Cholesterol Shockers

From coffee to flour tortillas, these surprising foods can boost your "bad" cholesterol. Get tips to help make safer choices.

Foods Labeled ‘Low Cholesterol’

When you're shopping and you see an item that says it’s low in cholesterol, you still need to check the nutrition label. If it's high in saturated fat, it can raise your LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Also check the serving size. It might be smaller than you think, and if you eat too much, you'll get more cholesterol than you realized.

Fresh herbs can help make other foods heart-healthy when they replace salt, sugar, and trans fats. These flavor powerhouses, along with nuts, berries -- even coffee -- can be part of heart-wise eating. 

Fact: Rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme contain antioxidants.

It’s no secret that certain foods can help you lower your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which causes a buildup of plaque in the arteries that leads to heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. But what may surprise you is that many of these foods are delicious and easy to incorporate into your everyday meals without sacrificing flavor or fun.

The DASH Diet can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is good for your heart. In fact, DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or high blood pressure. Even if you don’t have high blood pressure, the DASH Diet is worth a look. It may help you lose weight because it’s a healthier way of eating. You won’t feel deprived. You’ll have lots of vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy products while cutting back on fats, cholesterol, and sweets. WebMD

Mother of German MH17 victim takes Ukraine to human rights court

Woman says that Ukraine should have restricted flights as war raged as she demands $1m in damages.

The crash over rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine killed all 298 passengers and crew on board [Reuters]

The mother of a victim of downed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 has begun legal proceedings against Ukraine, demanding $1m from Kiev in damages for negligent homicide.

The woman lodged her complaint at the European Court of Human Rights last week, accusing Kiev of failing to close the country's airspace, the German newspaper Bild reported Sunday.

The Boeing 777 exploded over insurgent-held east Ukraine on July 17, killing all 298 on board, 193 of them Dutch. Four were German, according to the airline.

Kiev and the West have accused separatists of shooting it down with a surface-to-air missile supplied by Russia - a charge Moscow denies.

The woman argues that Ukraine chose not to close its airspace because it did not want to lose out on overflight fees.

At the time, some 700 flights were thought to be crossing Ukrainian territory per day, bringing in several millions of pounds a month in revenue, Bild added.

The woman is being defended by German lawyer Elmar Giemulla, a professor of aviation law.

Elmar Giemulla, an attorney and professor of aviation law who is representing the woman, had earlier suggested that the Ukrainian government bore responsibility for the security of the flight. Giemulla announced in September he would represent three families of German victims of MH17.

"By keeping its airspace open for transit by aircraft from other countries, the state must ensure the safety of the flights. If this is temporarily impossible, it means that it should close its airspace," he told  the AFP news agency in September.

Kiev and the West have blamed the incident on the rebels and accused Moscow of arming them, but the rebels and Moscow deny the accusations.

European governments have so far refrained from openly pointing the finger. A Dutch investigative commission that had access to the flight recorder stopped short at blaming either side for the crash.- AFP

Tourism New Zealand offers free visas to Indians for World Cup

Earlier this month, Tourism New Zealand GM for Asia David Craig had said he expected a 33% jump in Indians visiting his country for ICC Cup. 

MUMBAI: Expecting a windfall in tourist traffic from the country for the forthcoming Cricket World Cup early next year, Tourism New Zealand has said it would offer free visas-on-arrival to Indians flying down to watch the tournament if they hold Australian visas. 

"We will offer free visas-on-arrival to Indians travelling down to our country if they hold Australian visas," Tourism New Zealand country Manager for India Neha Bhola said here over the weekend, while announcing a tie-up with the Centrum Group to process visas for the World Cup as cricket fever has catches up in the sub-continent. 

Centrum Group, a leading integrated financial and travel services provider, through its travel subsidiary Club 7 Holidays, has been appointed as one of the official visa processing agencies for the World Cop period, Bhola said. Other agencies appointed include Thomas Cook as well as Cox & Kings. 

To promote travel, Tourism New Zealand has also entered into a co-operative campaign initiative with Centrum, targeting a large number of high net-worth individuals and corporate clients. 

Accordingly, Centrum has already held road shows in Bangalore earlier this month and in Mumbai over the weekend. 

"We have been in the business of creating wealth for our clients and managing and through our travel entities, offering them some interesting options to spend money wisely and rejuvenate. Our cooperation with Tourism New Zealand works well as it is in line with their market objectives as well," Centrum Group Managing Director Rajnish Bahl said. 

New Zealand is co-hosting the World Cup with Australia beginning next February and March. The event is expected to give a major fillip to the tourist influx to these countries from India where cricket is a religion. 

From September 2013 to September 2014, New Zealand recorded 35,000 Indian arrivals, up 17 per cent. 

Earlier this month, Tourism New Zealand general manager for Asia David Craig had said he expected a 33 per cent jump in Indians visiting his country for ICC Cup. 

"Last year (July 2013-June 2014) we had about 30,000 Indian visitors and we expect about 40,000 visitors this fiscal ending June next," Craig said. 

