For decades we’ve known that there are health benefits to drinking a glass or two of wine daily.  Historically, moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to increasing good cholesterol, decreasing blood clots, and promoting blood vessel dilation. New research suggests that there may be just as much, or potentially more benefit from beer as there is from wine.

NOTE: This should not be misconstrued as a reason to start drinking if you don’t already, but the moderate approach (2 drinks per day for men, and 1 per day for women) can yield benefits to your cardiovascular system as well as bone health.

Many of the B vitamins found in yeast don’t make it through the fermentation and filtering process that wine undergoes, but the different methods in brewing and filtering beer can preserve them.  Also preserved are other nutrients that are present in barley and wheat that cannot be found in grapes, which are used in wine.  The primary beneficial vitamin is B6, which can prevent the buildup of amino acids that have been linked to heart and vascular disease.

In February 2010, the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published findings from a study of 100 commercially produced beers that showed a high content of silicone, which increases bone density.  In moderation, alcohol consumption in general has been shown to benefit heart health, but a 2003 survey found that men who drank beer rather than other types of alcohol had lower risk for coronary artery disease.   A similar study performed at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas reported that moderate beer consumption lowered risk of coronary heart disease by up to 40% compared to those who don’t drink at all.  This can be attributed to the antioxidants contained within, which are as much as red wine and up to 5 times more than white wine.  It’s not only men who reap the potential benefits from the occasional “oat soda” though, the Nurses’ Health Study showed that women who drank 1 beer per day had fewer instances of hypertension than those who drank a glass of wine per day.

Keep in mind that all of the research presented is about moderation, as going beyond the daily recommendation (2 drinks per day for men, and 1 per day for women) can have adverse effects on your health.

WARNING: Alcohol is not for children and teenagers up to age 21, pregnant & nursing women, or for persons with diseases of the central nervous system, kidneys, liver, and other digestive organs. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy or nursing may adversely affect the development of your fetus or child. Always drink responsibly, and in moderation.

Cut Out Dairy
Dairy products are not only difficult for the body to digest, but they can cause weakness in the muscles in the wind pipe and cause snoring.  Dairy leaves behind a trail of mucus in the body, and that dampness can weaken the soft palate. It also is a leading cause of fatty tissue around the neck, which can also lead to snoring.

Go Bananas
Research from the University of New England in New South Wales, Australia indicates that a compound that is found in bananas can help keep the throat open and reduce airway pressure, thus reducing snoring. There seems to be a higher level of these compounds when the bananas are blended than when eaten whole, so try them in a shake or smoothie.

Sing Your Heart Out
A British study of 20 snorers had the subjects perform vocal exercises for 20 minutes a day for 3 months.  More than half of the test subjects reported less snoring.  The study conductors seem to believe that these vocal exercises helped the participants control the muscles of the soft palate and upper throat and thus reduced their snoring.

Change Your Pillow
Your snoring problem may simply lie in your beat-up and worn-out pillow. It's best to sleep on a pillow that will elevate your head, since this slightly raised angle will not only align the head and neck but will also open nasal passages — two factors that can reduce snoring.

If you’re craving a steak or a burger:
Cravings for red meat can signal a lack of iron, or conjugated linoleic acid, which is a fatty acid that helps your body burn stored fat. A healthier option to replace iron is dark, leafy greens like spinach.  This is especially beneficial if your diet is high in fat or carbohydrates. Try incorporating smaller amounts of red meat into your diet so that you don’t go overboard when you do indulge.

If you’re craving baked goods:
This usually indicates that your blood glucose levels are fluctuating. The stress hormone cortisol triggers the release of glucose, and thereby insulin to regulate it. The sugars and carbohydrates in baked goods raise levels of blood sugar and serotonin, which is a brain chemical that invokes feelings of happiness.  Instead, try a piece of fruit or a glass of 100% fruit juice.  Not only will the natural sugars help level you out, but they also provide nutrients like vitamin C that you can’t get from a brownie.

If you’re craving chocolate:
Chocolate contains an amino acid called phenylalanine, which is essential in the body’s production of brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin.  These chemicals enhance mood, and reduce pain. A better choice is dark chocolate as it has less sugar and more cacao.  Another option is to mix unsweetened cocoa powder with skim milk and add a natural sugar substitute like Stevia.

If you’re craving French fries:
This usually means you’re lacking sodium, or experiencing a blood sugar imbalance caused by cortisol. The simple carbs in potatoes break down to glucose, and the salt will satisfy your need for sodium.  The healthy alternative is salted nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts.  These are full of sodium as well as healthy omega 3 fatty acids.  The protein found in nuts will help keep your energy up as well.

Headaches
Whether you realize it or not, you clench your jaw when you’re under stress or anxiety.  This puts pressure on the muscles that connect your jaw and your temples and will usually lead to a headache from the tension.  Try putting a pencil or a pen between your teeth to naturally relax your jaw.  Make sure you don’t bite or chew on it though, because you’ll be right back where you started.

