With the US facing an obesity epidemic more attention has turned to preventative care along with controlled diets. In many cases diabetes goes hand in hand with obesity, as the body’s cells become more resistant to insulin. Diabetes is one of the most preventable diseases in existence, and new research shows that certain nutrients can have highly protective effects against it; in this case, magnesium. A meta analysis of 13 studies including over 500,000 participants that was conducted jointly by researchers at the University of North Carolina and Soochow University in China found significant effects that the mineral has in decreasing the risk of diabetes.

Out of the 13 studies, 9 of them showed significant protection for those with higher magnesium intake versus the risk of developing diabetes. In fact, a 22% decrease in risk was discovered in those with the highest intake as opposed to those with the lowest consumption. For every increase of 100 milligrams per day there was a 14% lower risk of diabetes. What’s more interesting is that in people with higher body mass indexes the effect was even more pronounced. Generally speaking those with higher body mass and those who are overweight are at greater risk for developing diabetes, and it seems plausible from this research that magnesium might very well increase sensitivity to insulin in those who are more likely to resist it.

Also of note from this collaboration is the possibility that magnesium deficiency itself could potentially be to blame for higher diabetes risk. The researchers suggest that enzymes that control the signaling and secretion of insulin could be affected directly by magnesium deficiency. This can lead to muscle and fat cells having less sensitivity to insulin. They also suggest that proper supplementation of magnesium could likely help diabetics control glucose better, and also help maintain healthy insulin sensitive in those without diabetes.

The large scale trials that are usually used to establish a direct link between things like this have not yet been carried out, but continually emerging studies like this one are likely to speed up the process of getting those trials moving. Until then, the evidence that has been unearthed so far is compelling enough to suggest that among all the other things that magnesium deficiency has been linked to, it certainly can’t do any harm to begin or increase its supplementation for a better, longer life.

Sources:

American Diabetes Association

Our eyes have always been called the “windows to the soul”. While that may be true to certain extents, they’re also windows to our health, and it’s becoming more important to have them checked regularly. Not only are eye disorders diagnosed through regular examinations, but things like heart disease and diabetes can also be revealed by eye exams when they may take months or even years longer to develop symptoms that would show up elsewhere. The eyes are the only place on the body where bare nerves and veins can be examined without any surgical procedures. Here are some signs for you or your eye doctor to look for, and what they could mean for your overall health:

A genetic mutation known as heterochromia iridis is a condition where each eye can be a different color, and while it is usually inherited it could also be a sign of other changes. If one eye changes color it could be due to bleeding, inflammation, glaucoma, or even neurofibromatosis, which can cause tumor growth on nerves. A yellow color to the eyes is usually a sign of liver disease like hepatitis or cirrhosis.

For most healthy people their pupils are identical. They respond to light the same way, they’re symmetrical, the same size, etc. Differences in the pupils could be a sign of some very severe issues that could even include multiple sclerosis, aneurysm, syphilis, or stroke. This isn’t always the case as a number of medications can cause the pupils to look much smaller or larger than normal.

As we age, it’s normal for our eyelids to droop a little as we lose collagen in our skin cells. However, droopy eyelids can also be a sign of rare neuromuscular diseases like myasthenia gravis, also called MG for short. MG is an autoimmune disease that results in weakened muscles throughout the entire body, the weaker muscles are the first to display these signs though, hence eyelids being an obvious starting point.

Wilson’s disease is a hereditary disease that causes copper to accumulate to high levels throughout the body. Over time this copper causes damage to the liver and nervous system, and if not treated can be deadly. One place that copper tends to accumulate is in the inner surface of the cornea, and it appears as rings around it.

If you happen to notice any of these symptoms on your own, be sure to tell your physician. No matter what, don’t ignore them. If you’re eye doctor finds any of them during an exam, they will likely communicate with your doctor to determine what tests or treatments are necessary. Remember, your eyes are windows to more than your soul – they’re windows to your health.

