The Plain Truth's: Your Health Today ONLINE

25% of men require reintervention within 5 years of prostate artery embolization

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Hannah Murphy | September 01, 2026 | Radiology Business | Interventional Imaging

A significant number of men who undergo prostatic artery embolization (PAE) as their first procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may eventually require reintervention.

A new paper in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology describes reintervention rates of men with BPH in the years following PAE. According to the data, as many as 25% of these men will require additional treatment within five years of their first intervention. The new data provide valuable insight into outcomes that are not yet well described, authors of the paper contend.

“Published reintervention estimates after PAE have ranged from approximately 16%–51% at 40 years; this wide range reflects differing endpoint definitions (for example, whether medical treatment, repeat PAE, or specific surgical modalities are counted) as well as potential differences in durability, and derive predominantly from single-center series or international registries with limited generalizability to U.S. practice patterns,” writes Tarub S. Mabud MD, MSc, with the division of vascular and interventional radiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York. “The durability of PAE in routine U.S. practice, outside of high-volume academic centers and protocolized trials, remains less well characterized.”

WHAT IS Prostatic Artery Embolization

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 16:34:19 +0000

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

PAE symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia are present in about one in four men by age 55, and in half of 75-year-old men.
Treatment is only necessary if symptoms become bothersome.
The PAE procedure has a lower risk of urinary incontinence and sexual side effects (retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction), when compared with more invasive surgical procedures such as a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

More protein won’t give you more muscle..

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 13:59:00 +0000

Protein is necessary to build and sustain muscles. This includes skeletal muscles, the muscles that allow your heart to beat and the muscles that open up your airways to breathe

Grocery shelves today are filled with protein-enriched cereal, pasta, chips, pretzels, coffee, bread and even protein-fortified Pop-Tarts.

When a breakfast pastry known mainly for sweetness and convenience is marketed as a protein source, it is clear that food companies are capitalizing on consumers' growing interest in protein.

TYPE 1f Diabetes patients are CURED of disease with groundbreaking new treatment, study shows

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:55:00 +0000

A team at the University of Chicago Medicine Transplant Institute has updated the results of the ongoing clinical trial of patients with type 1 diabetes.

Unlike type 2 diabetes, which typically comes on later in life and is caused by lifestyle factors such as obesity, type 1 diabetes, which affects as many as 4 million Americans, is an unpreventable autoimmune disorder in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Without insulin, type 1 diabetics' bodies have no way to regulate blood sugar, which can build up in the bloodstream and skyrocket. Instead, their bodies break down fat for fuel, creating acidic byproducts called ketones and eventually cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), leading to brain swelling, kidney failure, cardiac arrest and potential death.

In the trial, 10 type 1 diabetics underwent transplantation of islet cells, tiny clusters of specialized cells scattered throughout the pancreas that produce hormones to regulate blood sugar.

After just four weeks, all 10 achieved insulin independence, meaning their bodies were able to produce insulin on their own without costly supplemental injections.

Their A1C, which measures the amount of glucose in the blood, also fell from eight percent on average, which indicates diabetes, to 5.3 percent, which is considered non-diabetic.

The new results, unveiled earlier this month, are updated from initial findings published last year, which showed an initial favorable response and gradually decreasing A1C levels.

In a new trial, 10 patients have effectively been cured of their type 1 diabetes after having islet cell transplants (stock image)

Free Food Made These Monkeys Nearly Quit Hunting, What It Says About Humans

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 11:22:00 +0000

Adult male capuchin feeding on bird prey. (Credit: Luciano Candisani, CC-BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/))

What happens to a wild animal’s drive to hunt when its next meal is guaranteed? For two groups of monkeys in Brazil, the answer turned out to be simple but telling: the ones with a steady handout hunted far less. The discovery is helping scientists rethink one of the oldest questions about human evolution: why early humans started hunting animals in the first place.

Could Metformin Slow Human Aging? Scientists Review The Evidence

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:19:00 +0000

A Diabetes Pill Is Reshaping the Anti-Aging Conversation

In A Nutshell

A new scientific review finds metformin, a decades-old diabetes drug, interacts with nearly every major biological process scientists link to aging
Animal studies show real lifespan gains, from a 36 percent increase in roundworms to a striking drop in biological age in monkeys, but human evidence stays far more mixed
One widely cited human study claiming a survival benefit has since failed to replicate, and a major clinical trial designed to settle the question has stalled since 2017
Metformin is not an approved anti-aging treatment, and researchers say it’s too soon for healthy people to take it hoping to live longer

There’s a decades-old diabetes drug scientists are now eyeing for something bigger: whether it can slow aging itself. According to a new scientific review, metformin, the go-to drug for type 2 diabetes, appears to touch many of the same biological switches that control how fast the body wears out.

