Health

A fractured hip can seriously jeopardize your quality of life, especially if you’re over 60. But in addition to being cautious, a proper diet is vital for reducing the risk.

Scientists have recently discovered two nutrients can reduce the risk of hip fracture by almost 50%. Read on to learn what those nutrients are.

Calcium and Protein

In September 2021, a team of American, Australian, and Dutch scientists published a study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). It investigated whether calcium and protein from dairy products can reduce hip fractures. It involved 7,195 participants from 60 Australian aged care facilities, with an average age of 82.

The study lasted two years, and the scientists collected data regarding the participants’ diet. Half of the 60 facilities were randomly selected to give their residents additional amounts of dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. These residents received 3.5 servings of dairy products each day, while the control group received two.

The results showed that a total of 1,974 deaths, 4,302 falls, and 324 fractures (out of which 135 were hip fractures) occurred over two years. Participants supplied with more calcium and protein from dairy products were at 33% lesser risk for all fractures, 46% for hip fractures, and 11% for falls.

The study concluded increasing the intake of calcium and protein by consuming dairy products significantly reduces the risk of fractures common in aged care residents.

A Healthy Diet Means Better Health

Having a healthy, well-balanced diet can do wonders for our bodies, regardless of age. Besides eating right, you should consider taking supplements and vitamins to additionally boost your immune system and improve health. Talk to your healthcare provider about them.

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Coffee is more than just a beverage. It has become integrated into our routine, and many enjoy the ritual more than the actual flavor. This magic potion can boost our energy and help us get through the day when we didn’t get enough sleep the previous night.

Many people have heard that coffee causes dehydration. Keep reading to learn whether that’s true.

Can Coffee Cause Dehydration?

The belief that coffee causes dehydration probably comes from a study published in 1928. The results indicated that people who drink coffee and caffeinated tea urinate 50% more than those who don’t. However, many forget the study’s authors pointed out that regular coffee consumption builds tolerance. That means that people that drink coffee frequently don’t experience its diuretic effects.

Later research confirmed this claim. A study published in 2002 emphasized that those who often consume coffee don’t suffer from poor hydration. Another study from 2014 concluded that coffee doesn’t affect the fluid balance.

Let’s discuss this in more detail. As mentioned, coffee has diuretic properties. When you drink coffee, the caffeine goes through your digestive tract and enters your bloodstream. Then, the caffeine gets broken down into compounds that affect your organs. The kidneys produce more urine, thus releasing sodium and water. That is why many think coffee will dehydrate your body. But if you’re a regular coffee drinker, you probably won’t feel these effects at all.

In fact, research indicates that coffee can have hydrating qualities and even improve fluid intake. Don’t forget that coffee isn’t just caffeine; it also includes water.

Enjoy Your Coffee

If you’re worried about your favorite drink harming your hydration, you can finally relax. Drinking coffee in moderation can positively affect your fluid intake. However, don’t forget that water is still the number one beverage for giving your body the necessary hydration.

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Pineapple is a unique-looking fruit that’s nonetheless packed with vitamins and minerals. It reduces inflammation, strengthens our bones, and boosts our immune system. If you enjoy eating pineapple, you may be surprised to learn this fruit can cause several beneficial or unwanted side effects.

Keep reading to learn more about the surprising side effects of eating pineapple.

Itching, Swelling, and Hives

If you’re experiencing these symptoms after consuming pineapple, you are most likely having an allergic reaction. Pineapples contain natural rubber latex, which is a common allergen. If you’re allergic to latex gloves, sanitary napkins, or rubber toys, you shouldn’t eat or touch pineapples.

Diarrhea and Vomiting

Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme found both in the fruit and the stem. Bromelain is known for its ability to reduce pain and swelling, especially in gums and sinuses. Also, it can interfere with the growth of cancer cells.

But people sensitive to this compound could experience diarrhea and vomiting when ingesting pineapple. Keep in mind that bromelain is often extracted and sold in the form of food supplements and topicals, which could also cause a reaction.

Mouth Tenderness

Bromelain also has meat tenderizing properties. This is why you may experience mouth, tongue, and lip tenderness after eating large amounts of pineapple.

We recommend cooking pineapple to break down bromelain and avoid these side effects. Also, don’t consume raw pineapple from the stem because those parts contain the highest amount of bromelain.

