Anyone whose experienced a traumatic injury understand how difficult it can be to restore your life to its original state. The long term consequences of the said injury will always persist, not just in the physical, but also in the psychological and emotional state. A new scientific research will attempt to provide solution for those who are dealing with this particular dilemma.

According to this recent study conducted by researchers from the University of London, omega-3 fatty acids can play a vital role in preventing nerve damage that could result from this kind of injury. Nerve damage is very common following a traumatic injury but this side effect can still be prevented. By consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like flax seeds, sardines, walnuts, salmon, etc., you can minimize death of the nerve cells that is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and spinal cord.

The health benefits of consuming omega-3 fatty acids as part of your daily diet is not new. These types of fatty acids are known to speed up the growth and development of the body. In addition, omega-3 is also believed to be good for your heart.

The intake of the food sources mentioned is encouraged since the body lacks the natural ability to produce its own supply of this type of fatty acid. Many are also considering the intake of omega-3 fatty acid supplements such as Metabolife in order to get sufficient amount to obtain its benefits. Make sure to couple this with the intake of nuts, seeds, and oily fish so you can maximize its effect on your health and recuperation from injury.

Aside from assisting in the repair process, omega-3 fatty acids also prove beneficial in terms of giving your nerve cells maximum protection and prevent cell death. This is why it is recommended that you consume them regularly and not just when you suffer from injuries.

Anyone who has suffered through breast cancer and associated treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal blockers, etc.) knows that the side effects are difficult to live with (maybe not as difficult as the cancer itself, but it can certainly seem questionable at times). One of the worst symptoms that many cancer patients and survivors have to deal with is the crippling fatigue that results when your immune system (your whole body, really) is under attack from the inside out. Unfortunately, it may take a while to rebound even after treatments have stopped, especially since most breast cancer survivors must continue to take hormone-blocking therapies for several years after they have been deemed cured. However, a new study shows that omega 3 could provide a solution.

An article posted in the Journal of Clinical Oncology last month, “Omega-3 Fats Tied to Less Cancer-Related Fatigue” (find full article available for free on Reuters), cited a study done by the U.S. National Cancer Institute on the role that chronic inflammation plays in causing cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Although further studies need to be done to determine how extensive the link between inflammation and CRF is, there is no doubt that the two share a relationship, one that has a potential treatment.

The study involved 633 women of varying ages who were all breast cancer survivors. Of those surveyed, 42% reported suffering from fatigue up to three years after the time that they were diagnosed (although the length of treatments varied). After testing, it was determined that this group was more likely to exhibit elevated levels of a protein called CRP (C-reactive protein), which is related to inflammation. Interestingly, the group that had lower levels of this protein also had fewer complaints about consistent fatigue. And the common factor amongst those with more energy and less inflammation was the inclusion of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet with concurrently fewer sources of omega 6.

This led researchers to believe that the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 in the diet could not only lead to less inflammation, but for cancer survivors in particular, less fatigue. Even when they made adjustments to data based on the age, weight, height, and race of study participants, those who consumed more omega 3 enjoyed a lowered chance of suffering from fatigue. But says Dr. Rachel Ballard-Barbash, who worked on the study, it’s too soon to recommend that cancer survivors run out and blow their money on fish-oil supplements. Further studies need to be conducted before the scientific community can definitively say what amount might be needed and whether or not it applies to all cancers or just breast cancer (although it is suspected that this breakthrough could benefit any number of disorders linked to inflammation and resultant fatigue).

The good news is that there are plenty of other reasons to add healthy sources of omega 3 (like salmon, tuna, and flaxseed) to your diet. And if you’re a breast cancer survivor that can’t even muster the energy to schlep down to the grocery store, meet the girls for lunch, or hit up garage sales close to home on a Saturday afternoon, then you only stand to gain by consuming more healthy sources of omega 3.

You’ve probably heard that the omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like salmon (or fish oil), walnuts, and flax are great for your health.  These healthy oils have the potential to reduce cholesterol and heart disease, amongst other benefits, when added to your diet in moderation (at least two servings a week).  In addition, studies have shown that omega-3 may help people to deal with health problems related to inflammation, such as arthritis.  But you have to ingest them through food because even though they are critical to your health, your body can’t produce them (that’s what we call a design flaw).  So now that you’re attending to your own health needs by adding omega-3 to your diet, it’s time to look at what this essential fatty acid can do for the health and wellness of your pets.