Goodbye Ozempic, Hello TOFA? Obscure Pill Burned Fat Without Muscle Loss Or Weight Rebound From GLP-1s

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 11:14:15 +0000

(Credit: © Kurhan - stock.adobe.com)

In a Nutshell

An oral compound called TOFA caused significant weight and fat loss in obese mice without reducing food intake or causing muscle loss, setting it apart from current obesity drugs.
TOFA worked by boosting how much energy cells burn, rather than suppressing appetite, and it also improved blood sugar, harmful blood fats, and fatty liver disease.
When combined with semaglutide or tirzepatide, TOFA outperformed

Microplastics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Tammy L Barney

As the world grapples with mountains of discarded plastic, scientists are turning their attention from the visible waste to something far more insidious: microplastics—tiny plastic fragments less than 5 mm in size. Emerging research suggests that infants and young children may be particularly vulnerable to these particles, and the health implications are only beginning to surface. They come from lots of sources: breakdown of larger plastic items, synthetic clothing fibers, packaging and containers, bottled water, even household dust and indoor air. Evidence shows these particles are entering the human body: in food, water, air, and then potentially in the gut, lungs, even the bloodstream and organs.

Microplastics originate in two main ways: either manufactured at small size (microbeads used in cosmetics, for example), or broken down from larger plastic items through weathering, UV exposure, and mechanical abrasion.

Young children may be exposed to microplastics via several pathways:

Ingestion of contaminated food or water, including infant formula or drinks stored in plastic bottles.
Inhalation of airborne microplastics (for example, household dust or tiny plastic fibres) — children especially breathe more air per body weight and spend much time near floors and surfaces where dust accumulates.
Placental transfer: microplastics have been found in human placentas, signalling possible in-utero exposure.
Use of plastic toys, pacifiers, bottles, and other baby gear that may shed tiny plastic particles.

In short: our youngest and smallest are in the front line of exposure.

There are a number of reasons to believe little ones are more vulnerable:

Development matters. In early life, organs and systems (immune, nervous, endocrine) are developing rapidly, making them more sensitive to disruptions.
Relative exposure: Some analyses suggest that infants may ingest or inhale much higher volumes of microplastics per body weight compared to adults. For example, one report claimed babies have “over 10 times higher rates” of microplastics in their feces than adults.
Longer lifetime: Early exposure means a longer life ahead for any effects — so even small insults early could drive effects years down the road.

A review of infants’ exposure concluded that microplastics show up in baby formula, breast milk, infant feces, and suggest that feeding bottles and toys may be sources. Studies link in-utero microplastic exposure (via marine/airborne pathways) to higher probability of low birth weight. One large global‐birth-dataset found that a doubling of exposure increased the low birth-weight hazard by 0.37 per 1,000 births. Laboratory and toxicology work shows microplastics may cause oxidative stress, immune disruption, changes in gene expression and cell damage—mechanisms that raise red flags for human health.

Best ways to reduce exposure + support yours body and babies bodies

Minimize new exposure by Using filtered tap water rather than single-use plastic bottled water when possible. Many bottled waters show higher microplastic counts.

Avoid heating food in plastic containers (microwaving plastic can release microplastics and associated chemicals). Choose clothing and textiles made of natural fibers (cotton, linen, hemp) instead of synthetic materials which shed microfibers. In your home, reduce dust and indoor plastic particulate exposure — e.g., use air filters, HEPA vacuums, wash synthetic fabrics less aggressively.

Rid Yourselves of these plastics!

High-fiber diet: Fiber helps promote good bowel motility and can bind substances in the gut, potentially reducing absorption of unwanted particles.according to- Ohio State

Also

Stay well-hydrated, use good water quality — helps kidneys, gut transit, and supports excretion.
Healthy liver support and overall good nutrition: The liver metabolizes many foreign substances; having good nutrition, healthy fats, vegetables/cruciferous veggies helps.
Regular exercise and sweating: While not a proven “microplastic flush”, supporting circulation, lymph, skin health may help overall body clearance mechanisms. Sauna’s, 20 minutes a day over 125F helps shed plastics. Some studies show a 65% reduction of plastics in organs within just 3 months! Ohio State Health
Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory diet: Since microplastics may cause oxidative stress/inflammation, a diet rich in colorful fruits/veggies, omega-3s, etc. can help mitigate harm. REMEMBER Healthy food is medicine to the body!

What your action plan could look like

Putting it together, here’s a simple “microplastics awareness” plan you can try:

Swap out your plastic water bottle for a stainless-steel or glass one.
Check your food storage: avoid microwaving in plastic, use glass/steel.
In your wardrobe: pick at least 1-2 items a month in natural fibers, and wash synthetic garments less often.
Increase daily fiber (vegetables, legumes, whole grains) and drink plenty of good-quality water.
Move your body — regular walks, workouts, sweating somewhat.
Once a week do a “plastic audit” at home: what plastics did I use today? Could I swap it?
And finally: stay informed. The Plain Truth’s Your Health Today is a great place to find articles on your health and God’s diet to wellness!

By taking steps to reduce exposure, you not only reduce your microplastic burden potentially, but you also are improving other health dimensions (better diet, less plastic chemical exposure, cleaner environment) — win-win.

Could 8,500 steps a day be key to maintaining weight loss?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 12:36:00 +0000

Maintaining weight loss can sometimes be just as hard as losing the weight in the first place.
More than 50% of people who lose weight regain it within two years, and up to 80% regain it within five years.
A new study found that walking about 8,500 steps a day may help a person maintain their weight loss after dieting.

