Do you often feel tired during the day? Have you ever fallen asleep at an inopportune time? It could be that you aren’t getting the proper amount of sleep each night. If you are getting less than 7-8 hours of sleep each day, chances are you are suffering from sleep deprivation.

To read the full article When You Are Tired Of Being Tired, click here.

New ESCEO and IOF Guidance highlights new risk assessment and treatment strategies; points to high prevalence of fractures and low rates of diagnosis and treatment in Europe

To read the full article Diagnosis & Management Of Osteoporosis In Postmenopausal Women: Newly Published European Guidance, click here.

Menopause does not cause weight gain, but it does increase belly fat, according to a new study.

"It is a myth that the menopause causes a woman to gain weight. It's really just a consequence of environmental factors and aging that cause that," study leader Susan Davis, a professor at Monash University in Australia, said in an International Menopause Society news release.

To read the full article Menopause Won't Spur Weight Gain, But May Boost Belly Fat: Review, click here.

Developing Gender-Specific Medicine Is a Major Challenge of the Future

Recent research in laboratory medicine has revealed crucial differences between men and women with regard to cardiovascular illness, cancer, liver disease, osteoporosis, and in the area of pharmacology.

To read the full article Men and Women Get Sick in Different Ways: Developing Gender-Specific Medicine Is a Major Challenge of the Future, click here.

Post-menopausal women, who often suffer from joint pain, could find some long-term relief by taking estrogen-only medication, according to a new study based on the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) that was released online today by the journal, Menopause.

To read the full article Estrogen May Relieve Post-Menopausal Joint Pain, Study Suggests, click here.

There's been some discussion in the news lately about the new definition of old, and what to call someone who's over 60. It seems that referring to adults as elderly, old or older can sound wrong, regardless of how accurate it is.

To read the full article The Pre-Empt Chronicles: How To Age Happier, click here.

The same bad health habits that affect people can affect pets, too. Knowing this can be a real motivator to make over your lifestyle. Which unhealthy human habits harm your cat or pup the most?

To read the full article How Your Health Habits Affect Your Pet, click here.

Does the saying "A friend in need is a friend indeed" mean that a person who stands by you when you need them is a true friend? Or, does it mean that someone who needs your help is eager to prove their friendship?

To read the full article Friendship: Close Ties That Enhance, Extend Life, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Spring is just around the corner, but don’t be surprised to see winter weather – and viruses – linger a little longer. So what’s behind your stuffy nose: Spring allergies or a cold?

To read the full article Cold or Allergies: How to Tell, click here.

Get the facts about the Affordable Care Act with these educational fact sheets from AARP's department of Education & Outreach.

To read the full article Health Care Law Fact Sheets, click here.

Could Your Hectic Life Be Killing You?

Many women deal with stress on a daily basis, and new research indicates it could be killing them. Nearly 50 percent of American women say they don’t have enough free time, according to a study by the Families and Work Institute, an alarming figure given the effects that stress can have on the human body.

To read the full article Women and Stress: Could Your Hectic Life Be Killing You?, click here.

New Mammogram Benefits for Women in Their 40s

Breast Cancers Found by Mammograms More Easily Treated. When women in their 40s get breast cancer, their tumors need less intense treatment and recur less often if they were first detected during routine mammogram screening.

To read the full article New Mammogram Benefits for Women in Their 40s, click here.

Study: Heart Attacks Harder to Detect in Women

Heart attacks are the number-one killer of women, but CBS medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook reports they may be missing the warning signs.

Three years ago, when Wendy Kennedy noticed tingling and pain in her left arm, the last thing she thought of was a heart attack.

To read the full Study: Heart Attacks Harder to Detect in Women, click here.

Heart Attacks in Young Women Can Be Harder to Detect, Deadlier

Tami Kimet thought she was coming down with the flu, but the 35-year-old mother of two was actually having a massive heart attack.

To read the full article Heart Attacks in Young Women Can Be Harder to Detect, Deadlier, click here.

Endometriosis Increases Risk of Certain Ovarian Cancers

Women with a history of endometriosis are at a significantly increased risk of developing several types of ovarian cancers, according to a new study published in the Lancet Oncology.

To read the full article Endometriosis Increases Risk of Certain Ovarian Cancers, click here.

This month we would like to introduce two new web sites 1) www.iHealedMyself.com and www.LifeDynamicTherapy.com

These two sites are not just products of my fertile mind they are for you to support you in healing existing illness and preventing future illnesses. Our goal for presenting these materials is to provide information, support and encouragement for healing what ails you.

To check out www.iHealedMyself.com, click here.

To check out www.LifeDynamicTherapy.com, click here.

The Best Mattress for a Better Night’s Sleep
Buying a new mattress? Here are tips for finding the right mattress for you.

You spend about a third of every day in bed. Whether that time is spent blissfully slumbering--or tossing and turning--depends a lot on your mattress.

