Top 3 Anger Triggers and Ways to Deal With Them

We've all felt it before. Your blood begins to boil; your fists clench; and your brow furrows. Anger is a powerful and natural reaction that can range from being irritated to feeling enraged.

Anger is often associated with men. A study conducted by researchers at Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) suggest that, while anger is part of both male and female experiences, men will express their anger "outwardly and directly."

Although the act of men expressing their anger is typically accepted as normal, the truth is that venting one's anger in an unhealthy manner can be a burden on your relationships—both personally and professionally. To help you better cope with anger, we've compiled a list of the top three triggers that commonly anger men as well as healthy and constructive methods for you to manage them.

1. Being publicly disrespected is a surefire way to get your adrenaline pumping. No one likes to be ridiculed or embarrassed in front of one's coworkers, friends, or loved ones. Still, many people feel the need to belittle others publicly to demonstrate dominance or power.

The anger fix: If someone is disrespecting you in front of others, pause and count to ten. Chances are that if you react, you'll end up looking like the jerk. Instead, when you've cooled down, address him face to face. Firmly tell the person that this is the kind of behavior that makes you angry, and it is not okay for them to disrespect you in that way.

2. Being cut off, or any other form of road discourtesy, elicits road rage in many men. Road rage is typically characterized by aggressive driving, excessive honking, swerving, or retaliating in some hostile manner. Statistically, young men are the most prone to road rage.

In a 2002 Rage-Depression Survey, men reported feeling a sense of rage more frequently than women. 56 percent of the men surveyed said they experienced rage on a daily basis versus 44 percent of the women. More men also admitted to retaliating against others when they felt angry or provoked.

The anger fix: Remember that, while on the road, safety is your chief concern. Do not let a stranger dictate your mood or your response. Instead, take a deep breath and reassess your situation. If need be, pull over and count to 30. By the time you finish, the moment and the driver will be long gone.

3. Financial troubles are the root cause of many aggressive behaviors. Money is so much more than just currency. It's tied to relationships, power, security, and personal freedom. Many men still have a deep rooted belief that they must provide for their family. If not, they've somehow failed to fulfill their primary role as caretaker. This feeling of letting down one's family can result in stress, frustration, and anger when it otherwise wouldn't exist.

The anger fix: Money problems always seem permanent, but rarely are. Take a step back and reassess your situation. More times than not, you'll find that getting angry about your situation will only set you back when trying to achieve your goals. Instead, consider what's truly important to you. Look to friends and family for guidance. Move forward in a way that is healthy and productive for you and your loved ones.

Health experts will tell you that holding in your emotions can have an adverse effect on your physical health. Our emotions have a profound effect on us because they are physically linked to our bodies through our immune, endocrine, and central nervous systems. Often the seeds for an individual's physical problems were planted by his earlier emotional traumas.

The following are some of the common physical illnesses that have been linked to the inability to cope with one's anger:

HeadachesStomachaches/ulcersLower back painFatigueDepressionInsomniaHigh blood pressureAnxietyErectile dysfunctionGeneral aches and painsFibromyalgiaAsthmaVarious cancers

Sources:

Olivia Mellan, Karina Piskaldo
Men, Women, and Money
http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/199901/men-women-and-money

Comparison of Anger Expression In Men And Women Reveals Surprising Differences
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/01/000131075609.htm

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Asthma and Depression: It�s Not Just in Your Head

It's normal to feel sad every once in a while, but if you have asthma and you find yourself struggling with depression on a regular basis, you could be one of the many people who find that these two conditions are difficult to separate.

Until recently it was thought to be a coincidence when asthma and depression co-existed, but researchers from the Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research in Israel have now determined that a strong link exists between asthma and depression. In fact, the scientists confirmed that the rates of depression are higher among asthmatics than among the general public. What they don't know for sure, though, is which condition comes first or how one drives the other.

Regardless of the order for cause and effect, the researchers identified that people who are depressed are at increased likelihood to make poor health and lifestyle choices, which then puts them at an increased risk for experiencing poor asthma control. This means that regardless of how the depression and asthma relationship occurs, it causes a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.

To come to these conclusions, the Israeli scientists looked at close to 10,000 adults and identified that those who had any form of depression were less likely to get enough sleep or to engage in regular exercise. In addition, people with signs of depression were also more likely to smoke. All of these factors can be related to a worsening of asthma symptoms and a lower quality of health overall, according to the findings, which appeared in the General Hospital Psychiatry journal in October 2011. Yet despite the apparent overlap between the two conditions, the medical community says the relationship isn't conclusive and more research needs to be done to better understand the asthma and depression link and determine how to address it more effectively.

If you think that your asthma could be bringing you down, or that a depressed state of mind could be threatening your asthma control and health status, it's important to see your doctor and strategize how to address your mood issues as part of your overall asthma action plan. You'll also need to make it a priority to incorporate healthy lifestyle practices including getting a good night's sleep on a regular basis, exercising often, and also kicking the habit of smoking.

Keep in mind that you don't have to have a severe form of depression to experience negative asthma effects. Even mild mood symptoms can worsen asthma and should be addressed to help you feel better, both for your physical and mental health.

Sources:

"Depressive Symptoms May Make Asthma Control More Difficult." Health Behavior News Service. Center for Advancing Health, 25 Oct. 2011. Web. 9 Nov. 2011.

Goral, A., et al. "Depressive Symptoms, Risk Factors and Sleep in Asthma: Results from a National Israeli Health Survey." General Hospital Psychiatry (20 Oct. 2011). Web. 11 Nov. 2011.

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Alzheimer�s Disease: Genetic or Environmental?

Can you control whether you get Alzheimer's disease? The answer is...maybe. In some cases, there is nothing a person can do to stop the illness. In other instances, lifestyle and environment may play a part. Here's what you need to know about the factors that increase your Alzheimer's risk.

Genetics plays a large role. After advancing age, the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer's is having a family history of it. If you have a parent, sibling, or even child with the disease, you're more likely to get it. This risk rises with each family member who has it. Genes do play a role in Alzheimer's disease. The gene with the strongest influence on the development of Alzheimer's is called APOE-e4 (short for apolipoprotein E-e4). Scientists believe up to one-quarter of all Alzheimer's cases are due to this gene.

Environment and lifestyle also contribute. Scientists now believe that genes combined with other risk factors cause most Alzheimer's. Your environment, habits and general lifestyle all play a part in whether or not you develop Alzheimer's. What are some of the non-genetic factors involved in this disease?

Head trauma. Serious head injury may be linked to future Alzheimer's, especially if there has been loss of consciousness or if there are repeated head injuries. Wear your seat belt, put on a helmet if you're playing a sport, and try to fall-proof your house.Heart health. Your brain health and your heart health are connected. Every time your heart beats, almost a quarter of your body's blood is pumped to your head. Brain cells feed off of the oxygen in this blood. Keeping your heart free of disease is key. Avoiding high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and stroke go a long way toward keeping your cognitive function intact. Lead exposure. Animal studies suggest that childhood exposure dramatically increase your future risk of brain disease.Air pollution. Studies of brains of people who live in smoggy cities show earlier evidence of inflammation and cellular damage that's characteristic of Alzheimer's. Healthy diet. A nutritious diet can lower your risk of many diseases, including Alzheimer's. Many studies demonstrate that eating plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in salmon, markedly lowers your Alzheimer's risk. A Mediterranean diet, relying heavily on nuts, whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fish, has been shown to reduce Alzheimer's risk. Exercise. One study showed that people who were active at least twice a week during middle age reduced their risk of Alzheimer's and dementia by 50 percent.