While everyone knows that losing weight can be hard, it can sometimes be just as tricky to keep it off once you hit a healthy goal weight.

Past research shows that more than 50% of people who lose weight regain it within two years, and up to 80% regain it within five years.

Maintaining weight loss is currently a hot topic of discussion, thanks to the recent increase in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonistsTrusted Source such as Wegovy and Zepbound. Recent studies show that some people who stop taking a GLP-1 regain as much as 60%Trusted Source of their lost weight within one year.

“A major part of people with obesity who initially lose weight tend to put some or all of it back on again,” Marwan El Ghoch, MD, associate professor of food science in the Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, told Medical News Today.

“This usually happens three to five years after weight loss, regardless [of] the treatment they underwent. Therefore, I think that the most important and greatest challenge when treating obesity is preventing weight regain in the long term,” he said.

El Ghoch is the co-lead author of a new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health that found walking about 8,500 steps a day may help a person maintain their weight loss after dieting.

Read the story here with other weight lose tips...

How to Pick a Sweet Watermelon... The Old AMISH Way

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Common packaging microplastic may worsen fatty liver damage, study shows

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:09:00 +0000

A new animal study has found that polyethylene, a common microplastic, could increase the risk of liver disease. Alistair Berg, DigitalVision/Getty

A recent mouse study suggests that polyethylene, a major source of microplastics that was thought to be biologically inert, may increase the risk of liver disease or worsen an existing liver condition.
The research found that exposure to polyethylene affected liver metabolism in mice by altering genes involved in tissue repair and damage response.
However, these findings do not yet confirm that polyethylene directly causes liver damage in humans.
To minimize microplastic exposure, experts recommend avoiding heating food in plastic containers, using glass or stainless steel for food storage, among many other steps.

Health officials urge caution for Gulf Coast beachgoers during surge of deadly bacterial infections

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:20:00 +0000

This 2005 electron microscope image provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. (Janice Haney Carr/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP, File)

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Health officials in Louisiana are urging beachgoers to take precautions during a summertime surge in infections from a flesh-eating bacteriafound in coastal waters.

Louisiana has confirmed nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections this year, the state’s health department said last week in a news release. All were hospitalized, and five died. During the same period over the previous decade, Louisiana reported an average of seven cases and one death.

“Seek medical care immediately if a wound exposed to brackish or salt water becomes red, swollen, painful, warm or discolored,” officials said in the release. “Tell the health care provider about the water exposure.”

Read>>>>>>>>>

How extreme exercise can increase belly fat – and three other weight-loss mistakes you’re making

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

ost of us think we have a good understanding of belly fat. It is the soft pinch at the waistline, the stubborn mound that “spoils” photos, which we often blame on too many takeaways or a sedentary lifestyle.

Yet, there is another type you can’t see, something far more complex and dangerous. Beneath what you grab – the subcutaneous fat – lies visceral fat. It doesn’t just sit under the skin; it wraps itself around your internal organs, releasing harmful inflammatory chemicals and hormones, quietly influencing everything from your metabolism to your cancer risk.

Visceral fat is “a silent killer”, with high levels linked to a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and a range of cancers, including endometrial, liver, oesophageal and bowel, warns Dr Sean O’Mara, a leading expert in visceral fat reduction. Formerly a US army colonel and emergency physician, Dr O’Mara has spent the past 13 years helping senior political figures and top business executives to reduce their visceral fat levels in order to optimise their health.

READ >>>>>>>>>

Syphilis spreads while researchers contend with federal constraints and a drug shortage

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 13:31:00 +0000

SAN DIEGO — She first came to Park Boulevard for the money and the snacks. A friend told her there was a place they could go with free fruit gummies, granola bars, and rice crispy treats — and she could make $20 if she answered some survey questions. It sounded like a dream. GB had been spending her nights crinkling through garbage bags for bottles and cans. Aluminum got $1.66 per pound; to make $20, she had to collect hundreds of empties. As far as she understood, on Park Boulevard, all she had to do was show up. One morning in May, she and her friend walked over from the tent city where they lived.

The place was a research office: sterile, with frosted glass. Sure enough, there was good, strong coffee and a little basket of snacks. She was surprised, though, when the researcher who’d been interviewing her asked if he could draw her blood. She was 47. She’d been using meth since 2021, but she was terrified of needles. She snorted her speed, never did heroin, never injected anything at all. She thought about saying she needed the bathroom and sneaking off. But she liked Carlos Vera, the guy who was asking. He was gentle, and talked to her like a real human being, unlike so many people, who treated her like a bug, like something dirty to be rid of. MORE>>>>>>>>

New Study Finds Intermittent Fasting May Stop Helping and actually harm those over 60!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:25:00 +0000

In a Nutshell

Older adults who went 14 to 24 hours between meals accumulated chronic diseases significantly faster over 15 years than those with shorter gaps between eating.
The harmful association was found in adults aged 78 and older but was not seen in adults younger than 78.
Longer fasting gaps were linked to faster accumulation of heart- and brain-related diseases, but not bone and joint diseases.
MORE CLICK HERE

What to know about deadly 'explosive diarrhoea' outbreak in US

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:30:00 +0000

Thousands of people have been infected and two have died in Michigan as a result of a parasitic infection occurring across multiple US states.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite. Its main symptom is frequent, watery and explosive diarrhoea. People can become infected by consuming affected food or water.