"The World Cup will improve our profile as a tourism destination. For the tournament, we expect 5,000-10,000 if India does well". 

The Centrum Group offers integrated financial and travel-related services, and has subsidiaries for broking, wealth management, foreign exchange, infra and reality and travel. - PTI

India to formulate guidelines for tuberculosis

NEW DELHI: The health ministry, with the Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), will formulate clinical guidelines for managing tuberculosis occurring in body parts other than lungs, known as extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. 

According to medical science, there are no specific guidelines set by any nation in the world to diagnose tuberculosis occurring in other parts of the body. 

."Tuberculosis affects all organs of a human body. It requires good clinical judgement to treat it. The process of getting the clinical guidelines is the first step to provide good treatment," said S.K. Sharma, medicine department head, AIIMS. 

Over 47 doctors from across the country will frame the guidelines in a period of six-nine months. These doctors will be divided into five groups and will look after the occurrence of tuberculosis in other parts of the body.

According to the AIIMS, the inadequate resources at peripheral level to identify, diagnose, and treat the disease along with non-availability of skilled and trained staff for sample collection and diagnosis are some of the major challenges to treat the extra pulmonary tuberculosis.

India is home to the large number of people affected by tuberculosis, but there has been improvement over the past two decades in the number of deaths due to the disease, Sharma said. 

The percentage of people suffering from the disease in India may be around 35-40 percent, said Sharma, who is also professor-in-charge of the centre of excellence for managing extra pulmonary tuberculosis, AIIMS. - IANS

India’s Economic Growth Slows to 5.3% in September quarter

Weak Industrial Output Persists Despite Government Action to Spur Indian Economy

       Laborers work at the site of a commercial building under construction in Mumbai REUTERS

NEW DELHI: India’s economic growth decelerated in the third quarter, feeding doubts about how quickly the country’s new government can deliver on pledges to end a nearly three-year slump and transform the world’s second-most-populous nation into a manufacturing powerhouse.

Shilan Shah, an economist at London-based Capital Economics, said growth for the quarter “is still very lackluster by past standards—and in terms of what India can achieve at the moment.”

Starting in 2003, India’s economy grew 8% a year on average for nearly a decade, lifting millions out of poverty and creating a generation of young people with middle-class aspirations. The abrupt end of those halcyon years stirred voters’ perceptions that India’s previous government was inept and corrupt, helping to vault Prime Minister Narendra Modi into office this spring.

Figures from the Central Statistical Office indicated a significant deceleration from the preceding quarter, when gross domestic product expanded by 5.7 percent. One of the drags on growth in the September quarter was manufacturing output, which increased 0.1 percent, compared with 3.5 percent in the preceding quarter. Also, a delayed monsoon season and uneven rainfall caused agricultural output to slow to a 3.2 percent increase from a year earlier, from a 3.8 percent rise in the previous quarter.

India has experienced a period of economic malaise, with the pace of growth below 5 percent for the past two fiscal years, the lowest since the 1980s. India’s fiscal year begins in April.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landslide election in May was based largely on his promise to kick-start the economy, in part by increasing the ease of doing business and providing jobs to the young. India’s business community regarded his victory with optimism, and the stock markets reflected the enthusiasm, rising to new highs.

The euphoria was tempered after it became apparent that Mr. Modi’s government was not going to rush to introduce big-bang reforms. In his first six months in office, Mr. Modi has announced some small measures aimed at improving business sentiment, like simplifying convoluted labor laws and deregulating fuel pieces.

These steps have yet to have an effect on the ground, and economists and executives are looking for more sweeping reforms to reinvigorate capital investment, increase business confidence and encourage industry. Indian businesses are awaiting new legislation dealing with land acquisition, coal and power supply, transportation, simplification of taxation and foreign direct investment in the insurance sector, some of which might be taken up in the current winter session of Parliament.

With weak economic growth in the last quarter and consumer inflation having slowed to 5.5 percent in October, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is expected to ask the central bank governor, Raghuram Rajan, to ease monetary policy and cut the benchmark interest rate from 8 percent. But most economists believe that the central bank will leave the rate unchanged at a policy meeting on Tuesday and wait to see if inflation rates can stay low even if global oil prices start rising again.  - Reuters

E-cigarettes are 10 times more harmful than regular tobacco!

Tokyo (AFP), E-cigarettes are more harmful than regular tobacco with 10 times the level of cancer-causing carcinogens, Japanese scientists have claimed.

A team of researchers commissioned by Japan's Health Ministry studied the vapour produced by e-cigarettes for signs of carcinogens, a media report said.

The electronic devices- increasingly popular around the world, particularly among young people- function by heating flavoured liquid, which often contains nicotine, into a vapour that is inhaled, much like traditional cigarettes, but without the smoke.

Researchers found carcinogens such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in vapour produced by several types of e-cigarette liquid, TBS television reported.

Formaldehyde- a substance found in building materials and embalming fluids- was present at levels 10 times those found in the smoke from regular cigarettes, TBS said.