Be Careful When Consuming Pineapple

Although these side effects are rare, it’s always better to be cautious, especially if you don’t consume pineapple often. To ensure you’re not sensitive or allergic to any of its compounds, it’s best to eat only a small amount at first and increase the amount you eat gradually.

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When talking about butter, most people think of the dairy-based version. However, this isn’t your only choice. If you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply don’t enjoy the creamy taste, you can choose from a wide range of options.

Keep reading to learn more about healthy butter substitutes.

Olive Oil

Olive oil can often substitute butter. Since butter is solid at room temperature and olive oil liquid, you should pay attention to the volume. Typically, you’ll need to use less olive oil when baking and cooking. This oil is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, so it’s an excellent alternative for butter.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is solid unless exposed to high temperatures, making it a perfect substitute for butter. There’s no need to worry about the correct quantity: One tablespoon of solid coconut oil equals one tablespoon of butter.

If you’re cooking, it’s best to use refined coconut oil due to its higher smoking point. For baking, you can use the unrefined version.

Keep in mind coconut oil has a strong coconut flavor that can alter the taste of your meals.

Plant-Based Butter

Vegan butter is an excellent option for people that are allergic to milk or don’t consume animal products. Just like dairy-based butter, the plant-based one also has its pros and cons. It’s typically rich in monosaturated fats that lower the risk of heart disease. However, vegan butter is often heavily processed and can contain soy, nuts, or other allergens.

The Options Are Endless

Before choosing a butter substitute, it’s essential to consider what you’re going to use it for. Some alternatives are better for cooking and frying, while others taste great in cakes and cookies. It may take a bit of experimenting until you get the right amount, but the result will be worth it.

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Tasty, convenient, and generally affordable, many of us enjoy pizza. And did you know that the carbs in pizza produce the feel-good hormone serotonin? This is why so many of us crave the Italian dish. However, frozen pizza provides very few health benefits. One slice can exceed our daily recommended allowance for saturated fat and sodium.

In this article, we discuss how frozen pizza can negatively affect your health.

Saturated Fats

Two slices of frozen pizza loaded with cheese and meat contain at least half your daily saturated fat allowance and a day’s worth of sodium. When you eat too much saturated fat, you’ll increase the level of LDL cholesterol in your blood, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Sodium/Salt

The sodium content found in frozen pizzas is in the tomato sauce, cured meats, cheese, and crust. However, your body only requires a small amount of sodium each day. Too much can lead to it building up in your blood and putting a strain on your heart and arteries.

High sodium in your blood can cause high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Other health conditions include fluid retention and chronic heart and kidney disease.

Refined Carbohydrates

The crust made from white flour in pizza is a form of refined carbohydrate. It is low in fiber (just two grams per serving). Therefore, it digests quicker and raises your blood sugar. When this happens, a flood of insulin is activated to handle the large quantity of glucose. This reaction can result in insulin resistance, the precursor to type 2 diabetes.

The blood sugar spike also causes you to feel hungry and crave more sugar, increasing the risk of obesity and heart disease.

Frozen Pizza in Moderation

Frozen pizza is a convenient and yummy dish. However, it’s categorized as processed food due to its high saturated fats, sodium, and refined carbs. Eating frozen pizza and other processed food in moderation is necessary to help maintain a balanced diet. However, consider including a side dish of steamed mixed vegetables to reduce the amount of pizza you have in one sitting.

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable disease that affects the central nervous system. The symptoms vary from patient to patient and can cause many difficulties in daily life.

According to the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, more than 900,000 people have been diagnosed with MS in the United States alone.

Since symptoms tend to worsen over time, it’s important to get an early diagnosis.

In this article, we’ll look at the most common warning signs and possible treatments to help you get back on your feet if MS attacks.

Early Signs of MS

Vision Problems

According to John Hopkins Medicine, around 50% of people with MS develop vision problems.

MS causes inflammation of the optic nerve, also known as optic neuritis. This results in temporary loss of vision and sharp pain in your eye.

A study published in the journal Eye and Brain shows that 90% of patients battling optic neuritis experience blurry vision and pain in their eyes, sometimes followed by a complete loss of vision.

Numbness

Numbness and tingling are common symptoms of MS.

MS first attacks and destroys myelin, a fatty tissue that surrounds nerves in the spinal cord, and then launches a full-blown assault on your nerves. As a result, you may notice a diminished sense of touch, which ultimately culminates in an inability to walk or use your hands.

