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January / February 2009 ( to: Health Newsletter Archive ) Greetings once again and welcome to this edition of the Archangel Health News! We hope that you will find the information presented below informative and helpful towards your goal of optimum health. Featured in this month's issue:
========================================== HEALTH BYTES: Facts and Tips for Better Living ========================================== EAT YOUR BEANS! -- Colorado researchers say antioxidant-rich beans, long touted for nutritional benefits, also may help fight cancer and diabetes. The scientists are investigating the antioxidant properties of 15 varieties of beans that may help fight cancer and possibly protect against diabetes. The project, funded with $187,000 from the Bean Health Alliance, may serve as a model for food and crop research that can be used by farmers to determine what varieties of crops to plant and by consumers to decide what foods to eat. "Antioxidants are found to be important to people for fighting cancer and also for battling diabetes," said Henry Thompson, professor and director of the Cancer Prevention Laboratory at Colorado State University. "We know that there is an association between cell oxidation and diabetes, because we have seen this behavior as part of the pathology of diabetes." EAT YOUR WALNUTS, TOO! -- Scientists from Pennsylvania State University report eating walnuts can help reduce inflammatory markers for cardiovascular disease. They found an effect on C-reactive protein and harmful plaque adhesion molecules, they report in the "Journal of Nutrition." Many people look to fish, such as salmon, for healthful omega-3 fatty acids, notes investigator Penny Kris-Etherton, distinguished professor of nutrition. "The omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts were converted to the same omega-3 fatty acids found in marine sources and had a similar effect on inflammation," she says. "Reducing inflammation can help decrease the process of arteriosclerosis - the development and build-up of plaque in the arteries." She says a walnut-rich diet may protect against multiple heart disease risk factors, rather than just one, thus potentially having a greater impact on coronary health. ADS CONFUSE KIDS ON HEALTHY FOODS -- A University of Illinois study finds television commercials about food are confusing children about what is healthy and what is not. The study found the more television a child watches, the more confused they are about what foods will make them strong and healthy. Speech Professor Kristen Harrison, the author of the study, said the commercials also robbed children of their ability to provide the reasons behind their food choices. Harrison found children equate labels like "diet" with "fat-free" with nutritious. "When they were presented with choices like Diet Coke vs. orange juice and fat-free ice cream vs. cottage cheese, they were more likely to pick the wrong answer - the diet and fat-free foods - than when they were presented with choices without these labels, for example, spinach vs. lettuce," Harrison said. "The labels 'diet' and 'fat-free' suggest that these foods are good for them and make it harder for them to pick the 'right' answer," Harrison said, noting that the goal of the study was "to gauge children's understanding of which food would help them grow, not make them slimmer." TOP TEN REASONS TO QUIT SMOKING -- Dr. Steven Gay of the University of Michigan Health System has a top 10 list of reasons to quit smoking. "It is thought that half a million people each year die from smoking-related diseases, making it the number one cause of premature death in the United States," Gay said. His list includes:
1. You will drastically cut your risk of developing lung and other cancers. CERTAIN FOODS MAY REDUCE HAY FEVER -- Getting a healthy dose of certain antioxidants and fatty acids from oils, fruits, and vegetables can reduce your risk of developing seasonal bouts of hay fever, a past study findings suggest. Fatty acids and antioxidants have been linked to a number of health benefits, including keeping the heart healthy and preventing cell damage. While these latest findings suggest some fatty acids and antioxidants may also reduce the risk of developing the seasonal allergies, the study also showed that other fatty acids and antioxidants appeared to increase that risk. Fatty acids are present in fish oils and vegetable oils, while antioxidants are often found in fortified foods, fruits, and vegetables. Researchers found that eating large amounts of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) appeared to reduce the risk of hay fever. However, people who consumed the most oleic acid, the predominant type of fatty acid in olive oil, were almost three times as likely to have hay fever as those with the lowest intake of oleic acid. Similarly, a diet rich in the antioxidant vitamin E appeared to protect people against hay fever, while a high intake of beta-carotene, also an antioxidant, seemed to increase the risk. The influence of antioxidants on hay fever risk was most apparent among women and former or current smokers, the researchers report in the journal "Allergy." ========================================== WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ==========================================