Most people visit their dentist every 6 months; others have ongoing issues that have them in the chair more frequently than that. Whether you go regularly for routine cleanings or only when something comes up like a filling or crown, your dentist should always be on the lookout for signs of more serious conditions. After all, the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. Numerous links exist now between oral health and things like cardiovascular and lung disease, so how do you know that your dentist is really doing their job? To be sure that you’re getting the most out of your dental visits there are a few things you should pay attention to. Here’s what to look for:

The most important thing that your dentist should be doing is screening for signs of periodontal disease. According to studies, those who have gum (periodontal) disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease. If it goes untreated, your risk of things like pneumonia and even stroke go up. Some people think that it’s normal for their gums to bleed, but this is sadly not the case at all. It’s a telltale sign of gum disease, and all too often dentists or hygienists fail to probe the areas between the teeth and gums to check for separation. Make sure they’re doing this, and pay attention to the measurements they come up with. The deeper the pocket, the more serious the problem can be and if you let it go too long the options that they will likely give you are not only expensive, but also quite painful.

Oral cancers are becoming a hot topic, and they’re something that your dentist should always be looking for. Even things like ill fitting crowns or fillings with sharp edges can cause ongoing irritation that can lead to precancerous lesions. Tobacco use affects more than the lungs also, as the irritation from smoke can do the same thing. Smokeless tobacco is of course worse for this due to the irritation on the gums and cheeks and can lead to a condition called leukoplakia, which is a cancerous lesion. It’s as simple a process as taking extra care to look for spots or lesions on the tongue, palette, and cheeks. People who have these don’t often know because they’re painless more often than not, and we never really take the time to examine the insides of our cheeks.

Medical technology is ever changing, and that goes the same for dental tech. Conventional x-rays that are typically used in dental offices expose you to 10 times more radiation than newer digital x-rays. If you need a crown, there are newer computer aided design devices that can make digital 3-D impressions for those and also use less radiation. Check to see if your dentist is on the cutting edge, or just wants to cut.

Everyone has heard that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and we all remember if for good reason: it’s absolutely true. Taking good preventative care of your mouth can not only save you money by having fewer yearly trips to the dentist, but it can also help prevent you from having to go through painful and even more expensive procedures if things get out of control. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft brush so that you don’t irritate your gums, and floss at least once daily or more frequently if needed. Just as important as those tips is remembering to steer clear of products that will dry your mouth out like mouthwash that contains alcohol or toothpastes with detergent soaps, which are unfortunately a large part of the market. When you do sit down in the exam chair though, make sure your dentist or hygienist is giving you your money’s worth and doing their job to prevent further diseases.

Addiction is a powerful and terrible thing. We now know that addiction can come in many forms, and it’s just as easy for someone to be addicted to certain foods as it would be for alcohol or drugs. Until recently however, not much thought was put into the effects on certain brain chemicals in relation to food addiction. Recent studies have shown that the rises of dopamine and serotonin (chemicals that affect the pleasure centers of the brain) can be just as high from food as they would be from cocaine use. There is hope though, and there are ways to beat the foods that you may be addicted to. We offer some steps to beat the cravings, and quit the foods that make you fat.

Most overweight people don’t actually experience any more hunger than anyone else, rather they are subconsciously feeding their brains want for chemical reactions that take place as a result of the consumption of unhealthy foods. Diets that simply restrict calories often fail because they don’t address the chemistry behind weight gain. When your body craves certain chemical reactions and balances, you notice it by craving certain foods that restore that feeling and boost your dopamine and serotonin levels. For example, if you’re sitting at home by yourself all night your loneliness could easily make your brain crave a spike in dopamine to feel happier. Because of this you might often go right for the sugary snacks. Identify these types of situations or times when you indulge too much, and be conscious of what you’re doing before you dive into that pint of Ben & Jerry’s and you’ll be much more likely to avoid it next time.