In truth, omega-3 fatty acids may do even more for domesticated animals than they do for their human owners.  While fish oil was originally used to treat allergies common to pets (due to anti-inflammatory properties), it is now indicated for a number of diverse conditions that can occur in the animal world.  In fact, it has become one of the most popular supplements for pets suffering from disorders like arthritis and kidney disease and problems like high cholesterol and issues with the skin and coat (itching, rashes, etc.).  Despite the fact that it is considered a supplement (not a medication) many veterinarians will prescribe it as a treatment for certain ailments rather than going straight to pharmaceuticals.

One of the best indications for the inclusion of fish oil in your pet’s diet is skin irritation.  These fatty oils found predominantly in fish will do wonders for a pet that is constantly itching and shedding due to allergies, irritants, or just dry weather.  You’ll soon see soft skin and a shiny coat replace your poor pet’s formerly bedraggled appearance.  And the fact that you won’t have to listen to a collar jingling all night as your pet scratches is just a bonus.  But if you discover that your furry friend has more serious problems, omega-3 could still come to the rescue.

It has not only been shown to be effective at treating arthritis and heart disease, but it may even be a contender as a deterrent to some cancers.  In studies with animals, some cases showed that the addition of fish oil coincided with a slowed growth rate of some forms of cancer.  Although further studies must be done to confirm these findings, it seems clear that you really can’t go wrong by adding a fish oil supplement to your pet’s diet.

So whether your dog needs a bed bug rash treatment, your cat has high cholesterol, or your chinchilla is molting like it’s got the mange, perhaps it’s time to talk to your vet about the possibility of including an omega-3 supplement in your pet’s diet.  At the very least, it can provide for a healthy coat and skin.  But it’s pretty likely it will do a lot more to improve your pet’s overall health and potentially even set back the clock on the signs of aging, especially for animals that are struggling with arthritic joints and high cholesterol.

Jamie Lewis writes for Bed Bugs.org where you can find out what causes a bedbug infestation and how to eliminate them from your home.

Time to get healthy!

One of the main methods of staying healthy is through exercise. Doctors even recommend it daily for even just a few minutes. There are several reasons for this.

Body Locomotion keeps us Active
We humans are meant to move a lot. That is why when we decrease movements our health starts to deteriorate. Our bones and the muscles in our body are all designed for motion. We are meant to walk, run, jump, carry things and more. But for most of us we do not do these things often. Only athletes end up achieving the full potential of our locomotor skills. This is where exercise can help us. By spending time to move our bones and muscles we keep them ready for movement. This means when we do need to move like do long walks or run our bodies do not get shocked like it is experiencing these movements for the first time.

Movement Promotes Blood Circulation
Being active helps circulate the blood through the body. And better blood circulation means better distribution of nutrients from the food we eat. This improve blood movement is due to the fact that the heart pumps more blood when we do activities that makes us sweat such as running, walking and jumping. Muscle exertion also cause the heart to be more active which is why we get the same effect when we do push ups and lift weights. Better blood circulation also helps prevent abnormal deposits of blood in certain areas such as the legs and feet which can cause numbness.

Keeps Unwanted Fats Away
Getting fat is usually caused by inactivity. This is because our metabolism slows down when we are less active. We then gain fat in the process which makes us unhealthy and look bad. Exercise is a great way to get rid of unwanted fat and keep them away. For others they rely on supplements such as ephedra to lose fats. But if you want better results combine it with exercise. So buy ephedra if you can afford it but do not forget your daily workouts.

Gain a Fit Body
Exercise is a great way to gain the body that you want. Slim and fit are the best features of a healthy body. With exercise you do not only trim down the fats, you also develop your muscles. Of course you will need actual weight training to have bigger muscles but it is not a requirement to be slim and fit.

Feel Better
Exercise, specially the ones that involves weights, makes the body release endorphine, a compound that makes us feel happy. This is why people who do intense workouts experience the Runner’s High, a state common to people doing marathons. This cause people to feel better even when their bodies are tired.

After decades of unrestrained commercial fishing devastated North America’s salmon populations, the advent of fish farming promised to be both environmentally and economically beneficial. Today we know that farmed fish like salmon and trout are nutritionally deficient when compared to their wild caught counterparts. While wild Pacific Salmon are renowned for their extremely high levels of naturally occurring Omega-3 fatty acids, farmed fish which live in cramped, netted pens become fattier and thus deliver less usable anti-inflammatory Omega-3’s.

In addition, farm-raised salmon and trout have been found to contain higher amounts of harmful Omega-6 fats. These pro-inflammatory Omega-6’s promote unhealthy conditions in the body and consuming farmed salmon or trout directly increases their presence. The totality of scientific research regarding the nutritional value of fish shows that fish farming irrefutably reduces the naturally occurring and beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, while also increasing the concentration of harmful Omega-6 fats.

