Surprising Secrets to Strong Bones
by Alisa Fleming
Superstars may soon be trading in their milk moustaches for pitchers of freshly squeezed orange juice. A new study out of Texas A&M University has made the bold claim that citrus may actually be the key to osteoporosis prevention.
Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) June 19, 2006 -- Superstars may soon be trading in their milk moustaches for pitchers of freshly squeezed orange juice. A new study out of Texas A&M University has made the bold claim that citrus may actually be the key to osteoporosis prevention. In a controlled study, they fed an abundance of orange and grapefruit juice to a group of lab rats. The results showed a surprising improvement in bone density.
The researchers believe this success was due to the high concentration of antioxidants in the juice, but more research is on the way.
This is not the first time that antioxidants have been pointed to as the missing link to bone health. Over the years, study after study has revealed that maintaining strong bones isn’t as much about the intake of calcium as it is about how well we absorb it, and at what level we are able to keep it in our bones. This is where a host of other nutrients come into play. Magnesium, Fluoride, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Sodium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and Antioxidant Vitamins (such as C & E) each play a vital role in calcium absorption and retention. In fact, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans has actually been shown to reduce the risk for osteoporosis more than the consumption of dairy products.
In addition to eating an array of colorful natural foods there are several other lifestyle factors, which have been proven to aid in the prevention of osteoporosis. The informational website www.GoDairyFree.org highlights the following top recommendations:
Absorb Some Vitamin D - In 2003, researchers at the Channing Laboratory out of Harvard Medical School found Vitamin D to be the true powerhouse, reducing the risk for hip fracture by 37%. This massive 18-year prospective analysis followed over 72,000 postmenopausal women. Oddly enough, they found that neither a high-calcium diet nor milk was associated with a reduced risk for hip fracture. Approximately 15 minutes of sunlight on your skin per day is typically enough to meet your Vitamin D needs. If you obtain little to no sun exposure, supplementation may be necessary.
Exercise - Use it or lose it isn’t just a saying when it comes to bones. Exercise is recognized throughout the medical community as essential for keeping the calcium in its place.
Put simply, active people tend to keep calcium in their bones, while sedentary people lose it. Drink Alcohol in Moderation - Alcohol is believed to weaken your bones by reducing the body's ability to build new bone and replace normal losses. Of course, water is best, but if you must indulge, make sure you have no more than 1 or 2 servings of beer, wine, or liquor per day.
Cut the Caffeine - Several studies have shown a strong link between high caffeine intake and accelerated bone loss. If you need that jolt, try to keep it to one or two cups a day of caffeinated beverages.
Keep Sodium Intake Low – Limiting sodium to 1 to 2 grams per day will encourage calcium retention. Sodium hides in processed foods, so stick to whole and natural foods whenever possible.
Don't Smoke - Just in case you needed one more reason to quit the habit, there is a strong link between smoking and a higher risk of fracture and calcium loss.
Understand Medical Conditions - Steroid medications, such as prednisone, and hormone imbalances have been indicated as potential causes of bone loss and fractures. These risk factors should be discussed with a doctor.
Although studies are revealing that calcium is not the magic pill for osteoporosis prevention, most medical professionals concur that it is still an important piece of the puzzle. After all combined with phosphorous, calcium composes approximately 80% to 90% of the mineral content of our bones.
For the millions of people who follow a dairy free or limited lifestyle, due to lactose intolerance, milk allergies, chronic disease, or personal choice (such as vegan or anti-inflammation diets), calcium consumption may be a concern. Luckily, calcium is abundant in many natural foods including several dark leafy greens, beans, and even figs. An extensive food chart at the informational website www.GoDairyFree.org lists dozens of non-dairy calcium sources. In addition, you will find advice on the ins and outs of selecting the best calcium supplements
For those who are concerned that non-dairy sources of calcium are of lesser quality than dairy sources, look no further than the enormous 12-year Harvard study of 77,761 female nurses. As published in the American Journal of Public Health (1997, volume 87): "…women consuming greater amounts of calcium from dairy foods had significantly increased risks of hip fractures, while no increase in fracture risk was observed for the same levels of calcium from nondairy sources."
http://www.gdairyfree.org
Risk factors for enlarged prostate
Proven First: Ageing
Second: Testosterone Probable Genetic Possible - Western diet - Hypertension - Diabetes - Obesity - Industrialized environment - Increased androgen receptors - Oestrogen/testosterone imbalance
Any normal man will develop BPH if he lives long enough. Time and male hormones (dihydrotestosterone and testosterone) are the only proven risk factors for developing BPH. Prostate cells are much more sensitive to dihydrotestosterone than testosterone itself. An enzyme specific to the prostate, 5-alpha reductase, converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
Men who are castrated in their youth, or who lack 5-alpha reductase, do not develop BPH. Recent studies indicate a probable genetic link for BPH. A male with a first degree relative who has had surgery for BPH has a four times\' increased lifetime risk of needing prostate surgery himself.