Hypertension
New research from the University of Florence in Italy suggests that people who are already on a medication to help lower blood pressure saw even bigger drops when they relaxed while listening to music for at least 30 minutes a day.  Meditation and focused breathing are also beneficial, but listening to your favorite tunes can help alter your mood too.

Hiccups
It is believed that sugar can affect the nerve muscles that will normally cause the muscles in the diaphragm to contract in spasms, causing hiccups.  Swallowing a teaspoon of dry sugar can put an end to hiccup fits within minutes for most people.  Alternatively, you can use a teaspoon of peanut butter.  Some people can see relief from holding their breath, or gargling with water to confuse or “reset” those same muscles.

Warts
A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine shows a method that was effective in eliminating 85% of warts within 2 months, and I’ll bet you already have it around the house: duct tape.  If you clean the area and place a small piece of duct tape over the wart, remove it and file down the dead skin every 3 days until it goes away it has shown to be more effective than freezing, which was about 60%.  It’s believed that some chemicals in the tape will suffocate and kill the wart.

Reduce Stress
According to a 2009 poll by the American Pain Foundation, 56% of people who have suffered from back pain or muscle strains over the past year said that it was made worse by stress over the economy.  In another poll in the journal of the International Headache Society, those who suffer from migraines say that stress is the number 1 trigger for their head pain.  People typically react to stressors by tensing up the muscles in their shoulders, face, and neck, which can cause and worsen pain over time.  Also, the same parts of the brain that govern mood process pain as well.

Move More
Many Americans have sedentary desk jobs, and to make that even worse, terrible posture. This leads not only to muscle cramps, but long term damage to the spine.  The fluid that lubricates your joints needs to keep moving in order to perform best, so try to stretch or walk around a few minutes each hour to keep limber.  Follow these guidelines to better computer posture:  feet flat on the floor, elbows at a 90 degree angle, wrists and head straight forward.

Don’t Oversleep

A new study shows that chronic sleep loss can create a debt that simply cannot be made up.  This, paired with the fact that sleep deprivation can greatly impact chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia should be a serious wake up call.  Sleeping in on the weekends is no match for getting the proper amount of sleep on any given night, and staying in bed for longer than the recommended 7-8 hours can lead to all kinds of pains.  Movement is the key to keeping muscles and bones in healthy order, so if you are going to sleep in on Saturday make sure it’s no more than 2-3 hours later than you would normally get up during the week.

Cellular Breakdown
With all of today’s technology, it’s no wonder that this generation is more connected than any before it.  So much so that new medical terminology has to be created to keep up with the conditions people suffer from.  Doctors have officially labeled a condition in which the thumb tendons become painfully inflamed as “Texter’s Thumb”.  Not only the thumbs are affected by this, because typically when texting or talking on the phone you’re not using the best posture either.   Longer conversations will strain your neck and arm from holding the phone to your ear as well, so use a headset when talking.

In the early 1990’s the world was first introduced to genetically modified foods, foods derived from organisms that have been altered by humans to have different properties.  These methods, while much more precise than past attempts to alter food organisms by exposing them to either radiation or chemicals, are still causing quite a stir.  The fact of the matter is that a number of these foods are still on the market and gaining popularity at about the same rate that they are generating concern.

Genetically modified seeds that are being distributed by the major agricultural companies contain genes that will cause the seeds of the crops to be useless, which will force the growers to continually purchase more seeds rather than using their own.   We actually featured an article back in May on this, and you can check it out by clicking here.

The concerns now shift from growing profitability to health and safety issues with the release of some recent study results. The International Journal of Biological Science has published a study in which rats were fed three types of genetically modified maize (corn) products that are found in foods and feed around the world.  When compared to rats who were not fed genetically modified foods, the one who were fed GM foods showed negative effects to many internal organs, and particularly the liver and kidneys.

It’s safe to say that the potential for human damage is there, especially considering that roughly 7 out of 10 foods we consume have been modified in some way.  To help raise awareness, The Non-GMO Project has been fighting to get foods labeled according to whether they have been modified or not.  To read more about this issue and The Non-GMO Project, click here.

Manage stress
If stress isn’t properly controlled or managed, it can lead to further physiological damage like high blood pressure.  This, in turn, will greatly exacerbate your chances of heart attack or stroke.  Try starting with simple relaxation techniques like controlled breathing and meditation.  Focus on each breath entering and exiting your lungs, and imagine your stress leaving you every time you exhale.

Exercise
It’s becoming ever more obvious that most of us aren’t getting the proper amount of exercise, especially this time of year.  With the busy schedules that most of us carry, it doesn’t often allow for that extra hour to hit the gym.  Studies have shown that even moderate amounts of aerobic, physical activity can help reduce the risk of heart disease.  Try incorporating things into your regular day that can help, like taking the stairs for example.