Fish farming has other consequences for both the fish being exploited and the humans unwittingly consuming them. The spread of diseases and parasites, while diluted by the vast expanses of rivers and oceans in the wild, is confined to the enclosed borders of a fish farm. Without the extensive use of antibiotics and pesticides, fish farms would quickly become the breeding ground of infected fish populations. Although scientists lobbying on the part of the fish farming industry are quick to claim that chemically based pesticides and medications pose no threat to human beings, there is mounting evidence to the contrary. Two introductory studies in Great Britain and Canada have indicated that farmed salmon accumulate toxic dioxins and caricinogenic polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCB’s, at a far higher rate than their equivalents in the wild. Another study in 2003 concluded that farmed salmon found in American grocery stores contained 16 times the PCB content as wild salmon, while similar research in Canada, Ireland and Great Britain is taking place.

Successfully deceptive marketing campaigns and an uninformed consumer base has allowed farmed salmon to assume 50% of the world’s market share, despite the numerous, serious health concerns inherent in fish farming. The increasingly powerful fish farming industry has gone to great lengths to conceal the fact that synthetic pigment is widely used to give farmed salmon the distinctively vibrant and fresh appearance of wild salmon. The chemical canthaxanthin is added to the fish feed to provide a pink hue, despite links between its usage and a slew of health issues like retinal damage and its banning as a tanning agent.

Fish farming as it currently exists is not a viable alternative to commercial fishing, simply because of the direct health threats the practice poses to human populations. We cannot, however, simply revert to the destructive and selfish fishing practices of old, practices which nearly led to the extinction of many species of salmon and other fish. Instead, it is imperative that responsible fishing methods are introduced, perfected and standardized, methods which ensure that wild fish are harvested in accordance with our responsibility to the environment.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could drink a glass of milk every day and prevent or reduce symptoms of a variety of diseases?

Omega 3

Every day, researchers are finding more benefits of adding Omega 3 to the diet. Health problems affect a large portion of the earth’s population. Many of these problems may be alleviated or prevented by the simple use of fish oil nutrients, flaxseed oil or other sources of Omega 3.

Omega 3 seems to prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol and blood pressure and prevent strokes. Some rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have been able to reduce their medications, and morning stiffness has been relieved after beginning a daily intake of Omega 3.

Regulatory agencies in the United States agree that cardiovascular health benefits from the use of Omega 3. The Canadian government claims the nutrient is good for the eyes and nerves, and supports all over normal development.

Children

Omega 3 is essential to the normal growth of young children and is even added to animal food to promote healthy growth. The behavior and thinking abilities have improved in children who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Miscarriages have been reduced and the live birth rate increased in women with certain pregnancy related problems.

Omega 6

Another ‘essential’ nutrient, Omega 6, is balanced in our systems by Omega 3, without which, Omega 6 could cause blood clots. A blood clot can be responsible for a heart attack or stroke.

Omega 3 boosts the immune system and is beneficial in reducing or preventing symptoms of various diseases. In addition to the above mentioned ailments these diseases include:

Inflammatory diseases

Alzheimer’s disease

Depression

Skin ailments

Painful menstrual cycles

Sources

Sources of Omega 3 are fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sturgeon, herring and anchovies. Walnuts, canola oil, cauliflower, kidney beans, spinach, flaxseed, cantaloupe, broccoli, grape leaves and Chinese cabbage are all sources of Omega 3.

Probiotics

Friendly and unfriendly bacteria are found in the intestines of every human. Antibiotics kill bacteria, the good as well as the bad. Other factors can promote the growth of unfriendly bacteria. The growth of friendly bacteria must be supported or the body’s immune system is unbalanced.

Friendly bacteria protect against microorganisms that threaten disease, and is vital to the digestion of food and the absorption of the nutrients contained in the food.

Probiotics are friendly bacteria similar to that which is found in the intestines. Adding probiotics to the diet is an effective method of improving the immune system by boosting the numbers of friendly bacteria.

Infants

Probiotics supplemented infant formula prevents and relieves colic, diarrhea, hypersensitivity and inflammatory bowels. There are no known negative effects on tolerance, infant growth or stool habits of healthy or slightly ill infants. Studies are being made with critically ill and low birth weight babies to determine the effects of probiotics.

Sources

Probiotics are already present in some foods such as fermented and unfermented milk, yogurt, soy beverages and some juices. Other foods may have probiotics added during processing. Probiotics are also available in dietary supplements.