Sources:

Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org
Healthy Child Healthy World, http://healthychild.org.

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How to Weather Asthma Year-Round

Many people with asthma can tell what season it is just by how they feel. If your asthma seems especially sensitive to the fluctuations of temperature and air quality, you may need to try different treatment approaches to manage asthma effectively for different times of the year.

Here is a quick overview of some of the most common seasonal asthma triggers, along with some tips on how best to manage your symptoms for each season and throughout the year.

Breathing in the cold winter air can often be enough to make your asthma flare. Hibernating indoors probably won't solve the problem either since you'll be exposed to a host of inside triggers including perfumes, scented candles, cleaning products, fireplaces, and live Christmas trees which can contain mold.

What you can do: The best way to protect yourself is to cover your mouth and nose with a scarf before heading outdoors and use your fast-acting relief inhaler preventatively. You should also skip strenuous exercise in very cold weather. Avoid scented products and steer clear of fires and indoor live trees. Since the risk of flu and other illnesses can also pose a serious threat for asthmatics in the winter, stay away from sick people and avoid germs as much as possible. Also, get plenty of rest to keep your immune system up to par.

The pleasure of warmer weather may quickly become dampened by worsened respiratory symptoms. When grass, flowers, and trees spring into bloom, pollen and other allergens can be released quickly and make you feel pretty miserable.

What you can do: Pay attention to what seems to trigger your asthma so you can take steps to avoid these allergens. Pollen and mold counts are often lower in the early mornings and evenings, so plan outdoor activities for safer times of day. If you want to garden or do yard work, wear a mask to avoid breathing in allergens. Taking allergy pills preventatively and giving your home a good spring cleaning regularly to remove any allergens can help keep symptoms under control.

The dog days of summer can take a real toll on asthmatics, since the hot, heavy, and humid air can make it particularly difficult to breathe.

What you can do: Your best bet when the conditions aren't optimal is to stay inside with the windows closed and let your air conditioner filter allergens from the air. Monitor the pollen count and air quality regularly so you can find the best times to plan any essential outdoor activities. Shower after spending time outdoors to remove allergens from your hair and skin. By taking these preventative steps, along with always having your asthma inhaler handy, you can weather the summer months without putting too much heat on your breathing.

You might be surprised to know that more people fall prey to asthma during the autumn months than at any other time of year. There are several reasons this occurs. First, ragweed and mold can be particularly prevalent and this can trigger symptoms in many people. In addition, the start of the school year can mean an increase in exposure to colds and flus for many families. For asthmatics, this can be particularly problematic.

What you can do: Often taking seasonal allergy medications can help to prevent a reaction that can lead to asthma symptoms. It's also a good idea to remove dead leaves from your yard so they don't worsen your condition. Protect yourself by getting your flu shot as soon as possible and practice illness prevention steps, including washing your hands well with soap and water and steering clear of public places where you'll come into contact with lots of germs.

While your asthma may change with the coming of each new season, there are some basic components of managing your condition that need to remain consistent throughout the year.

It's important to have an updated asthma action plan and to follow it diligently all year round. This includes taking your control medication regularly and monitoring your lung capacity and symptoms so you'll recognize changes in your breathing at the very earliest stage. That way you can respond by increasing your medications and seeing your doctor as needed.

Sources:

"Asthma Action Plan." American Lung Association in Colorado, Denver. American Lung Association. N.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2011.

"Fall Seasonal Asthma." National Asthma Patient Alliance (NAPA) Blog. NAPA, 22 Sept. 2011. Web. 9 Nov. 2011.

"Four Seasons of Asthma." Asthma Society of Canada. Asthma Society of Canada, n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2011.

"Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (EPR-3)." National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. NHLBI, n.d. Web.  Nov. 2011.

"Spring Forward by Reducing Your Asthma Triggers." Central Utah Public Health Department. Central Utah Public Health Department, 2011. Web. 5 Nov. 2011.

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Jackie Warner: Exercise With The Skin You're In

For some, exercise is like brushing teeth—a regular part of their day routine. But for people with psoriasis—an autoimmune disease that impacts the skin and restricts range of motion—fitting in just a few jumping jacks into the day can be challenging.

Renowned fitness expert and star of Bravo's Thintervention and Workout Jackie Warner knows firsthand how this often painful and embarrassing condition can impact a person's emotional and physical well-being. "Growing up, my grandparents were very involved in my life. When my grandmother developed psoriasis it completely changed her," Jackie remembers sadly. "She went from a vivacious lady to someone withdrawn, isolated, and sedentary."

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), psoriasis affects approximately 7.5 million Americans and is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the country. People with psoriasis have an overactive immune system that causes inflammation and accelerated skin cell growth. The cells can appear anywhere on the body as raised, red patches that may itch and bleed.

"With psoriasis there is a lot of shame," says Jackie who became involved with a unique health and wellness program called Fit in Your Skin  for people living with this chronic condition. One of the pieces of the program is a free 30-minute fitness DVD with workouts specifically geared to people with psoriasis. "I want to give them the tools they need to help them get more physically active which I believe may help improve their overall health and mental well-being."

QualityHealth recently sat down with Jackie to discuss the Fit in Your Skin initiative and to get her tips for living with this often debilitating disease.

Psoriasis has been linked to an increased risk of life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, obesity, depression, and high blood pressure. Because of the physical pain and social stigma often associated with psoriasis, it's not uncommon for sufferers to become overweight. Incorporating exercise into your routine lessens those risks, but during flare ups, sufferers may want to avoid exercising in a gym or other public place. One of the advantages of my DVD is that the exercises can be done in the privacy of the home. My goal is to get people exercising in a place where they feel less self-conscious. When you start treating your body better, you have more energy and present yourself with more confidence.

With simple modifications! Some people have psoriasis outbreaks surrounding their joints which can limit their mobility and make exercising painful. Throughout the workout portion of my Fit in Your Skin DVD, I "coach" viewers and give adjustments. For example, if you can't manage a chest press, I demonstrate how to achieve similar results by doing a standing chest fly.

Yes. It's never too late to make working out part of your routine. I recommend starting with my 30-minute workout at least three times per week. All you need to work out with me is a pair of light weights and sneakers.

As a culture, when we feel badly about ourselves we tend to eat high-sugar foods for comfort. It's called emotional eating and it's definitely a factor for many people dealing with psoriasis. Though medical researchers have yet to prove a link between certain foods and psoriasis flares, some foods have been shown to increase inflammation in people with the condition.

I'm a huge organic person and believe that everyone should be eating a healthy, whole diet that is natural and comes mainly from the earth. It's great for weight loss, which means it's also good for people living with psoriasis who want to lose weight and incorporate nutritious meals into their diet plans.. Good foods for people with inflammatory conditions include lean cuts of meat such as poultry and fish like salmon and tuna. Foods that are low in sugar are good options as well as dark, nutty breads. Citrus, berries, and brightly-colored veggies like peppers and carrots contain fiber and are high in antioxidants. I also recommend drinking almond or soy milk instead of dairy.

If you notice a connection between certain foods and your psoriasis, ask your doctor whether you can safely eliminate them from your diet in order to assess any changes in your condition.