Q & A #1: Magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) may cause involuntary shaking (tremors) of the tongue, arms and legs. Other signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency include: sudden, involuntary muscle twitches or jerks (myoclonus), muscle weakness, sudden sensations of spinning (vertigo), fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia), Magnesium deficiency is rare. But potential causes include: malnutrition, alcoholism, malabsorption disorders, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, poorly controlled diabetes, kidney disease, certain medications, such as cisplatin (Platinol) and some diuretics and antibiotics, removal of the parathyroid gland, acute pancreatitis. Treatment of magnesium deficiency may include: increasing dietary intake of magnesium, taking magnesium supplements, intravenous injections of magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride
Q & A #2: Alcohol can cause a variety of immediate adverse effects on the body. Studies show that some people are more sensitive to these effects than others are - although this does not mean that they are allergic to alcohol. A true allergic reaction involves the immune system. Alcohol can cause headache, rapid heartbeat, and nausea. Some people are especially sensitive to the stomach-irritating effects of alcohol and may develop heartburn, abdominal pain, and even vomiting. Alcohol can also increase blood flow to parts of the body, such as the skin and the lining of the nose. This may result in warm, red, sometimes itchy skin, as well as nasal congestion. Rarely, a person may have sensitivity to the preservatives used in some wines and beers. Many people of Asian descent experience an unusual flushing reaction after drinking alcohol - even in very small amounts. This is caused by a genetic disorder in which the body is unable to break down alcohol completely. Some research suggests that people who experience alcohol flush reaction may be at increased risk of alcohol-related conditions, such as cancer of the esophagus and liver disease. The only solution to all of these problems is to avoid alcohol.
Q & A #3: Currently, there is no evidence that energy from cell phones or cordless phones causes serious health effects, such as epileptic seizures. Some reports suggest that cell phone use may cause changes in brain activity, reaction time, or the time required for falling asleep. But these findings have not been confirmed. Cell phone use is not entirely without risk. Cell phones may impair the function of certain medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, and hearing aids. Also, use of a cell phone while driving is a proven distraction that increases the risk of accidents.
Q & A #4: Vocal cord paralysis occurs when one or both of your vocal cords do not open or close properly. If only one vocal cord is affected, the result is usually a hoarse or breathy voice. Sometimes, a cause of vocal cord paralysis cannot be determined. But known causes include: viral infection, neck or head injury, thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy), tumors of the neck, lung and chest, or stroke. Treatment of vocal cord paralysis depends on the underlying cause and may include: surgery to increase the size or change the position of the affected vocal cord to make better contact with the other vocal cord, voice therapy, which may include exercises to strengthen the vocal cords. See your doctor if you have hoarseness that lasts longer than three weeks.
Q & A #5: Support your body in healthful ways by combining physical activity with eating the right foods at the right time, which increases your metabolic rate, burns fat, and avoids hunger. The result is a healthier, stronger body.
Q & A #6: Eat three to four protein/vegetable snacks (two slices of your favorite low-fat deli meat wrapped up in a romaine lettuce leaf), two meals with a minimum of 16 grams of protein and at least 1 to 2 cups of vegetables (for instance, 6 ounces of broiled fish or rotisserie chicken, 1 cup of summer squash and 1 cup of Brussels sprouts), and one or two high-quality protein shakes, every day. Drinking one or two high-quality protein shakes a day will ensure you consume your minimum protein requirement. If you get a feeling of overall weakness, an extra protein shake should perk you up.
