A Good Probiotic Could Save Your Life

There's a nasty bug going around. It causes diarrhea and stomach upset. In severe cases it causes colitis. More than 2 percent of people that get sick with it die. And the number of people getting sick with it has risen dramatically in the past ten years.

Clostridium difficile is the strain of bacteria that is responsible. Doctors and researchers call it C. diff for short. This type of bacteria actually lives in the small intestine of many people. It's capable of producing two powerful toxins that can make you very ill.

Under most circumstances C. diff is harmless because the good bacteria in your gut keep it from overgrowing and releasing too many toxins. However if you become ill and your immune system is stressed or if you have to take a round of antibiotics, it can throw off the bacterial balance in your gut… and then C. diff can grow out of control and make you very miserable.

Researchers aren't certain why cases of C. diff are on the rise or why the cases are more severe than they previously had been. They think that a more powerful strain might be in the mix. It's possible that overuse of antibiotics is partly responsible. Either way, the threat of C. diff is real and it is serious.

Fortunately, you don't have to worry. Because C. diff depends on low levels of good bacteria in order to flourish, you can protect yourself by taking a good probiotic supplement. Probiotics keep your levels of good bacteria high, helping you to maintain a healthy balance.

When you choose a probiotic supplement, make sure you choose one with a variety of good bacteria and the bacteria count should be in the billions. Also do a little research and choose a supplement that will actually reach your small intestine—many probiotics get released in the stomach where the bacteria are destroyed by your stomach acids.

In addition to protecting yourself from a miserable bout of illness due to C. diff, you'll also enjoy better digestion and reduced gas and bloating. It's a win-win situation for you.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace

Celiac Disease Diagnosis is Often Delayed

About 1 in 100 people in this country live with celiac disease. The majority of them are unaware of it. This can lead to a lifetime of health problems, including neurodegenerative problems and stomach cancer. Both can be fatal.

When you have celiac disease, your body has a reaction to the protein gluten, which is found in many grains. The reaction can lead to the break down and inflammation of the mucus lining in your small intestine. It can interfere with your body's ability to absorb the nutrients you need from your food. And it can release toxins into your body that attack your nervous system.

Currently, the diagnosis for celiac disease begins with a test for antibodies. If that is positive, you're doctor will do further tests to see if your small intestine is damaged. If it's not, then you'll be given a clean bill of health and sent on your way.

The problem is that people with the antibodies for celiac disease often have symptoms that are affecting their quality of life. They also often go on eating a normal diet when their doctor tells them they are fine, only to develop damage in their small intestine later on.

Currently, many researchers are recommending that diagnostic standards be changed in order to help more people overcome the damage that celiac disease does.

No matter what decision they come to, if you find that you test positive for the antibodies associated with celiac disease, it's time to cut gluten out of your diet. I bet that you'll notice a big difference in how you feel when you do.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace

Veggies Can Fight Inflammation

Low-level inflammation is serious business. Many doctors and researchers now believe that most of the chronic diseases we face later in life are actually diseases of inflammation. Some diseases linked to or caused by chronic, low-level inflammation are:
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Alzheimer's disease
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Inflammation may even feed some cancers causing faster tumor growth.

Your environment rather than an injury usually triggers low-grade inflammation. Environmental toxins, a lack of physical activity, and many different foods can all lead to inflammation throughout your body.

By taking better care with your diet, you can help to stop inflammation before it starts. Many foods like cold-water fish, colorful fruits and vegetables, and nuts and seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber that can help prevent and relieve inflammation.

New research finds that a flavonoid called luteolin is particularly effective at reducing inflammation. In animal studies, subjects given luteolin and then exposed to inflammatory bacteria had a much smaller inflammatory response than those in control groups.

Celery and green peppers are both rich in this compound. Celery makes a great snack, especially if you smear it with a little peanut butter. Green pepper slices are a good snack, too. They also go great in salads or you can cook dice a pepper, cook it, and add it to chili, soups, or your favorite Mexican food dish.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace

Are You Cleaning Your Home or Making it More Toxic?

Every time you break out a household cleanser whether it's for your counters, your floors, your windows, or your carpet, there's a chance that you are introducing dangerous chemicals into your environment. Many household cleaners contain chemicals that are harsh on your lungs, skin, or eyes. Some of these chemicals can make you feel nauseous or woozy. Others are carcinogenic.