Nuts are a delicious, wholesome, and are a good source of protein. I especially love almonds and snack on them throughout the day. Walnuts are tasty too. Apples and other fruits are also good choices because they provide fiber. To lose weight, women should increase the amount they exercise and stick to a 1,500 calorie per day diet (400 calories for each of the three main meals plus two 150 calorie snacks during the day). For men, the caloric intake can be slightly higher—1,800 calories.

Psoriasis is widely misunderstood. It is a serious condition but it is NOT contagious. It's very sad but people living with the disease are often subjected to prejudice and discrimination, especially in public places such as retail stores, hair salons, and swimming pools.

Fit in Your Skin is a great way for sufferers to get started on the road to better health and mental well-being. Exercise can change your shape and make you feel more confident. With more confidence, I hope sufferers will be interested in expanding their fitness repertoire by trying my other DVDs, reading my book, or applying what they've learned at the gym. Another one of my goals is to get them socializing again! Varying your exercise routine is key to keeping you motivated and moving!

Sources:

Interview with Jackie Warner and Paul Yamauchi, MD, a dermatologist in private practice and the medical director of the Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Center of Santa Monica.

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The Facts About Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (commonly referred to as EoE) often looks and feels like acid reflux disease, but it doesn't respond to the common treatments. Your doctor might not be able to tell the difference between the two conditions without running some telltale diagnostic tests.

EoE is a condition that's been increasing in recent years and is believed to be caused by an allergic reaction to common food proteins. Exposure to these allergens leads to an increase in white blood cells called eospinophils and this causes inflammation inside the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach). The inflammation can lead to a host of symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, pain upon swallowing, heartburn, abdominal pain, chest pain, and vomiting.

Since many of these symptoms can also occur with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), many doctors typically treat the reflux first and if this doesn't resolve the problem, the next step will be to perform testing to see if EoE exists. Such a formal diagnosis often requires a coordinated effort between an allergist and a gastroenterologist.

The types of diagnostic techniques medical practitioners might use include endoscopy (a medical device used to examine the esophagus) and a biopsy of the affected area. In addition, the doctors will need to know if you have a history of seasonal and/or food allergies, since this can put you at higher risk.

If you believe you have EoE, you should see your doctor to confirm the condition and find out what treatment approach will be the most effective for you. Also, work with an allergist to identify possible allergy culprits that might trigger a reaction. Once you can narrow it down to a few specific food proteins, remove them from your diet to see if that provides symptom relief.

To treat your symptoms, some doctors may prescribe oral steroids that you can take using an inhaler or nebulizer, since this approach has been used with great success in many patients. There are also some alternative forms of treatment worth considering, such as sprays to coat the back of the throat or a gel-form oral corticosteroid to coat the esophagus lining.

Sources:

"Adult Eosinophilic Esophagitis: More Common and Treatable with Corticosteroids." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2011.

"Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)." American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.  AAAAI, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2011.

"What is EoE?" American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders. APED, 19 April 2011. Web. 5 Nov. 2011.

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Low B12 Levels and Brain Shrinkage: Is There a Link?

Want to stave off cognitive problems as you get older? Consider making a special effort to get enough Vitamin B12. A recent study showed that a lack of B12 can not only result in lower scores on tests of cognitive ability; it actually can correlate with smaller total brain volume.

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, supported by the National Institute on Aging, studied 121 Chicagoans age 65 and older. At the beginning of the project, the participants had their blood drawn to measure levels of Vitamin B12 and B12 metabolites, which are byproducts of metabolism that can indicate a deficiency. The subjects also were administered tests that measured their memory and cognition. About four and a half years later, on average, they were given MRI scans so the researchers could see their total brain volume and check for other signs of possible brain damage. The scientists had established five possible markers for Vitamin B12 deficiency. The results showed that having four out of five of these markers was positively correlated with lower scores on the mental tests and also with having smaller total brain volume. The actual level of B12 in the blood was not definitely related to lower mental function or smaller brain volume, as the researchers noted that B12 blood levels can be difficult to detect. Rather, it was the markers of B12 deficiency that provided the information to the research team.

Can adding B12 to your diet in your middle years stave off cognitive deficits and help you avoid brain shrinkage? The scientists involved in this study aren't yet ready to make such a definitive declaration, but they do note that a similar British trial in which participants took B12 supplements suggest that adding the vitamin to your diet may help. Vitamin B12 is commonly found in animal products, especially liver and clams. Not fond of these two delicacies? An easy way to add B12 to your diet is to eat breakfast cereals that are fortified with it. Trout and salmon also have decent levels of B12, as do other meats and dairy items. You can also take a vitamin supplement to ensure you're getting all the B12 you need.

Sources:

American Academy of Neurology, www.aan.com

National Institutes of Heath's Office of Dietary Supplements, http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12.

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American Idol's Casey Abrams: Living Well With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

American Idol contestant Casey Abrams was a freshman at a large college who was slowly adjusting from a small high school when he developed worrisome and painful symptoms in his stomach. He was losing weight, running to the bathroom up to a dozen times a day, and was generally feeling unwell.

"When I would walk across the campus with my bass, it was even hard to breathe," recalls Abrams, who's known for his impressive jazz vocals and expertise on the bass. "I had blood in the stool. But it was embarrassing to talk about, so I didn't tell anyone at first."

About a year and a half ago, Casey's symptoms got worse. Abrams finally went to the doctor, where he was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC), a condition that causes swelling of the large intestine and the rectum.

Ulcerative Colitis is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that typically affects the lining of the large intestine, including the colon and the rectum. Crohn's disease is another form of IBD that affects another portion of the digestive tract and can cause deeper inflammation.

Although IBD doesn't have a medical cure, the treatments are aimed to improve symptoms and to control inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first medication prescribed for an IBD sufferer. Immune system modifiers that reduce inflammation can be effective too—in addition to antibiotics and symptomatic treatments. Dietary adjustments can help symptoms, but these changes, unfortunately, don't improve overall disease control.

"I learned that I could not eat spicy foods," Abrams said. "And I found that I couldn't eat nuts or cheese."

Once Abrams began anti-inflammatory treatment, he started to feel better, although he did have flare-ups while performing. Despite his health problems, Abrams still managed to come in sixth on Season 10 of American Idol and was able to score a spot on the 2011 summer tour.

Some 1.5 million Americans suffer from IBD, says David Rubin, MD, co-director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at the University of Chicago.

"Both of these are considered chronic, like asthma," Rubin says. "Once you have it, it lives with you. But it is treatable."

About 25 percent of ulcerative colitis sufferers may need surgery because their disease does not respond to medication, Rubin says.

In hopes of getting the message out to others that it's okay to talk about IBD, Abrams has joined up with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) to host the IBD Icons. Through this program, individuals with IBD get the chance to share their stories and be in the running to win the title of IBD Icon. Those who win get to see Casey Abrams perform at the "Zappos.com Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon," which will benefit the CCFA.

The nine finalists have been chosen, and now the public has  the chance to vote for their favorite finalist. One individual with Crohn's and one with ulcerative colitis will be the 2011 IBD Icons. Janssen Biotech, Inc. has agreed to donate one dollar per vote casted to the CCFA for research and education about IBD.

"The message I have for people is to see a doctor if you have symptoms of IBD," Abrams says. "There are people living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's who have way more inspirational stories than I do. I want people to know that if you have this, it will be okay. It's manageable."