Researcher Naoki Kunugita and his team at the National Institute of Public Health submitted their report to the ministry on Thursday, the broadcaster said. However, Naoki Kunugita added that the levels of the formaldehyde carcinogen fluctuated in the final results.

"You call them e-cigarettes, but they are products totally different from regular tobacco," the Japanese health ministry official said.

Neither the scientist nor anyone from the health ministry were immediately available to confirm the report.

In common with many jurisdictions, Japan does not regulate e-cigarettes, which can be bought easily on the Internet. However, unlike in some Western countries, they are not readily available in shops.

"The government is now studying the possible risks associated with them, with view to looking at how they should be regulated."

Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) urged governments to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to minors because of the "serious threat" posed to them.

The UN health agency said that despite the lack of evidence on the damage caused by e-cigarettes, there was enough "to caution children and adolescents, pregnant women, and women of reproductive age" about their use, adding that they should be outlawed from indoor public spaces.

Low Vitamin D Linked to Risk of Death and Cancer Prognoses

Vitamin D levels have been found directly tied to health in countless studies in the past. Now, researchers have linked vitamin D deficiency to a higher risk of death in general, simultaneously finding that the vitamin may influence cancer prognosis, according to a recent study.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal, details how the sunshine vitamin may be directly influencing the overarching health of the human body, impacting "all-cause mortality" in the process.

Vitamin D helps maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, and also helps to strengthen the immune system and aid cell communication, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Research has shown that having dangerously low levels of the essential vitamin can lead to subtle brain and organ damage and even a higher risk of premature death.

However, past research has also shown that elevated levels can do some remarkable things, including improve breast and pancreatic cancer survival rates.

Now, experts are attempting to bring all these discoveries together under one theoretical roof.

Researchers analyzed data from eight population-based studies involving a total of more than 26,000 Europeans and Americans between the ages of 50 and 79. These subjects were followed for 16 years, providing data on general well-being and vitamin levels. Within that time, 6,695 deaths occurred. Of that group, 2,624 died of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and 2,227 died from cancer.

The researchers found a very clear pattern among the deaths, focusing around the CVD victims in particular. Individuals who had constantly lower vitamin D levels - often unknowingly suffering from vitamin D deficiency - proved far more likely to die, compared to the participants who maintained healthy levels.

"Despite levels of 25(OH)D strongly varying with country, sex, and season, the association between 25(OH)D level and all-cause and cause-specific mortality was remarkably consistent," authors of the study wrote.

Surprisingly, the researchers also found a similar association among cancer patients, regardless of the type of cancer they had. Still, they are quick to point out that this very clear association could only be seen among patients with a family history of cancer. This indicates that vitamin D may be important to cancer prognoses in cases involving those who are genetically vulnerable. - Naturewn

Tomatoes – Natural remedy for good vision

Everyone knows that oranges, yellow and red colored fruits and vegetables are good for vision. The red and round tomatoes that add taste, color and flavor to almost every Indian dish are packed with many health benefits. This healthy food is known to contain various essential nutrients that lowers your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration (eye disorder causing loss of vision in old age) and diabetic retinopathy (eye damage caused due to diabetes). 

Nutrients in tomatoes good for vision

• Lycopene (a compound present in tomatoes) that gives red color to the fruit plays an important role in protecting the eyes from the harmful UV radiations of sun  and high energy visible light.
• Vitamin E in tomatoes helps in maintaining good eyesight throughout your life preventing damage of the retina (inner lining of the eye)
• These fruits also contain high amounts of vitamin C that helps in reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.
• The presence of other nutrients like folates and beta-carotenes in tomatoes aids in prevention of night blindness along with improving vision.

Note: Tomatoes can be consumed raw or in the form of soups or as ketchups as they exert same effect in maintaining healthy vision.

References:

Nutrition for Your Eyes – All about Vision

5 reasons why vitamin A is really good for you!

While we need all vitamins for our body to function in the optimum manner, we need to know how each of them work individually to better our health. 

Can prevent cancer: The dreaded C-word can be kept at bay by including foods rich in vitamin A in your diet. According to a study conducted at the University of York, vitamin A intake could help treat several forms of cancer thanks to the vitamin’s ability to control the malignant cells. The study was mainly done on prostate cancer cells  but it may work for other kinds of cancer as well. But it warns people not to blindly pop vitamin supplements. It is best to your vitamin intake from natural sources.

Helps build immunity in children: Vitamin A has various benefits for improving children’s health. A study done in London found that vitamin A supplements reduced child mortality by 24 per cent in low and middle-income countries. The study also found that vitamin A deficiency in children increased vulnerability to infections like diarrhoea and measles and could also lead to blindness.

Helps perform bodily functions: Vitamin A plays a direct role in performing physiological functions and also helps in the development of the central nervous system. It is also needed in the formation of sperm cells, regulation of haemoglobin production in the embryo, and also activating nuclear receptor TR4 which is responsible for these functions. 

Prevents signs of ageing: Vitamin A has antioxidants which not only prevent free radical damage but also help in skin renewal. The retinoid keeps lines and wrinkles away by producing more collagen which is responsible for keeping the skin looking young. If you want healthy hair, make sure you have your vitamin A intake daily. 