Forty-five US states had reported cases by late July, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with Michigan among the hardest-hit. One specific multi-state outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce.

Where have cases been reported? >>>>>>>

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:17:00 +0000

New research shows simple exercises performed daily can reverse age-related decline in just 12 weeks, helping you to stay strong for longer

Performing a sit-to-stand test five times as quickly as you can helps measure lower-body strength and mobility Credit: Heathcliff O'Malley

Staying agile and reversing age-related muscle loss might sound unachievable without dedication and a lengthy, well-honed gym routine. But, according to new research, just four minutes of strength exercises a day could help keep you strong and independent in later life, and turn the clock back decades.

Researchers at Penn State University asked over-65s to complete a daily, four-minute routine of chair stands, step-ups, double-arm rows and press-ups. After just 12 weeks, their strength, mobility and balance had significantly improved.

Read the story with videos of the excercises >>>>

What If the Black Death Happened Again?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 14:34:00 +0000

The Black Death is still seen as the benchmark for devastating pandemics, more than six hundred years after it first swept across Europe and Asia in the 14th century. Also ominously referred to as the ‘Great Plague’ and the ‘Black Plague’, it was at its most potent and perilous between 1347 and 1351, killing upwards of 200 million people and wiping out up to 60% of the European population.

And the scary thing is that the plague still poses a very real threat. Between 2010 and 2015, there were over 3,200 reported cases of it around the world, resulting in nearly 600 deaths. Luckily, preventative measures and modern medicine have kept the disease from spreading on a scale as seen throughout history. The simplest measures include informing citizens when the plague is present in their region, taking extra care when treating flea bites, and refusing to handle animal carcasses. We also know today to quarantine those stricken with the plague, and to avoid potentially infected bodily fluids like pus and blood– knowledge that was either ignored or didn’t exist back in the 1300s. If it’s caught early enough, death only occurs in about 10% of those afflicted.

How to learn to love your tapeworm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:03:00 +0000

Hidden Creatures is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Of all the creepy crawlies that Dino Martins describes in this thrilling book, the most gruesome has to be the eye worm. The Kenyan biologist explains how this hideous critter lives in the eye socket of horses, sheep and, yes, cats and dogs.

RED MORE>>>>

Incredible phenomenon that sees dementia patients suddenly regain their memory and personality shortly before they die

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:01:00 +0000

People with advanced Alzheimer's disease have occasionally been reported to suddenly recognize loved ones, recall long–forgotten memories and hold coherent conversations shortly before death in a phenomenon known as terminal lucidity

For nearly five years, an elderly woman with advanced Alzheimer's disease hadn't spoken.

Then, one afternoon, while lying in bed surrounded by her two daughters and granddaughter, she suddenly became lucid.

For almost two hours, she carried on what witnesses described as a perfectly ordinary conversation. She spoke openly about her fear of dying, discussed disagreements she had with the church and asked after relatives she hadn't recognized in years.

READ. MORE>>>>>

Autism breakthrough as scientists find cheap drug backed by longevity experts may reverse symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:57:00 +0000

A cheap drug touted by longevity enthusiasts could help to reverse the symptoms of autism, a study has claimed.

Rapamycin is an antibiotic approved by the FDA in 1999 to prevent organ transplant rejection. In recent years, however, biohackers have also latched onto the drug amid claims it could slow down aging.

Some studies showed it could extend the lifespan of mice by 14 percent, but others in humans have highlighted drawbacks, including blunting the effects of exercise.

Diarrhea parasite spreading in 41 states - with suspected cases topping 11,000... as officials continue to scramble to find the source

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 11:58:00 +0000

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday that 4,173 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported across 41 states....read

The Health Bennies of Castor Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Castor Oil Benefits for Skin, Hair, Constipation and More

By Jillian Levy, CHHC

For centuries, at the first sign of illness, many parents and grandparents would immediately turn to giving their children castor oil, either topically or internally, to naturally boost immune function and speed up healing.

Folk healers worldwide have also used it to treat a wide variety of health conditions for thousands of years. For example, the reputed benefits of castor oil goes as far back as the ancient Egyptians, who used it to treat eye irritations and as a powerful natural skin care remedy.

It also has deep roots in India, where it’s considered to be a skin-healing, digestive-soothing, antibacterial ingredient that is utilized in Ayurvedic medicine.

What is castor oil used for today? As explained more below, it has natural stimulant laxative properties; has been shown to boost lymphatic, circulatory and immune health; and can help treat constipation, arthritis and more.

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a non-volatile fatty oil that is derived from the seeds of the castor bean (Ricinus communis) plant, aka castor seeds. The castor oil plant belongs to the flowering spurge family called Euphorbiaceae and is mainly cultivated in Africa, South America and India (India accounts for over 90% of castor oil exports globally).