To read the full article The Best Mattress for a Better Night’s Sleep, click here.

Colonoscopy Life-Saving Screening

A health screening test that takes just a few minutes may add years to your life. Many studies have supported the benefit of colonoscopies.

To read the full article Life-Saving Screening, click here.

Study: Heart Attacks Harder to Detect in Women

A new study out today from The Journal of the American Medical Association reveals a dangerous difference in the symptoms men and women experience during a heart attack.

To read the full article Study: Heart Attacks Harder to Detect in Women, click here.

Wardrobe Woes: Hidden Health Hazards of Clothing

Men and women who shoehorn themselves into skin-tight jeans, battle to button their trousers or knot their neckties too tightly might unknowingly suffer nerve damage, digestive disturbances and even potentially deadly blood clots.

To read the full article Wardrobe Woes: Hidden Health Hazards of Clothing, click here.

This is an interesting video that walks you through what cholesterol is, how it affects you and what you can do about it.

To read the full article  What is High Cholesterol? A Video , click here.

In the previous articles from this series we looked at low thyroid (or hypothyroidism) and menopause and then the relationship between thyroid dysfunction, stress and the adrenal glands. In this article we will look at the role of nutrition and other factors in healthy thyroid function and of course ion hyperthyroidism.

The Role of Nutrition in Preventing and Treating Hypothyroidism

Inadequate nutrition can play both a causative and disrupting role in thyroid function. Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for thyroid production. Most people are aware of the role of iodine in leading to hypothyroidism. In areas of the world, or our country, where the diet is deficient in iodine there is often an increased risk of goiter (thyroid tumors) and hypothyroid disease.  This problem as generally been resolved in the US by using Iodinized salt. If you are not using iodinized salt, you should be as it can help to keep your thyroid functioning optimally.

Another important mineral is selenium. Selenium is needed for the conversion of T4(thyroxin) into T3 (triiodothyronine). If an individuals diet is deficient in selenium then this can lead to hypothyroidism. By increasing this selenium in your diet or as a supplement, this may make a difference in how you feel. Vitamin A, EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), and zinc are all involved in thyroid hormone metabolism in helping T3 bind inside your cells. These nutrients are essential part of your body’s natural metabolic pathways for making and using thyroid hormone. These vitamins, minerals, along with omega-3 fatty acids, and extra antioxidants can help your thyroid function effectively. The bottom line is that when you give your body the right nutrients, you will optimize your thyroid function.

Natural Hypothyroid Relief

Menopause is a time of profound changes, it can stress both your body and your mind. It can play havoc on your thyroid. When any major system of the body is out of balance the stress can effect your thyroid and if the stress is significant and prolonged hypothyroidism can be created. As always, the best way to restore healthy thyroid function is by finding the problem, understanding and resolving it. Since thyroid replacement hormones are easy to get too often physicians will simply prescribe them and forget or not include all of the other vitamins, minerals, micro-nutrients and dietary changes that may be needed to support returning your thyroid to its highest level of normal functioning.

While remember that a healthy diet is your first line of defense here are some things you can do to prevent hypothyroidism, correct if it has already occurred:

Since a healthy diet also offset many other problems that affect your thyroid gland, it is essential to eat a very healthy diet, the healthiest diet you can possibly eat. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and stay away from processed and refined foods as they will deplete many of the nutrients which are essential in order for your body to run optimally.

A good healthy diet will also support your adrenal glands. This will benefit your overall health on many levels. Not only will this support your adrenal glands but it will also lighten the burden on your thyroid, it will also help restore your energy levels and overall well-being.

By taking in an adequate amount of high quality multivitamin–minerals this will help perimenopausal and menopausal women, to optimize their diet as well as their overall vitamin-mineral needs. This can then ensure a strong foundation of optimal nutrients to help support the regular production and function of your thyroid gland and the adequate production of thyroid hormones, This can help you to prevent hypothyroidism.

If your thyroid hormones are already low you should consider supplementing your diet with selenium and iodine. You can do this through eating foods high in these minerals or with over-the-counter supplements. Your doctor can help you to monitor your iodine and selenium levels. We do not recommend taking more than 200 mcg/day of selenium total in any or all of your supplements.

Find ways to diminish stress and speak your truth. By the time many women reach perimenopause, they may often find that they have given so much of themselves to the world around them that we often have little or no reserves left over for themselves. It may be necessary to reduce your work load or at least work smarter. It may help to stop lying to yourself, see the world, your family, friends and co-workers as they really are, Speak up and share your opinions if this is important to you. Explore those activities and goals that really make your life meaningful. Don’t feel guilty about asking for and receiving help or support. Learn to say “no” when you want to say no. Reduce the stress in your life.