Improves vision: Vitamin A not just improves your eyesight by helping it distinguish between light and dark, it also keeps various eye disorders at bay. Many of these affect the elderly but a deficiency can cause the disorder to appear even in adulthood. Night blindness, glaucoma, cataracts are a few eye problems which can be avoided with vitamin A. 

A word of caution

Vitamin A exists in two forms – retinoids (mostly found in animal products) and beta-carotene (plant sources). While there isn’t any upper limit on the latter, retinoid should not be consumed in excess as it can have harmful effects on your body. It is also important to note that popping vitamin pills without any doctor’s recommendation can be bad for health. It is best to get yourself checked and follow what the doctor prescribes. Natural sources are better. 

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin A from retinol is as follows:

For men (14 and above): 900 mcg/day
For women (14 and above): 700 mcg/day

Pregnant women: 770 mcg/day

Breastfeeding: 1300 mcg/day

How ginger or ‘adrak’ advantages your health in more ways than one

Ginger base is a normal piquancy used in Indian cuisine and provides a sharp and sharp essence to foods. It originated in a foothills of a Himalaya and is widely grown all over a world. The roots of ginger enclose singular phytochemical compounds and have been used given ancient times in many Indian and Chinese medicines to reanimate a accumulation of diseases. The herb also possesses rich, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, that can assistance provide many physique and skin conditions.

Ginger is packaged with many other nutrients, it contains:

Vitamins: Ginger roots enclose a significant volume of vitamin C and vitamin B6. Vitamin C is essential  for recovering deep-cut wounds, browns and damaged bones. Here are 10 healthy sources of vitamin C.

 Minerals: Manganese is benefaction in assuage volume in ginger. It also contains poignant amounts of potassium, copper and magnesium, that are critical for determining heart rate and blood pressure.

 Fibre: Being abounding in dietary fibre, ginger is really effective in a well-spoken using of a digestive system. A cut of ginger gives we benefaction service from constipation.

 Health advantages of ginger

Not usually is ginger packaged with nutrients that are good for a body, it also has countless remedies to bland ailments.

Ginger for weight loss

If we are looking to remove weight, afterwards ginger can play a poignant purpose in a process. Ginger helps bake physique fat and also keeps we full for longer periods, so we eat reduction and revoke your altogether intake of calories. 

Relieves headache

Ginger has a ability to stop a singularity of prostaglandin, that helps ease pain and inflammation in blood vessels compared with migraine and headaches. You can request some diluted ginger pulp on your front to get service from a headache.

Treats nausea and vomiting

Ginger has been prolonged used as a healthy pill for revulsion and vomiting. According to studies, ginger can provide revulsion following medicine and suit sickness. Just punch a ginger cut whenever we feel dizzy [3].

Is anti-flatulent

If we are looking for a healthy approach to provide gas and flatulence, afterwards try carrying some ginger. Ginger is a carminative, that provides service from bloating and gas. Drink some ginger tea before we go to nap to equivocate gas arrangement in a night.

Helps in digestion

Eating ginger helps in a fullness and acclimatization of essential nutrients in a digestive system. It helps mangle down proteins in your food. It also promotes mucous secretion, that protects your stomach from ulcers.

Clears sinuses

If we are looking for sinus relief, afterwards ginger can be your best bet. An active devalue in ginger unclogs sinuses and eases passage. You simply have to decoction a crater of prohibited ginger tea to reap a benefits.

Reduces menstrual cramps

Consuming ginger during a commencement of the menstrual cycle can ease menstrual cramps. Just gnaw a cut of ginger on a initial day of your cycle before we go to bed.

Eases respiratory problems

Ginger has antihistamine properties which assist in treating allergies. It can be a good choice for those pang from cough and cold since it helps stop a contraction of a respiratory tract and kindle secretion of mucous. Just celebration a teaspoon of ginger remove with sugar can ease a bruise throat and provide cough.

 Prevents cancer

Ginger is effective in preventing many forms of cancer, generally ovarian cancer. According to research, this herb has a ability to satisfy dungeon genocide or apoptosis and conceal certain protein that can means cancer [1]. 

Relieves symptoms of arthritis

Since ginger is anti-inflammatory, it can help many inflammation-based conditions and diseases like arthritis. It is known to relieve muscle and joint pain associated with arthritis. You can add some ginger oil in your bath to get relief from the pain [4].

Protects your liver

Antioxidants benefaction in ginger can strengthen we opposite liver fibrosis. It also provides insurance opposite greasy liver illness by shortening oxidative highlight on a liver, that is a contributing cause in this condition.

Prevents Alzheimer disease

To prevent Alzheimer disease, start including more ginger in your diet. Researches show that ginger has the ability to slow down the loss of brain cells that is the precursor of the disease [2].

 Beauty advantages of ginger

Ginger has conspicuous antioxidant and bleach properties, that make it ideal to ease your skin. You can also make plenty use of ginger to urge a health of your hair.

