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Experts Find the Lowest Rate of Prostate Cancer is Found in Asian Men – Here’s Why!

by August 25, 2017

The American Cancer Society reports that 1 in 7 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Even more frightening, they reveal that prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death due to cancer in the United States with approximately 1 in 39 American men dying from prostate cancer!

Scientists have been trying to learn more about this common, and deadly, disease, researching potential causes and risk factors.  In their effort to better understand both the genetic factors, as well as the potential environmental factors that may impact the rate of development of the disease, researchers looked in depth at the rate of prostate cancer in a number of different countries. What they found was surprising.

World Cancer Research Fund International reported that more than 1.1 million cases of prostate cancer were reported in 2012 globally. The United States was one of 20 countries that made their list of the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world, joined by France, Norway, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Sweden and Australia. The information that caught the eye of cancer researchers wasn’t found on that list. Instead, it was the lowest rates that sparked a new conversation. They reported that the lowest incidence was found in Asia and Africa.

While there are already a number of known factors that have been found to impact your risk of prostate cancer, including family history, your level of physical fitness and your age, the new information in regards to the rates of cancer in various countries has sparked a new conversation. What factors may be impacting this difference in cancer rates?

 

  1. The Use of Squatting Toilets

While the seated toilet that can be found in every home in the United States has been accepted as the standard here, in many Asian countries the standard toilet set up is a squatting toilet. The alignment of the body on the squatting toilet has been found to promote better health by reducing the stress on the diaphragm and supporting the pelvis.

 

  1. Geography

Geography can impact many of the decisions we make, defining our lifestyle. One study looked at the difference in cancer rates between Asian migrants to Western nations in comparison to those who still reside in their home countries. The findings revealed that those who embraced a Western lifestyle saw a higher rate of prostate cancer.

 

  1. Diet

The dietary choices vary largely from culture, and a number of studies have been conducted in an effort to understand the connection between what we eat, and our chances of developing cancer. It stands to reason, then, that there could be a connection between the standard diet in each country, and the rate of cancer. While the Japanese diet is high in low-fat fish, the American diet turns to other meat sources. Experts found a connection between smoked meats and prostate cancer.

 

  1. Genetics

A 2012 study focused on the connection between cancer rates and the genes that we have inherited. For this reason, genetics may play a significant role in whether or not we are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

 

8 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids, Backed By Science

by August 25, 2017

One of the most common causes of rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids, also known as piles, occurs when the blood vessels in or around the anus become swollen or enlarged. These swollen blood vessels are rarely dangerous, generally clearing up on their own over the course of approximately two weeks.

However, depending on the severity of your case, the two-week time period can be painful and uncomfortable, leading sufferers to search for ways to reduce or treat hemorrhoids faster.

They can be triggered by heavy lifting, constipation, prolonged diarrhea, carrying excess weight, pregnancy, or, at times, they can occur as a natural part of the aging process. These small nuisances don’t always present with noticeable symptoms, meaning that some sufferers aren’t even aware that they have them. Other times sufferers may experience itching around the anus, straining or feeling as though you have to relieve yourself even after you have done so, pain during a bowel movement, or the presence of mucus or blood during or after a bowel movement.

 

If you are suffering, and are looking for an option to relieve your pain, try these all natural, science-backed tips:

 

  1. Avoid Straining: When you go to the bathroom, try to give yourself time to carry out a healthy an unstrained bowel movement. Staying relaxed will allow you to avoid the unnecessary pressure that is associated with hemorrhoids.

 

  1. Psyllium Husk: A natural source of fiber, psyllium husk has been found to stimulate the gut and help to avoid conditions like constipation and straining.

 

  1. Eat High-Fiber Foods: Experts advise that eating a high-fiber diet can reduce your risk of persistent, recurring symptoms and bleeding by approximately 50%

 

  1. Butchers Broom: A 2002 study showed that butcher’s broom can promote healthy blood flow, avoiding conditions like venous insufficiency which may cause blood to pool in the veins.