Because it’s a brain chemical reaction that leads to eating, it’s actually pretty simple to break the cycle by doing things that support dopamine and serotonin production. Being social and active are both excellent ways to boost dopamine, so try getting out more often. If you’re stuck at home, find something active to do; even if it’s just cleaning the house. Make it fun though, crank up some music that makes you want to move around more. Social exercises are also good for serotonin, so call up an old friend or strike up conversations at work that you might not normally take the time to. Creating, developing, and maintaining relationships are huge for boosting serotonin.

It’s OK to slip sometimes, and it’s also perfectly fine to step down gradually. Any chemical imbalance in the brain that is a result of a legitimate addiction should be treated with caution, and stepped down from. To help out, identify what times or activities are the riskiest for you to overindulge. If you need to, plan other activities during these times so the temptation isn’t as strong. It’s usually the times that you’re able to sort of “switch off” that are the most dangerous. Start shopping for healthier snacks to begin with, that way if you do catch yourself in that situation you’re at least eating healthier. Remember: baby steps.

Even during tough economic times people will always have necessities that they can’t afford to not spend money on. Everyone has to have food on the table, right? Many people resort to clipping coupons from the Sunday paper or whatever other mailings they get from local retailers and grocery stores to save a few bucks here and there. While it seems like a great way to save in theory, it can actually be a money trap that will cost you more in the long run. Not only can this form of saving actually cost you money, but it can also lead to other shortcuts that cost you your health.

Most of the coupons you see in advertisements are for products that are either overpriced to begin with, or items that you never really needed in the first place. The only way that coupons for brand name products actually save you money is if they bring the price below that of their generic or store brand counterparts. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology discovered that advertising that included the word “FREE” was more likely to garner sales than items priced so low that they might as well be free. Even Amazon.com offered free shipping they noticed that orders jumped exponentially over offering shipping at a negligible amount as low at 10 cents.

Some of the most popular coupons are for the unhealthiest types of foods. Sugary drinks and salty snacks, as well as processed and frozen foods are the most common food coupons you see. The trick here is that by using coupons and “saving” you’re forgetting that you’re loading up on junk food. Junk is exactly the term to use for these types of foods, as it refers to something you simply don’t need. If you think that you’re using a 25 cent coupon to buy a $1 bottle of soda to save 25 cents, you’re wrong. You’ve actually just wasted 75 cents. Because these kinds of foods are so unhealthy you may also be adding to your own long term medical costs as well, and that’s certainly not a savings.

Overdoses on prescription drugs are the leading cause of unintentional injury or death in the US and while it’s sad that these situations are able to take place at all, it’s much worse when negligence on behalf of the prescribing physician is directly to blame. Take the case of Andre Duncan for example, a young girl from Henderson, NV who died in 2005 as a direct result of toxicity from a combination of opiates, antidepressants, and pain killers prescribed by her doctor. Maybe Andrea needed all these medications, maybe she didn’t The world will never know because Dr. Kevin Buckwalter admitted in a taped deposition that he prescribed her all these medications because he “did not have time” to fully examine her. Years later, Dr. Buckwalter is countersuing the Duncan family along with 6 other families with cases against the former doctor. Former, as in: the DEA and Nevada Board of Medical Examiners revoked his license in 2006.

At least 6 cases exist where individuals either overdosed and died or committed suicide after taking drugs prescribed by Kevin Buckwalter. In his deposition for the Duncan case, he essentially admits the lack of detail in his former practice. He states that he did not “routinely” keep records of prescribed medications, which is in direct violation of state medical laws. He took his patients word for it on what sorts of medications they were taking, and seems to have made a habit out of providing larger than normal quantities of these drugs just because the patient asked for it. He prescribed Andrea Duncan xanax in quantity of 300 at a time, and once prescribed over 310 oxycodone pills to a drug addict named Staci Voyda over an 11 day period. 2 weeks after that prescription was filled, Staci took her own life.