Casey and a panel of judges from the CCFA have selected the finalists based on the originality of their story, how they live beyond having IBD, and their passion to encourage others to reach their personal goals. Now, it's up to you to decide who should be named the 2011 IBD Icon. The finalists are:

Ally, Vernon Hills, IL (Crohn's)Antonio, Lithonia, GA (Crohn's)Doug, Glendale, CA (Crohn's)Elaine, McLean, VA (Crohn's)KerriAnn, Canton, MA (Crohn's)Alicia, Ladera Ranch, CA (UC)Danielle, Parachute, CO (UC)Katie, Kansas City, MO (UC)Todd, Ocean Township, NJ (UC)

Voting is open to all U.S. citizens now through November 1st 11:59 p.m. EST. Visit www.IBDIcons.com to learn more about the finalists, view the full voting rules and regulations, and cast your vote.

On Sunday, December 4th, Casey will perform at the Zappos.com Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). His mom will be running the half marathon in his honor.

Two winners, one with UC and one with Crohn's, have been chosen by the public and will be announced on December 1st.  Every vote that was cast, Janssen Biotech, Inc. donated $1 to the CCFA for IBD research and education.

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Get More Vitamin C to Lower Gout Risk

If you want to avoid gout (and who doesn't?), look for ways to increase your intake of Vitamin C. A study published in 2009 examined data on nearly 47,000 men and found that every 500 milligram increase in C consumption resulted in a 17 percent decline in the risk of gout. Men who took more than 1,500 milligrams of C each day had a 45 percent lower risk of having gout than men who never managed to get the vitamin into their diets.

What exactly is gout? It's a common and particularly painful form of arthritis. The condition typically affects men, and it can be chronic or come on suddenly as an acute episode. The acute form of gout often attacks one joint, while the chronic form can cause pain in multiple joints. The pain occurs because gout sufferers have too much uric acid in their bodies, which can be a result of the body's own overproduction or an inability to get rid of the uric acid resulting from foods and certain medications. The excess uric acid forms into crystals, which cause swelling and inflammation in the joint. The study's authors believe that Vitamin C aids the kidneys in reabsorbing uric acid, reducing the formation of crystals and the painful symptoms of gout.

Vitamin C is found in many foods, particularly colorful fruits and vegetables. Papaya is uncommonly rich in the vitamin, as is red bell pepper. Also topping the list of C-loaded foods are steamed broccoli, boiled brussels sprouts, strawberries, oranges, cantaloupe, kiwi, boiled cauliflower, and boiled kale. Feeling adventurous? Top your dinner salad with at least two fruits and veggies you've never tried before, and add a little olive oil and vinegar dressing for maximum nutrient absorption. If you're not a fan of salad, simply have the broccoli or brussels sprouts as a side dish and make a pretty fruit parfait for dessert. Papaya isn't as easy to find as apples or oranges, but many markets have them. Lots of other produce contains Vitamin C, too, although in lesser amounts. Try pineapple, blueberries, green peas, winter squash, and raspberries for a quick C fix.

Since it can be difficult to consume 1,500 milligrams of Vitamin C from food alone, experts encourage people to take daily supplements. This is especially important if you're not a fruit-and-vegetable lover. But since overdoing Vitamin C carries its own risks, talk to your doctor or healthcare practitioner about the dose that's right for you.

Sources:

Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritistoday.org;
National Institutes of Health, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
George Mateljan Foundation, www.whfoods.com.

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Ryan Shafer: Bowling for Diabetes

Pro-bowler Ryan Shafer, who's had type 1 diabetes since age 19, shares his time and talents to help others with this disorder. As part of National Diabetes Month for November, he's hosting a tournament at a bowling alley in his hometown of Horseheads, NY as part of an effort called Reason to Believe, and he'll also be out in Vegas for a national bowling tournament.

The goal for this exceptional athlete, who has four Pro Bowling Association Tour Titles and ten top-10 finishes, is to raise awareness about a chronic, life-changing disorder that can cause serious complications if it's not well-controlled.

A diplomat for the Diabetes Research Institute who now wears an insulin pump, Shafer has become adept at managing his diabetes while juggling a physically demanding career that requires quite a bit of traveling.

The summer between freshman and sophomore year of college, Shafer learned that he had type 1 diabetes. Prior to his diagnosis, Shafer says, he had lost nearly 25 pounds, was constantly going to the bathroom, and found himself eating and drinking constantly.

"My vision was affected and I was feeling like crap all the time," he says. "When I found out I had diabetes, I was just glad to know what was wrong."

He started his treatment by giving himself insulin shots and learning to test his own blood sugar, though he has since switched to an Animas® insulin pump.

Shafer had been a good bowler for some years before his diagnosis. "And at some point, I decided to try to bowl professionally," recalls the athlete, who was valedictorian of his high school class. "It was definitely more challenging when I was doing insulin shots before I got a pump. I'd be forced to eat at certain times."

Besides having a lot more freedom about when he's eating, traveling with the pump is a lot easier than carrying around syringes. "I've found that it's so much easier going through airport security," Shafer says.

As a bowler, in addition to owning four PBA Tour Titles, he was selected PBA Rookie of the Year in 1987. He won his first Tour title in the 2000 Orleans Casino Open in Las Vegas, and won his second title later that season. Shafer has made the finals in major championships 11 times, and finished as a runner-up four times. He also won the Steve Nagy Sportsmanship Award for 2008 and 2009.

Known as one of the most superstitious pros on Tour, Shafer has to have either an eight or a five in the serial number of his bowling balls, he only picks the ball up with his left hand, and he wears his clothes in the same order every week.

Now 45, Shafer enjoys spending his leisure time with his wife and his extended family. He has encouraging words of advice for young people living with Type 1 diabetes:

"Sometimes kids with Type 1 diabetes think they are limited," he says. "But I tell them, you can do whatever you want to do and live your life the way you want to. You just need to learn to take care of yourself."

His advice to individuals with Type 1 diabetes? "Eat right, see your doctor regularly, and be diligent about taking care of yourself. You'll live a nice, full life."

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A Cure for Peanut Allergies Could Dispel Other Food Allergies

Researchers from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine have developed a groundbreaking strategy that can potentially end peanut allergies. In a preclinical trial performed on mice, they used a new type of immunotherapy to turn off the immune system response and this allowed it to tolerate the peanut protein with no ill-effects. The findings, which were included in the Journal of Immunology in November 2011, could spell real relief for the millions of people currently grappling with reactions to foods and drinks.

If you suffer from food allergies yourself, you probably know that when your immune system comes into contact with one of your food allergens, it responds by launching an attack to rid it from your body. In the process, chemicals are released in your immune system which can lead to a host of uncomfortable or even dangerous symptoms including a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock.

In an effort to free allergy sufferers from the ongoing risk of such serious consequences, the Northwestern researchers came up with a way to "trick" the immune system. They attached peanut proteins onto blood cells and injected them into mice that had been sensitized to this allergen. After two injections of this "peanut allergy cure," the animals were suddenly able to accept the allergen without having a reaction.

The same approach was tried by exposing sensitive mice to egg proteins and again, this strategy successfully prevented an allergic response that would have otherwise been present.

This form of immunotherapy works rapidly, making it quite appealing. The model may also be used to tackle multiple food allergies at the same time.

An added benefit is that the injection balances the T-cells (the cells involved in an allergic reaction) to help the immune system achieve a more harmonious state that's better able to avoid allergic responses overall.

This research marks the first attempt to use this approach to prevent and treat allergic diseases. If the benefits can be replicated effectively on humans, this can bring life changing results for people with serious food allergies.

A similar method to treat various autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis is currently undergoing a clinical trial. Researchers believe that soon, these treatments will bring hope to people coping with a variety of health conditions.

In the meantime, it's important not to relax your efforts to avoid foods and drinks that could spark a reaction. Always double check ingredients before trying anything new, avoid cross contamination in the foods you eat, and always carry an EpiPen® just in case you do come into contact with a food allergen.

Sources:

"Food Allergy Awareness Week." National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2 May 2011. Web, 10 Nov. 2011.

"Peanut Allergy Turned Off by Tricking Immune System." Northwestern University. Northwestern.edu, 11 Oct. 2011. Web. 10 Nov. 2011.

"Researchers turn off peanut allergy in mice." ABC News. ABC.com, 12 Oct. 2011. Web. 9 Nov. 2011.

"Turn off Peanut Allergies? Scientists May Know How." MSNBC. MSNBC.com, 11 Oct. 2011. Web. 9 Nov. 2011.

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How to Cope With Adult Sibling Jealousy

Jealous of your brother's great job? Envious that your sister's kids are always so beautifully behaved that your parents compliment her constantly? Whether you're the jealous one, always feeling like your sibling has a better job/house/car/kids than you, or you're the sibling that others in your family are jealous of, envy can be stressful and draining. Jealousy can easily tarnish a relationship with your sibling, so it's worthwhile trying to overcome it.

If you're the jealous one:

1. Try to focus on your own achievements, advises Susan Bartell, Psy.D. Make a conscious effort to try to not compare yourself to your siblings. "Think about what is good in your life and your family," Bartell advises. "Focus on the good that you do, and that your children do."

2. Think of your jealous feelings as an opportunity to learn something about yourself. It may be time to take a long look at your lifestyle and your relationships, and to spin those envious feelings into feelings of motivation to deal with your own issues, says Susan Shapiro Barash, a gender studies professor at Marymount Manhattan College and the author of You're Grounded Forever....But First Let's Go Shopping.

"Sometimes jealousy can inspire you to go after the dream job that you want," Shapiro Barash says. "Or it may help you decide that you want to work on your own marriage."

3. Know that your family is not alone in being plagued by sibling jealousy. "Our culture really fosters this jealousy," says Shapiro Barash. "There are TV shows that feature which celebrity sister looks best in a certain dress, which sister in a family is the prettiest." Constantly comparing and contrasting various siblings' assets detracts from each one's special qualities, she says.

If you're the focus of a sibling's jealousy:

1. Chances are that you typically bend over backwards to please the jealous sib, Shapiro Barash says. "You tend to overcompensate and look for ways to mitigate the jealousy," she says. "You go out of your way to be nice." Instead, she says, have a conversation with your sibling about how you are feeling toward her. "There are often many layers involved where jealousy is concerned," she says. "Rather than keep it all bottled up inside, get it on the table. Talk it out."

2. If you are constantly being criticized and treated disrespectfully by a jealous sibling, you need to get firm with her. "Tell your sibling, I don't feel respected when you do that," says Sheenah Hankin, Ph.D. "Your sibling may not be totally conscious of what she is doing and doesn't really understand why she is doing it." Speaking up for yourself may help end the sib's perpetually disrespectful behavior toward you.

3. Reflect upon the psychological drain all the jealousy has taken on your psyche, and resolve to not let green-eyed monster rear its head where your children are concerned. "If your mother is constantly bragging about your brother's great job or your sister's great kids, of course it can have an effect on you," Bartell says. Don't compare your children to their siblings. Get the message across to your kids that each one is unique and individual. Your actions now may be enough to envy-proof your children later in life.

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Adrenal Fatigue: An Actual Condition or Not?

People are talking about adrenal fatigue. The symptoms are vague and mimic those of many conditions. Many doctors aren't convinced it's a real medical problem, but a growing number of health professionals say adrenal fatigue is among the most commonly undiagnosed conditions today. Could you have it?

What is adrenal fatigue?
Your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys and operate a host of hormonal functions in your body. They produce stress and sex hormones: norepinephrine, cortisol, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. When they work in sync, the adrenal hormones regulate energy level, ability to cope with day-to-day life and stress, sex drive, sleep cycles, appetite, and much more. The theory behind adrenal fatigue is that people who live with extreme stress deplete their stores of adrenal hormones because their adrenal glands can't produce enough to keep up with demand. That results in decreased energy levels and sex drive, cravings for caffeine, sugar, and salt, as well as anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and more.

Christiane Northrop, MD, OB-GYN is a leading authority on women's health and author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom. She writes that adrenal exhaustion (AKA adrenal fatigue) is a condition caused by the body's inability to cope with life stressors. "If the intensity and frequency of the stresses in your life—either those internally driven (such as your perceptions about your life) or those externally driven (such as having surgery or working the night shift)—become too great, then over time your adrenal glands will begin to become exhausted."

Other doctors disagree. The Hormone Foundation and Endocrine Society say adrenal fatigue is not a real medical condition. There are no scientific facts to support the theory that long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress drains the adrenal glands and causes many common symptoms. There are no specific tests to diagnose adrenal fatigue. They also say many of the treatments recommended by those who support the theory of adrenal fatigue are simply common sense, while others are potentially dangerous.

Some health providers recommend supplements specifically designed to support adrenal health, but The Hormone Foundation and Endocrine Society say some of these contain extracts of human adrenal, hypothalamus (a part of the brain that produces hormones), and pituitary glands that could be harmful and have not been properly tested. Taking adrenal hormone supplements when they aren't needed can halt your adrenal glands natural ability to produce stress hormones, which could cause an adrenal crisis.

What are some safe "common sense" remedies for adrenal fatigue?

Get plenty of rest and exercise. Maintain regular times for going to bed and waking up. Practice stress management techniques like meditation and Tai Chi.Eat a healthy diet of unprocessed, whole foods, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid caffeine and minimize sugar and salt intake. Include protein in every meal and snack.Take a multivitamin/mineral supplement.

Doctors agree that following these healthy living tips make everyone feel better. Northrop also recommends patients look closely at what's causing extreme stress in their lives. Solving the root problems may be the best remedy for treating this mysterious and controversial condition.

If you think you may be experiencing adrenal fatigue, consult with a naturopathic physician, chiropractor, endocrinologist, or other medical doctor who uses an integrative, complementary approach.

Sources:

National Institutes of Health
Adrenal Gland Disorders
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/adrenalglanddisorders.html

http://www.endo-society.org/industry/HF/index.cfm

Adrenal Exhaustion
Dr. Christiane Northrup, MD
http://www.drnorthrup.com/womenshealth/healthcenter/topic_details.php?topic_id=94

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Super Foods to Prevent PMS

Eliminating some foods from your diet may help relieve some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Adding others may help even more. Here's how to eat to beat PMS.

There are diet strategies for treating and preventing some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as water retention, bloating, moodiness, and weight gain. These strategies include cutting back on salt and salty foods, such as processed meats and canned products, consuming less caffeine, sugar and alcohol, and following a diet that is generally high in fiber and low in fat. Overall, a diet to prevent PMS is the same general diet most people should follow in order to stay healthy and avoid weight gain.

That means cutting back on table salt, salty chips and other snack foods, sugary desserts, and fried foods, and eating more fiber- and nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grain products. But fighting PMS also means including some very specific foods in your diet, especially those that are high in calcium and manganese. These two minerals have been show to be deficient in people who suffer from PMS and at the same time, high levels have been found in people who have normal menstrual cycles and experience few or no physical or psychological discomfort.