So how do you keep your home sanitary without exposing you and your loved ones to harsh chemicals?

If you are going to use conventional cleaners—and sometimes they just work better—make sure you follow the directions carefully. Wear protective gloves and make sure the room you are cleaning in is well ventilated. Also, make sure you store and dispose of the cleaners properly.

It's true that for things like cleaning your oven, conventional cleaners are often more effective that natural cleaners. However, for many common tasks like washing windows or cleaning off your counters, you can find natural cleaning products that will work just as well. You can usually find natural-based cleaners at your grocery store or at your local natural foods store.

You can also make effective cleaners with household items. Vinegar and baking soda (don't mix them!) both can serve as the base for a number of good cleaners.

For example, to clean laminate or linoleum floors mix a quarter cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm water and use it to mop. Or mix a half of cup of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a scrubbing paste you can use to clean your shower, sinks, and toilet.

Many cleaning supplies can be harmful to your health, but if you take proper precautions and choose alternatives when possible, you'll go along way toward reducing their harmful effects.

Stay well,
Heather Robwell

One More Reason to Boost Your Omega-3s

A high intake of omega-6 fatty acids might be putting you at risk of prostate cancer.

UCLA researchers found that mice who were fed a typical American diet high in corn and soybean oil were much more likely to develop prostate cancer than those who ate far less of the omega-6-rich fats.

These findings hold with other studies that show eating a diet too high in omega-6s and too low in omega-3s causes all sorts of health problems from heart disease to depression to different kinds of cancer.

You can correct this problem in your own diet in three simple steps.

First, begin taking an omega-3 supplement. Cod liver oil supplements, fish oil supplements, or flaxseed oil supplements are all good options.

Second, begin cutting down on the number of packaged foods you eat. These invariably contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids.

These first two steps are often enough to make a big difference, but if you want to go one step further, switch from regular meat to organic, naturally fed meat. Instead of beef, choose grass-fed beef or bison. Instead of your standard chicken, look for chicken that's been fed an organic diet. Instead of regular eggs, choose eggs from free-range chickens fed an omega-3-rich diet.

Getting your omega-3s and omega-6s into balance isn't hard to do and it can provide enormous, long-term health benefits.

Stay well,

Meghan Krohn

Living With Alzheimer's

When it comes to chronic diseases, prevention is always the best policy. But prevention isn't always possible. What do you do once you've been diagnosed with a chronic disease like Alzheimer's?

Diseases of the brain are particularly frightening. When faced with the prospect of losing your memories and losing your ability to perform basic tasks, it can be terrifying. But there are a number of things you can do to slow the progress of Alzheimer's and to cope with the changes you are experiencing because of the disease.


Slowing the Progression of Alzheimer's

As science learns more about Alzheimer's it reveals steps you can take to help slow the changes that are occurring in your brain.

Alzheimer's has been linked to obesity and inflammation. By engaging in more physical activity you can reduce your body weight and the levels of chronic inflammation in your body. Both can help slow the progress of Alzheimer's.

Oxidation of cells within the brain also contributes to Alzheimer's. Make sure you get enough antioxidants from your diet and supplements. Two of the most important antioxidants for your brain are alpha lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10.

Insulin resistance may also contribute to Alzheimer's. When you have insulin resistance, it means your body can't metabolize food sugars as well as it needs to. To help improve your insulin sensitivity, take a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon each day and take a supplement that contains chromium.


Strategies to Deal With Alzheimer's

In addition to taking steps to slow the progress of Alzheimer's, you can also take steps to deal with the changes you are facing. These strategies can help you stay independent longer and enjoy a greater quality of life.

First, pay attention to when you are at your best. When you feel the most mentally clear, that is the time of day you should undertake complex tasks. Things like balancing your checkbook or planning a budget or tackling a new project are best done when you are at your best.

Don't rush yourself when you are completing tasks. You may need more time than you used to, to complete some things. Be assertive in giving yourself that time. Don't allow others to rush you either.

Finally, take breaks when you are frustrated or fatigued and ask for help when you need it. Continue to challenge yourself and try new things, but don't be afraid to request assistance. It's important that you have a good support network of friends and family who will let you do for yourself, but are willing to help if it becomes necessary.

Alzheimer's is a scary condition, but you can follow the steps here to gain control over how you face the disease. This can make a big difference in your quality of life going forward.