Quit smoking
Studies show that smokers have more than double the risk of heart disease than non smokers.  It’s easier said than done, but if you smoke, quit.  There are many aids available to help you along the way, and while they still contain nicotine, they are much safer than the alternative.  These range from patches and gums, to prescription medications, and even newer ideas like electronic cigarettes.






Oral health
It’s estimated that 35% of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease or periodontal disease.  You might think it an uncommon link, but recent studies have shown otherwise.  One theory is that damaged tissues in the mouth like gum pockets (areas where the gums have pulled away from the teeth) can allow harmful bacteria to enter the blood stream where they can begin to form plaque in the arteries.

Garlic
Garlic contains chemical compounds that are antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and even anticarcinogenic.  Studies have also shown that it can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.  Fresh garlic is best, as these beneficial nutrients are lost within one hour of smashing the cloves.  Add fresh garlic to your daily diet instead of supplements for this reason.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms are loaded with nutrients and minerals like vitamins B, C, and D, calcium, protein, and fiber.  The nutrients found especially in the Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake varieties are well known for their ability to activate and enhance the immune system.

Berries
Raspberries and blueberries in specific are extremely high in antioxidants that help boost your immune function by fighting off free radicals that can contribute to a number of health concerns.  Blueberries in particular can also keep bacteria from bonding to cells in the urinary tract, and therefore help prevent infection.

Broccoli
Broccoli is full of immune boosting nutrients including vitamin C, fiber, and even beta carotene which is good for the eyes as well as the immune system.  It also contains chemical compounds that have been shown to stop growth of cancer cells.

Microwave popcorn

Chemicals that can be found in the lining of the bag itself have been linked to human infertility, and in animal testing they have caused various types of cancer including liver, pancreatic, and testicular.  Studies have shown that the process of microwaving can cause these chemicals to vaporize and therefore migrate into your popcorn.

Milk produced with artificial hormones

Some, but not all dairy farmers treat their cattle with growth hormones to increase milk production, and thereby profits.  These hormones can also increase infections and because of that, possibly even pus in the milk.  This also increases production of insulin like hormones in the milk which can contribute to colon, breast, and prostate cancers in humans.

White flour

All of the good nutrients in flour are removed during processing, and then it is bleached with a chemical agent that is very similar to the same bleach you use in cleaning and laundry.  Some vitamins get added in the final processes, and it's passed off as "enriched".  What most people don't know is that this so called "enriched" flour can cause increases in blood sugar that rival refined sugar.

Vegetable oils

For a long time the experts have told us how much healthier and beneficial oils like canola, corn, and soy are.  The problem with this lies in their transformation into cooking oils.  This process includes heavy refinement that can make them oxidized and therefore toxic.  A much healthier option is coconut oil, which does not oxidize.  For higher heats try grapeseed oil, or extra virgin olive oil for light cooking.

Last week we received an email from a customer sharing their story and results from using OraMD Extra Strength. Keep in mind that these results may not be typical, but were so outstanding nonetheless that they asked us to feature it. It is a true testament to the fact that dedication to good oral hygiene practices combined with the bacteria fighting power of OraMD Extra Strength can yeild amazing results over time.

-TESTIMONIAL-

For the first 9 months, results seemed painfully slow and my periodontist felt that any improvement she could see in my gums was purely down to the efforts of herself and the dental hygienist. (I had not told her I was using Ora MD).  At this time my deepest periodontal pockets, had reduced to a maximum of 6mm and my gums were a nice shade of pink, for the first time.


I continued to floss and used Ora MD  Extra Strength and after 24 months I was amazed by the fact that I no longer had ANY loose teeth. Furthermore, all "puffiness" of my gums was gone and my teeth seemed to actually "fit" my mouth properly due to the loss of inflammation that had existed with my gums.


Today, I visited my periodontist and after using Ora MD Extra Strength for 3 years I can reveal what my periodontist finally said to me. (Quote)


"You have made a rare but remakable recovery. Your deepest pockets are currently 2mm maximum and you no longer have any loose teeth. Your gums have grown back, stronger, firmer  and healthier than they have ever been and I predict that within a few months you will not need to visit me (a periodontist) anymore. You no longer have gum disease."


All this from the same person who, 3 years ago had said gum disease could NOT be cured or reversed. I am living proof to everyone that gum disease CAN be reversed and most certainly worked for me - FACT.


Despite what all the so called dental "experts" tell you,  the human body WILL and DOES heal itself naturally if you simply give it a chance. Ora MD is a natural remedy and I now know that their really is an alternative to tooth loss and dentures if you simply give it a try and don't lose hope.


I would like to thank Trusted Health Products, yet again, for saving my teeth. This remarkable formula is so easy to use, but is devastatingly effective. I will admit  that I don't exactly understand the medical principles how this formula works, only that it  DOES work  FANTASTICALLY well.


As they say, you don't have to understand the principle of internal combustion to drive a car, but you do have to turn the key. ORA MD is the key to reversing gum disease. You only have to try it to be convinced.



Raymond S
London,  England