Are Your Tight Jeans Harmful to Your Health? - Dr. Weil's Weekend Tip

Are Your Tight Jeans Harmful to Your Health? - Dr. Weil's Weekend Tip

17 Reasons to Eat More Onions

Onions are a staple food
 
There is good reason why onions are a staple food in the cuisine of so many cultures worldwide. Not only do these savory bulbs give flavor to so many different styles of meals, their unique combination of nutrients helps prevent disease and support optimal health.
First cultivated in Asia over five thousand years ago, onions were ubiquitous among the ancient Egyptians, Indians, Greeks and Romans, for both food and medicinal purposes. Ancient Egyptians even buried onions in the tombs of their pharaohs, for them to eat in the afterlife.

There are two main varieties of bulb onions: storage onions, which are available year-round, and seasonal onions which are harvested in the spring and summer. Storage onions include yellow, white, red and Spanish onions; seasonal onions include sweet Vidalia and pearl onions, which are a smaller type that are often pickled.

Onions have an amazing nutritional profile
When you eat onions, your body will benefit from the following:

• Biotin
• Chromium
• Copper
• Fiber
• Folate
• Manganese
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Quercetin
• Vitamins B1 and B6
• Vitamin C

Besides this amazing nutritional profile, here are 17 other reasons why you should love onions!

Onions help you sleep
While it sounds a bit bizarre, onions are even said to cure insomnia. Just cut into a raw onion and take five to 10 deep breaths of its aroma. For the best results, place it into a glass jar and put it beside your bed — take a whiff just before lying down.

Onions eliminate dark spots on the skin
To remove dark spots, slice a red onion and rub it directly onto dark areas of the skin after cleansing. Used on a daily basis it can help lighten hyper-pigmentation.
Onions soothe menstrual cramps
Onions are known as one of the best soothing agents for menstrual cramps. Consuming raw onions 4 to 5 days before your period can help ease the pain.
Onions improve sex drive
The agent that gives onions their strong smell, allicin, is also responsible for increasing blood flow to the sexual organs, resulting in increased sex drive.

Onions strengthen the immune system
Along with a potent punch of antioxidants and flavonoids, which have various anti-inflammatory properties, onions are one of the best sources of the trace mineral selenium. One study found that selenium plays an important role in both the initiation and regulation of immune response to infection.
When immune cells lack an adequate supply of selenium, they are less efficient at producing proteins and transporting calcium. They are also more easily oxidized, which results in an overall weakened immune system
.
Onions stop a nosebleed
If you get a nosebleed, as soon as possible after it starts, slice an onion and hold it just underneath your nose. The fumes from the onion act as a natural coagulant to stop the bleeding.

Onions support bone health
Research has found that onions can help increase bone density, providing special benefits to menopausal women who are at risk of developing osteoporosis and are experiencing loss of bone density. There is also evidence that women who have passed the age of menopause may be able to lower the risk of hip fracture by regularly consuming onions.

Onions help with detoxification
Onions’ sulfur-containing amino acids have a detoxifying effect. They help the liver process things like caffeine and acetaminophen, as well as convert pesticides, lead and dry-cleaning solvents into forms that are less toxic and easier for the body to eliminate.

Onions keep your teeth and mouth clean
Chewing raw onions for several minutes can help prevent tooth decay and oral infections by killing harmful germs present in the mouth. To get rid of the smell of onion on your breath, just brush your teeth and use mouthwash afterward. Chewing a fresh sprig of parsley can also help.

Onions help reduce blood sugar levels
Onions are one of the richest sources of chromium, a key trace mineral that is responsible for the body’s response to insulin. Research has found that onions can very well help reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic animals. Current research is limited to lab animals, but the effect is promising enough that researchers suggest onion extract may help diabetic patients manage blood sugar as much as medication.

Onions help prevent cancer
Research shows that organosulfur compounds, found in both onions and garlic, prevent the development of cancers by detoxifying carcinogens and stopping cancer cell growth. High onion intake has been associated with a 56 percent lower risk of colon cancer and a 25 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to no onion intake. In addition, onion consumption has been linked to a lower incidence of stomach and colon cancer.