Stay well,
Meghan Kronh

Eliminate Ulcer Pain

An ulcer is no laughing matter. If you've experience the pain and burning caused by an ulcer, you know how miserable it can be. The nighttime pain that disrupts your sleep—the anxiety that your next meal might be the source of hours of agony—the weeks of near-constant suffering.

But did you know an ulcer can be deadly? Six thousands people die every year in this country because of ulcer complications.

Treating an ulcer is important both to your health and to your quality of life. Fortunately, there are several safe ways you can begin to relieve your ulcer pain.

First, begin eating several small meals each day rather than one or two large meals. Often eating triggers ulcer pain. By reducing the amount you eat at any given time, you can help to reduce the number and severity of flare-ups.

Next, make sure you are getting enough vitamin E. Animal studies suggest that vitamin E can help protect your stomach lining from the affects of H. pylori, the bacteria associated with the development of ulcers. Choose a high quality vitamin E supplement that contains mixed tocopherols and mixed tocotrienols. You need at least 400 IU of vitamin E a day.

Finally, talk with your doctor. Most ulcers are caused by bacteria, which means you may be able to eliminate the problem with a course of antibiotics. I'm not a big fan of antibiotics, but this is one of those situations where they really can help.

Ulcers can make you miserable and put your health at risk. Take steps today to take control of your ulcer pain.

Stay healthy,
Danny Wallace

Magnesium Deficiency May be Hurting Your Health

For many people minerals remain kind of a mystery. Sure, you know you need calcium for strong bones, but beyond that how much thought do you really give to your mineral intake?

Unfortunately, ignoring minerals can lead to serious health problems. Recent research finds that many Americans don't get enough magnesium. Magnesium plays a vital role in a number of functions in the body—over 300 functions rely on adequate magnesium levels.

Your body needs magnesium to build health bone cells. Without enough magnesium, your bones will begin to weaken. You also need magnesium to maintain proper muscle function. Low magnesium levels can lead to muscle cramps and spasms.

This vital nutrient helps your heart to beat regularly, it helps your immune system to be at its best, it keeps your central nervous system working smoothly, it helps regulate blood pressure, and it plays an important role in a healthy metabolism.

Without enough magnesium, your whole body suffers. If you feel tired or achy or weak… if you get sick a lot… or if you have high blood pressure, part of the problem may be that you have low magnesium levels.

Researchers have also found that people with diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, or Alzheimer's often have low levels of magnesium.

That's a lot of reasons to make sure you are getting enough of this vital nutrient. You'll do best if you get 420 mg a day if you're male or 320 mg a day if you're female. Natural food sources are best. Whole grains, legumes, dark leafy vegetables, nuts, and fish are all good sources of magnesium. It's also a good idea to choose a multi-vitamin that contains some magnesium to bridge any gaps.

Making sure you get enough magnesium can help your to stay healthy and it can protect against many chronic diseases. Don't overlook this important mineral.

Stay well,
Heather Robwell

Take Good Care of Your Knees

One in five adults has arthritis. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, where the cartilage that surrounds and protects your joints begins to break down. Often this kind of arthritis afflicts the knees.

If you don't have arthritis or chronic pain in your knees, you probably don't realize how much you rely on then. From sitting to standing up to walking across the room to maintaining your balance—your knees play a crucial role.

If you have arthritis that is affecting your knees, it's important to take good care of them. By doing so you can slow the progression of your arthritis and reduce the amount of pain you're in.

Because arthritis of the knees can make it hurt to move, it's easy to think you should be less active. However, activity can actually help to preserve your knee joints, as long as you choose the right kinds of activity. Low-impact activities are best. Swimming is great. So is bicycling. Even walking every day is good for you and your knees.

There are also many supplements that you can take, which will help protect your joints from further damage. Vitamins C and E, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are all good nutritional supplements to protect against or slow the progression of arthritis.

Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants. They can help neutralize free radicals that contribute to joint damage and inflammation. Vitamin C also is crucial to the formation of collagen, one of your body's supportive tissues.

Some research shows that vitamin D helps to prevent joint damage. Scientists think it may be the role that vitamin D plays in bone health that makes it important for joint health, too.

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for cellular health, including the cells in the joints. They also help reduce inflammation, which can effectively reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis.

Arthritis in your knees can become debilitating, but if you take these precautions early on, you can slow the progression of the disease and protect you quality of life.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace