Rid Yourself Of Intestinal Parasites In A Week Using a Natural Remedy

You say that you don't have intestinal parasites. Are you sure?

Many Americans have these pest in their gut, and don't realize it. You can easily pick up parasites from pets, infected children or food, or a visit to a nursing home.

Many parasites can live in your intestines for years without any symptoms. However, symptoms can eventually develop and include

1. Abdominal pain
2. Diarrhea
3. Nausea
4. Gas or that bloated feeling
5. Loose stool containing blood and mucus
6. A rash around your rectum
7. Stomach pain or tenderness
8. Constant fatigue
9. Weight loss
10. Or the passing of a worm in your stool

Your doctor can give you drugs to help kill the parasites. However, there is also a natural remedy that has proven to be effective in ridding patients of intestinal bugs.

Researchers at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria have shown that dried papaya seeds can eleminate intestinal parasites from 75% of infected patients in one week. Even if you don't have parasites, papaya seeds are nutritious. Some people may not like the peppery taste of these seeds. That is why the Nigerian researchers mixed the seeds with honey to improve their taste.

I like the peppery taste that these seeds give to a green salad.

Eat a quarter cup of papaya seeds with a tablespoon of honey to treat for intestinal parasites. Consume the seeds on an empty stomach for maximum effectiveness. 

Another method that has proven effective against intestinal parasites is eating two, raw garlic cloves each day. Personally, I prefer the papaya seeds.

Charles A. Pennison

References:

University of Maryland: " Intestinal Parasites "
NCBI: " Effectiveness of Dried Carica Papaya Seeds Against Human Intestinal Parasitosis "
Yahoo Health: " A Natural Cure for Parasites "

Jeopardy TV Host Alex Trebek Suffers A Mild Heart Attack

Alex Trebek suffered a mild heart attack on Saturday. The Jeopardy host is expected to recover in time to start the 29th season of Jeopardy in July.

Coming from a heart attack prone family, I thought that this would be a good time to review the warning signs of a heart attack, and the steps we can take to minimize our risks of having a heart attack. Many do not realize that the leading cause of death for both men and women is heart disease. The only difference between men and women is that the symptoms may be slightly different in women.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

As the American Heart Association states, "most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help." Even if you are not sure if you are having a heart attack, talk with a health profession as soon as possible and describe your symptoms. Minute can make a difference between life and death.

These are the signs that you should take seriously if you experience them.

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of your chest. I can last for more than a few minutes, or go away and come back. I can feel like an uncomfortable pressure in the center of your chest, squeezing, a fullness sensation or pain.
• Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, neck jaw or stomach.
• You can experience shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• You may also experience a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. 

Women may be more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

The way to minimize your risks of having a heart attack is to live a heart healthy lifestyle. This includes

• Stop Smoking
• Choose a heart healthy diet. Eat foods low in sugars and saturated fats. Choose good foods like vegetables, fruits, cold water fish, lean proteins, whole grains and low fat dairy products
• Reduce your blood cholesterol, especially LDL and triglycerides.
• Lower your blood pressure. Your goal is less than 120 / 80 mmHg
• Be physically active everyday
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage your diabetes
• Reduce your stress
• And limit your alcohol consumption

Even if you live a healthy lifestyle, upon experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Charles A. Pennison

References:

Huffpost: " Alex Trebek Heat Attack "
American Heart Association: " Prevention and Treatment of Heart Attack "
CDC: " Leading Cause of Death in Females "
CDC: " Leading Causes of Death in Males "

L-Carnosine As An Anti-Aging Supplement

Stop.

Before you go running to buy the anti-aging supplement L-carnosine, there may be a less expensive way to boast your blood levels of carnosine than by using a carnosine supplement.

The Dr. Oz Show has tauted L-carnosine as a miracle pill to stop aging. It is found in skeletal muscle, heart muscle, skin and in your brain. Even though scientist do not know exactly what carnosine does, it does appear to slow down cellular deterioration and promote cellular rejuvenation.

Our bodies can produce this miracle molecule by combining the two amino acids beta-alanine and histidine. However, as we age, carnosine levels tend to fall. The lower levels of carnosine as we age may be partly responsible for increased cellular deterioration and reduced physical activity of the elderly.

Research at the University of Oklahoma and Ghent University show that beta-alanine supplements can increase carnosine levels in skeletal muscle, and increase the physical working ability of the elderly. So, the most cost effective way to increase the carnosine levels in our bodies may be to take beta-alanine supplements rather than L-carnosine supplements.

The study at the University of Oklahoma uses a dosage of 2.4 grams of beta-alanine per day. Dr. Oz recommends 1000 mg of L-carnosine per day to slow the aging process. Using these two dosages, it cost 11 cents per day for the beta-alanine supplement, and 55 cents per day for the L-carnosine supplement. As you can see, there is a huge cost advantage in using beta-alanine rather than L-carnosine.