Castor is one of the oldest cultivated crops, but interestingly it contributes to only 0.15 percent of the vegetable oil produced in the world each year. This oil is also sometimes called ricinus oil.

It’s very thick with a color that ranges from clear to amber or somewhat green. It’s both used topically on the skin and taken by mouth (it has a mild scent and taste).

Studies suggest that many of castor oil’s benefits come down to its chemical composition. It’s classified as a type of triglyceride fatty acid, and almost 90 percent of its fatty acid content is a specific and rare compound called ricinoleic acid.

Ricinoleic acid is not found in many other plants or substances, making the castor plant unique since it’s a concentrated source.

Aside from its primary constituent, ricinoleic acid, castor oil also contains other beneficial salts and esters that mainly act as skin-conditioning agents. This is why, according to a report published in the International Journal of Toxicology, this oil is used in over 700 cosmetic products and counting.

Research studies have found that castor oil contains therapeutic components including fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, terpenoids and phytosterols. These various compounds give the oil the following properties and potential health benefits:

Anti-diabetic
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antioxidant
Hepatoprotective (ability to prevent damage to the liver)
Free radical scavenging
Wound-healing

Compounds found in castor can help stabilize the texture and consistency of products, which is why castor oil is used in so many cosmetics, hair and skincare treatments.

Reports show that this oil can be safely taken internally. When swallowed, it’s hydrolyzed in the small intestine by pancreatic enzymes, leading to the release of glycerol and ricinoleic acid, along with other beneficial metabolites.

Benefits

1. Improves Immune Function

One of the major reasons castor oil has strong immune-enhancing effects is because it supports the body’s lymphatic system. The most significant role of the lymphatic system, which is spread throughout the whole body in small tubular structures, is that it absorbs and removes excess fluids, proteins and waste materials from our cells.

Castor oil may be able to help improve lymphatic drainage, blood flow, thymus gland health and other immune system functions.

For this reason, the oil and other parts of the castor plant have been used in traditional systems of medicine for the following health conditions:

Abdominal disorders
Arthritis
Backache
Constipation
Muscle aches
Parasitic infections
Chronic headaches
Gallbladder pain
PMS
Rheumatism
Sleep problems like insomnia

A small, double-blind study published in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine found that adults who used abdominal castor oil packs on their abdomens had significant increases in the production of lymphocytes compared with patients using placebo packs. Lymphocytes are the immune system’s natural “disease-fighters” that attack outside invaders such as toxins, bacteria and other perceived threats.

The lymphatic system also impacts the circulatory and digestive systems, which is why the oil is sometimes used to support heart health and resolve issues like constipation.

2. Boosts Circulation

A healthy lymphatic system and proper blood flow go hand in hand. When the lymphatic system fails (or edema develops, which is the retention of fluid and toxins), it’s much more likely someone will have circulatory issues.

This is due to the fact that the lymphatic circulatory system works directly with the cardiovascular circulatory system to keep blood and lymphatic fluid levels in an optimal balance.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, “A growing body of evidence reveals that the lymphatic system influences the health of multiple organs, including the heart, lung, and brain.” So castor’s oil ability to positively affect our lymphatic systems likely means better overall circulation and a health boost to major organs like our hearts.

3. Moisturizes Skin and Boosts Wound Healing

Castor oil is completely natural and free of synthetic chemicals (as long as you use pure 100 percent pure oil, of course), yet it’s rich in skin-boosting ingredients like fatty acids. Applying this oil to dry or irritated skin can help to discourage dryness and keep it well moisturized, since it prevents water loss.

It can also help with wound and pressure ulcer healing thanks to its moisturizing as well as antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It mixes well with other ingredients like almond, olive and coconut oil, all of which have unique benefits for skin.

Lab studies have shown that castor oil is effective against many types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Out of all the staphylococcal bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus is considered the most dangerous and can cause mild to serious skin infections and other concerning staph infection symptoms.

4. Can Help Induce Labor

Castor oil is a time-honored natural remedy for inducing labor. For centuries, pregnant women at full term have taken it orally to help speed up uterus contractions.

In fact, it’s one of the most popular substances taken in a non-medical setting to induce labor.

According to studies, the reason castor oil can work to induce labor is due to the fact that the ricinoleic acid in the oil can activate EP3 prostanoid receptors in the uterus. Some animal studies have shown that active compounds in the oil attach to the molecules that makes muscles — in both the intestines and uterus — contract.

A 2018 observational case control study found that “The use of castor oil is related to a higher probability of labor initiation within 24 hours. Castor oil can be considered a safe non-pharmacological method for labor induction.”

In addition, the full-term women study subjects (between 40 and 41 weeks) who took castor oil had a lower incidence of Caesarean section.

One downside of using castor oil to help with delivery (and the reason it’s not commonly used in hospitals) is that some women feel nauseated after taking it.

5. Helps Dry, Irritated, Sun-Burnt or Acne-Prone Skin

As a natural antibacterial agent, castor oil works similarly to coconut oil for boosting skin health. It also makes a great general skin moisturizer and anti-inflammatory blemish treatment.

If you want to get rid of acne forever, you need to get to the source of the problem. Castor oil is a great natural home remedy for acne.