 

  1. Increase Your Water Intake: Constipation can both cause hemorrhoids, and make the pain worse when you already have them. Scientists say you can relieve constipation by drinking one glass of water with each meal and snack throughout the day.

 

  1. Horse Chestnut: This herbal remedy has been found to improve circulation and capillary flow, helping to get rid of existing hemorrhoids.

 

  1. Eat Fermented Foods: The consumption of fermented foods such as pasteurized yogurt and kefir have been found to promote a healthy digestive system, helping the body to effectively eliminate waste and lowering your chance of developing hemorrhoids.

 

  1. Cypress Oil: Aiding in the proper contraction of blood vessels and tightening tissues, cypress oil can be applied as a topical treatment to the affected area.

 

12 Foods that are Often Mistaken for Being Unhealthy, But Aren’t

by August 25, 2017

With a rising obesity epidemic in the United States of America, there has been an increased focus on the foods that we are eating each and every day. As scientists invest time and money into in-depth studies, examining the foods that are often found on our table, their findings can surprise and shock us.

These studies often go viral, reaching thousands of people through the power of the Internet.

There are times, however, where their findings may not be entirely accurate. It could be that there was a small error in the way that the study was completed, or that science as a whole has evolved since the study, providing new methods of testing that, in turn, provide different results. With this ever-changing information, it is hard to keep track of what foods really are good for us, and which we should be avoiding!

Here are 12 foods that are often mistaken for being unhealthy, however they really aren’t!

  1. Coffee

Despite the many negative health claims associated with coffee, many of us wouldn’t be caught facing the day without it! Good news – researchers have now found that coffee has been associated with lowered occurrences of type-2 diabetes and an increased risk of certain cancers.

 

  1. Avocados

Once believed to be highly fattening, and as such a poor nutritional choice, science has now developed a better understanding of the difference between good fats and bad fats, and the way each can impact the body. Avocados are an example of a good fat, and experts now say that it can lower cholesterol and improve vascular health, as well as possessing powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

 

  1. Margarine

We all remember when the articles began to circulate the internet, pointing at the dangers of margarine, encouraging everyone to choose the fats of butter over the ‘questionable’ chemical makeup of this product. Harvard researchers are now pointing us in a different direction, showing that choosing margarine over butter will reduce the risk of heart disease.

 

  1. Eggs

Eggs first received a bad reputation a long time ago, with experts warning us about the fact that they are loaded with fat and can be responsible for drastically raising our cholesterol levels. New research, however, tells us a very different story! Eggs are incredibly nutritious, packed with a number of nutrients including vitamins D and B12, riboflavin and folate.

 

  1. Whole Milk

For years dieticians and nutritionist were pointing us towards skim milk and non-dairy milk options, citing the fat content in whole milk. New information shows that full-fat dairy can help to lower obesity rates compared to those who consume low-fat dairy options.

 

  1. Chocolate

While many women will point to chocolate as a go-to ‘comfort food,’ it is an accepted fact that this sweet treat definitely belongs in the ‘unhealthy’ category of our meal plans. New evidence, however, has shown that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, possesses a number of health benefits. In fact, research has found that eating chocolate can lead to a lower body-mass index!

 

  1. Potatoes

Potatoes have long been seen as nothing more than a source of unhealthy starches, however, new research has shown that we weren’t previously getting the whole story! Potatoes are packed with vitamin C, with a single medium-sized potato containing nearly half of the recommended daily intake!

 

  1. Nuts

While often included in baking efforts and trail mix type snacks, experts have long warned us about the high-fat content in nuts, warning us to eat them in moderation. Similar to avocados, a better understanding of good versus bad fats has changed the opinion on nuts, full of the good fats. It is important to note that some nuts contain more health benefits than others. Almonds, for example, are loaded with flavonoids, protecting us against heart disease.

 

  1. Salt

We grew up hearing stories about the dangers of eating too much salt. Our parents did their best to scare us away from adding salt to our food for fear of the long-term health ramifications. New studies outline the importance of salt in order to prevent dehydration, promote healthy, functioning cells and allow for the proper transmission of nerve impulses in the body.

