If being overweight clogs arteries, losing that weight can also help to unclog them, this new study has suggested. It has been seen that atherosclerosis can actually be reversed by weight loss, and not just slowed down.

People of middle age with diabetes and heart disease were examined in the study. They were seen to lose more than 12 pounds over a two year period which was seen to reduce the amount of plaque deposits that had been clogging their arteries. The deposit not only stopped accumulating, they actually were seen to reduce.

And there is more good news. It does not matter what diet you use or which method of weight loss you use.  So long as you lose the weight you can reap the benefits of a healthier body and lower risk of obesity related disease. Earlier studies that examined atherosclerosis used powerful drugs whereas this one relied solely on weight loss that resulted from diet control.

Source: CNN

The city needs a quick source of revenue and this will provide it; however it also provides, what to the common man on the street, is a more important public service. Making the high calorie, sugary drinks more expensive will likely cause people buy fewer of them and consequently consume less of them, thereby curbing obesity and subsequent medical costs.

The mayor does make a lot of sense when he says, “the soda tax is a fix that just makes sense. It would save lives. It would cut rising health care costs. And it would keep thousands of teachers and nurses where they belong: in the classrooms and clinics.”

Seeing that most of these fizzy, sugary drinks have little or no nutritional value, the tax makes sense; a lot of sense. in fact it may be a good idea to tax them even more; that may discourage people even more!

Source: NY Times

Men in their 30s and 40s also experience untimely low testosterone levels. This is not a very clearly identifiable phenomenon, because it is generally expected that this is a malaise of older men.

Testosterone is basically the male hormone (though women produce it as well) that produces sperm and is responsible for male libido.

It is also responsible for the characteristics that we associate with men; those of being big, strong and hairy.

In fact, it is this ability of testosterone to offer bigger muscles that causes many athletes to take steroids containing testosterone.

Low testosterone could be the basis for several problems and it is important to look for the warning signs from among these following symptoms:

• One of the first signs of suffering from low testosterone levels would be a grumpy disposition and feelings of agitation. One talks about a grumpy old man, which may be sign of low testosterone as well as resentment about not being as vital or able as one previously was. Mood disturbances may be experienced along with feelings of agitation and irritability.
• Erectile dysfunction or a waning libido, and lack of interest in sex could cause several problems of self esteem as well as relationship problems for men, and it could be due to something as simple as low hormone levels.
• Fatigue or tiredness is another feature of low testosterone because it also means that a man is suffering from low energy levels.
• Gaining or maintaining musculature is also difficult when one has low testosterone levels. Equally a man may feel weakness, and a feeling of strength being at low ebb.
• Many men suffer from sleep disturbances or difficulty getting to sleep.
• Concentrating on tasks could be a problem
• Memory lapses could also be a problem
• The healing process of the body could also be impaired to an extent

It is important to be aware of the fact that low testosterone levels are nothing to be ashamed of and there is no reason to not to seek medical help and attention if you suspect that this could be the problem.

It is a fact that this is a problem that is generally highly underreported, currently only about 5% men coming forward to get treatment for this problem.

1. Plastic Baby Bottles

BPA, or bisphenol-A, is a chemical used in a variety of plastic products (toys, infant bottles, water bottles, food containers, compact discs, impact-resistant safety equipment, the lining of tin food containers, and medical devices) and is now under heavy suspicion for the negative health effects it is having on the human population.

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), has listed BPA as a concern (on varying levels) in a variety of diseases, including human development and reproduction. BPA gets into our bodies primarily through our diets, and so one of the first major concerns in the debate about BPA was the fact that it is used to line plastic baby bottles. Health Canada recently banned BPA from being used in baby bottles and sippy cups, and the US EPA is set to do the same soon as well.

2. Plastic Water Bottles

Scientists are also starting to connect BPA to heart disease. According to recent study on 60-year-old males in America, those men with the highest levels of BPA in their urine were also 45% more likely to have heart disease.

Though the ban on BPA in baby products in Canada has gone a long way to protect the young in our world, it is not protecting the adults. Studies like these are pushing legislation in that direction now as well. You can protect yourself by using water bottles that are made with either glass or stainless steel, neither of which are lined with BPA plastic layers.

3. Packaged food containers

Scientists are also starting to connect BPA with decreased brain function. “Our primate model indicates that BPA could negatively affect brain function in humans,” said study co-author Tibor Hajszan, M.D., associate research scientist in Yale Ob/Gyn.

Another way you can protect yourself from this chemical is to avoid purchasing foods packaged in #7 polycarbonate plastic containers (which are made with BPA).