Healthy foods that are high in calcium include reduced-fat varieties of most dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Collards, spinach and other leafy green vegetables, legumes such as black-eyed peas and other beans, canned salmon, soy products such as some brands of tofu and fortified soy milk, and other fortified, dairy-alternatives such as rice milk and almond milk beverages, also contribute significant amounts of calcium to the diet.

Good sources of manganese include whole grains and whole-grain foods, such as bulgur wheat, buckwheat and oats, almonds; brown rice; pecans, peanuts and other nuts, and seeds, pinto beans, navy beans, and other legumes; pineapple, pineapple juice, spinach, and sweet potatoes.  Green and black teas also provide significant amounts of manganese.

Speak to your physician before you take calcium or manganese in supplement form for the treatment of PMS. While it is almost impossible to get too much of a nutrient from food, it is possible to overdose on mineral supplements. You may already be taking calcium supplements, and you may be getting enough manganese from supplemental products marketed for joint health or arthritis. Since researchers are not yet sure which of these minerals is directly associated with PMS and there are no recommended doses for PMS treatment, your best bet for now is to get your calcium and manganese from food or from supplements recommended by a doctor who takes a holistic (whole-body) approach to your health.

Sources:

Penland, JG and Johnson, PE. "Dietary Calcium and Manganese Effects on Menstrual Cycle Symptoms."  American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1993 May;168(5):1417-23. Web. Sep 2011
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8498421

Shamberger, RJ. "Calcium, Magnesium, and other Elements in the Red Blood Cells and Hair of Normals and Patients with Premenstrual Syndrome." Biological Trace Element Research. 2003 Aug;94(2):123-9 Web. Sep 2011
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12958403

American Dietetic Association: Premenstrual Syndrome Web. 23 Sep 2011
http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=11181

MedlinePlus: Manganese. Web. Sep 2011
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/182.html

Oregan State University: Manganese. Web. Sep 2011
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/manganese/

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Why You Should Get Along With Coworkers

A recent study in the journal Health Psychology provides more evidence for what most of us know intuitivel--getting along with people at work is good for you. The study reports that having a positive relationship with coworkers has long-term mental and physical health benefits.

Many research studies have explored the health value of social relationships, including those in the workplace. After all, most of us spend a significant portion of lives at work. The work environment represents a social system in which participants engage in organizational activities to attain collective goals. Of course, when coworkers get along, it helps the company do what it's supposed to do. However, work relationships also fulfill innate social and psychological needs and directly affect individuals' job satisfaction. In other words, it's not just about the specifics of your job; it's also about the people you work with.

Relationships provide social support and integration. There's evidence that the perceived availability--as well as the actual receipt-of social support buffers the effect of stress and reduces psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. Increased social integration, or participation in a range of social relationships, even affects your mortality. People who are socially integrated are more likely to survive from heart attacks, have less risk of cancer recurrence, depression and anxiety, and experience less severe cognitive decline as they age.

An article in Family Practice Management, a journal for physicians in private practice, describes seven characteristics of successful work relationships.

TrustDiversity-differences in the way people view the worldMindfulness-being open to new ideas and feeling free to express oneselfInterrelatedness-being sensitive to the task at hand and how your work affects othersRespectA mix of social and task-related relationshipsEffective communications

With a few behavior modifications, you can significantly improve your relationship with your coworkers.

Respect others' differencesBe a positive thinkerListenShow appreciation for your coworkers and ask them for their thoughts and opinionsRecognize your own emotions and monitor your non-verbal communicationsSet appropriate boundariesAdmit your mistakesDon't jump to conclusionsDo your job well and pitch in to help when you canMake small talk and get to know your colleagues as peopleResolve conflicts quickly before they have a chance to escalateDon't be a part of workplace gossip

Sources:

Medical News Today. "Getting Along With Co-Workers Can Significantly Increase Your Lifespan." Web. 08 August 2011. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/232339.php

LibrarySupportStaff.com. "Co- Worker Relationships." Web.

http://www.librarysupportstaff.com/coworkers.html#principles

Kase, Larina. "Improve Your Work Relationships." Web. 4 September 2009.

http://www.themindsetofsuccess.com/2009/09/improve-your-work-relationships.html

Stanford University. "IMPROVING WORK RELATIONSHIPS." Web.

http://www.stanford.edu/group/scie/Career/Wisdom/positive.htm

Robinson, Lawrence, Segal, Jeanne, Ph. D., and Segal, Robert, M.A  "IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN BUSINESS AND RELATIONSHIPS." HelpGuide.org. Web. July 2011. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eq4_emotion_communicates.htm

Tallia, Alfred F., MD, MPH, Lanham, Holly J., MBA, McDaniel, Jr., Reuben R. EdD, and Crabtree, Benjamin F., PhD. "Seven Characteristics of Successful Work Relationships." Family Practice Management 13(1): (2006): 47-50. Web. http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2006/0100/p47.html

Sheldon Cohen. "Social Relationships and Health." American Psychologist (2004): 676-684. Web.

http://www.psy.cmu.edu/~scohen/AmerPsycholpaper.pdf

American Psychological Association. "Social relationships matter in job satisfaction." Monitor on Psychology 38( 4) (2007): 14. Web. http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr07/social.aspx

Ilies, Remus and Johnson, Michael D. "Social Interactions at Work: Their Influence on Affective Experiences and Job Satisfaction." Interactions. Web. https://www.msu.edu/~john1781/interactions.pdf

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16 Dangerous Skincare Ingredients

Many popular skincare and cosmetic products contain potentially harmful ingredients. Here's a roundup of ingredients to look out for, the products that may contain them, and why they can be dangerous:

1. Coal tar. Used in hair dyes and dandruff prevention products, this carcinogen is often labeled as FD&C or D&C on product labels.

2. DMDM hydantoin and bronopol. These cosmetic preservatives are particularly dangerous as they decompose, releasing the carcinogen formaldehyde—one of the many reasons to replace your makeup once a year.

3. Formaldehyde. Used in hair straighteners and many cosmetics to preserve shelf life, it's a known carcinogen that can also be toxic to nerves, development, and can trigger asthma and skin reactions.

4.Fragrances. These can trigger allergic reactions and disrupt hormone balances. Choose products labeled "phthalate-free" to avoid any potential reactions.

5.Heavy metals. Lead and mercury are often found in makeup and hair dye to help preserve the compounds, despite the fact that they are known to be toxic and are banned from other substances. Lead is a carcinogen and mercury can damage the nervous system.

6.Hydroquinone. This skin-bleaching agent can have disfiguring side effects and has been proven to cause tumors in animals.

7. Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone. These are much easier to find in personal care products than they are to pronounce. Products containing these chemicals are highly likely to irritate skin and cause allergic reactions.

8. MEA/DEA/TEA. These ammonia compounds are used to adjust cosmetic pH and are used as foaming agents—they can irritate skin and eyes.

9.Oxybenzone. Found in sunscreens, oxybenzone is a known allergen that's suspected to disrupt hormone balance.

10.Parabens. These preservatives are extremely common in skincare products. Parabens are known to wreak havoc on hormones, the endocrine system, and have a strong link to breast cancer. Parabens are seen on labels as propyl, butylparaben, isopropyl, and isobutylparabens.