Conditions that may benefit from the addition of probiotics to the diet are:

Irritable bowel syndrome

Inflammatory bowel

Infectious diarrhea

Helicobacter pylori

Tooth decay

Periodontal disease

Skin infections

Vaginal infections

Reduction of recurrence of bladder cancer

Lactose Intolerance

Probiotics are used to relieve the symptoms of lactose intolerance. The body lacks the enzymes needed to digest large amounts of the natural sugar found in milk, which causes gastrointestinal symptoms. But if probiotics are already in the milk the symptoms of lactose intolerance will not occur.

The benefits are many for adding Omega 3 and probiotics to milk.

Sexually transmitted diseases continue to haunt everybody, affecting millions of people all around the world. Different sectors have already organized various initiatives to help in lowering the rates of STD cases. Thus, now more than ever, there is a pressing need to strengthen the information campaign about the different types of sexually transmitted diseases. Proper information leads to informed choices and proactive choices.

Sexually transmitted diseases are really brought about by sexual contact. Young or old, boy or girl, rich or poor, as long as an individual is sexually active can get infected with STDs. However, as recent studies show, more cases have been recorded among people under age of 25. This could be explained by adolescents’ and young adults’ promiscuity, risk-taking behaviors and impulse-driven actions.

The means of spreading STDs include infected body fluids and infected skin or body parts. STDs are generally spread or transmitted through sexual activities. You may also get infected with STDs through sharing of infected needles and syringes for drug use, piercing or tattoos because these needles or syringes may already contain the infected body fluids.

The only proven effective way of preventing STDs is abstinence from any sexual activity. Engaging into protected sex will just reduce the probability of getting infected.

Symptoms differ according to the type of STD. It is advisable that as soon as symptoms occur, an individual should submit himself or herself to an STD testing center such as STD Testing Nevada. Just like in other diseases, early detection increases the effectiveness of treatments. Treatments such as antibiotics are usually available. The brand and the corresponding dosage differ according to the type of STD. For all types of STD, it is advisable to treat both partners to avoid reinfection.

The essential fatty acid known as omega 3 has recently become very popular as people begin to realize the many benefits it can have for the human body.  And the fact that it can be obtained through a wide variety of natural food sources (nuts, fish, flaxseed, etc.), as well as through low-calorie fish oil pills, means that everyone has access to this vital nutrient (that is not produced by our bodies).  You may be aware that this healthy fat helps to strengthen cell membranes, providing better bodily functioning on every front, and you’ve probably heard that it’s good for the brain, heart, and digestive system.

But there are actually a whole host of benefits that can directly affect people of different ages.  For example, fetuses are thought to enjoy more rapid brain development when pregnant mothers include omega 3 supplements in their prenatal diet.  And children and adults can benefit greatly from brain-boosting and cell-fortifying aspects of the nutrient.  But senior citizens can also enjoy better health and even improve certain age-related disorders by adding omega 3 to the diet.  Here are just a few ways that this essential fat can aid the elderly, in particular.

For one thing, omega 3 has been shown to improve cognitive functioning, the loss of which is a common occurrence as people age.  Studies on the subject have noted an almost immediate increase in attention as well as a boost in memory, spurring the notion that this fatty acid could be the key to addressing symptoms of incurable disorders like Alzheimer’s.  While there is, as yet, no proof that omega 3 is the smoking gun that will help prevent or even arrest the momentum of this progressive disease, studies are being conducted on the subject.  At the very least, it couldn’t hurt to begin adding a daily omega 3 supplement for those at risk for the disorder.

It is also well known that omega 3 is great for you’re the heart.  It helps to regulate blood clotting and as a result, it can reduce the risk of common ailments like hypertension and coronary artery disease that can lead to potentially lethal conditions like stroke and heart attack.  And the benefits continue for those who suffer from arthritis.  Although there is no conclusive evidence to show that omega 3 fatty acid cures arthritis, it will definitely reduce the pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by even aggressive rheumatoid arthritis.  And it has been postulated that omega 3 can also lower the risk for certain cancers, although further studies are needed.

Finally, fish oil can improve vision by preventing (to some degree) macular degeneration, a common complaint amongst the elderly population.  This means that activities like reading and driving (that require strong central vision) can be performed later in life.  So whether your elderly relatives are nearby or you have to make a trip to retirement communities to visit them, take the time to meet up and talk to them about adding omega 3 to their diets.  It could ensure that they are with you longer and also that their quality of life during that time is significantly better than it might otherwise have been.