Since beta-alanine is effective in increasing carnosine levels in skeletal muscle and is quite a bit less expensive, I would consider beta-alanine as the better alternative in helping us find the fountain of youth.

Charles A. Pennison

References:

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition: " The effect of beta-alanine supplementaton on neuromuscular fatigue in elderly "
US Library of Medicine: " Beta-alanine supplementation augments muscle carnosine content "
Dr. Oz Show: " Miracle Pill to Stop Aging "
Swanson: " Beta-Alanine "
Swanson: " L-Carnosine "

A New Version Of Gastric Bypass Surgery May Cure Diabetes

A modified version of gastric bypass surgery is eliminating diabetes in its patients.

After 2 years of testing, 19 of 20 diabetic patients that have undergone the modified gastric bypass surgery no longer have diabetes.

First, let's look at basic anatomy of the upper digestive system. From the stomach, food first goes into the upper small intestine called the duodenum. This is the first 25 centimeters of the small intestine. The next 25 meters of the small intestine is called the jejunum.

In a normal bypass operation, the size of the stomach is reduced. In addition, the duodenum is bypassed, and food from the smaller stomach goes directly to the jejunum.

In the modified version of this operation, the stomach is untouched. But, the duodenum is bypassed just like in the normal bypass operation.

This modified version of the gastric bypass operation was developed by Dr. Francisco Rubino of the Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. Dr. Rubino has been researching, since 1999, the possibility that gastric bypass surgery cures diabetes.

What is interesting about his findings is that these patients get cured of their diabetes long before experiencing weight loss. This indicates that something other than weight loss is curing these diabetic patients.

Due to his findings, Dr. Rubino has received approval to study experimental bypass surgery on diabetics with a healthy Body Mass Index or BMI. Normally, this type of surgery is only considered for diabetic patients with a BMI of 35 or higher.

Researchers at the University of Toronto are offering a possible explanation why the modified bypass operation is curing diabetes.

By bypassing the duodenum, the jejunum receives more nutrients than it normally gets. When this happens following the surgery, the jejunum tells the brain that it has too much sugar. In turn, the brain then tells the liver to stop making glucose. The net result is that blood sugar levels are reduced to normal levels, and no more diabetes.

Additional good news is that this surgery may also work with type-1 diabetes.

Of course, invasive surgery always comes with some risk. About 0.3% die within 30 days of the operation. And a small percentage of patients experience infections, leaking from the stomach into the abdominal cavity and gallstones. Also, there is less intestines to absorb nutrients, which may cause anemia and osteoporosis.

Each patient must weigh the risks of invasive surgery with the possibility of curing their diabetes. However, we may have a way to cure a once incurable disease.

Charles A. Pennison

References:

Reuters: " Curing Diabetes Via Surgery, Without Weight Loss "

How to Cut an Avocado

If you are like me, you're using the wrong method to remove the skin from an avocado.

You want to remove as little of the flesh just beneath the skin as possible. The reason is that the largest amount of healthy carotenoids in avocados is in the dark green flesh just below the skin.

What are carotenoids? They are the chemical pigments in fruits and vegetables that give them their yellow, orange and red colors. You can only find these pigments in plants, algae, fungi and bacteria. More importantly, carotenoids help reduce the risks of developing cancers, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration of our eye sight.

How to properly cut an avocado.

1. Cut the avocado lengthwise around the seed
2. You should end up with two halves of the avocado still connected by the inner seed
3. Grab both halves and twist in opposite directions until the halves separate
4. Remove the seed either with your fingers or a spoon
5. I like keeping the avocado in halves, but you may prefer to cut the halves into quarters
6. Gently remove the skin with your fingers. Usually, the skin will easily separate from the flesh leaving the healthy, dark portion of the flesh intact
7. Sprinkle the flesh with white vinegar or lemon / lime juice to prevent discoloration of the avocado flesh

How To Eat Avocados 

Here are just a few ideas on how to add avocados to your diet:

1. Add sliced avocados to your favorite salad
2. Use a ripe avocado as a spread on sandwiches to replace mayonnaise
3. I enjoy putting slices of avocado on my sandwich as a substitute for sliced tomatoes 
4. Use a chopped avocado as a garnish for soups
5. Mix with tofu for a healthy salad dressing

Avocado Health Benefits

It is true that avocados are high in fat. However, the fat in avocados are healthy fats.

Most of the fats found in avocados have anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that constant, low levels of inflammation in our bodies may be responsible for health problems such as

1. Arthritis
2. Cardiovascular disease
3. Some cancers
4. and Alzheimer's disease

That is why vegetables like avocados may help to reduce the risks of developing many of these diseases.

Over half of the fat in avocados is in the form of oleic acid, which helps to increase the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. Oleic acid has also been shown to reduce our risks of developing heart disease.

Avocados are also high in

1. Fiber
2. Vitamin K
3. Folate
4. Vitamin C
5. Vitamin B5
6. Vitamin B6 and
7. Potassium

To help you improve your overall health and fitness, add avocados to your diet plan.

