineering Your Food Environment to Break Junk Food Cravings


According to Michael Lowe, a clinical psychologist at Drexel University, the key to breaking the addiction lies in reengineering the good environment.  In other words, you need to avoid bringing junk food home and avoid places where it is offered. The less sugar you eat, the faster your cravings will disappear. The video below brings the story of a man who gave up sugar completely.

He felt irritable at the beginning, but the cravings went away after a week. Besides getting rid of these cravings, his blood sugar, weight, and energy improved!

Are You Addicted to Sugar? Here’s How to Break Free


The energy psychology technique called Turbo Tapping is time-tested and proven to work for most people.

You should avoid processed foods because most processed foods contain hidden sugars. If you are overweight, have diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension, or are insulin resistant, you should limit you sugar intake to 15 grams a day. Others should limit their sugar intake to 25 grams on a daily basis.

 Other tricks which can help you break free from your addiction include:

1.      Exercise

Those who exercise regularly know that cardiovascular exercises are one of the best ways to eliminate food cravings.

2.      Organic, Black Coffee

Coffee contains compounds such as cafestol, which are found in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. They attach to the opioid receptors and block the addiction to other opioid-releasing foods.

3.       Sour Taste

Sour taste from fermented vegetables works on several levels. Namely, besides reducing sweet cravings, it also promotes gut health.

source: http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com

This is how your brain physically changes when you consume whole turmeric

Turmeric is regarded as miraculous spice whose positive effects on the body are backed up by more than 600 health benefits.  This is mostly due to its active compound called curcumin, which has a wide plethora of health benefits and healing properties.  But, did you know that whole turmeric can help with brain regeneration? What`s more, this ability doesn’t attribute to curcumin!

Benefits of Turmeric


  • It offers strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin inhibits the molecules known to play a role in inflammation and it neutralizes free radicals
  • It increases the levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which in turn stimulates the growth of new neurons and combats degenerative processes in the brain
  • It lowers the risk of heart disease by improving a few risk factors for heart disease
  • It helps prevent and treat cancer
  • It boosts the levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, fighting off depression
  • It delays aging and combats age-related conditions


An Overlooked Benefit

Aromatic-turmerone is a fat-soluble compound found in turmeric, which is often overlooked. German researchers have thoroughly studied its effects on neural stem cells and what they found was that the number of neutral stem cells increased by 80 percent when exposed to aromatic-turmerone. In other words, a healing effect was happening. When used on rats, they created healthy new brain cells and noticed a size growth in both subventricular zone and the hippocampus.

Ar-turmerone is a potent regenerative which can aid NSCs in brain regeneration and it is believed to help in cases of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer`s or stroke. Apart from promoting stem cell proliferation, it also distinguishes between stems cells and neurons, which is the main goal of regenerative medicine. On the other hand, curcumin has been found to boost the overall memory of Alzheimer`s patients.

So What does this mean?

While many people believe that using a curcumin extract is enough to gain is benefits, using the whole turmeric offers many healing properties which may be missing out on. For example, in the case of polyps or colonic inflammation, using the whole plant instead of an extract is much better since the extract can be absorbed by the small intestine before reaching the large intestine.

Although the effects of ar-turmerone are still not fully understood, this recent study shows that there is a regenerative factor within.  Healing plants are consist of many beneficial compounds, so assuming which one contributes the most to the healing power of the plant is inaccurate. Both curcumin and ar-turmerone are found to have health benefits to the body, to get the most of this plant make sure you use turmeric as a whole.


source: http://www.greenmedinfo.com

10 Dangerous Brain-Damaging Habits to Stop Immediately

The brain is responsible for vital life functions, so keeping it healthy and functioning at optimal level is a must.  Below you have 10 habits which are negatively affecting the brain and you need to stop doing them right away.

1. Boredom

Neuroplasticity is brain`s ability to think differently, keep memories, and make new connections.   Lack of intellectual stimulation leads to a decline in brain`s effectiveness, just like with any other organ.