11.Petroleum-based ingredients. Ingredients containing petroleum jelly, mineral oils, or paraffin can block the skin's ability to breathe and self-exfoliate—potentially leading to breakouts and contact dermatitis.

12. Phenylenediamine (PPD). Banned in Europe, this substance is still found in many U.S. hair dyes. It's thought to can cause skin irritation and lead to respiratory problems.

13. Phthalates. Found in everything from deodorant to lotions, these skin-penetrating additives have been linked issues in to male reproductive system.

14. Retinol, retinyl palmitate, and vitamin A (in large quantities). Popular in skin creams for their anti-aging properties, these compounds can be toxic and lead to skin cancer when combined with sun exposure. They can cause birth defects when used during pregnancy. If you decide to use any of these ingredients, restrict use for only nighttime.

15. Sulfates. These help to give shampoos and toothpaste their lather, but can cause damage to eyes and skin.

16. Triclocarban or triclosan. These antibacterial ingredients in soap and toothpaste are environmentally hazardous. They can also interfere with thyroid function and hormone balance.

The FDA does not regulate most cosmetic ingredients and just because a product is labeled "organic," only 10 percent of its makeup may be derived from organic ingredients. Your best bet is to scan labels for potentially harmful ingredients and be your own advocate.

Sources:

Ewg.org: "Myths on Cosmetics Safety." Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. 2011.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/myths-on-cosmetics-safety/

Ewg.org: "Top Tips for Safer Products." Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. 2011.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/top-tips-for-safer-products/#pick_safer

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Your Physical Body Can Determine the Health of Your Digestion

Feeling sluggish? Stick out your tongue. It holds clues to how efficient your body's digestive tract is running, says Brent Barlow, ND, Okanagan Naturopathic Healthcare in Kelowna, British Columbia. But this isn't the only secret your body has to share. Your skin, hair, and nails tell stories, too.

If your tongue has a heavy, yellow coat on it, you're more likely to have indigestion, heartburn, and bloating, says Barlow. If the blood vessels on the underside of the tongue are distended and purple, that usually means there's some stagnation in the blood stream, according to Barlow. Since all the body's blood runs through the liver, it could be a sign that the liver is being taxed. The liver is like a filter, he explains, and when clogged, it slows down the body's processes. That's why the blood vessels of the tongue, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids can show signs that there is blood stagnation.

Those little red bumps on the backs of your arms? They're pretty common, assures Barlow. They may signal an essential fatty acid deficiency, but even then, there's still a question of what can be causing the deficiency. You may not be eating enough essential fatty acids or you may have a food allergy. "With food allergies, you get inflammation in the intestine that may prevent proper absorption, or possibly cause inflammation in the small vessels in the skin, which show up as raised bumps or a rash."

Is there an inflammatory issue going on in the digestive system that is manifesting in the skin? If you went to your doctor, or skin specialist, most likely you'll be given a cream. And though it may relieve the symptoms, it doesn't address the root of the problem. Such inflammation helps your doctor determine what is causing the condition.

You've heard this one: If you have white spots on your nails, you have a zinc deficiency. And you've heard this one, too: If you have ridges in your nails, you have a protein deficiency. Those are definitely clues, says Barlow, but they're not definitive when it comes to a diagnosis. What it does say is that not enough nutrients are coming into the body, or what's coming in isn't actually being absorbed through the lining of the intestine and passed into the bloodstream.

That mark on the fingernail, or purple tongue, or bumps on the arm show that your body's "check engine light" is on, but it doesn't say what part of the engine to check, stresses Barlow. Unlike your car, It doesn't say I need an oil change or replace a filter. It says bring to a professional and have it checked. For optimum performance, it means something needs to be addressed. These signs are merely starting points for you and your doctor to explore and discover what's truly causing your digestive upset.

Source:

http://www.castanet.net/news/Natural-Health-News/65002/Physical-Signs-of-Poor-Digestion

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Can Baldness Be Cured?

Muffin top middles look awful and signal poor health. Back fat is unsightly too and nobody wants flabby arms that wriggle. The good news is there's one place on the body where having fat actually helps you look better—the head. It turns out hair growth isn't possible without fat.

Assistant professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Senior Researcher at Yale University, Valerie Horsley and her team of researchers observed that when hair dies, the layer of fat in the scalp that comprises most of the skin's thickness shrinks. Conversely, when hair growth begins, the fat layer expands. The process is called adipogenesis.

About 40 million men in the U.S. are affected by male pattern baldness-the most common type of hair loss. Although hair loss may be caused by disease, medicine, medical treatments, and stress, male-pattern baldness is related to aging, heredity, and changes in testosterone levels.

Everyone loses hair and some hair loss is normal. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the average person loses between 50 to 100 hairs every day—not terribly significant considering a typical scalp has 100,000 hairs. A receding hairline, bald patches, or thinning around the temples are generally a sign of male pattern baldness which is medically known as androgenetic alopecia. Surgery and medication that work to provoke hair growth are available to treat this condition, but the Yale researchers believe their findings could put an end to toupees, transplants, minoxidil, and finasteride since they may have uncovered the key to generating new hair growth.

For years, scientists have known that stem cells can be used to grow new hair-producing follicles but haven't learned how to signal them to do so. People with male-pattern baldness don't lack stem cells in their hair follicle roots but instead lack the fat which may make hair follicle roots dormant. Researchers suspected the signal to switch on the hair growth process might be buried in the fat cells.

To test their theory, they injected mice unable to grow hair and fat tissue with a type of stem cell involved in the creation of new fat cells called adipose precursor cells. Before the injection, the follicles of the mice were dormant but two weeks following the injection, the study found that hair follicles had begun to grow. "The fat cells are important for hair growth. If they're not there, the hair won't grow," Horsley said in a press release.

The precursor fat cells also produced a chemical called platelet-derived growth factor that aids in hair growth 100 times faster than normal cells do. Up to 86 percent of hair follicle grown was restored in mice with the injection of this chemical.

"We don't know for sure if it's a cure for baldness," the study author told the Yale News, "But we are hopeful that in humans, adipocyte precursor cells (stem cells) will also be a viable therapy to induce hair growth."

Going forward, researchers will explore whether the cellular signaling in mice works the same way in humans. The study's findings also don't address hair loss involving DHT. (DHT is a product of the male hormone testosterone and is thought to cause hair follicles to shrink, but its role is not completely understood.)

No doubt there's more work to be done in the hair area. In the meantime, embrace your baldness. After all, being bald is fashionable in certain circles and you may as well enjoy the money you save from not needing haircuts or buying shampoo. Here's something else to consider: being called a fat head just might be a compliment in the not-so-distant future.

Sources:

Yale University
http://www.yale.edu

The American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org

The American Hair Loss Council
http://www.ahlc.org

Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org

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What Your Muscle Pain Is Telling You

Typically when you have muscle pain it's equate to soreness from working out or maybe an injury. But what most don't consider is how muscle pain is often associated with chronic health conditions.

Muscle pain tops the symptom list for many illnesses and health conditions from the flu to fibromyalgia. Subtle differences in severity and location of muscle pain provide hints about what's going on inside your body. What does your muscle pain say about your health? Here, five common conditions that may be causing your muscle pain.