If you make these changes and your thyroid hormone levels still aren’t right (or you’re still experiencing symptoms despite “normal” TSH), then it is worth considering a trial of thyroid replacement or in this case supplementation to see if your thyroid is running too low for your needs.  While many women take synthetic levothyroxine and do well, some women do not get the relief they need. In our practice we predominantly use natural thyroid hormones, such as Armour Thyroid, WestThroid or Nature-Throid. In some women for certain reasons they may do better with compounded T3 and T4, where the dosage is individualized in the exact amounts these women need for maximum benefit. The combination of T3 and T4, whether in Armour, WestThroid or Nature-Throid often makes a big difference for many women suffering from symptoms of  hypothyroidism. While some standard Western practitioners consider these natural and compounded forms of thyroid as controversial, and some are even unwilling to prescribe them, we have worked with thousands of men and women and find that they are more often the not the best way to get a sluggish thyroid taken care of. Armour Thyroid, WestThroid or Nature-Throid are biologic products coming from pork thyroid hence they are also a food. In twenty years I have never seen one problem with the exception of people who do not eat meat, or for religious reasons do not want to eat pork or have an allergy to pork.

The Deeper Meaning Of The Thyroid

In the oriental or Eastern medical construct, the thyroid is often  associated with the “sacred voice.” It is often a component of the fifth chakra. Hence, in Body Symptoms Language, unresolved issues that ultimately affect the thyroid are often linked to difficulty speaking our higher truth, inability to follow our dreams, or to fully express ourselves to tell others who we are and what we are all about.

Anatomically, the thyroid sits directly over the voice box, and therefore one of the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction can be a gravelly or “muted” voice. When the thyroid is underactive, it is important to step back and evaluate how well you are expressing your higher needs, your wants, and your opinions about those around you.

Our voice isn’t simply serve to be used to communicate words, as is the thyroid, it is connected to our entire or whole being. Your thyroid doesn’t just produce thyroid hormone, it is connected to every cell in your body and it plays a role in both our physical and our psychological worlds. If your thyroid is out of balance, your whole world or possibly a substantial part of it may also be out of balance. When you resolve the issues that throw your world out of balance your thyroid will likely return to its balance. Unfortunately, if you simply use drugs or even natural thyroid supplements or medications to rebalance your thyroid this may not be enough to rebalance the rest of your life. However, it can help you to at least reduce negative symptoms, wake up and allow you healthy time to fix what needs to be fixed. and you will find the dynamic balance your body is naturally desiring.

Where Do I Start?

If your thyroid is not working well and you are suffering from low thyroid the place to start is by using natural thyroid hormonal replacement. This means using Armour Thyroid, WestThroid or Nature-Throid natural thyroid replacement at a dosage that is right for your needs. Next, if you are not already doing it, is to eat a basically healthy diet. If you are not or you or your physician believe that you are nutritionally deficient than add to the above a balanced array of nutritional supplements designed to replace whichever nutrients are deficient.

Next, work with your practitioner to establish not just “normal” but optimal blood levels of thyroid. Since the range of blood levels for thyroid hormones can be very wide, simply being in the normal range may not be enough. You can be within the “normal” range and still be at the lower end of the “normal” range which might still be too low for you.

You are really only “normal” when you feel as if you are doing great. We talk about this as being in the “optimal” range. That is whatever your blood level is you are doing the very best possible for your needs and chemistry. While one person may do well at the lower end of the “normal” range another may be doing poorly. We use the lab values not to decide if you are “normal” or “abnormal” bust only as a guide so that in the future we can have sense of what blood level you will feel best at, your “optimal”blood level.

We generally we use only three blood functions when we are following our low thyroid patients:

1. TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, which we talked about in article #1
2. Free T3 (Free Triiodothyronine)
3. Free T4 (Free Thyroxin)

If you remember from our prior articles T3 is the active thyroid hormone we usually talk about as “thyroid hormone.” T4, is the thyroid hormone mad by your thyroid gland and in order for the body to use it, it must first be converted, using some special enzymes, into T3.

The standard range of TSH (please note your lab may have different normal based on the type of test used to determine the TSH level) is

TSH         035 to 4.0 mIU/L
Free T3    2.3 to 4.4 pg/mL
Free T4    0.61 to 1.76 ng/dL

Using these normals we consider if Free T3 is between 3.0 and 4.4 the individual is more than likely within their optimal range. This assumes that they tolerate this level with no individual of symptoms or hyperthyroidism such as rapid heart rate, palpitations, tremor, trembling hands, heat intolerance,  nervousness, insomnia, breathlessness, increased bowel movements, light or absent menstrual periods, fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness, warm moist skin, hair loss,
or staring gaze.