This genetic link is especially strong for men under 60 years of age with large prostates. Some studies indicate that male hormone receptors (androgen receptors) may be increased in BPH cells. The role of environmental factors such as diet, obesity and an industrialized environment is not entirely clear.
Interesting facts about prostate cancer
Here are some interesting facts concerning prostate cancer and its treatment. - One in 10 000 men under the age of 40 develop prostate cancer, whereas one in eight men between the ages of 60 and 80 suffer from the disease. -
For some reason not yet fully understood, the rate of prostate cancer among black men is higher than that of other race groups. A possibility exists that higher levels of testosterone may be responsible. -
Many men die with prostate cancer, but not from it. -Although it has not been proven conclusively, it is thought that a diet high in fats could lead to increased testosterone production. -Lack of exercise can lead to general ill-health and makes someone more susceptible to all sorts of diseases, prostate problems included. -
A man with three first degree relatives with prostate cancer has a ten times increased risk of developing prostate cancer himself. -The prostate needs time and male hormones to develop cancer. Testosterone does not cause prostate cancer, but is essential for prostate cancer to develop. -
Men whose mothers or sisters have developed breast cancer are also at increased risk for prostate cancer. - Because prostate cancer generally takes so long to develop, many doctors opt for the so-called \'watchful waiting\' as a treatment option. -
Besides castration at a young age, which is obviously not a viable option, there is no certain way of preventing prostate. With our next information – we will inform you about the “Risk factors for enlarged prostate” – so you should have a look on this site in the next 2 weeks!!
If you have any question sends us your e-mail.
Health-Service-Online
Fritz Frei Admin Health-Service-Online
http://www.cancer-info.info |
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Steps to protect you from cancer !
by Fritz Frei
STEP 1 Don’ts:
Limit or avoid the following foodstuffs:
- Animal fats, found in many different types of meat and dairy products.
- Large quantities of margarine are also unhealthy.
- Refined flour products are also problematic as is a high consumption of alcohol.
- High consumption of salt and sugar is also unhealthy.
Stop with smoking, it’s a must! “Smoking is responsible for thirty percent of all cancers!
STEP 2 Dos:
Up you intake of the following foodstuffs:
- Foodstuffs high in B vitamins and folic acid, such as green beans and spinach.
- Foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish (tuna, salmon and mackerel, in particular) and olive oil not only lower cholesterol, but play an important role in combating the damage done by Omega 6 fatty acids.
- Control your weight
- Make every day some sport and exercises outside!
- Don’t take uncontrolled pills and medication.
Fresh fruit and vegetables should be eaten regularly, as should whole-wheat grain products. In particular, vegetables that have cancer-fighting properties include green leafy vegetables and garlic and onions, both of which produce enzymes that neutralize cancer-producing cells. High consumption of tomatoes is also very beneficial.
Geistein, which the researchers have found in soy beans, also enhances DNA repair in cells (protecting them from becoming cancerous).
It is important, that previous studies have confirmed there is a link between eating such foods and cancer protection.
Also, the researcher have fund Genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 they are repair proteins - they prevent damaged genetic information being passed on to the next generation of cells. The researchers have can check out the risk, if your BRCA genes are faulty so you have a higher risk of developing cancer, especially cancer of the breast, ovary and prostate cancer.
However, before we can say a food protects against cancer, we have to understand how it does this at a molecular level.
Studies that monitor people\'s diets and their health have found links between certain types of food and cancer risk. One is to day known – there is now clear that the function of crucial cancer genes can be influenced by compounds in the things we eat every day.
With our next information – we will inform you about the “Smoking and Cancer”.
Have a look on this site in the next 2 weeks! You have more questions – send us a mail!
Health-Service-Online
Fritz Frei Admin
http://www.cancer-info.info
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