Onions eliminate blemishes
Rubbing half an onion on your face daily can help to eliminate blemishes without leaving acne scars or the long list of side effects that can come with acne medications.

http://www.thealternativedaily.com/health-benefits-onions/?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=N150923

Ladies, Please Do Your Squats. Sincerely: All Men, Articles | THISDAY LIVE

Ladies, Please Do Your Squats. Sincerely: All Men, Articles | THISDAY LIVE

Foods you can make your medicines

For years, the Chinese have used certain herbs, including spices, to prevent common diseases. They knew that these herbs “shield” from falling ill. The scrutiny of the scientific laboratory is confirming that they were right.
These arrays of plant are general immune system stimulators and their possible inclusion in diets could increase the activity of the immune system but are not specific to a particular disease.
Indeed the immune system recognizes and destroys anything foreign to the body, including cells like bacteria and other microbes, and foreign particles including toxic compounds. This recognition and destruction is performed by cells in the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Here are a few of the best researched immune boosters available in food stores:

Ewedu
Jute leaves (called ewedu among the Yoruba and rama among the Hausa), a rich source of beta carotene, iron, calcium and vitamin C, is also said to be an immune booster.
To boost the immune system, the Ewedu should be rinsed thoroughly with liquid vinegar, “blend and cook with drinkable water, without adding salt or kaun (potash) or any other ingredients.  Professor Adebukola Ositelu, a consultant at the Lagos University Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, said a 25cl or half a tumbler of it can be taken once a week, first thing in the morning before any meal to boost body’s immunity.

African spinach
Spinach, like many green vegetables when used as food helps to contribute to healthy functioning of the body and boost level of immunity. In an animal study, researchers found spinach was in overall of higher nutritional value than other vegetables tested.

Hibiscus sabdariffa
Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly referred to as red calyx or sobo, has many medicinal benefits. Researchers’ assessment of its effects on the immune system indicated in the July 2013 edition of the African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology that Hibiscus sabdariffa stimulates the production of various blood cell components.

Sweet potato leaves
Researchers indicated that consumption of purple sweet potato leaves boosted the immune response of 15 basketball players during a training period. The 2007 study, published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that it caused a significant increase in the proliferation blood cells required to protect the body from illnesses.

Locust beans
Fermented foods like pap, locust beans and yogurt contain friendly bacteria that have a powerful, beneficial effect on the gut’s immune system which is the first line of defense against pathogens, and aid in the production of antibodies.
Researchers at the Harvard Medical School said there is a evidence of a relationship between such “good” bacteria and the immune system.

Tomatoes
An increased consumption of tomatoes can help avoid getting sick. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, when individuals consume tomato diet, their infection-fighting white blood cells sustained 38 per cent less damage from free radicals — atoms in the body that damage and destabilize cells — than when they ate no tomato products.
Researchers speculate that the lycopene in tomatoes acts as an antioxidant, helping white blood cells resist the damaging effects of free radicals.

Hot pepper
Results of studies suggest that eating food containing hot components such as capsaicin may improve immune status in a study from the University of Ulsan in South Korea.
These studies have shown that capsaicin — the compound that gives chili peppers their fire — can help stop sickness before it starts. Mice in one study were given a daily dose of capsaicin and had nearly three times more antibody-producing cells after three weeks than those given no capsaicin.

Apple
An apple a day keeps the doctor way. Its nutrients, including vitamin C, help to keep the immune system on guard.

Onions
Onions contain quercetin, a nutrient that breaks up mucus in the head and chest while boosting the immune system. Onions also contain allicin which slows down and kills a variety of viruses and bacteria.
Consuming fresh raw white onion within a few hours of the first symptoms of a cold or flu is when you’ll get the strongest immune effect.

Mushrooms
For centuries, people around the world have turned to mushrooms for a healthy immune system. Studies show that mushrooms increase the production and activity of white blood cells, making them more aggressive. This is a good thing when you have an infection.

 http://tribuneonlineng.com/foods-you-can-make-your-medicines

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REFERENCE GUIDE TO STRETCHING

  An In-Depth Look at Flexibility

Stretching comes naturally to all of us. You might notice that if you have been sitting in a particular position for a long time, you stretch unconsciously. It feels good! In addition to that good feeling, a consistent stretching program will produce large gains in flexibility and joint movement.