Q & A #7: The problem is that we are surrounded by foods of convenience, which are engineered to tempt our taste buds and convince us to buy them. On top of that, our modern life no longer requires us to be physically active, so activity is something we must convince and motivate ourselves to do. Living a healthy lifestyle takes work. High-quality protein shakes, some form of exercise, drinking plenty of fluids, eating fruits and vegetables, a diet based on whole foods, and a good dose of commitment will help you accomplish your goals. ========================================== COLD WEATHER WORKOUTS ========================================== Getting motivated to work out when the weather turns cold can be tough, but keeping fit during the winter months does not have to take a huge effort or include pricey trips to the gym. Here are a few fun activities that will help to stave off winter pounds. ICE-SKATING. Ice-skating targets abs, calves, hamstrings and quadriceps. All you need is an arena open to the public or even just a frozen pond and a pair of skates. Aside from burning calories, skating will help develop strong balance and coordination while also boosting endurance levels. Roughly equivalent to light jogging or running, skating is the perfect activity for runners who cannot find a track free of ice and snow during the winter. SKIING. If sliding around on slick ice is not your cup of tea, you might find yourself more inclined to skiing. Both cross-country and downhill skiing are great ways to get an outdoor workout. Both styles target biceps, buttocks, hamstrings, triceps, and quadriceps. Much like skating, cross-country skiing will also help to improve balance, coordination and endurance. It is a low-impact workout that is easy on the joints and allows you to control the intensity of your workout: it can be as gentle or as vigorous as you want to make it. From snow-covered sidewalks to open fields, state parks to backyards, cross-country skiing can be done just about anywhere there is snow. Thrill seekers who find cross-country skiing too tame will probably find its downhill counterpart more to their liking. Downhill provides a high-intensity workout comparable to squash, weightlifting and sprinting. It strengthens muscles, and the turning action will also help to strengthen and tone your stomach. COLD WEATHER RISKS. Though it is possible to get great outdoor exercise during the winter months, it does come with certain risks, including frostbite, dehydration and an increased risk of asthma attack. If you are going to get active outside, remember to take precautions. Layered clothing retains body heat better than one bulky jacket. Also be sure to cover your extremities, where circulation is the poorest, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes, which both increase susceptibility to cold. If you have asthma, be sure to warm up for at least 10 minutes before getting active, and remember to breathe through your nose when you are outside. The nose is designed to warm air before it enters the lungs. Even if you do not have asthma, breathing through your nose while working out in the cold is a good idea. WARMER ALTERNATIVES. If the cold weather is too much and you have to work out inside, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you like to walk but the chilly weather keeps you inside, try going to the mall. It is a warm, safe place that allows you to walk in comfort; just remember you are not there to shop, and try to get in at least 30 minutes of brisk walking. If you cannot make it to the mall, try walking the halls in your office building or, if it is big enough, around the edge of the company cafeteria. You could also look into joining a club that offers indoor sports like basketball, handball or indoor football. Not a fan of team sports? Find a martial arts studio for a workout. Judo, karate, and other martial arts offer great exercise as well as self-defense training. Or try a less-strenuous alternative like tai chi. Local community centers are also a good place to look for indoor workouts. Many offer aerobic classes and they often have indoor pools. Not only are swimming and water aerobics good workouts, they are fun too. Whether you want to brave the cold or stay in the comfort of a heated environment, winter weather does not mean you have to stop exercising. It just means you might have to get creative in how you do it, so layer up and head outside. ========================================== PROTEIN + EXERCISE = STRIKING RESULTS ========================================== Results are positive from a recent study that shows exercise is much more effective when coupled with a protein-rich diet. One of the reasons the diet works so well, researchers say, is because it contains a high level of the amino acid leucine. Forty-eight adult women participated in the four-month study, and protein-rich dieters lost more weight - and they lost fat, not muscle. The extra protein reduced muscle loss while the low-carbohydrate component gave the women low insulin, allowing them to burn fat. The University of Illinois published its findings in the "Journal of Nutrition." Two groups were formed for the research. One group ate a diet rich in protein - such as