Nutrients and Foods That Can Help Your Maintain A Healthy Thyroid

• Iodine (I): seaweed (e.g., nori), clams, shrimp, haddock, oysters, salmon, sardines, pineapple, eggs.
• Selenium (Se): smoked herring, smelt, wheat germ, Brazil nuts (just one nut provides ~139 mcg), apple cider vinegar, scallops, barley, lobster.
• Zinc (Zn): fresh oysters, ginger root, pecans, dry split peas, Brazil nuts, egg yolk, whole wheat, rye, oats, peanuts.
• Vitamin E: wheat germ oil, olive oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts.
• Vitamin A: dark green leafy veggies, liver, winter squash, cantaloupe, stone fruits, papaya, and cod liver oil.
• B vitamin complex: brewer’s yeast, wild rice, brown rice, whole wheat, beans, peanuts.
• Vitamin C: Red chili, guava, parsley, dark green leafy veggies, strawberries, papaya, citrus fruits.

To return to article #1-Hypothyroidism in Menopause, A Holistic Approach, click here.

 

Researchers Say Study Points Out ‘Missed Opportunities’ to Prevent Heart Disease

You’re a 40 plus years of age woman and you have just found out that you have high blood pressure, what do you do about it? You take steps to lower your blood pressure of course? Or do you? Many women in fact do not. But is this healthy in the long run?

For years doctors have preached that both men and women should lower their blood pressure if they have a diagnosis of high blood pressure, but we had little evidence that this was actually the right thing to do. Now a new study suggests that middle-aged women who take steps to lower their blood pressure could significantly reduce their risk of having a stroke, heart attack, or developing heart failure.

A group of researchers now say they found that high systolic pressure, that is the blood pressure when the heart contracts, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and its complications in middle-aged and older women.

They report that 36% of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes are preventable by lowering blood pressure in women. This is striking when compared to the fact that only 24% of men will likely benefit from the same treatment programs.

Investigators examined data from 9,357 adults in 11 countries in Europe, Asia, and South America for a median of 11 years. The researchers looked for absolute and relative risks of cardiovascular disease that were associated with systolic blood pressure. There study ultimately suggest that three major risk factors account for 85% of the modifiable risk for heart disease in men and women, 1)  high systolic (the top number) blood pressure, 2) high cholesterol, and 3) smoking. Of these three  high systolic pressure clearly appears to be the most important risk factor, according to their research.

Prevention of Heart Disease

Doctor, Jan A. Staessen, MD, PhD, of the University of Leuven in Belgium stated as this report was released,  “I was surprised by the study findings that highlight the missed opportunities for prevention of heart disease in older women.” He told reporters that the research team found that a relatively small increase of 15 points in systolic blood pressure could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by 56% in women and 32% in men.

During this study, researchers looked at blood pressure, measuring blood pressure at set intervals for 24 hours during a person’s daily routine and when they slept, as well as conventional blood pressure readings taken in doctors’ offices. The researchers reported that ambulatory blood pressure readings have less potential for error and provide more accurate estimates of usual blood pressure and prognosis for cardiovascular disease.

The monitor used for ambulatory readings was a small, portable device programmed to take blood pressures at specific intervals. In the study, ambulatory readings were taken at intervals of 15 to 30 minutes during the daytime, and 30 to 45 minutes at night.

According to the researchers, nighttime readings were better predictors of heart disease than daytime readings because the readings taken at night were more standardized. Blood pressures taken at night are less likely to be influenced by physical activity.

Quality of Life

Dr. Staessen suggested, “It is recognized that women live longer than men, but that older women usually report lower quality of life than men. By lowering systolic pressure by 15 [points] in hypertensive women, there would be an increased benefit in quality of life by prevention of cardiovascular disease.”

The researchers suggested that women and their doctors ought to become more aggressive in diagnosing and treating high systolic blood pressure.

For more information on what high blood pressure is and how to treat it holistic treatment of high blood pressure, click on respective links.

 

Heart Attack Risk: Can Sex Over Tax Your Heart?
New Study Finds Spike in Risk During and Right After Sex, but Overall Benefit

For years both men and women have worried about whether having sex can increase their risk of having a heart attack. Now, new research from Tufts Medical Center published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that sex can and may increase the risk of a heart attack, but that this risk is quite small and only occurs during and right  after having sex.

In this study researchers looked at heart attack victims, mostly men in their 50s and 60s, who were questioned about their activities just before or during having a heart attack. The researches want to see how often sex served as at rigger for a cardiac event. While they found that sexual activity caused a 2.7increased risk of heart attack, they ultimately suggested that this risk rate was quite small and should not dissuade individuals with heart disease from indulging in sex. While this study suggested that there was indeed an increased risk, several other studies had previously suggested that regular sexual activity (defined as two or more times a week) actually decreases one's risk of heart attack over time.

Dr. Issa Dahabreh, the lead researcher on this study told reporters, “People shouldn't take this new report to mean the sex is harmful for those with heart disease, because the absolute risk is really small." The study suggested that individuals could ultimately decrease this risk by being physically active on a regular basis. Regular exercise made sex and other types of physical exertion less likely to be a trigger for heart attack. Co-author Jessica Paulus, an epidemiologist at the Harvard School of Public Health, reported, there is "a 45 percent reduction in the relative risk of heart attack with every additional weekly exercise session."