Ginger facial cleanser

Besides averting digestive disorders, inflammatory conditions and many other ailments, ginger is an glorious cleaner for skin and face. It increases blood upsurge and provides a warming outcome when used for cleaning a skin. Put together a ginger facial cleaner by simply following these easy steps.

Preparation:

• In a small bowl, peel and grate 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger.
• Now add 3 tablespoons of honey to it. Honey has amazing healing properties and helps shed the dead skin cells. It is also known to moisturize the skin.
• Now pour ½ cup of vegetable glycerine in the ginger and honey mixture. Glycerine is a natural emollient and is also a good moisturizer.
• Now blend the mixture well and store it in a bottle or a container.
• Pour ½ teaspoon of the mixture in your palms and add few drops of water. Now rub the mixture on your palms and apply it to your face.
• After 5 minutes, rinse it off with warm water and pat dry.

Ginger hair container for dandruff

Ginger is also effective in removing absolved of dandruff. It can revoke a expansion of fungal infection on a scalp that triggers dandruff. Put together a ginger hair container by simply following these easy steps.

Preparation:

• Take a handful of ginger and grub it.
• Now supplement any essential oil and lemon remove to a belligerent ginger and brew well.
• Apply it on your scalp and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

You can also grub some ginger and beetroot together to make a excellent paste. To fast get absolved of dandruff, request this pulp each night on your scalp and massage it well. Read home remedies for all your hair problems.

Stock adult ginger in your homes, we don’t wish to skip out on the benefits, do you?

Revealed — number of calories in different types of milk

Milk is a healthy libation and can be a profitable partial of your diet. Minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium found in it are useful in obscure blood pressure. Calcium helps build teeth and bone health. Drinking 2–3 eyeglasses of divert each day can forestall detriment of bone health in women and aged people. 

Some people avoid consumption of milk, thinking it will add fat to their diet. But choosing the right variety from a range available in the market can be a healthy choice.  If you want to consume fewer calories opt for low-fat or fat-free options. Double toned milk is an ideal choice for calorie-conscious people. Skimmed milk is low-fat and can be a good option for people who have high cholesterol and are on a weight loss diet. Full cream milk is packed with nutrients and can provide instant energy.

To give we an insight, here are calorie depends of opposite forms of milk:

• Cow’s milk: 1 glass = 167.8 cal
• Buffalo’s milk: 1 cup = 285.5 cal
• Skimmed milk: 1 cup = 71.1 cal
• Toned milk: 1 glass = 150 cal
• Double-toned milk: 1 glass = 114 cal
• Milk with Bournvita: 1 glass = 212.3 cal
• Milkshake, thick chocolate: 1 container = 357 cal
• Filter coffee with milk: 1 cup = 88.2 cal
• Soymilk: 1 cup = 109.4 cal
• Almond milk: 1 glass = 196.1 cal
• Coconut milk: 1 cup = 1032 cal

These calories are calculated using HealthifyMe Calorie Counter, the world’s first Indian nutrition tracker. 

Avoid flavoured milk as it contains a lot of added sugar. Plain varieties of milk can be a healthier choice as they contain natural sugar lactose only. In case you are intolerant to lactose or vegan, you can opt for plant-based milk, such as almond, soy and coconut milk.

12 Heartburn and Stomach Ulcer Remedies

You would never think of tomatoes as being bad for you, but they can, in fact, make things even worse for your ulcers. You'll truly be amazed at which other health foods you should avoid to prevent acid reflux from occurring. Before we discuss the 12 natural home remedies for stomach ulcers and heartburn, it's important to have a better understanding of the causes and symptoms between each disorder.  

What are Stomach Ulcers?

Many people make the mistake of confusing peptic ulcers with heartburn, but they are far from alike, despite having similar symptoms. Ulcers consist of tiny open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and small intestine areas, causing excruciating pains. 

 What Causes Stomach Ulcers?

Helicobacter pylori is the main bacteria infection that triggers stomach ulcers. Helicobacter pylori develops from certain medications, poor dietary lifestyle, and stomach acid buildup. 

What Are the Symptoms Associated with Stomach Ulcers?

The most common symptoms attributed to ulcers are burning pains that begin at the top of your chest, eventually reaching your belly button area, and sharp pains that keep you awake at night. There are also pains that occur 2-3 hours after eating, which may provoke mild nausea. These pains generally go away after vomiting. 

Foods and Beverages to Avoid with Stomach Ulcers: 

Coffee - Coffee stimulates acid production and can cause severe indigestion problems.

Alcohol - Alcohol can irritate and erode the lining of the stomach and small intestine, triggering the ulcers. 

Spicy Foods - Certain peppers found in dishes such as Mexican chili, can trigger heartburn in a flash. Avoid spicy foods as much as possible, since they simulate acid reflux buildup and gastrointestinal pains. 

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn occurs when the stomach acid backs up from the esophagus, and eventually reaches your throat area. Heartburn is a very unpleasant burning sensation that can truly leave a bad taste in your mouth. Nearly 1 out of every 5 Americans suffers from it. 

What Causes Heartburn?