Stories like this happen all too often, and it’s unfortunate that they only make the news after so many have been hurt or killed. It’s simply appalling that after all these years, Buckwalter is taking action against the Duncan family. He’s already been captured on film admitting that he didn’t properly examine a patient, didn’t order records from a previous medical facility, and gave her large amounts of multiple forms of prescription drugs simply because she said “please”. People like Kevin Buckwalter give new meaning to the term “practicing medicine” because he simply doesn’t know how to do it, and we should all be thankful that his license was revoked years ago.

Between 1999 and 2006 the number of hospitalizations from prescription drug poisoning jumped by over 50%, and those drugs have taken the top spot away from auto accidents in regard to unintentional injury death. Be sure your doctors are taking proper and professional care of you and your loved ones, because there are still plenty of Kevin Buckwalters out there that need to be made examples of.

Sources:

Las Vegas Sun

ProPublica

Everyone knows how bad sodas and soft drinks are bad for you. Whether it’s the caffeine or in many cases high fructose corn syrup, it’s no secret that excessive consumption of sugary drinks leads to a number of health issues including diabetes and weight gain. Research by the American Heart Association on sugar intake found that the safe allowed amount of added sugar (sugars not found naturally in food sources) per day is 6 teaspoons for women, and 9 for men. Consider then that a single 12 ounce can of soda in most cases contains around 10 teaspoons. It’s not just soft drinks though; many fruit juices contain the same amount or more of added sugars. This buildup of additional sugar can cause major problems beyond heartburn and high blood pressure, and it only gets worse.

The human body isn’t designed to process the amounts of sugar that most of us consume, and when we do, we break the process that allows our bodies to maintain chemical balances. When these balances get out of whack, normal bodily functions are impaired. This includes digestive enzymes, which can lead to certain molecules slipping right past the intestine and into the bloodstream. At this point they’re recognized as foreign substances, and the immune system attacks them as such. Autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can result from this, as well as other conditions of the sort.

Don’t think you can avoid problems by switching to “diet” soft drinks either. Sugar substitutes like aspartame have their own set of problems that can be just as bad. Out of a 2,500 person study of diet soda drinkers, over 60% were more likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack versus those who didn’t drink diet soft drinks. Even sports drinks and teas contain well over the daily recommended intake of sugars, so there aren’t too many places to turn. The best advice is to stick to what Mother Nature blessed us with in the first place: water.

If the powers that be have their way, options will no longer be an option. Last year the FDA ordered certain types of vitamin B (pyridoxamine) off the market. Not because it wasn’t safe for use or had any ill side effects, but rather because it was the active ingredient in a new pharmaceutical product and it simply “wouldn’t be fair” to the manufacturer for a cheap supplement to be available when they could make so much more money on a prescription product. The FDA seems to have it out for natural products over the past few years and new regulations have been created that threaten the existence of supplements as you know them. These unrealistic mandates will make it virtually impossible for new products to reach the new bar, and when you read what their suggested testing methods and requirements are for new products you probably won’t believe it. In case you aren’t already, you might want to sit down.

A prime example is fish oil, because it’s the subject of the most recent pharmaceutical product to use natural ingredients or supplements as their active ingredient and therefore crash the party for the natural products industry. (Lovaza uses omega 3 fish oil to help lower cholesterol.) According to the new FDA guidelines, manufacturers of fish oil supplements would have to conduct year long animal studies on their products. The animals involved would be required to take in what would be the equivalent to a human of 240,000 mg a day of fish oil. (Keep in mind that the recommended daily dosage for humans is 2,400 mg, so the FDA is requiring that they take 100 times that.) This alone would be unsafe for any being, but would go a great distance to “prove” that the supplement wasn’t safe due to the adverse reactions that would occur.

If that yearlong study sounds like a crock, the other option offered is much worse. In fact, it’s more than a million times worse. Behind door number 2 in the FDA’s supplement funhouse is the option to do a 90 day study instead, however it would be a 1,000 fold safety margin. This option requires at least 2 species of animals to be tested, one being non-rodent. The other species according to the FDA would likely be “young beagle dogs”. The animals in this shorter timed study would be required to take the equivalent of 2.4 million mg daily of fish oil. The obvious problem with this is that virtually no species on this planet could consume that much daily, so the FDA would have the easiest route possible of denying the products to be sold, and clearing the way for big pharma to run the table.