Regular exercise training, especially when it relates to cardio respiratory fitness… “will markedly reduce the risk associated with both acute exercise/exertion as well as sexual activity," says Dr. Chip Lavie, medical director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention at John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute.

Many people with “heart disease” are very fearful of returning to normal types of physical activity following a heart attack or stroke. They often believe that sex carries an increased risk because of both physical exertion and emotional excitement which is generally part of the sexual experience, and because of this they may be very apprehensive about returning to a normal active sex life.

This conflicting information regarding whether sex is good or bad for the heart doesn't make this situation much easier.  Many specialist believe that anything that increase heart rate and blood pressure could put a strain on the heart and those who are not used to being physically fit then may be at a higher risk of a cardiac event.

In a 2010 study published in the Lancet, researchers found that sex served as a trigger in only 2.2 percent of heart attacks. By comparison, indulging in a heavy meal was connected with triggering 2.7 percent of heart attacks. What's more, the emotional and physical benefits of sexual satisfaction have been linked in several studies to overall health and specifically cardiac health.

In another 2010 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology, a group of men between the ages of 50 and 70, were followed for 16 years and quizzed about sexual activity. Researchers found that sex twice a week reduced the risk of heart disease in these men by as much as 45 percent, when compared to peers who had sex only once a month or less.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, heart surgeon and host of the "Dr. Oz show," is also famous for recommending frequent sex (three times a week) as a way for men decrease their risk of heart attack and stroke by 50 percent.

In the end most researches now agree that the exertion of a romp in the bedroom may briefly increase risk of heart attack in some men, especially those men who do not exercise regularly, but the cardiovascular and emotional benefits of regular sexual satisfaction far outweigh the downside, especially in those who are regularly active in other ways as well.

As one researcher put it, "The bottom line is that people should not fear sexual activity, but should fear sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity."

For more information on What is a Heart Attack?, click here.

Fibrocystic breast disease is almost an epidemic in America. It's uncomfortable and worry some because your breasts develop these weird knobby cysts that not only feel strange, may be painful but worry you because they could be cancer. The fact is fibrocystic changes in the breast are quite common. Many women (and even an occasional men) can develop fibrocystic breast disease. While they are not breast cancer, and rarely ever turn into breast cancer, they are often associated with ovarian cysts and uterine fibroid tumors. The reason for this is simple, it is because the underlying cause of fibrocystic breast disease and these other health concerns, generally have the same origin, an excess of the female hormone estrogen or what is often referred to as estrogen excess or estrogen dominance. Because of this over-stimulation of the breasts by an excess of estrogen either created in the body or caused by taking estrogen hormone replacement, some women get such painful breasts that their breast can't even be touched and the simple act of wearing a bra can be excruciatingly uncomfortable.

Too Much Estrogen From the Out Side

Since there are two problems that can cause fibrocystic breasts each has to be treated differently. If it is caused by too much “exogenous” estrogen (that is, estrogen taken orally with hormone replacement, or birth control pills; or by injection, patch or other source such as a medication or in a cosmetic formulation) this has to be considered and the dosage adjusted correctly to undue the increased stimulation of the breasts caused by the mediation or in the cosmetics.

While this is often a simple matter, it is not always a simple thing to do. This is especially true when estrogen is used to treat one problem while making another problems, fibrocystic changes in the breast, a new problem.

Too Much Estrogen From the In Side

A great majority of the women with fibrocystic breasts have this problem because their body is making too much estrogen, or their body is making the right amount estrogen but they have become too sensitive, to the estrogen their body is making.  Most commonly they become estrogen sensitive because of chemical changes in their body that stimulates estrogen production and hence create estrogen dominance which then acts to over stimulate their body.

There are a number of reasons why this happens and one of the main factors is foods and chemicals we eat or ingest that overstimulate estrogen production or interfere with the normal breakdown or excretion of estrogen, hence causing estrogen levels within the woman’s body to rise and over stimulate her breasts, uterus, ovary and other organs. One of the most common problems women suffer from is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which occurs for this very same reason. It is also interesting that there is a strong relationship between PMS and fibrocystic disease of the breasts.

Balancing Your Estrogen and Progesterone

While we think of too much estrogen as being the main problem we also need to consider that when estrogen and progesterone, also a female hormone are in balance, PMS and fibrocystic breasts are much less of a problem. Progesterone acts to reduce the over-stimulation so that when either too much estrogen is being produced to too little progesterone is being made then fibrocystic breast and PMS are a much grater problem.

Dietary Reasons for Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Certain foods and chemicals act to either stimulate estrogen production or decrease estrogen breakdown which helps to maintain control over estrogen levels.