What is Stretching?
The act of stretching is to extend or lengthen your body or limbs. Stretching helps you develop and maintain a healthy level of flexibility, which refers to the range of movement at any particular joint. Stretching is also referred to as flexibility training. Examples of stretches include: calf stretch, hamstring stretch, triceps stretch, and certain yoga poses and Pilates exercises. The Fitness Resource Center includes stretching routines, videos and stretching demonstrations.

Flexibility training is broadly accepted as a way to increase joint mobility. The goal of stretching is to optimize joint mobility while maintaining joint stability. Although research has shown that different stretching methods will improve joint flexibility, it should be noted that inappropriate stretching can cause injury. Recently, researchers have promoted the concept of a “functional range of motion.” This refers to developing just enough flexibility for a specific activity (or sport) without compromising joint stability.

Everyone should stretch, regardless of age, gender, or flexibility level. Stretching should be a part of your daily routine, whether you exercise or not. There are simple stretches you can do while watching TV, using the computer, or getting ready for bed.

What are the Benefits of Stretching?
Without regular stretching, your muscles will tighten and the range of motion in your joints will decrease as you age. This can put a damper on active lifestyles and even hinder day-to-day activities. Tasks that used to be simple, such as zipping up a dress or reaching for a can off of the top shelf, can become extremely difficult. A regular stretching program can help you to maintain your range of motion and make daily living activities easier

Stretching does not demand a huge time commitment, but it can give you huge results! Here are some of the benefits you can expect from a regular stretching program:

• Reduced muscle tension
• Increased range of movement in the joints
• Enhanced muscular coordination
• Increased circulation to various parts of the body
• Increased energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)
• Delayed onset of muscle fatigue
• Enhanced performance in daily life, sports, or other physical activity
• Improved posture
• Mental relaxation
• Added variety, enjoyment, and satisfaction to your exercise program

Stretching is important for people of all ages! One of the greatest benefits of stretching is that you’re able to increase your range of motion, which means your limbs and joints can move further without discomfort or injury. Post-exercise stretching can also aid in workout recovery, decrease muscle soreness, and ensure that your muscles and tendons are in good working order. The more conditioned your muscles and tendons are, the better they can handle the rigors of sport and exercise, and the less likely that they'll become injured.

What Influences Your Level of Flexibility?
There are four main factors that affect your flexibility level and ability to stretch:

1. Age. Younger people are naturally more flexible than older people. Why? Muscle connective tissues have a natural tendency to shorten and lose elasticity as you age, resulting in muscle tightness and stiffness.
2. Gender. Females tend to be more flexible than males.
3. Exercise history. Active people tend to be more flexible than inactive people.
4. Temperature. When your muscles are warm (whether from exercising or from a warmer environment), they will be more flexible than when they are cold. Why? Increase in muscle temperature decrease muscular resistance, which boosts your range of motion.

How Much Stretching Should You Do?
When considering the guidelines for aerobic exercise, keep the FITT principles in mind (Frequency, (Intensity, Time and Type).

• Frequency: Number of stretching sessions per week
  The more frequently you stretch, the more quickly you will gain flexibility. It is recommended to stretch all of the major muscle groups daily—or at the very least, each time you exercise (a minimum of 3-4 times per week).
   
• Intensity: How deeply to stretch
  Each stretch should be done in a slow and controlled manner, without bouncing or forcing, which can cause your muscles to tighten, increasing your risk of injury. Stretch in a slow, steady motion to the point of “mild discomfort.” If you are stretching to the point of pain, you have stretched too far.
   
• Time: How long you should stretch
  Ideally, most experts recommend that people stretch for 10-15 minutes per day. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds, repeating one or two more times, depending on how you feel.

·  Type: Activities that count as stretching
There are several different types of stretching. The methods described below will help you safely improve your level of flexibility. The two most common and accepted techniques for improving flexibility are static and PNF stretching.

Static stretching is a low-force stretch where the muscle is held at the greatest possible length for up to 30 seconds. This is probably the most common type of stretch, mainly because it benefits from being both effective and safe. SparkPeople’s Stretching Demos are all examples of static stretches.

PNF is short for Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation. This involves maximally contracting a muscle (usually with a partner or trainer who is trained in this technique) and then immediately doing a static stretch for the muscle. This type of stretching may be performed without a partner, although it is usually more effective with a partner's assistance. In all cases, it is important to note that the stretched muscle should be rested (and relaxed) for at least 20 seconds before performing another PNF technique. There are two types of PNF stretches, Contract-relax (an isometric contraction of the muscle, followed by relaxing, then stretching to the point of limitation) and Contract-relax-agonist-contract (an isometric contraction of the muscle, followed by relaxing, stretching to the point of limitation, then contracting the agonist/opposing muscle, followed by a stretch to the point of limitation).