2. No Breakfast

Given that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, going through the day without it causes the metabolism to slow down and the brain to shut down some of its functions.

According to a Japanese study, people who tend to skip breakfast on a regular basis are at 36% higher risk of suffering a brain hemorrhage.  On the other hands, brain`s function is significantly improved if properly nourished every morning.

“Without glucose our brain simply doesn’t operate as well. People have difficulty understanding new information, [they have a] problem with visual and spatial understanding, and they don’t remember things as well,” a professor of pediatrics at Duke University.

3. Cell Phones

Electromagnetic fields emit radiation, which is extremely harmful for humans.  If nothing more, sleeping next to a cell phone is distracting!

According to a study done by Swedish researchers, radiation from a cell phone causes confusion, headaches, and is also associated with cancers, including brain tumors. To minimize the risk, limit cell phone use and keep it away from you as often as possible.

4. Working Through Illness

When going through an illness, the body and the immune system are working hard to fight off the infection.  Working through illness prolongs its length and increases the susceptibility to subsequent issues, affecting the brain function, too.

5. Over-eating

Over-eating causes excess weight, and often obesity as well.  We often eat foods which are poor in nutrients, which causes us to over-eat and feel hungry all the time.  Nutrient-poor foods diminish brain performance and may led to brain-related conditions like dementia and low brain volume.

6. Reticence

Oral communication is different than written one at various levels, including that they use different part of the brain.  Given that people are social animals and are supposed to communicate,  the fact that lack of oral communication and social interaction can cause anxiety and depression doesn’t come as surprise.

7. Lack of Sleep

Getting regular and quality sleep is of utmost importance for the overall health, including brain health.  While sleeping, the brain performs two important activities: storing memories and eliminating toxins.   Sleep deprivation leads to plaque accumulation, changes in the memory, and increased risk of neurodegenerative disease.

8. Smoking

According to a 2004 study,

“The study found that cigarette smoking alone caused damage to neuronal viability and cell membranes in the midbrain and on cell membranes of the cerebellar vermis. These brain regions are involved in fine and gross motor functions and balance and coordination.”

Luckily, the body is resilient and significant part of the damage caused by smoking can be reversed over a certain period of time.

9. Sugar

High sugar intake is detrimental for every cell, tissue, and organ in the body, including the central nervous system. It has been scientifically shown that there is a strong link between excess sugar intake and Alzheimer`s disease.

10. Air Pollution

Wearing an oxygen mask seems to be the only way to avoid air pollution. The brain we breathe is full of detrimental chemicals which affect all aspects of human condition.

It has been found that air pollution causes cognitive impairment and brain shrinkage, among other things.   Everything that we breathe and absorb through the skin, eventually reaches the blood stream and affects every single organ, including the brain.

According to researchers, air pollution is linked to development and worsening of Alzheimer`s disease, Parkinson`s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Read on and check out an amazing excerpt of an article written by neurologist Russell L. Blaylock, MD:

“My major concern is that there is evidence that they are spraying tons of nanosized aluminum compounds. It has been demonstrated in the scientific and medical literature that nanosized particles are infinitely more reactive and induce intense inflammation in a number of tissues. Of special concern is the effect of these nanoparticles on the brain and spinal cord, as a growing list of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) are strongly related to exposure to environmental aluminum.

“Studies have shown that these particles pass along the olfactory neural tracts, which connect directly to the area of the brain that is not only most affected by Alzheimer’s disease, but also the earliest affected in the course of the disease. It also has the highest level of brain aluminum in Alzheimer’s cases.

“The intranasal route of exposure makes spraying of massive amounts of nanoaluminum into the skies especially hazardous, as it will be inhaled by people of all ages, including babies and small children for many hours. We know that older people have the greatest reaction to this airborne aluminum. Because of the nanosizing of the aluminum particles being used, home-filtering systems will not remove the aluminum, thus prolonging exposure, even indoors.”


source: https://dailyhealthpost.com

Save Your Heart, Kidneys, and Brain: Clean Your Arteries With These 3 ingredients

The arteries are the fundamental part of the human body and their health is more than important, as they are the blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all body.