In order to help reduce over-stimulation of the breasts we recommend the following:

• Avoid coffee another caffeinated products (except for green tea) as they cause estrogen levels to rise.
• Avoid alcohol as all alcohol beverage cause estrogen levels to rise.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything hot in plastic containers
• Take an excellent probiotic, probiotics help to fix the underlying cause by allowing your body to eliminate the excess estrogens.
• Avoid eating unfermented soy products like tofu, soy milk, meat substitutes and soy protein
• Ensure you have sufficient fiber in your diet in order to bind excess estrogens in your colon so they cannot be reabsorbed.
• Avoid antibiotics (unless you absolutely need them as they also can effect estrogen breakdown and excretion)
• Avoid foods that your body has any type of sensitivity to (get tested if you don't know)
• Increase your intake of broccoli and cabbage, they help reduce estrogen levels
• Take a high quality product containing DIM (diindolemethane, a derivative of cabbage) and Ca-D glucarate. They can help a lot.
• Make sure you are not constipated, and I mean not at ALL constipated
• Take at least 2000-5000 IU's of a high quality vitamin D each and every day
• Take at least 100-300 mgs of a high quality, highly absorbable CoQ10 each and every day

One secret weapon rarely talked bout by medical doctors is iodine or iodide. For most women, 50 milligrams daily should help a lot. Many women are deficient in iodine and iodide in America. Breast tissues are extremely sensitive to iodine and iodide and require both to function adequately. Most men and women deficient in iodine and iodide have high, toxic, tissue levels of halides. Halides belong to a family of chemicals which include fluoride/fluorine, chloride/chlorine, bromide and bromine. When individuals are deficient in iodine/iodide their body is more receptive to the halides and will tend to absorb them more easily. Halides then bind onto the iodine/iodide receptors blocking iodine/iodide form binding and doing their good work. If halides have reached high levels then it may be necessary to take high doses of iodine/iodide for a while to force out toxic halides and allow your body to properly metabolize and use iodine/iodide. Bromines are commonly found in white bread products since they are used as an anti-caking agent. Splenda is a chlorine molecule bound to sugar using Splenda regularly can result in toxic halide levels. Men and women who swim or drink chlorine treated water are also subject to iodine deficiency.  Finally, fluoride toothpaste and water with fluoride can also cause halide toxicity which can end up allowing increased estrogen levels which can overstimulate the breasts, uterus, ovaries, thyroid and your metabolism in general.

These for we strongly suggest restricting foods, water, toothpastes that are high in fluorides, bromides and bromines.

Hormone Replacement

While all of the above are important. They can quickly be overshadowed if you are talking too much estrogen in your hormone replacement therapy, using birth control pills that are estrogen dominant or using topical hormone creams or salves for your skin that are high in estrogen. When ever estrogen is taken in any form, it must be counterbalanced by an equal or greater amount of progesterone. Often one of the simplest treatments for immediate treatment of breast pain is adding more progesterone orally or topically to the mix. This is not the end, this simply allows you to be more comfortable while you initiate the other steps listed above.

We also strongly recommend that other than modifying and improving your diet as stated above, do not try to manipulate and or adjust hormone levels on your own. This can lead to larger more dangerous problems. Find a competent physician who can help you and understands your needs and how to help you get there.

For more information on Fibrocystic Disease of the Breasts, click here.

 

You want to exercise but you are not sure of exactly what to do, what is safe and how not to hurt yourself? This video made at MD Anderson Medical Center might just help you with some new ideas and information on what to do and how to make sure your efforts are rewarded. Learn about the proper exercise techniques by a fitness expert who will show you how to do it right!

To see the video: 7-Day Exercise Plan Video, click here.

Single Ladies, Don't Despair: Men Do Want to Commit
Surprising Survey Turns Around Conventional Wisdom On Men and Women

Recently one of the largest and most comprehensive study looking at singles in the United States produced some very surprising results. The study “Single in America” was performed by the  U.S. Census Bureau and was commissioned Match.com.

The “Single in America” study included 5,200 single men and women between the ages of 21 and 65.

Dr. Helen Fisher of the Institute of Evolutionary Studies at Binghamton University helped to conduct the survey in conjunction with the Census Bureau.

As the study was released Fisher who is also the chief scientific advisor for Chemistry.com, a division of Match.com told reporters,  "We've known for a long time that we're seeing growing economic equality between the sexes, but it was surprising to me that men are adopting some of the attitudes that we've long attributed to women, and women are adopting the attitudes that we've long attributed to men."

It appears according to Fisher, that men are often  stereotyped as being less interested in settling down and having children than women, but the study shows otherwise.

"Men,” Fisher said, “are just as eager to marry or more eager to marry as women are. It's not true that they don't want to commit. Particularly young men, age 21 to 34, are more eager to marry than women are.” Fisher continued, “Men are more eager to have children than women are."