A study conducted in 2017 revealed that more than 70% of MS patients experience numbness and tingling.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is the result of damage to your nerves and nerve roots. It’s often described as a shooting pain that travels through different body parts, including your arms and legs.

Some patients feel stabbing pains that only affect one side of their body, often likened to electric shocks or blows to specific nerves in their leg or hand.

Neuropathic pain can also be accompanied by allodynia, which occurs when normally non-painful stimuli are perceived as painful. For example, you might experience sharp pains in your arms and upper body as you put on a cotton T-shirt.

Fatigue

People living with MS can feel extremely fatigued even after a full night’s rest. This overwhelming tiredness can also cause muscle weakness, making it difficult to perform simple everyday tasks like brushing your teeth or getting dressed in the morning.

MS can also be occasioned by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a disorder characterized by pervasive, persistent fatigue that lasts for at least six months.

Speech Problems

According to an article published by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), MS Patients may also experience problems with their speech and language skills.

Swallowing can also become difficult for some patients. The NMSS says that between 40%-80% of individuals who have been diagnosed with MS eventually develop dysphagia, the medical term for having trouble swallowing.

Vertigo and Dizziness

Vertigo is a perception of motion when you are, in fact, stationary or at rest. It can also include hearing rapid, slow, or pounding sounds.

Some MS patients may eventually be unable to stand on their feet.

Treatments

There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms.

• Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs): This involves using drugs like Ocrevus and Tecfidera to modify the course of the disease rather than simply attacking the symptoms. These drugs can reduce the risk of disability or progression by 65% over ten years.
• Symptomatic therapies: This involves using drugs that treat specific symptoms such as numbness, fatigue, and vertigo. Examples include Baclofen, Diazepam, and Amantadine.
• Steroids: The NMSS says some steroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage the symptoms of MS. The steroid most often prescribed is Methylprednisolone.
• Fresnel lenses: These are special lightweight lenses that help manage the optical muscle imbalance caused by the disease.

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If you thought climate change only affects the environment, you’re wrong. It will affect you, too.

According to a recent study, climate change is likely to increase the rate of obesity around the world. We’re going to see more people struggling with cancer and other diseases. What’s more, the world’s most vulnerable populations will endure the worst of the crisis.

The negative consequences of climate change on human health will only intensify if we do not take immediate action to mitigate its effects on our planet’s natural resources and population.

What Exactly Do Studies Reveal?

Data analysis by researchers at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia reveals there’s been an exponential increase in greenhouse gas emissions in the last 70 years. And the culprit? Unprecedented burning of fossil fuels.

The study reveals that as weather events get more severe, there will likely be an increase in sedentary behavior, which in turn will drive up the consumption of fossil fuels by people with obesity. As a result, obesity will become more severe and further exacerbate the climate crisis, creating a vicious cycle.

According to one of the study’s co-authors, Christian Koch, MD, Ph.D., FACP, a rise in temperatures makes people less physically active. This drives up the prevalence of obesity while also increasing the demand for gas-powered transportation.

What’s even worse is that other studies seem to back the research by the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Findings from a 2003 health survey conducted in Australia suggested a direct link between driving to work and obesity rates. In the study, 49% of those driving a car to work were obese.

A closer look reveals a bidirectional relationship. As extreme weather events increase, obesity is likely to increase, driving up the consumption of fuels that will further reduce the planet’s habitability.

A Grimmer Cancer Outlook

Multiple studies have already established a link between obesity and cancer. For example, the CDC reports that obese individuals are at a higher risk of getting 13 types of cancer. These include breast, liver, endometrial, brain, esophageal, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.

Dr. Koch cites several reasons as to why obese people are at a higher risk of cancer:

• Obese individuals are known to have chronic low-level inflammation that gradually damages DNA, creating the perfect conditions for developing cancerous cells.
• In women, large amounts of fat tissue produce high amounts of estrogen, a well-known risk factor for breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.
• Obese people tend to make more insulin, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and a host of cancers, including colon, kidney, prostate, and endometrial cancer.
• Fat cells produce adipokines, hormones that are known to stunt cell growth. This leads to uncontrolled cell generation, which can eventually cause cancer.
• Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic gallbladder inflammation, and people with a history of gallstones are more likely to develop gallbladder cancer.

Disproportionate Effect

The future is particularly bleak for low-income populations.