 

  1. Peanut Butter

Once shoved to the back of the shelf for being high in fat, and incredibly high in calories, new studies show that adding peanut butter to your diet on a regular basis can help to lower the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

 

  1. Coconut Oil

Once seen as unhealthy due to its high saturated fat content, coconut oil is now taking the world by storm, with different studies and articles finding countless uses and benefits for coconut oil in our day to day lives. One such study explains how coconut oil can boost HDL cholesterol, which is the good cholesterol in the body.

 

  1. Popcorn

The difficulty in classifying popcorn as either healthy or unhealthy is that it is highly dependant on the many different types of popcorn. Holding up to its bad reputation, movie-theatre popcorn is covered in high-calorie artificial butter, however choosing air-popped corn has been proven to be a healthy snack choice!

These Five Herbs Will Get Rid Of Sciatic Nerve Pain for Good

by August 24, 2017

Sciatica pain is some of the most persistent pain you can experience, and it can really take a toll on your daily life. However, these 5 herbs are essential to get real relief.

Sciatica pain is often described as leg pain, numbness, or tingling. The pain is typically described as a consistent shooting pain down one or both legs. The pain radiates from your tailbone and lower-back all the way down to the tips of your toes sometimes. It can make it extremely difficult to sleep at night time. You can try and ignore the pain all you want to, but it hardly ever goes away – making it impossible to fall asleep. In the modern day society we are known to continually take the road most traveled, and in this case, we all take medications to temporarily alleviate symptoms. The harm drugs inflict on your body is not worth a few hours of reduced pain.

Instead, use these herbs! They are all natural and extremely potent. They can be used to relieve your pain and reduce inflammation of the sciatic nerve, reducing not only your pain – but the cause of it. They are much safer than taking over the counter drugs or even worse, prescription pain medication. Give them a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Chamomile

Chamomile is an extremely popular herb in Indian and other Eastern countries. It can treat a variety of medical issues and it is a potent antiinflammatory. It contains bisabolol, a pain reliever that soothes the sciatic nerve directly! It’s tasty in tea too.

Cauda Equina

 This herbal plant is commonly referred to as horsetail. It contains a mineral known as silica, which is a strong pain reliever. It directly reduces inflammation in the joints, muscles, and spine. You can even rub over the painful areas with its essential oil to relieve pain!

St. John’s Wort

 Although it doesn’t sound so appetizing, this herb is extremely effective for sciatic pain. It contains anti inflammatory and analgesic properties that relieve pain significantly. It also contains tons of flavonoids and hyperforin.

Wintergreen

 Wintergreen is a nose comforting scent and an exclusive neuromuscular pain relieving herb. Ait can be applied to stiff and swollen sciatic nerve areas. The oil is absorbed into the skin and it reduces inflammation and eases the compressed muscles and tissues around the sciatic nerve.

Jamaican Dogwood

 Speaking of neuromuscular pain relievers, we can’t forget the Jamaican dogwood. Jamaican dogwood is a powerful herb that can open up your sciatic nerve and completely alleviate all pain you might be experiencing. There is little known on this herb so it is not recommended to take it without a professional advising you to.

This 5 Minute-Exercise Hand Exercise Will Boost Energy, Get Rid of Back Pain, and Erase Negative Emotions

by August 24, 2017

Millions of Americans suffer from back pain! Consequently, there are lots of people looking for a cure! If you’re looking for a relief of back pain and trying to avoid harsh chemical containing medications, look no further!  

This method of pain relief is derived from ancient Chinese Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a medical practice that is the stimulation of certain points in the body to cause a reaction in a separate part of the body. This practice often uses needles penetrating the skin to alleviate pain or to treat health conditions. The theory and practice of acupuncture derive from ancient China. It was first mentioned and recorded in documents dating a few hundred years prior to the common era, about 6000 BCE.