Passive stretching increases the range of motion by using an external force (like a partner, a wall or the floor). These stretches can be very useful in the development of stretching but care must be taken to ensure the stretch is not forced; it should remain within the realms of comfort at all times.

Active stretching involves assuming a position (or stretch) and then holding it there with no assistance other than using the strength of your “helper” muscles. When you lie on your back with one leg extended up in the air, for example, and continue to hold it there without any assistance you are doing an active stretch. Active stretching increases active flexibility and strengthens the “helper” muscles too. Active stretches are usually quite difficult to hold and maintain for more than 10 seconds and rarely need to be held any longer than 15 seconds. These types of stretches are frequently used in yoga.

Dynamic stretching involves controlled, gentle leg and arm swings that take you to the limits of your range of motion. There are no bounces or "jerky" movements. An example of dynamic stretching would be slow, controlled leg swings, arm swings, or torso twists. Dynamic stretching improves dynamic flexibility and is quite useful as part of a warm-up for an active or aerobic workout (such as a dance or martial-arts class).

Get the Most Out of Your Stretching Routine
Stretching can be highly beneficial if done properly. If done improperly, it can cause serious damage. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you are stretching safely and preventing injury:

• Always warm up before stretching. Stretching a cold muscle increases the risk of pulls or tears. Think of your muscles like you would a rubber band. It’s easy to stretch a warm rubber band, but if you try to stretch a cold one, you risk cracking or breaking it. Don’t treat your muscles like a cold rubber band! Your best bet is to stretch after warming up or at the end of your workout.
• Do not lock your joints when you stretch. Keep joints like the elbows and knees slightly bent to avoid unnecessary stress on the joints.
• Never hold your breath while stretching. Try to breathe normally, in through the nose and out through the mouth. This will make your stretching a more relaxing experience.
• Take your time. The long-sustained, mild stretch reduces unwanted muscle tension and tightness.
• Do not compare yourself with others. Everyone has different degrees of flexibility. Comparisons may lead to overstretching.
• If you have had a hip replacement, do not cross your legs or bend your hips past a 90-degree angle during any of your stretching exercises.
• Avoid ballistic stretching and other high-force, short-duration stretches that use rapid bouncing motions or momentum. You have far less control during this type of stretch and therefore a greater potential risk of injury. It does not allow your muscles to adjust to, and relax in, the stretched position. It may instead cause them to tighten up by repeatedly activating the stretch reflex.
• Never stretch to the point of pain. If it hurts, stop.
• Talk to your doctor about any current or former musculoskeletal injuries or problems that might affect your ability to stretch safely and effectively.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1034