As it penetrates deep into the skin, it fights bacteria overgrowth that can clog pores, while softening and hydrating irritated skin at the same time.

As mentioned earlier, this oil has been shown to fight off Staphylococcus aureus, which is linked to development of acne.

6. Acts as a Laxative to Relieve Constipation

Castor oil works like a natural, mild stimulant laxative when taken orally. It can provide constipation relief, reduce straining during defecation and enhance the feeling of complete evacuation after a bowel movement.

Its active ingredient, ricinoleic acid, gets released into the intestine, where it helps with the process of digestion, nutrient absorption and cleansing the system. It increases movement of the muscles that push material through the intestines, helping to pass a bowel movement.

One study conducted in Turkey looked at the effects of castor oil packs on elderly people experiencing constipation. The study participants were monitored for a week before, three days during and four days after the oil pack administration.

A whopping 80 percent of the individuals studied had been experiencing constipation for 10 years or longer. The researchers found that the oil packs were able to decrease constipation symptoms, most specifically straining during defecation.

7. Lowers Symptoms of Arthritis

Castor oil is often used as a natural treatment for arthritis pain, joint swelling and inflammation.

It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that make it an ideal massage oil that can be applied to aching joints, muscles or tissue. Observational studies have even shown that topical application of ricinoleic acid (the main component of castor oil), “exerts remarkable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.”

A randomized, double-blind, comparative clinical study looked at the effects of castor oil capsules on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

Subjects were either given a castor oil capsule (0.9 milliliters) three times daily for four weeks or a capsule of diclofenac sodium (50 milligrams) for the same amount of time. Overall, they found that castor oil worked as well as conventional treatment and can be used as “an effective therapy in primary knee osteoarthritis.”

8. Helps to Encourage Strong, Shiny Hair

What does castor oil do for your hair? Just like coconut oil benefits your hair, using castor oil may help your hair grow faster, thicker, stronger and shinier.

It can detangle hair as well and is even used to treat hair felting (a disorder in which hair becomes twisted and entangled as a hard stony mass).

Does castor oil regrow hair? Because it can improve blood circulation to your follicles, it may help to speed up hair growth.

This is why some people apply it not only to hair on their head, but also to eyebrows and eyelashes.

Studies suggest that ricinoleic acid may treat hair loss by balancing prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) production in men, which affects hair growth.

Types

Castor oil can be used in several ways: orally (taken by mouth), applied topically on the skin, applied to the hair, or massaged into the skin in the form of a castor oil pack.

Remember, any oil you ingest or consume (and even the kinds you apply directly to your skin) should really be of the highest quality to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Where can you buy castor oil products? Ideally look for a reputable brand of cold-pressed, pure, organic castor oil at your local health food store, or online if you can’t find it in stores.

To make your own castor oil pack:

Some people believe that the most effective use of castor oil is castor oil packs or poultices. These might be able to help increase topical absorption through the skin’s pores.

You can make your own easily, or purchase a pre-made kit.

To make your own pack you’ll need a bottle of castor oil and a soft piece of fabric, such as flannel that can be found in health stores and online.

To make your own pack, saturate a piece of flannel and place it over your abdomen or other painful areas. It takes approximately 3–4 ounces of castor oil to make one pack the size of a washcloth or small hand towel.
Wrap castor oil cloth around any painful area. Cover the oiled cloth with another hand towel or a plastic wrap to prevent oil getting on clothes or furniture.
You may want to also apply heat to support absorption.
Let the pack sit for one hour or more.
You can also massage the oil into any area where soothing is desired.

Here are some of the most common types of castor oils you may find in stores:

Cold-pressed castor oil — This type is produced by cold-pressing the castor bean seeds to extract their natural oil content. This results in a high quality product that is recommended for internal use. You may also want to check that the oil is pesticide-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free and free of artificial color or fragrances.
Yellow castor oil — This type is made from the castor bean, usually through pressing with no heat involved, although some manufacturers use chemicals in their processing. Generally speaking, the lighter color the oil is, the “purer” the product is.
Jamaican black castor oil — This oil is developed by first roasting the castor beans, which results in a dark color (and burnt smell). This is the method that is traditionally used in Jamaica. Ash found in this type results in a higher pH (alkaline) product that is believed to have more clarifying properties that may help open pores.

Common Uses

1. Laxative for Constipation Relief

The dosage of castor oil taken internally depends on what you’re using it for, along with factors like your age, existing medical conditions and response to laxative-type treatments.

If taking castor oil orally, a commonly recommended dose for adults (such as to treat constipation) is 15–60 mL, taken in one single dose. This is equivalent to about one to four teaspoons once per day.

Many people mix it with water or another beverage before drinking.

Children between 2–12 years should take 5–15 mL orally once daily, while babies under 2 years old should take no more than 5 mL once daily.

Read package directions carefully before using castor oil or a castor oil pack kit. Be careful not to increase your dose above the recommended amount, start slowly and don’t take it for more than seven days consecutively, unless you’re told to do so by your doctor.

Dosages can vary by age, health status and your individual response to taking the oil. This amount is typically useful for regulating bowel movements.