The common cause of heartburn is a lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, that doesn't contract regularly. Unhealthy foods play a major contributor of heartburn, especially foods that are deep fried or cooked in grease. Overeating can also cause acid reflux buildup due to the excess amount of pressure on the stomach. 

What Are the Symptoms of Heartburn?

Symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux, include a dry cough, a sore throat that causes difficulty swallowing, an increased burning sensation after digestion and tasting acid or food in the back of your mouth. These symptoms intensify the moment you lay down. 

Foods and Beverages to Avoid with Acid Reflux:

Citrus Fruits - Citrus fruits might be ideal for the common cold, but the acidity inside can cause heartburn, particularly on an empty stomach. 

Garlic and Onions - Although both vegetables are essential for a healthy dietary intake, they also wreck havoc on people suffering from heartburn.

Carbonated Beverages - Carbonated beverages cause gastric distension, leading to acid reflux and indigestion. It's best to stay away from sodas, and just drink mineral water instead. 

5 Natural Treatments for Heartburn

 1) Eating a Healthy Diet - There are many foods that are extremely good for you, but bad for your heartburn. Some of these foods include; ground beef, sour cream, cottage cheese, onions, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Make sure you avoid fried and greasy foods to prevent heartburn from occurring. Drink plenty of water in between meals and skip the carbonated beverages altogether.

2) Enzymes and Probiotics - Probiotics are often referred to as the “good bacteria”, since they promote healthy digestion. Probiotics minimize the growth of harmful bacteria, and boost the immune system. Probiotics are available in supplement form, and help combat acid reflux. It's recommended to take a hydrochloric acid or HCI enzyme supplement along with probiotics for smooth digestion. 

3) Aloe Vera Juice - Aloe vera juice has been known to treat acid reflux and other medical symptoms. It's advisable to drink 1/4 cup of aloe vera approximately 20 minutes before a meal or whenever you experience acid reflux issues. You can even mix the aloe vera with tea or water if you don't like the basic taste of it. Do not drink aloe vera juice if you have diabetes, kidney failure or thyroid disease. Pregnant women and children should also avoid it. 

4) Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is used to treat stomach acid buildup, as ironic as it sounds. The cider helps digestion by breaking down fats, despite the acidity factors. It is recommended to mix one or two teaspoons of the apple cider vinegar with a glass of water. Drink a glass of the cider before meals or when you feel a reflux attack coming on.  

5) Baking Soda - A little baking soda is all it takes to reduce your acid reflux problems. You may not appreciate the bland taste, but you'll feel much better afterward. Mix a half or a full teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water.  

Natural Treatments for Stomach Ulcers

1) Cabbage Juice - Cabbage is packed with an abundance of natural anti-oxidant properties that help prevent stomach ulcers. Cabbage contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, K and folate, all essential for treating acid reflux and fighting cancer.

2) Zinc Carnosine - Zinc-Carnosine is used to treat stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems. The function of the Zinc-Carnosine is to repair damaged tissues and heal ulcer wounds. 

Recommended Dosage: Use for 8 weeks, with a daily dose of 75mg in divided doses. 

3) Probiotics - Probiotics improve intestinal functions and help fend off Helicobacter pylori. They are also used to prevent other gastric disorders, such as diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease, from occurring. 

Recommended Dosage: Take a probiotic of 1 to 2 million CFUs daily.

4) Glutamine - Glutamine significantly reduces the amount of inflammation brought on by a Helicobacter pylori infection. Glutamine supplements can be purchased at any local health store.  

Recommended Dosage: Take 2 grams of glutamine daily for stomach ulcers.

5) Ginger Root - Ginger limits the harmful helicobacter pylori from acting up. Add several slices of fresh ginger roots to hot water, and drink the ginger mixture approximately 20 minutes or so before each meal for a quick soothing remedy. 

6) Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Powder (DGL) - DGL can work wonders for peptic ulcers. They protect the inner lining of your small intestine and stomach. 

Recommended Dosage: Suggested dose is 200 to 400 mg daily dissolved in 200 ml warm water.

7) Astaxanthin - These powerful antioxidants help protect the gastrointestinal or GI tract and reduce symptoms of acid reflux. The free radical scavenging activity of astaxanthin also combats against Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection.  

Recommended Dosage: Suggested daily dose is 40 mg.

Bonus Recipe: How to Prepare an Anti Reflux Smoothie:

1 cup diced fresh pineapple

1 cup diced fresh papaya

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1/2 cup ice

1/2 cup pineapple juice or water

Mix all in a blender and drink. 

The Crow, The Swan, The Parrot and The Peacock. Who is the happiest?

A crow lived in the forest and was absolutely satisfied in life.

But one day he saw a swan. "This swan is so white," he thought, "and I am so black.

This swan must be the happiest bird in the world." He expressed his thoughts to the swan. "Actually," the swan replied, "I was feeling that I was the happiest bird around until I saw a parrot, which has two colors. I now think the parrot is the happiest bird in creation."