EFFECTS OF GMO IN ARGENTINA

By Ify Aniebo

THERE is ongoing debate about the introduction of GMO in Nigeria and why the signing of the bio-safety bill will be detrimental to Nigerians. One of the recurring statements of pro-GMO activist and lobbyist is that there is no known health effect in humans linked to GMO.
Argentina is one of the countries where GMO has been used for up to 15 years. It has also carried out epidemiological and clinical surveillance of the effects GMO has had on their people who live close to farms where these crops are planted.
Argentinian children were consuming so much genetically engineered soy that they began developing breasts from the estrogenic effects, before authorities stepped in with warnings.
Studies also strongly suggest that the glyphosate that these crops are doused with can cause cancer and birth deformities; both of which are occurring at increasing rates in areas where spraying is done.
Sterility and miscarriages are also increasing. Experts warn that in 10 to 15 years, rates of cancer, infertility and endocrine dysfunction could reach catastrophic levels in Argentina.
For nearly 10 years, residents of rural and periurban areas where agricultural activities are carried out have been reaching out to the political authorities and the courts of justice because their health and environment is being destroyed.
Some of the complaints were included in the ‘declaration of Caroya.’ A declaration made by a large number of organisations, made up of self-organised neighbours and environmental NGOs, from the Capital City of Cordoba and 12 other cities in Argentina.
Below is an excerpt from the declaration: ‘That the processes of soyization, monoculture, direct sowing, intense farming … have affected our natural co-existence in the following order: Health: Reduction in the average age and height in crop-sprayed towns due to malnutrition, and a decrease of the body’s natural defences.
Birth defects, mutagenesis, miscarriages, depression and suicide, disorders of the central nervous system and other neurological pathologies; disabilities, spina bifida, lupus, leukaemia and other types of cancers; chloracne and other skin problems; asthma, allergies, and other respiratory and lung-related problems; male sterility and impotence; hormonal disruption and other hormonal disorders; diminished childhood development; prolonged febrile syndrome without focus; children’s increased vulnerability to pollutants; anaemia, multiple sclerosis, cerebral ischemia, death.’
Presentations and stories of the participants matched the clinical observations of a range of diseases and health conditions on people subject to sprayings.
While manifestations of acute poisoning are the daily demands of these patients, what alarms physicians the most in crop-sprayed towns are two main observations: Firstly, more newborns suffer from birth defects and there are more miscarriages than those usually occurring in their population of patients.
Secondly, there is an increased detection of cancers in children and adults, and serious illnesses, such as toxic liver disease, and neurological disorders.
The physicians stressed that for over 25 years, what they found in recent years was quite unusual and strictly linked to systemic sprayings of pesticides.
Birth Defects It is now officially recognised that activity with agrochemicals or its residential exposure (by vicinity) is linked to reproductive problems, repeated miscarriages and serious birth defects, such as the series of birth defect cases where mothers have a history of direct exposure to pesticides.
There is a four times increase in birth defects from a time when there was less agrochemical activity to a time when agrochemical activity was very much present.
In the area where soybean planting had been implemented, there’s been an increase in the incidence of child cancer which was strongly linked to high-level exposure to glyphosate.
The rate of babies born with severe congenital birth defects increased over time. High Genetic Damage Rate It was found that exposure to pesticides (occupational and residential) caused a higher rate of genetic damage compared to those not exposed.
Individuals with higher genetic damage rate have less ability to eliminate genetic mutations and therefore have more possibilities of developing cancer under this exposure.
Similarly, exposed pregnant women in high vulnerability time windows will undergo spontaneous abortions or give birth to newborns with birth defects. Genotoxicity of Gyphosate The studies consistently showed an increase in risk for defects at birth due to exposure to pesticides in mothers.
The specific defects included were limb reduction, urogenital anomalies, CNS defects, orofacial clefts, heart conditions, and ocular defects. Together with the increase in cancer and birth defect cases in the mentioned areas, the use of pesticides also increased exponentially since the introduction of transgenic crops. This type of crop requires the use of more and more pesticides.
In 1990, 35 million litres were used during the crop year. In 1996, the introduction of transgenic biotechnology accelerated the use of pesticides to the extent that 98 million litres were used, and in 2000, it increased to 145 million litres.
Last year 292 million litres were used, and this year, the fields will be sprayed with over 300 million litres of herbicides, insecticides, acaricides, defoliants and other poisonous substances.
Each year, the amount of Glyphosate per hectare repeatedly sprayed on the same plot of land has increased. This is because weeds have become resistant.
Twelve million Argentineans are directly sprayed. This means that a sufficient amount of those 300 million litres of agro-toxics are sprayed on houses, schools, parks, water sources, sports fields, and work areas.
This population is treated by physicians working in the crop-sprayed towns, where they’ve noticed an alarming increase of cancer, birth defects and reproductive disorders, which cannot be concealed anymore.
Nigeria will be faced with similar health problems if genetically modified foods are adopted. The country is already faced with a triple burden of disease which we clearly are struggling to manage so why should we create more health problems that we do not have the technical skills or medical facilities to treat? Before a policy is approved, it should be properly assessed for all potential consequences that could arise.
If all the required assessments are not done, then any negative consequences that arise would be deemed as intentional. It is a terrible idea to pass an agriculture policy that would be detrimental to the health of Nigerians and future health of a generation unborn.
• Aniebo is a molecular geneticist from Oxford University, with a master’s in public health . She is a Bill and Melinda Gates scholar and most recently an Exxon Mobil scholar. winner of the future awards Africa young person of the year award and best use of science award.
She was also recognized by former Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan during the centenary celebrations as an inventor and innovator. She writes from Oxford.

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/09/effects-of-gmo-in-argentina/