1. Osteoarthritis is inflammation of a joint caused by wear and tear or injury. The tissues that line the joint deteriorate over time and can create damage to the bones, nerves, and muscles surrounding the joint. Muscles responsible for that joint's movement get tender when bones become misaligned and when nerves become trapped between bones or due to tension from trying to keep the joint functional. Your muscle pain may be associated with arthritis if it's located close to a joint in your hands, knees, shoulders, neck and/or lower back.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation of the joints, surrounding tissues and other organs. Muscle pain associated with RA usually occurs on both sides of the body, especially in the fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, toes, and neck. It's also associated with fatigue, recurring fevers, poor appetite, redness and inflammation of skin and a host of other symptoms. 

3. Fibromyalgia is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Fibromyalgia is currently thought to cause pain because of the way your brain processes pain signals.  You might have fibromyalgia if your muscle pain feels like a dull ache on both sides of the body, especially in specific tender points located in these areas:

Back of the headBetween shoulder bladesTop of shouldersFront sides of neckUpper chestOuter elbowsUpper hipsSides of hipsInner knees

4. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system attacks different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs. Muscle pain occurs in response to inflammation of associated tissues. Lupus is suspected when there's a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, covering the nose and cheeks and deep fatigue, hair loss, joint pain, stiffness, and many other symptoms.

5. Influenza. Muscle pain doesn't always indicate chronic disease. Sometimes it's associated with the flu, a viral infection that causes high fever, respiratory congestion and cough, severe fatigue, headache and muscle pain. While some people are at high-risk for serious complications caused by influenza, most people recover within a week or so. The best way to avoid the flu is by getting an annual flu vaccine.

Sources:

The Arthritis Foundation

www.arthritis.org

National Fibromyalgia Association

www.fmaware.org

Lupus Foundation of America

www.lupus.org

National Institutes of Health

Influenza

http://health.nih.gov/topic/Influenza

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Digestive Problems Could Stifle Your Weight Loss Goals

The basic rule of weight loss says that if you take in fewer calories than you use, you'll shed pounds. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try it seems that the scale just won't budge. If you feel that you've been exercising and no results ensue, it may be time to consider whether digestive problems could be getting in the way.

Most doctors recognize a handful of gastrointestinal problems that could interfere with weight loss or cause weight gain. In addition, some medical professionals believe that the way we eat can affect digestive health in ways that prevent weight loss.

Your physician may diagnosis constipation if you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, but each individual has his or her own rhythm and range of normal according to gastroenterologist Donald Henderson, MD, MPH. Dr. Henderson, Medical Director of Encore Wellness in Los Angeles, California, explains that in cases of severe constipation, your body may be holding five to fifteen extra pounds that won't shed through exercise. Often, constipation can be managed by proper fiber and fluid intake. For continued problems, Dr. Henderson recommends an over-the-counter laxative with polyethylene glycol such as MiraLAX®. If these methods don't ease constipation, your primary doctor can offer additional treatment options.

If you suffer from ulcers, heartburn, or indigestion, yourself-cure might interfere with weight loss efforts. People with these conditions, says Dr. Henderson, "find that they eat because eating itself helps to neutralize acid production." The best approach: be honest about what you're putting into your mouth. "Medicinal" spoonfuls of ice cream used to ease heartburn still count as calories. If you realize that you are eating extra calories to deal with gastrointestinal problems, seek more effective solutions by talking to your doctor.

Your liver plays a crucial role in digestion. Liver disease can cause digestive problems and lead to weight gain. As Dr Henderson explains, dysfunction of the liver results in fluid retention, which leads to increased weight. To manage liver disease, you may need to modify salt intake and possibly protein intake. "You may also need to receive treatment to handle clots or anything else that might be causing obstructions of flow to the liver," says Dr. Henderson.

Beyond physical ailments, it's possible that habits such as eating late at night or eating quickly are disrupting how your body digests food or processes calories.

Though it's not clear why, a 2011 study suggests that if you eat late at night you may be more likely to gain weight than if you ate the same food earlier in the day. Some research, including a 2008 study of 30 healthy women, finds a link between eating too fast and increased calorie consumption. You may not even realize you're consuming more food; thus, your regular exercise plans won't be enough to offset those quickly ingested, unplanned calories.

So before you give up on exercise, look for some basic ways to ensure you're going into a weight loss plan with a healthy digestive system: get a check up from your physician, monitor what and how much you're eating, and be mindful of when and how you're consuming those calories.

Sources:

Baron KG, Reid KJ, Kern AS, Zee PC. "Role of sleep timing in caloric intake and BMI." Obesity 19(7):1374-81 July 2011. Web. October 13, 2011.

Kathleen J. Melanson, Ana M. Andrade, Geoffrey W. Greene. "Eating Slowly Led to Decreases in Energy Intake within Meals in Healthy Women." Journal of the American Dietary Association 108 (7) July 2008. Web. October 13, 2011.

Nafisa K, Kuwajerwala, MD. "Intestinal Motility Disorders." Web. October 13, 2011.

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5 Tips to Avoid Break-Up Weight Gain

Everyone knows digging into a carton of ice cream or polishing off a bag of cookies spells contentment, even if it's fleeting. After a traumatic breakup, turning to food for solace seems like a great solution.

Nothing terrible will happen to your figure if you spend a night or two indulging in your favorite comfort foods. But unfortunately, if you get into the habit of noshing as a way to numb the pain of a breakup, you may be horrified the next time you hop on the scale.

Here's how to prevent post breakup weight gain:

1. If you feel like you simply must splurge, get out of the house for your splurge, says Erin Palinski, RD, owner and founder of the Vernon Nutrition Center in Franklin, New Jersey. You'll eat much less ice cream if you have to drive to the local ice cream shop to buy it than if you bring home an entire carton. "Once you've finished, it's gone and you can't eat any more," Palinski says. "The same thing works with pastries. Buy just one or two, and you won't be tempted to stay up all night eating a boxful."

2. Try burning calories instead of ingesting them. The post break-up period is when people go crazy for rich, fattening comfort foods, not raw fruits and vegetables, Palinski says. "When you eat simple sugar and carbs, your body releases more serotonin, which makes you feel good and gives you a mood burst," she explains. But the good mood is short-lived, and invariably you feel worse afterwards. So don't go that route. "Even if it is painful, force yourself to go out and be social," Palinski says. "You aren't going to feel good about yourself after a gallon of ice cream, so you may as well go out."

3. Try to avoid simple carbohydrates. After a breakup, people tend to eat carbs because they go down so easily and make you feel good, agrees Jean Cirillo, Ph.D., practicing psychologist and author of The Soul Mate's Nest: How to Find True Love without Compromising. "High carb foods stimulate the production of oxytocin, the cuddle hormone," she explains. "You want carbs because you are experiencing a drop in oxytocin after the breakup. You aren't getting the sex, the cuddling, the relaxed feeling of being with the person you have been so attached to."  A great substitute, your body figures, is to binge on carbs.

4. Eat balanced meals. But if you really can't help but give in to cravings, go for some lower-calorie alternatives. Melt a little dark chocolate over fruit, order pizza with a scant amount of cheese and a lot of vegetables and, if you are having alcohol, cut white wine with club soda for a spritzer. If you're going for the hard stuff, avoid sugary mixers, and use diet soda as a mixer instead.

5. Don't give in to lethargy. Put some aerobic exercise into your life and you'll get the same feel-good effect as you do by eating "comfort food" carbs. "Intense physical activity gives the same good feelings," Cirillo says. So find something you like to do, whether it's swimming, tennis lessons, or biking through the park. Make time in your day for exercise, and you will be surprised at how much better you feel. And who knows? On your walk or jog, you may even meet an interesting new guy.

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