Omega 3 fatty acid has garnered a lot of attention from the health community over the last several years as more and more studies show the myriad of benefits that can be gained from their regular inclusion in the diet.  This essential nutrient has been known to lower cholesterol (and the risk of hypertension and other heart diseases), reduce inflammation, aid in digestion, improve skin tone, and even help with psychological ailments like ADHD, depression, and schizophrenia.  And although it has long been known that omega 3 is needed to fortify cell walls, new studies have shown that it also helps cells to communicate.  In addition, there are many benefits to brain function and development, as can be seen in studies with prematurely born infants, leading some to speculate that it could even play a role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (although further research is needed).  But it turns out that there’s even good news for those of us who wear glasses or contact lenses; omega 3 can also benefit your vision.

Several independent studies have been done on the effects of omega 3 on vision, in both infants and adults, and the results seem fairly conclusive; omega 3 can not only aid in the development of eyesight, but it can also slow the pace of macular degeneration that leads to blindness (or even bring it to a halt).  DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid is an omega 3 fatty acid that is found in breast milk (and from other sources) and has been shown to improve visual activity of infants (hence its addition to many formulas of late).  And mothers who take the supplement while pregnant seem to birth infants that have adequately developed vision (as opposed to those who don’t supplement their diet with omega 3 and have infants that may suffer below-average vision).

As for adults, this essential fatty acid does all sorts of good things for the eyes.  It can prevent both dry-eye syndrome and alternately, facilitate the drainage of excess fluids that can lead to pressure and even glaucoma.  Both of these benefits are likely due to the ability of omega 3 to help cells function properly.  But it can also slow or stop degeneration of the macula, a portion of the retina that keeps central vision sharp and focused.  Macular degeneration, especially prominent in seniors, is responsible for loss of vision that can result in the inability to drive or read, eventually leading to blindness.  Those who consume omega 3 in moderate quantities (at least one serving per week) have been found to enjoy a 30-50% lower risk of macular degeneration than those who use no supplements.

So whether you prefer to grill up some cold-water fish a couple times a week (salmon, tuna, etc.), you’d rather take a daily fish-oil supplement, or you’re happier adding some flaxseed, walnuts, and dark green, leafy veggies to your diet, you can utilize foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids to keep your vision intact (and potentially even improve it).  You have a lot to gain by supplementing your diet with omega 3, as anyone can plainly see.

You don’t need to resort to Botox injections, chemical peels, and cosmetic surgery in order to get (and maintain) the beautiful, glowing complexion and wrinkle-free visage that you crave.Of course, these treatments will get you there faster, but considering the risks and recuperation involved (not to mention the cost) you may be more interested in natural methods of improving your skin.  And adding omega 3 to your regimen may help to deliver the results you’re looking for.  There are two methods of using omega 3 for your skin; you can either obtain creams, gels, or oil solutions that contain omega 3 (and apply them topically) or you can add omega 3 rich foods to your diet to get results from the inside out.  Ideally, you should probably try these measures in tandem.  Whichever method you choose, there are several benefits you can expect to gain.

1. Dull, dry skin.  Omega 3 has long been known to have both hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.  These make it a uniquely beneficial ingredient to include in your skincare routine.  It has not only been used in the treatment of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis (which lead to extreme dryness and flaking), but it can also aid in the hydration of normal skin.  If you’ve begun to notice duller, dryer skin as you age (a common condition even for those who have traditionally experienced oily skin), omega 3 may provide you with some relief and return your skin to the glowing, healthy state you remember.
2. Sagging.  As you age, it is common for skin to lose both elasticity and density, leading to sagging all around.  Although there are many products that claim to help your skin rebound, omega 3 may have them all beat.  But you might have to get to the root of the problem by addressing the building blocks of skin: the cells.  Omega 3 is important to the well-being of your cells because it regulates cell hydration.  Without sufficient omega 3 in your diet, cells may not only shrink, but over time they can build up a waxy coating (to hold moisture) that leads to sagging (although it could do just the opposite and give you a bloated appearance).  By ensuring that you have enough omega 3 in your diet, you can remain healthy and counteract these negative effects.
3. Wrinkles.  In the same way that omega 3 can bring sagging to a halt, it can also plump and firm the skin so that wrinkles are less pronounced.  It doesn’t mean that your fine lines will disappear, but you should see an improvement.
4. Sun damage.  Although the best way to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun is to use sunblock regularly, omega 3 has been shown to reduce the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays.  It should not be used instead of sunblock, but it could be a helpful supplement to protect your skin from sun damage.
5. Acne.  When you think about the causes and effects of acne, you shouldn’t be surprised to find that omega 3 can help.  Excess oil production and dry, dead skin cells work together to block pores and cause flare-ups.  Through proper cellular hydration, both of these triggers may be prevented.  And the fact that omega 3 naturally fights inflammation could lead to reduction of acne symptoms.