Similar to acupuncture, reflexology uses a system of energy flowing channels and meridians to stimulate another part of your body. Jin Shin Jyutsu utilizes reflexology in a different fashion. Reflexology is used to stimulate other parts of the body that you might be experiencing pain in or any kind of discomfort. It relieves inflammation and other components of a variety of health issues. However, Jin Shin Jyutsu has a different effect; it can be used to give you a boot on energy, mental clarity, and balances your emotions.

This practice helps us become more familiar with our awakening. We can harmonize and balance ourselves using the Safety Energy Locks (SEL). SEL is a system of 26 different energy points throughout the body. Sometimes energy gets piled up and stuck in one of these specific points. There are flowing channels of energy that run throughout our body and connect to the SEL’s. Science refers to this as the primo-vascular system, but it is simply the flow of energy throughout your body.

Many of these energy pathways run through your fingers. If you can stimulate SEL’s, which you can, then you can harmonize the energy flowing throughout your body. Doing so can bring about emotional relief, a sense of clarity, and even a boost in energy! Here’s how to do it.

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  • Hold your Thumb for a few minutes with your other hand to eliminate worry and depression. It is also beneficial for digestion, stress, tension in head, shoulders, and lungs.
  • Hold your Index finger to eliminate fear and self-criticism. It is also beneficial for your jaw, teeth, gums, constipation/digestion, bursitis/tennis elbow, backaches.
  • Hold your Middle finger to eliminate anger and irritability. It is also beneficial for general fatigue, vision, nursing mothers, headache in front of head and indecision.
  • Hold your Ring finger to eliminate sadness and grief. It is also beneficial for respiratory problems like asthma, skin conditions, ringing in the ear, excessive mucus and negative attitude.
  • Hold your Little finger to eliminate anxiety. It is also beneficial for heart conditions and severe bloating.

7 Beneficial Foods that Will Remove Every Trace of Nicotine From Your Body

by August 24, 2017

Smoking is horrible for your body and I’m sure most of us know that by now. While the majority of people have finally kicked the nasty habit, some people have yet to succeed. For those of you out there, these foods are guaranteed to make it easier!

If you don’t know that smoking cigarettes is absolutely horrendous for your health, then you have been living under a rock. Smoking increases your risk for a variety of different diseases like heart disease, lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema, and more. Point is; we should all know by now that smoking is horrible for our bodies. The cigarette smoking rate has dropped to an all time low from 20.9% in 2005 to 17.8% of people being smokers in 2013. The amount of smoking American citizens has dropped almost 3 million people!

Although so many people have finally kicked the habit, many people are still struggling intensely with it. It by no means that it is an easy thing to achieve, but there are some natural ingredients that can make it just a bit easier for you. There are certain foods that have compounds that remove nicotine from your body. By eliminating the nicotine in your body you can speed up your recovery and finally breaking free of the addiction. Here are 7 foods that will remove nicotine from your body!

Broccoli – Broccoli contains high levels of vitamin B5 and vitamin C. It can also keep your metabolism balanced by replenishing vitamins. It additionally contains an ingredient that protects the lungs from damage due to toxins.  Isothiocyanates are chemicals that have been shown to stimulate the body’s production of its own cancer-fighting enzymes.

Carrot Juice – Nicotine causes additional harm to your skin and it also likes to stick around for a while. Carrot juice is rich in vitamins A, C, K, and B, all of which are fantastic for replenishing the skin and extracting toxins from it.

Oranges – Oranges are extremely tasty and just as nutritious. The regular consumption of oranges enhances your metabolism, resulting in toxins being flushed out by the dozens.

Water – You could’ve guessed it: water. Water is fantastic for you in every single way, and it is essential to a healthy body. Nicotine causes the body to become dehydrated. Increasing your water intake can really help flush out nicotine for good.

Spinach – Popeye would agree when I say spinach is the key to a healthy body. It contains massive amounts of folic acid and it is rich in vitamins!

Kiwi – Kiwi is one my favorite fruits because it is so tasty, and different from everything else. Kiwi can eliminate nicotine from your body by replenishing your vitamins A, C, and E!

Apple Cider Vinegar – ACV is known for its powerful detoxifying abilities. Use with caution, however, because it is super potent and can throw off your pH balance.

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