It is a well-established fact that obesity rates are generally higher in low-income areas.

Obesity affects people of lower economic status more than it affects the rich. That means that low-income populations will most likely see disproportionately higher cancer rates than more developed areas over the coming years.

Child obesity is particularly hard to combat in low-income areas. According to Erica Kenney, ScD, MPH, an Assistant Professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, congested neighborhoods create the perfect conditions for obesity.

For example, if there’s little room for playgrounds, a child is more likely to develop sedentary indoor behavior that increases their risk of obesity. They might sit inside for hours watching TV instead of playing outside.

What’s the Best Response?

Since climate change, obesity, and cancer are all interrelated, finding an effective weapon against one will likely help with the others and slow the deterioration of human health.

For example, community-based programs can keep people active, making them less likely to put on excess weight. This would, in turn, reduce the demand for greenhouse gases and the occurrence of cancer.

Similarly, creating walking paths and cycling areas in urban environments will incentivize residents to adopt good behaviors for their physical fitness. As a result, initiatives aimed at promoting good health among individuals will also positively affect the planet.

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Inflammation is our immune system’s way of fighting outside invaders and irritants. Although it’s completely normal and necessary, inflammation can become chronic and potentially damage our cells and tissues, leading to numerous health problems and diseases.

Fortunately, there are ways to lower inflammation. Let’s dive in.

Avoid Processed Foods

The first step towards reducing inflammation is avoiding refined and processed foods. They contain high sodium levels along with other potentially harmful preservatives.

Processed food often contains additives that can disrupt the bacteria in our gut and trigger inflammation. To prevent this, avoid foods such as pastry or baked goods, as well as red meat.

Enjoy Wild Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are known for lowering inflammation. Additionally, consuming salmon prevents heart disease, improves gut health, and is an excellent source of protein.

Eat Berries

All berries are rich in anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant that has an anti-inflammatory effect. Plus, they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibers that boost the whole immune system.

Blueberries are also a good source of flavonoids that eliminate toxins from our bodies and lower inflammation.

Switch to a Plant-Based Diet

A plant-based diet isn’t just eating fruits and vegetables, although they are invaluable for our health. A well-balanced plant-based diet leans on whole grains, beans, legumes, seeds, nuts, etc.

All these foods feature an abundance of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins essential for our overall health. They not only reduce inflammation but also lower the risk of numerous diseases and protect our immune system.

One of the most efficient vegetables in fighting off inflammation is kale. Although many don’t enjoy eating it, kale contains phytochemicals, compounds that have significant benefits. Plus, thanks to the high amount of fiber, kale will keep you full for hours.

Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity lowers inflammation in multiple ways. First of all, it increases the level of proteins with an anti-inflammatory power. Secondly, during exercising, our body uses the sugar from our blood, thus reducing insulin levels.

Physical activity doesn’t necessarily mean running marathons. Even short daily walks or 15-20 minutes of moderate exercise will help reduce the inflammation.

Experiment With Seeds and Herbs

Numerous herbs and seeds can be powerful allies in fighting inflammation. Although some can have a strong taste, you can add them to your meals or drinks to “mask” the flavor.

One of the best-known anti-inflammatory herbs is turmeric. This plant contains curcumin, a compound that fights off oxidative stress, often the main culprit for inflammation.

Another powerful herb is ginger, which contains gingerols, compounds with an anti-inflammatory power. Ginger has a slightly peppery taste which many find too pungent and spicy. We recommend using it in lemonades or smoothies to balance out the flavors.

Avoid Alcohol

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying alcohol from time to time. However, excessive alcohol amounts only increase inflammation. Additionally, consuming too much alcohol leads to a series of other health problems.

If you’re combating inflammation, it’s best to avoid drinking.

Help Your Gut With Bone Broth

A potential cause of inflammation is the bacterial imbalance in the gut. Eating bone broth will help restore your gut health and fight off harmful bacteria.

Lose Weight

Overweight and obese people are more prone to inflammation and many other disorders. To get the weight under control, it’s often necessary to adopt a new lifestyle, eat healthy foods, and be physically active.

Losing weight can even reverse inflammation. Plus, you’ll feel much better and healthier.

Leave Inflammation Behind You

Even though it’s a natural process, inflammation can be unpleasant and painful, especially if it’s chronic. By taking the right actions, you can put an end to it. In addition to adjusting your diet, you need to stay physically active, and the results will follow.