meats, dairy, eggs, and nuts - designed to contain exact levels of leucine, an essential amino acid that cannot be manufactured in the body. Leucine can be found in whole grains, pork, beef, chicken, soya beans, leafy vegetables, eggs, and milk and milk products. The other group consumed a diet with higher amounts of carbohydrates, such as breads, rice, cereal, pasta, and potatoes. Both groups consumed the same amount of calories. The study also included two levels of exercise. One group walked two to three times a week. The other group was required to engage in five 30-minute walking sessions and two 30-minute weightlifting sessions per week. In both groups of dieters, the required exercise program helped save lean muscle tissue and aimed at fat loss. However, researchers found that in the protein-rich, high-exercise group, the women lost even more weight, and almost 100 percent of the weight lost was fat - while in the high-carbohydrate, high-exercise group, as much as 25 to 30 percent of the weight lost was muscle. The study proved that a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet actually lessens the effectiveness of exercise. The research also found that the protein-rich diet seems to be even more effective for people who carry excess weight in their midsection: Exercise helped the women lose an even greater percentage of body fat from the abdominal area. Leucine is one of the essential amino acids that provides ingredients for the manufacturing of other essential biochemical components in the body. Some of those components are used to give boosts of energy. The availability of this essential amino acid is especially important in controlling the net blend of protein. Another source of leucine - a primary source for many people worldwide who are striving to maintain a healthful lifestyle - is a low-carb, protein-rich shake. It is essential to make the right choice in a shake, preferably one that promotes healthy lean body mass for muscle tone and provides the right amount of essential vitamins and minerals missing in one’s diet during weight management programs. It should include a quality blend of proteins from different sources which are known for their ratio of biologically favorable amino acids and quality lipids as well as limited amounts of carbohydrates. ========================================== PRODUCT-OF-THE-MONTH
Start off this New Year right and include DAILY BIOBASICS in your diet - it is a "must" for anyone who feels that they do not eat properly or for those who are concerned about their daily nutritional needs. Daily BioBasics is a powdered dietary supplement that you mix with your favorite juice or water. Just two scoops per day of this all-natural, safe, and effective product contains all of the essential multivitamins, minerals, fiber, essential digestive enzymes, super green algae, vegetable extracts, herbs, and super-antioxidant protector nutrients that your body needs to detoxify, optimize energy and vitality, boost the immune system, lower the risks of degenerative diseases, and improve your overall level of health and wellness! A one month supply of DAILY BIOBASICS costs just $55.00 regular price (or just $49 for AutoShip members which includes FREE shipping!) Please e-mail us for more details about the AutoShip program or request that we register you as an ASAP Member by indicating that in the COMMENTS field located at the bottom of our secured online order form. Additional details about DAILY BIOBASICS can be found on our web site at http://www.aomega.com/ahs/d6132a.htm. To ORDER online, by phone, or by mail, please see http://www.aomega.com/ahs/ordering.htm (if you are already a Life Plus member, please remember to reference your member PIN on your order). ========================================== Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone you know that might benefit from any of the above information - or refer them to http://www.aomega.com/ahs/newsletters/nl010209.htm - we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for reading this edition of the Archangel Health News and may God bless you and your health!
Darrin and Sandi Quiles Three Ways to Order: http://www.aomega.com/ahs/ordering.htm Buy 6 of any one product and get 1 FREE! To receive a catalog of the health products we have available, pease send a blank e-mail to product-catalog@aomega.com ========================================== To cancel your subscription to the Archangel Health News just send an e-mail to ahs-news@aomega.com with "unsubscribe" as the subject. Please insure that the name and e-mail address on your unsubscribe request is the same one that you originally subscribed with - this will make it possible for us to successfully find and remove you from the list. ========================================== Copyright © 2009 by Sandi and Darrin Quiles. All rights reserved. Please note: the information contained herein has been compiled from various sources. The above statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We make no claims, either expressed or implied, that any products mentioned in this newsletter will cure disease, replace prescription medication, or supersede sound medical advice.
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