The cardiovascular system is significantly damaged by the consumption of processed foods, fatty foods, toxins and chemicals, which lead to numerous heart diseases, including heart attack.

We will now reveal a miraculous 3- ingredient recipe that will cleanse your arteries. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:


  • 8 cloves of garlic
  • 1 piece of ginger (4-5 cm)
  • 100 oz / 3 liters clean water
  • 8 lemons


Method of preparation:

Wash the lemons and cut them into pieces. Then, clean the garlic cloves and the ginger, and add all the ingredients in a blender. Mix well until you get a smooth mixture. Then, transfer it in a pot, add the water and cook.

As soon as the water starts boiling, remove the pot from the heat. Store the resulting mixture in bottles.

Use:

This remedy should be consumed every day, 2 hours before meals, on an empty stomach. Apart from its consumption, it is also recommended that you do regular exercises at least three times a day during the treatment. Undoubtedly, the results will be astonishing!


source: http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/

This is What Happens to Your Liver and Brain When You Eat ½ TSP of Turmeric Every Day

Turmeric, one of the most popular spices, is a highly versatile ingredient and it is thus used in many different dishes, especially the South Asian ones. Due to the fact that its beneficial properties are also already well-known, it is also used as a natural supplement to treat various health issues. However, few people know that regular consumption of turmeric beneficially affects both the brain and liver too.  Keep reading for more in-depth information.

Turmeric For Brain Health


As mentioned above, turmeric`s ability to treat physical ailments has been known for a long time. However, until recently, its mental benefits have been less known.

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is believed to be a promising treatment for Alzheimer`s disease.  It is believed that one of the main causes of Alzheimer`s is the plaque that builds up in the brain, called beta-amyloid plaques. Interestingly, it has been scientifically shown that curcumin has the ability to inhibit the build-up of this plaque by up to 40 percent, which in turn makes it quite promising treatment for Alzheimer`s disease.

Additionally, the researchers have found that the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin play a critical role in Alzheimer`s treatment, as it reduces damage caused by oxidizing agents and inflammation.

Liver Function And Cancer Prevention


Promoting liver health is another less-known benefit of turmeric. Namely, curcumin has been used to treat liver diseases for over hundreds of years. However, not until recently has a legitimate scientific research on its effects been conducted.

According to the researchers, what makes curcumin beneficial to liver health are its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. It has been scientifically shown that curcumin has the ability to reduce liver damage caused by the following culprits:

–          Iron overdose
–          High toxicity levels
–          Cirrhosis
–          Ethanol ( the type of alcohol you drink)
–          Liver disease ( such as cholestasis)

In addition to this, it has been found that curcumin is able to reduce the risk of developing liver cancer by reducing the human carcinogens on the liver, such as thioacetamide.

How To Get The Most Out Of It


When taken raw, only 1 percent of the curcumin is actually absorbed by the body. In order to get the most of it, the best would be to use high-quality organic turmeric extract with 95 percent curcuminoids. However, this doesn’t mean that turmeric doesn’t do anything if you consume it daily.  The extract is recommended for emergency situations while a ¼ tsp of turmeric of a daily basis is enough to reduce inflammation and prevent diseases.
A good way to get the recommended dosage of curcumin for the day is to boil water and add ¼ tsp turmeric. By doing so, you have actually created a 12 percent solution.
Combining turmeric with some oil or fat is another good way to eat it, as the combination of turmeric and fats significantly increases its bioavailability. For instance, you can blend 1-2 egg yolks with a teaspoon of coconut oil and a tablespoon of turmeric. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to combine turmeric with eggs in order to get the most of it. Given the fact that most recipes contain fat, you can add turmeric to a soup, curry, or any other recipe to your preference.


source: http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com