However, before giving it to children or taking it longer than a week check with your doctor.

A common warning is to not use castor oil for more than a week since side effects can be serious with overuse.

Beware that castor oil can work for constipation relief quite fast so it’s not recommended to take it before bed. For many people, taking it causes a bowel movement to occur within two to three hours, but it can take up to six hours.

Always read product labels carefully and talk to your doctor if you’re not sure about the best dosage.

2. Improve Skin Health

Natural acne treatment: Dap castor oil onto the affected area with a clean cotton swab. You can also try to use apple cider vinegar and essential oils like frankincense mixed with a small amount of pure coconut oil. All of these options reduce redness and swelling of acne blemishes along with scarring and pain.
Prevent future breakouts: Wash your face first in warm water to open up the pores and then massage some of the oil into your face and leave it on overnight, rinsing the next morning. If leaving the oil on your face overnight causes greasiness, reduce the amount of time until you rinse it off.
Hydrate skin without clogging pores: Mix 1/4 cup of castor oil and 3/4 cup virgin coconut oil (or 3/4 cup sesame oil), then apply to your body and face.
Moisturize normal or oily skin: Try using 1/4 cup of castor oil with jojoba oil, grapeseed oil or olive oil instead of coconut and sesame oils. Gently massage dry areas of your skin with the mixture, then dab off any excess using a clean towel. Allow the treatment to soak in overnight and then rinse well in the morning with warm water. Another option is creating a fast-acting face mask using one teaspoon of castor oil along with one egg yolk. Apply the mixture to your face for 10–15 minutes, then clean your face.
Soothe a sunburn: Castors oil’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce pain and redness. Apply castor oil mixed with coconut oil (in a 1:1 proportion) to the affected area, or try the same remedy as a natural lip balm to solve chapped or sunburnt lips.

Something else to consider is that castor oil and ricinoleic acid can enhance the transdermal penetration of other chemicals, so it’s a good idea to only use castor oil along with other natural ingredients that you don’t mind fully absorbing into your skin.

3. Help Hair Growth

Use castor oil for hair health by massaging several tablespoons slightly warmed-up oil into your hair and scalp. You can try making a homemade hair mask by massaging the oil into your roots and spreading it all over your hair, tying up your hair and covering it with a cap, then leaving the oil on overnight before washing it out.

4. To Thicken Eyebrows

Use a cotton swab or clean mascara wand to wipe a small amount of oil over clean eyebrows. Let it absorb it for 20 minutes or longer. You may want to apply the oil before bed so it seeps in while you sleep. Because the oil can irritate some people’s eyes, applying it to your eyelashes should be done with caution. Use a Q-tip to carefully do this.

5. Induce Labor (be sure to speak with your doctor first)

In most studies where labor was successfully induced, women have received 60 mL of the oil, sometimes mixed with orange juice to mask the taste and reduce nausea.

6. Help Reduce Joint Pain

The oil can be applied like any other over the counter analgesic (pain relieving) cream and massaged into tense areas. Apply about a dime sized amount for every three hours or until pain subsides. Repeat every day for three days for best results.

Risks and Side Effects

Castor oil is classified by the Food and Drug Administration as generally recognized as safe for both topical and internal use. However, drinking castor oil may still potentially cause side effects.

Side effects can include:

abdominal cramping
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea, especially when used in large amounts

Some people experience nausea and signs of mild irritation in their gut lining when taking castor oil. That said, it’s very unlikely to cause severe reactions as long as someone is not allergic and doesn’t overdose.

If you’re pregnant, you should not take castor oil to induce labor without speaking to your doctor first. You should also avoid using it to relieve constipation during pregnancy.

Allergic reactions to castor oil (used topically or internally) are possible, so seek emergency medical care if you believe you are having a serious allergic reaction.

When using castor oil topically, it’s still best to start slowly and perform a skin patch test on a small area of your skin before applying larger amounts, and also keep it away from your eyes, inside of your nose, children and pets.

If you’re currently taking medication or have any medical condition, always speak with your doctor before using castor oil.

Tell your health care provider immediately if you experience any of the following side effects after ingesting castor oil: persistent nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, muscle cramps/weakness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, decreased urination, mental/mood changes (such as confusion) or rectal bleeding.

Final Thoughts

What is castor oil? Castor oil is a non-volatile fatty oil that is derived from the seeds of the castor bean (Ricinus communis) plant.
It can be used topically and also taken internally in small amounts, for a short duration of time.
Benefits of castor oil uses include: treating constipation, helping with wound healing, preventing skin ulcers, moisturizing dry skin, reducing joint/arthritis pain, and naturally inducing labor.
Benefits for hair include aiding in growth, fighting scalp infections, and making hair shinier.

Walking Backwards ~ The Benefits of Retro Walking

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:12:00 +0000

Jennifer Rae Vliet

If you have trouble walking forwards with any kind of klutz curse like yours truly, this is something to be very careful about and best to use a treadmill with bars to hold on to with each hand to safely get acclimated, but wow, the benefits are amazing. Also, if you are concerned about the whole knees over toes thing, there is even a whole theory now out there about how that really isn't bad for the knees, and I suggest that this does go hand in hand in the research for walking backwards. There is even a YouTube channel called Knee Over Toe Guy. The goal is to not hurt oneself and get the maximum bennies out of walking backwards. Here we go...retro style!