According to the study, 51% of men and 46% of women want to have children between the ages of 21 and 34, which are peak reproductive years.

"Men also fall in love faster, they're more likely to bring a woman home to introduce her to their parents sooner, they're more likely to marry a woman who's got everything they're looking for in a partner” says Fisher.

The study also found that 54% of men say they have experienced love at first sight, as compared to only 41% of women.

Women Are Experiencing 'Tremendous Growth' in Independence

As women make more money, they are valuing their independence more, according to the survey. It may be that the days when marriage was the woman’s only option, are now simply no longer an issue.

Another interesting fact was that women appear to want more nights out with girlfriends than men want nights out with their male friends. Women also want to have their own bank accounts and go more on vacations by themselves than with their spouse or partner. Not only do they desire their new found economic growth, but they are also experiencing a tremendous growth in personal independence.

Currently statistic tell us that there are approximately ninety-six million American, nearly one third of all Americans, who are single. This new survey suggests that the happiest singles are those over the age of 65, and include among both men and women.

"In fact,” according to Fisher, the over 65 group are “the least likely to go into a committed relationship unless they have a deep sense of love and a deep sense of sexual desire. They want everything by then.”

The survey also found that people are a lot more open when it comes to expressing what they're looking for in a partner. When the study asked, “What must you have in a relationship?' and 'What's very important to you?' only 20% of men and 29% of women said that they must have, or it's very important to have, somebody of the same ethnic group. And even fewer men and women had to have somebody of the same religion," said Fisher.

The survey found that only 17% of men and 28% of women believe the religious background of their partner is very important. Prejudices are breaking down, but not just in terms of race and religion. Age difference in partners no longer seems as important, according to the survey.

"In fact something like 21% of women had a date with someone who was 10 or more years younger. We're seeing the decline of racism, of religious needs and age-ism," said Fisher.

"First of all, singles are very romantic. In fact I did a brain study and we found that romantic love can be sustained. The single most interesting thing in this study is that 35% of men and women said that they had initially met someone and not found them terribly attractive and they later felt passionately in love with them. So second looks may be an important part of meeting and choosing a long term partner.

Another interesting fact was that it appears that office romances are few, short and not usually destructive. In the past five years, only 12% of singles dated someone in their office. Most workplace romances lasted less than three months and only 6% of women dated their boss. After breaking up, 56% reported this romance did not affect their professional relationship. Thirty-six percent of singles would consider dating someone in the workplace.

Another interesting fact disclosed was that fidelity is a must. More than 69% of singles regard fidelity as a "must have." In 46% of the singles, where either one or both partners have been unfaithful, 78% of these relationships broke up after the discovery. 70% believe that divorce is acceptable after one or both partners cheat.

How does this information affect you?

 

Staying healthy is one primary goal that few of us what to ignore. The truth is however, we do forget, lose sight of, and sometimes even, ignore. Who of us have not put ourselves in harms way from time to time. But it is up to us to recognize this and put ourselves back on tract for optimal health as soon as we recognize we have lost sight or ignored this process.

I will bet that you have been wondering for  a long time what that high fiber diet you have been eating is doing for you. Maybe you know that it helps promote better bowel activity, reduces constipation and possibly you have heard that it reduces your risk of bowel cancer. “These are good!” You tell your self. “Good reasons to continue!”

In recent years there has been considerable interred in the role of omega 3's in preventing loss of vision and blindness. A new study using mice, now appears to give us a lot more information ads to how omega 3's can help save your vision.

Heart attack and stroke are the #1 and #3 causes of death in the US. Both start many years before they actually can cause injury and/ or damage to the individual. Both are to a great degree preventable. In this article we will look at 10 ways you can help yourself to prevent, put off or even eliminate your risk for heart attacks or stroke.

Low Vitamin D Levels Tied to Incontinence
Vitamin D Deficiency May Contribute to Pelvic Floor Disorders in Women

Not getting enough vitamin D may cause women problems in the bathroom as well as with their bones.

To read the full article  Low Vitamin D Levels Tied to Incontinence, click here.

Sabotaging Success, but to What End?

“You could say I’ve been unlucky in love,” a young man told me during a recent consultation.

To read the full article Sabotaging Success, but to What End?, click here.

Study: Infertility Increases a Man's Risk for Prostate Cancer

Infertile men have a higher risk of developing high grade prostate cancer, which is more likely to grow and spread quickly, according to a new study.   

To read the full article Study: Infertility Increases a Man's Risk for Prostate Cancer, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gene Regulation Determines Individuality, Study

A team of US and German scientists has found that we differ from each more because of the way our genes are regulated, such as which are switched on and which are switched off, than because of the differences among the genes themselves

To read the full article Gene Regulation Determines Individuality, Study, click here.