If you want to take action to prevent the implementation of such ridiculous guidelines, the day is fast approaching to do so. September 8 is being recognized as “National Call-In Complaint Day” about these efforts to undermine and subsequently destroy the natural products and supplements industry. Write and call your Representatives and Senators and tell them how you oppose these regulations. You can also write a formal petition to the FDA and fax it to 301-443-9767, and don’t forget to call the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Nutrition, Labeling and Dietary Supplements on September 8 at 888-723-3366 and voice your opinion. Similar attempts were made back in 1994 to destroy the industry, but when consumers rallied together they beat the system. We all have to do our parts to maintain our health freedom.

Mahatma Ghandi once said that “the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” While the rise of factory farms for mass production has given way to barbaric practices, it appears that the worst is yet to come. A medical team in Japan has recently revealed what they’re calling “progress” in the field of stem cell research. Their ultimate goal: generating human organs by injecting stem cells into animal embryos, or in other words playing God.

Stem cells called “pluripotent” cells can reproduce as other kinds of cells, not just their own type. For this reason, they are now being injected into pigs in order to make them generate human blood, and soon organs. This process has been done before between mice and rats, even engineering mice to be born without a pancreas- making them diabetic at birth due to the inability to make insulin. This same practice would have to take place with the pigs as well, so consider that if they want a pig to grow a human liver it would have to be missing its own liver to begin with. These experiments have been going on for years, but are just now seeing the light of day in regard to the public eye.

Organ transplantation is a tricky beast on its own without adding the dangers associated with mass food production and factory farms. In fact, most of the food borne disease comes from these farms already due to unsanitary conditions. The underlying problem is that if such a large portion of the population didn’t disregard their health in the first place there wouldn’t be such a need for organ transplantation at all. Now we have black market surgeons and people being kidnapped or in some cases murdered for their organs just so someone can buy themselves a few more years of debauchery.

It is more than likely that if this practice takes off, the incidents of disease will only increase. Cross contamination is already a huge issue with factory farms, and that’s just with animals we cook and eat. It can only become worse if we are to put organs from their bodies directly into our own. Even beyond the moral argument of this research, the ethical argument of spreading illness should be enough to sway anyone.

Sources:

UK Telegraph

The great debate over vaccinations will likely never be settled among the masses and even though most of the more popular ones like flu vaccines and ones for HPV contain numerous chemical additives that do more harm than good, people still flock to them yearly. Also taking place yearly alongside of the vaccines being administered are the side effects that many are now aware of. When you consider that such ingredients as mercury and formaldehyde are used in their makeup, it shouldn’t really be a surprise. Would you really be shocked if you had an adverse reaction from consuming either of those substances on their own were it not packaged in a syringe that you were told was good for you? Adding to the list of dangerous vaccine additives now is polysorbate 80, which has been determined by a German study to cause severe allergic reactions, sometimes culminating in death.

The team of researchers has isolated polysorbate 80 as the cause of severe immune system suppression, and in multiple cases was the direct cause of anaphylactic shock. For the record, it is also found in soaps, creams, and even foods like ice cream. Though no government agency will publicly admit the links between vaccines and disease rates, independent research continues to find skyrocketing rates of asthma, autism, and ADHD among children who have been vaccinated versus those who have not.

Polysorbate 80 has been known for well over a decade to cause infertility in mammals. Studies found that female rats injected with it had numerous problems including hormonal changes, accelerated maturation, and decreased size of reproductive organs. Because the previous mammal studies were so conclusive, there is currently a vaccine being developed as a contraceptive. It’s main ingredient? Polysorbate 80. It’s a wonder that since it’s actually being used for the purpose of infertility that it’s still allowed to be included in foods and hygiene products.

Sources:

PubMed.gov – Polysorbate 80 and anaphylactic shock

PubMed.gov – Effects on reproductive organs of rats