Charles A. Pennison

References:

Whole Foods: " Avocados "
California Avocado: " How to Choose and Use "
The Carotenoid Project: " The Carotenoid Story "
WebMD: " Anti-inflammatory Diet "

2 Ways To Spice Up Your Green Tea

I like the taste of green tea. But I love the taste of green tea with herbal spice.

Green tea is the least processed version of tea. Because it is not processed very much, it provides the most amount of EGCG, which is the antioxidant responsible for most of the health benefits of green tea.

Even though I like the taste of green tea, I especially enjoy the taste of green tea blended with two of my most favorite herbal spices, mint and rosemary.

Mint Green Tea

Whether it be peppermint or spearmint, my favorite, mint gives tea a fresh and vibrant taste. It also adds some vitamins A and C along with manganese to your drink.

Fresh mint is easy to grow. Actually, it may be too easy to grow. It can overtake a garden bed. I prefer to grow my mint in a small container. Either way, your favorite type of mint will provide you with fresh leaves most of the year.

Ingredients for 1 Serving

• 1 green tea bag
• 1 sprig of fresh mint
• 1 cup of water
• Sweeten to taste

Recipe

1. Put tea bag and mint in a cup
2. Pour hot water into the cup
3. Let it steep for 2 to 3 minutes
4. Remove the tea bag. 
5. You can either remove the mint sprig or leave it in the cup. You can also remove the steeped sprig, and replace it with a fresh sprig for an attractive presentation.
6. Enjoy a great tasting tea.

Rosemary Green Tea

I just love the smell and taste of fresh rosemary.

So far, I have had good success in growing rosemary in Zone 6 of Southeastern Ohio. The plant in a sunny, garden location will provide you with plenty of sprigs during the warm months.

Some studies have shown that rosemary may be useful in improving your immune system, increasing your blood circulation and improving digestion.

Ingredients for 1 Serving

• 1 green tea bag
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 1 cup of water
• Sweeten to taste

Recipe

1. Steep rosemary sprig in hot water for 5 minutes or longer
2. Place tea bag and sweetener in cup
3. Pout rosemary steeped water into cup and steep for 2 to 3 minutes
4. Remove tea bag
5. You can place a fresh rosemary sprig in cup for presentation
6. Enjoy this spring fresh tasting tea.

Charles A. Pennison

References:

Whole Foods: " Green Tea "
Whole Foods: " Rosemary "
Whole Foods: " Peppermint "

Changing The Time of Day When You Eat May Help Prevent Obesity And Diabetes

Changing the time of day when you eat, rather than what you eat, may help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent diabetes.

That is the result of a very interesting study by the researchers at the Salk's Regulatory Biology Laboratory.

This is a study that was conducted with mice, but may have relevance to humans. However, human tests will have to be conducted to make that claim.

This is what the researchers found. When mice were restricted to eating during an 8 hour period and forced to fast during the remaining 16 hours of the day, they weighed less and were healthier than mice that could eat whenever they wanted to eat.

Just think about that for a second. If you could restrict your eating to an 8 hour period of the day and fast for the remaining 16 hours, you might be able to reduce your weight and fat content, and be healthier. And you may be able to be healthier without changing what you eat. Just change when you eat, and lengthen the fasting period.

Most of us do not eat during our sleep cycle of about 8 hours. To be healthier and slimmer, just find a way to increase that period of fasting to 16 hours. You don't have to change anything else. However, if you also eat healthier foods and fast for 16 hours, you may become even more healthy.


On the other hand, if you eat around the clock and have very short fasting times, you may have difficulties in maintaining a healthy weight. Not only that, but you also increase your risks of developing diabetes, liver and heart disease.

In other words, the length of your fasting time each day is an important factor in whether or not you can maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk of diabetes, according to this new research study.

The mice that ate around the clock, compared to the mice that had a 16 hour fasting period,

1. Weighed 28% more
2. Developed high cholesterol
3. Had high blood sugar
4. developed liver damage
5. and had diminished motor control

The researchers found that when you eat frequently without fasting, your body keeps making and storing fat, which eventually can lead to liver damage. Your liver also continues to make additional glucose, which raises your blood sugar, which can eventually develop into diabetes.

However, if you fast for several hours, your body makes less fat, glucose and cholesterol. If you regularly fast for long periods each day, your body starts burning fat cells during the fasting period. In addition, instead of producing extra glucose, your body uses that nutrition to repair damaged cells and make new DNA. The net result is lower cholesterol, less fat cells and lower blood sugar levels.

 If you are looking for ways to maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of diabetes without the use of drugs, consider increasing your fasting time every day. This means, of course, no late night snacking.

Charles A. Pennison

References:

Salk Institute for Biological Studies: " Salk Study May Offer Drug-free Intervention To Prevent Obesity and Diabetes "