Mediterranean Diet May Increase Success of Infertility Treatments

The Mediterranean Diet seems to be the wunderkind in the weight loss world, ranked as one of the Top 10 most popular diets,, it has been studied extensively over the past several years and found to produce numerous health benefits.

To read the full article Mediterranean Diet May Increase Success of Infertility Treatments , click here.

Risk of Death Persists After a Hip Fracture

Older men and women who break a hip are five to eight times more likely to die in the first three months after the fracture, a new study by Belgian researchers has found.

To read the full article Risk of Death Persists After a Hip Fracture, click here.

Suffocation Danger To Young Babies In Sling Carriers: US Consumers Warned

US consumers are being warned about the dangers of carrying babies up to four months old in a sling carrier as there is a possible risk of them suffocating if carried incorrectly.

To read the full article Suffocation Danger To Young Babies In Sling Carriers: US Consumers Warned, click here.

High Fiber Diet May Influence COPD Risk

Dietary fiber, also known as roughage, is probably best known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation, but fiber can provide many other health benefits as well.

To read the full article High Fiber Diet May Influence COPD Risk, click here.

Blood Pressure Drugs No Help for Diabetes
Studies: Statins, Fibrates to Lower Fats, Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Do Not Reduce Heart Attack Risk in Diabetics

Key results from a landmark federal study are in, and the results are disappointing for diabetics: Adding drugs to drive blood pressure and blood-fats lower than current targets did not prevent heart problems, and in some cases caused harmful side effects.

To read the full article Blood Pressure Drugs No Help for Diabetes, click here.

Erectile Dysfunction May Indicate Doubled Death Risk
Heart Patients With Ailment Had Twice the Heart Attacks, Deaths

A new study suggests that men with heart problems may have double the risk of death if they also suffer from erectile dysfunction.

To read the full article Erectile Dysfunction May Indicate Doubled Death Risk, click here.

STDs May Change Stance on Circumcision
Study Affirms Circumcision Benefits -- Leaving Insurance, Doctors and Patients at Odds

Some doctors are calling for a slight change in America's thinking about circumcision after the latest -- and largest -- study in a series of investigations in Africa showed that circumcision may significantly reduce the risk of contracting herpes and HPV.

To read the full article STDs May Change Stance on Circumcision, click here.

Vertigo Linked to Osteoporosis

People with osteoporosis are much more likely to experience vertigo, an inner ear disorder that causes dizziness. This suggests a problem with calcium metabolism in vertigo sufferers, according to a new study.

To read the full article Vertigo Linked to Osteoporosis, click here.

Diabetics, Older Patients Benefit From Heart Bypass

It may be a more invasive surgery, but new research shows heart bypass surgery leads to longer lives than angioplasty for specific groups of patients.

To read the full article Older Patients Benefit From Heart Bypass, click here.

Health Insurance Industry Offers To Phase Out Controversial Practice If All Americans Are Required To Get Coverage

The health insurance industry offered Tuesday for the first time to curb its controversial practice of charging higher premiums to people with a history of medical problems.

To read the full article Insurers May Nix Charging Sick People More, click here.

Research: Diabetes Ups Alzheimer’s Risk
Damage May Start When Body Loses Ability To Regulate Blood Sugar

Diabetes can hurt the heart, the eyes and the kidneys. New research indicates a more ominous link: That diabetes increases the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease and may speed dementia once it strikes.

To read the full article Research: Diabetes Ups Alzheimer’s Risk, click here.

Can Peanut Allergy Be Cured By Peanuts?
Some Kids Now Allergy-Free Thanks To Tiny Amounts Of The Very Food That Endangered Them

Scientists have the first evidence that life-threatening peanut allergies may be cured one day.

A few kids now are allergy-free thanks to a scary treatment - tiny amounts of the very food that endangered them.

To read the full article Can Peanut Allergy Be Cured By Peanuts, click here.

Finding Religion at the End of Life: Patients of Faith Seek Lifesaving Care
Study Shows Religion Often Guides Final Decisions

Having entered hospice care, Ruth Holt, 81, said her faith will not motivate her to seek more aggressive treatment for her terminal colon cancer.

To read the full article Finding Religion at the End of Life: Patients of Faith Seek Lifesaving Care, click here.

Some Odd, Others Bizarre - These Items Are Not Just for Foodies Anymore

In the industry they're known as exotic or specialty produce, but consumers might think of these fruits and vegetables as unusual, uncommon or simply strange.

To read the full article 13 Weird Fruits and Vegetables: Exotic Produce, click here.

US births break baby boom record, topping 4.3 million; 40 pct of babies born out-of-wedlock

Remember the baby boom? No, not the one after World War II. More babies were born in the United States in 2007 than any other year in the nation's history — and a wedding band made increasingly little difference in the matter.

To read the full article US Births Break Record; 40 Pct out-of-Wedlock, click here.