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Diabetes is a chronic health condition. It affects how your body breaks down food and turns it into sugar (glucose) for energy. The most common causes of type 2 diabetes are obesity and lack of exercise. These factors are responsible for approximately 90% to 95% of obesity cases in the United States.

As with many diseases, our lifestyle and what we consume may not be the overall cause, but it plays a significant role. Keep reading to learn how common everyday habits can cause diabetes to develop over time.

1. Drinking Too Many Sugary Drinks

Regular consumption of sugary beverages like soda, sports drinks, fruit drinks, energy drinks, flavored water, alcohol, and hot drinks with added sugar contributes to obesity. Just one can of soda per day increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in adults by 26%.

Reduce your intake of such drinks and instead opt for healthier ways to satisfy your thirst. Other than water, healthy drinks include green or mint tea, almond or soy milk, and homemade smoothies.

2. Eating Too Much Processed Food

You might be amazed to find out that a lot of the food we enjoy is highly processed and linked to diabetes. For example:

• Breakfast cereals
• Bread
• Cheese
• Biscuits and cakes
• Deli meats, e.g. ham, bacon, sausage, and salami
• Ready and microwavable meals

Ingredients like salt, sugar, and sometimes fat are added to processed food to make them more appealing and extend their shelf life. These excess calories can cause weight gain, which increases your risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.

Whenever possible, stick to foods with little sugar or that break down slowly, for example, whole grains, protein, and vegetables.

3. Not Exercising

A lack of exercise can cause muscle cells to lose their insulin sensitivity. This consequently causes problems for controlling blood sugar levels. Weight loss from healthy eating and exercise assists muscle cells in using insulin and glucose more efficiently, therefore, decreasing the risk of diabetes.

During your week, try to fit in at least 150 minutes of exercise at moderate intensity, or 75 minutes of exercise at a vigorous intensity, or a comparable combination per week.

4. Not Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep deprivation can contribute to increased blood sugar levels. Even one night of limited sleep can increase insulin resistance and raise blood sugar levels. Thus, not getting enough sleep has been associated with blood sugar disorder and diabetes.

Even though it may not always be possible, try to get at least seven hours or more of sleep each night for better health and wellbeing.

5. Smoking

Smoking can cause numerous conditions and diseases. A smoker is 30% to 40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Smoking cessation is one of the best choices for better health you could ever make. If you smoke and are thinking about quitting, there are many support services available that can help.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Diabetes Prevention

Diabetes is when your body either doesn’t make sufficient amounts of insulin or cannot process the insulin it creates well. An unhealthy lifestyle over time can lead to a type of diabetic condition. In addition to not getting enough sleep and exercise, what we consume is a major cause of poor health.

To keep your calorie and sugar intake low, try to avoid processed foods. A great way to spot a highly processed product is to check the ingredients for a long list of unpronounceable ones.

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Arthritis pain can often be managed by using medication. But, if you don’t want or can’t use it, what is the alternative? Joe Graedon, M.S., and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D., have suggested a surprising juice combo that can help manage and reduce arthritis pain.

Read on to learn how the combo can help and how to prepare it.

Grape Juice and Pectin

The Graedons host a podcast called The People’s Pharmacy, where they discuss different health-related topics. They also have a column in the Settle Press, where readers can get their questions answered.

One reader asked about the grape juice and pectin home remedy for relieving arthritis pain and was interested in the correct recipe.

The Graedons stated there’s no scientific research that supports the claims this combo can help with arthritis pain. But they said they’d heard positive experiences from hundreds of other readers.

There are several ways to prepare this drink. One includes mixing one tablespoon of liquid pectin (Certo brand) with eight ounces of purple grape juice. This is the daily dosage.

For those that want to take this remedy more often, the Graedons suggested this formula: dissolving two teaspoons of Certo pectin in three ounces of grape juice.

The Graedons advise against making large batches of this home remedy because several chemical reactions can take place and jeopardize its safety. Additionally, they recommend choosing pectin that doesn’t contain preservatives or additives.

Manage Your Pain With a Home Remedy

Since there isn’t scientific research about the grape juice and pectin combo, it’s impossible to establish how it affects arthritis pain. If you’re looking for a pain-management method that doesn’t include using medications, feel free to try this. However, we recommend consulting your doctor first.

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