The crow then approached the parrot. The parrot explained, "I lived a very happy life—until I saw a peacock. I have only two colors, but the peacock has multiple colors." The crow then visited a peacock in the zoo and saw that hundreds of people had gathered to see him.

After the people had left, the crow approached the peacock. "Dear peacock," the crow said, "you are so beautiful. Every day thousands of people come to see you. 

When people see me, they immediately shoo me away. I think you are the happiest bird on the planet."

The peacock replied, "I always thought that I was the most beautiful and happy bird on the planet. But because of my beauty, I am entrapped in this zoo.

I have examined the zoo very carefully, and I have realized that the crow is the only bird not kept in a cage. So for past few days I have been thinking that if I were a crow, I could happily roam everywhere."

That's our problem too. We make unnecessary comparison with others and become sad. We don't value what God has given us. This all leads to the vicious cycle of unhappiness.

Have Life ahead valuing the things God has given us.

Learn the secret of being happy and discard the comparison which leads only to unhappiness.

China hospital gives men chance to experience pain of childbirth

A hospital in eastern China is offering fathers-to-be a chance to experience the pain of childbirth after several new moms complained they got little sympathy from their partners.

Free sessions are held twice a week at Aima maternity hospital in Shandong province and about 100 men have signed up to be tortured. Most are expectant dads but there are thrill seekers too among the volunteers for "taster sessions".

For the simulations, pads attached to a device are placed above the abdomen, giving electric shocks that induce pain. The test subjects writhe in agony for up to five minutes as a nurse gradually raises the intensity on a scale of one to ten. Song Siling, who is trying for a baby with his girlfriend, shut his eyes and grimaced as the needle on the electrode monitor inched forward with a beep.

"It felt like my heart and lungs were being ripped apart," said Song, who made it to level seven before frantically waving to the nurse to turn off the system. Others dropped out within minutes when they couldn't take the pain.

Despite their obvious discomfort, the on-duty nurse said the simulations could never match the torment of actual childbirth.

"Still, if men can experience this pain, then they'll be more loving and caring to their wives," said Lou Dezhu.

Wu Jianlong, who braved the pain right up to level 10, says the experience radically altered his views on childbirth. "Because all women have children and it usually takes quite a long time, I had thought of it as being something really natural, something really normal that they can get through," he said. -

Wu, whose wife is three months pregnant, yelled in pain and clenched his fists before giving in and begging the nurse to stop - he had reached the maximum limit by then.

Unlike in the West, Chinese men are often not in the room when their partners or wives give birth. Some state-run hospitals do not allow expectant dads to enter, even if they want to. - Reuters

Study says a bad marriage could literally break your heart

If you are in an unhappy marriage, you may want to check in with a cardiologist. A study led by a Michigan State University sociologist has found that older couples in bad marriages, especially wives, have a higher risk for heart disease than those who are happily wed.

The study, funded by the National Institute of Aging, was recently published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior and sought to examine whether marital quality is related to risk of heart disease. It also looked at whether gender or age influenced the relationship between marriage and heart health.

Michigan State's Hui Liu and co-researcher Linda Waite, a sociology professor at the University of Chicago, analyzed five years of data from more than 1,000 married men and women who were participants in the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project. The participants ranged in age from 57 to 85.

Respondents completed surveys about the state of their marriages as well as lab tests and information concerning their heart health, including strokes, high blood pressure and heart attacks.

The researchers found that a bad marriage causes more harm to the heart than a good marriage offers positive benefits to cardiovascular health. The risks increase the older you are, according to the study, and the quality of the marriage has more of an effect on women -- possibly because they tend to internalize unhappiness more.

And because the immune system declines as we age, heart issues due to marital stress can be even more severe, it seems. Those sad love songs about heartbreak aren't just for young lovers.

"Marriage counseling is focused largely on younger couples," Liu said on her university's website. "But these results show that marital quality is just as important at older ages, even when the couple has been married 40 or 50 years." - Web Staff

Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease

‘Dr. John Hunter (1728 – 1793), who has developed angina pectoris eight years prior to his death made the famous remark that ‘his life was in the hands of any rascal who chose to annoy and tease him’. 

His prophecy was fulfilled when he became emotionally disturbed with a colleague in a meeting at St. George’s Hospital. Hunter’s brother-in-law, Everard Home, published an account of the illness (1794) together with the post mortem findings from John Hunter, which disclosed marked coronary atheroma and scars in the cardiac muscle tissue, indicative of myocardial infarction (heart attack).

The first description of acute myocardial infarction was made by Obraztsov and Strazhesko in 1910. They noticed in their observation in 5 patients that the infarction was precipitated by direct events most related to physical or emotional stress. 

The infarction began in one case on climbing a high staircase, in another during an unpleasant conversation, and in a third during emotional distress associated with a heated card game. 

The idea that stress can increase the risk of heart attack is so popular that it is seen by many people as a fact, reverberated by phrases incorporated in folk wisdom, such as ‘scared to death’ and ‘a broken heart’.

Stress is generally regarded as the cause of heart attack by the survivors and their close relatives. Opinion surveys have shown that 9 in 10 adults believe that stress can contribute to the development of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke and cancer.