What are the benefits of walking backwards?

Researchers say that with regular walking, the forward thrust or power is from your ankle. With backward walking, the power is from your hips and knees. This switch-up offers many benefits.

1. Builds muscle strength

When you walk, your gait or walking pattern is heel-to-toe. So with each step, your heel hits the ground first, followed by your toes. With backward walking, it's the opposite. Your toes hit the ground before your heel. This changes how the muscles work in your hips and legs.

The movement pattern in reverse or retro walking has been shown to make your legs work harder than walking forward. For example, as you walk backward, you engage the quadriceps at the front of your thigh to straighten your legs and propel you back. This can help you build lower-body muscle strength. Studies have shown that walking backward enhances quadriceps strength better than forward walking.

2. Improves balance and gait

Walking backward can improve gait, walking speed, and balance, especially after an injury or illness. One review found that when combined with other physical therapy treatments, retro walking improved gait and muscle strength in people with knee osteoarthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and ACL injuries.

Another study examined a backward walking training program in people who had a stroke. It improved balance and walking speed better than standing balance training. A more recent study had similar findings. People recovering from a stroke walked backward on a treadmill for 30 minutes three times a week. They had better balance, walking speed, and cardiorespiratory fitness in four weeks.

3. Burns more calories than forward walking

Because your muscles work harder, reverse walking can help you burn more calories than regular walking. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) found that walking briskly –– at 3.5 miles per hour –– burns 4.3 METs or metabolic equivalents. Walking backward, on the other hand, burns 6.0 METs.

A MET measures how much energy your body uses during physical activity. One MET, for example, is the amount of oxygen you use at rest. So according to the ACSM, reverse walking burns about 40% more calories per minute than walking briskly. This is a great way to raise the intensity of your exercises.

4. Boosts cardiorespiratory fitness

Walking is an excellent form of cardio that can boost your heart and lung health. Changing directions is effective, too. Reverse walking can improve your cardiorespiratory fitness, allowing your heart and lungs to provide oxygen more efficiently during exercise. In a small study, young women completed a backward walking and running training program. After 6 weeks, they had less body fat and better cardiorespiratory fitness.

5. Increases flexibility and range of motion

Retro walking changes your usual gait, which may improve your flexibility and range of motion and help with aches and pains. When you step backward, your knee straightens before your foot lands. This repeated movement can improve your range of motion if you have trouble extending your knee fully due to injury or illness. It can also boost flexibility in the ankles and hamstrings at the back of the thigh.

6. May help limit knee pain

Experts say that walking in reverse puts less pressure on the knee joint and kneecaps. It also strengthens the quads, which help support the knee. This may ease knee pain from illnesses or injuries like knee osteoarthritis and runner's knee. That explains why walking backward on a treadmill is one of many techniques that physical therapists use in rehabilitation programs.

The change in walking direction also engages low back muscles that stabilize your spine. Researchers believe this may help people with chronic low back pain.

7. Challenges your brain

Walking backwards is good for your brain, too. For many people, walking is an automatic process that doesn't need too much thought. But reverse walking challenges you to pay more attention and consciously think about how you move. This can help proprioception and body awareness as you move.

Learning new things, like mastering the retro walking technique, is one of many ways to keep your brain sharp. A study in Cognition found that people who walked backward — or even thought about it — had better short-term memory of past events.(SOURCE)

This is a great very short video from Dr. Patrick the motivationaldoc on YT ~

Why I WALK Backwards...This Can Change Your Life! Dr. Mandell

And of course, my favorite, Dr. Berg has a 2 minute video on how it can help your knee problems greatly!

Here are some controlled studies on retro walking to check out if that is your thing.

In summary, God gave us an amazing body and has designed our brain to right the body at all costs! Not only does Retro-Walking help the body in many ways as you can see but it challenges our noggin and as we age, that is always a good thing.

24-HOUR BREAST IMPLANTS USE SALINE INJECTIONS TO TEMPORARILY BOOST YOUR BUST

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:52:00 +0000

For the girl who has too much $$$ to spend, and too few brains

Ever wish that you could have bigger boobs just for a day or two, so you can fit into that dress or simply see how big breasted woman are treated differently at a bar? Well the answer to your curiosities is here in the form of temporary breast enlargements.

Plastic surgeons have been injecting saline into women’s breasts to expand their size. The effect of the procedure only lasts around 24 hours, but it is much less risky or invasive than regular breast augmentation or enlargement surgery. The saline injections were originally meant as a way for women considering these types of surgeries to see how they might look with larger breasts. If a patient was unsure of committing to implants, some surgeons would also use the injections as a trial run to see if she liked having larger breasts.

According the New York Times, the saline injection procedure quickly took on a life of its own and is being requested for special events, parties, and vacations. However, these temporary improvements come with a steep price tag of $3,500 a procedure (though some costs are reported to be as low as $2,500), prohibiting many from opting for the quick fix. Read The Rest Here