However, the cardiologic community still claims that smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and dyslipidemia are risk factors much more important for the development of heart disease than stress. 

Although studies show that most of these risk factors are associated to autonomic dysfunction with sympathetic nervous system activation and elevation of stress hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline). 

As a result many cardiologists do not dedicate much of their time listening to complaints from their coronary patients, about the daily stress they face. Additionally, most cardiologists are usually inclined to focus their attention to technical solutions’. 

Mulethi or Yashtimadhu: Nature’s own fighter against respiratory problems

Yashtimadhu or licorice is a woody base that has been used in India for a series of years to assistance soothe a series of symptoms including an tingling throat. Commonly used by singers to keep their outspoken cords healthy, yashtimadhu tastes honeyed when eaten and is sinewy in nature. There are several class of this plant and it is simply available. Used mostly for chewing, there are other ways of regulating this herb too. Here are a few health advantages a herb provides.

Helps give your skin a natural glow

Yashtimadhu or mulethi is known as a herb that helps balance out the vata in a person’s body. Known to be cooling in nature, yashtimadhu can help relieve a number of ailments related to the skin including skin rashes, burning sensation of the skin and even gives it a healthy glow.

Improves your voice

Yashtimadhu helps clean your outspoken cords and improves a tinge of your voice. If we are a singer, there will be some-more clarity and volume in your voice with a assistance of Yashtimadhu. Small sticks of Yashtimadhu should be chewed initial thing in a morning and a extract is to be swallowed. If we cite not to gnaw a base we can supplement a teaspoon of Yashtimadhu powder to a ladle of  honey and have it frequently to for effective relief.

Heals damaged hair

Yashtimadhu is known to improve the quality and texture of your hair within a couple of weeks’ time. You could use a nice hair mask using Yashtimadhu and honey or stick to chewing the juice of this herb. You will be amazed seeing the results within a months’ time.

Heals Wounds

Yashtimadhu is also famous popularly these days for holding caring of wounds. Applying a extract of this herb all over a influenced area shall yield we with discerning relief. If there is a bone detonate we are confronting during a moment, this herb shall be intensely helpful!

Relieves the symptoms of bronchitis

Another benefit of Yashtimadhu is that it can reduce the symptoms of a bad cold, sore throat, dry cough and bronchitis. For relief all you have to do is chew a small piece of yastimadhu just like a lozenge. You could also peel off the outer bark and boil it in some water. Sip on this solution for relief.

Helps relieve a symptoms of asthma

Yashtimadhu can help asthma patients feel better too. A fresh cup of Yashtimadhu tea helps improve relieve the symptoms and eases breathing. Making yashtimadhu tea is as easy as boiling a small piece of the root in a cup of water and sipping on it while it is still warm. Doing this three times a day can be help relieve the symptoms of asthma.

Virus may affect mental abilities: US researchers

WASHINGTON: People with an algae virus in their throats had more difficulty completing a mental exercise than healthy people, and more research is needed to understand why, US scientists say.

A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that the virus was present in about half of 92 human subjects studied, and those who had it performed worse on certain basic tasks.

The virus, known as Acanthocystis turfacea Chlorella virus 1, or ATCV-1, also appeared to limit the cognitive abilities of mice. The mice had a harder time navigating a maze and noticing new objects in their surroundings after they were infected.

It remains unclear if the virus was truly driving the drop in mental functioning. Researchers have not yet shown the cause and effect between the virus and the intelligence results.

"At this point we do not think that this virus should be considered as a threat to individual or public health," said lead researcher Robert Yolken, a virologist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

"We do think that there is a need for additional medical and scientific studies of the effects of infectious agents which are common in the environment on human health and cognition," Yolken told AFP.

The virus was found by accident while scientists were analyzing microbes in the throats of healthy humans for a different study.

Experts have been studying viruses similar to ATCV-1 for 35 years, said senior author James Van Etten of the University of Nebraska, an expert on algal viruses.

Van Etten joined the research four years ago when Johns Hopkins scientists found ATCV-1´s DNA sequences in the brain tissue of people who had died with mental disorders such as schizophrenia.

"This finding was certainly surprising to us," Van Etten told AFP. "These viruses are ubiquitous in fresh water ponds and streams throughout the world," Van Etten said.

He noted that the virus -- previously thought to only infect algae -- could make its way into the human body when people swallow water while swimming.

There might also be another host in nature, such as mosquito larvae, he said. But the nature of the disease is still in the early stages of analysis. It is also unknown if the virus´s effects on the brain are lasting or temporary.

Scientists have long understood that viruses interact with DNA, and further studies could shed more light on the role of the virus on cognition.

"As more studies like this are conducted, I believe we´ll find out there´s even more interaction between viruses, bacteria and fungi that are either ingested or breathed into our noses and mouths and the overall human condition," said Jordan Josephson, ear nose and throat specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, who was not involved in the study.

"I believe this new research is just the tip of the iceberg in linking viruses in the human oral cavity to the development of various health conditions." (AFP)