4. Plastic Containers

A report from the National Toxicology Program suggests that high levels of exposure to BPA is also linked to hormonal illnesses in humans—everything from early onset of puberty in young women to breast cancer. Not only should you avoid purchasing food in rigid plastic containers with a #7 recycling symbol on the bottom, it is also advisable that you not heat food in them.

Transfer leftovers to ceramic or glass containers if you need to reheat them in the microwave, and avoid boiling water in these plastic containers as well. You should also consider replacing #7 plastics that are scratched and overly worn. Some also recommend that you not put #7 plastics in the dishwasher as the heat can react to loosen the BPA, releasing it on to your other serving dishes.

5. Canned Foods

Hormone disruptions and decreased brain functions aren’t the only risks to human health. New studies are also revealing the possibility that BPA could make us fat as well.

It appears that BPA may trigger fat-cell activity, increasing weight gain. Since BPA is also used to line tin cans, getting more potent the longer it sits around, you may also want to consider purchasing food in containers other than cans. You can buy many beans, vegetables, and fruits in frozen or dry form, making them safer than the other storage options.

6. PVC Toys, Accessories and More

One final tip to protect you and your family from BPA: stay away from products—toys, accessories, storage containers, and more—made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics (the flexible plastics). These are also made with phthalates like BPA and come with similar health risks.

Via: Behance.net

The low carb versus low fat battle has raged for a while now, and it would seem that the low fat guys have something of an edge.

A study recently published in the Annals of internal Medicine found after 3 years of research, that while low carb diets may lead to quicker weight loss; low fat diets were better for keeping the weight off. Over three years, researchers observed the subjects of their weight loss program and those that were on a low fat diet were seen to have sustained twice the long term weight loss when compared to the dieters who were on a low carb diet.

Of course this is not to say that this is the Holy Grail when it comes to weight loss or that this is likely to apply to each individual. This is a general guideline that people would do well to follow. However, many may find that not a low fat diet but a low carb diet may work for them. What is important is to see what really works for a particular person and work with that.

Source: The Examiner

Bad hygiene, wherein link, dead skin or other debris getting caught can be the reason for the odor.

Then again it could be caused by obesity, wherein, there are folds of skin at the bellybutton and the area does not get enough fresh air.

The belly button is a dark and warm place and could also be moist, which is an ideal breeding ground for a number of fungal infections. And infection or an abscess could be because wherein the multiplication of bacteria can give off an offensive odor.

A yeast infection in the belly button could also be the cause of a bad smell. There could be itching in the area and vigorous scratching could well cause some bleeding in the area.

What however may be worrisome is if there is a discharge from the navel due to a urachal cyst or a previous surgery such as Patent urachus. This is a rare but potentially problematic condition, which would typically require surgery.

The most common kinds of hernia are those of the abdomen, followed by those of the spinal discs and sciatica.

There are different kinds of hernia, which have different causes and indications:

Inguinal Hernia: This is the commonest kind of hernia (an estimated 70% of abdominal hernias may be of this type).

Usually this kind of hernia happens when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall. This could be because of muscle weakness or a tear. This forms a noticeable and painful out-pouching.

Sometimes, the cause is congenital, in which case the hernia could occur in babyhood. Other causes include old age, obesity or pregnancy.

Inguinal hernias can also occur due to strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, or due to chronic conditions such as constipation, repeated episodes of sneezing and coughing (as observed in the case of smokers). Obesity also could cause this kind of hernia.

Hiatal Hernia: This kind of hernia involves the diaphragm, the stomach and the chest cavity. Here, the stomach pushes up and into the chest cavity through the opening in the diaphragm.

While the underlying causes are not fully understood, these hernias are thought to be caused due to an injury in the area or perhaps a congenital defect that created a larger than normal hiatal opening or weak or defective muscles in the area.

Extreme pressure on the abdomen could also cause this kind of herniation as also other activities that create pressure such as heavy lifting, constipation, chronic vomiting or coughing. Pregnancy could also be a cause.

Incisional Hernia: This kind of hernia occurs when there is a surgical wound that has not healed properly. These hernias are usually very difficult to treat.

Umbilical Hernia: This kind of hernia occurs due to a weak area of the wall of the abdomen which causes the umbilical cord to protrude.

Usually this kind of hernia is seen in babies; however adults can have it too and is usually caused by a congenital defect.

Other causes include extra fluid in the abdominal area, obesity, multiple pregnancies and other pressure such as lifting, coughing etc.

According to a report, environmentalists have filed a suit contending that fish oil may not be so good for us after all.

The claim is that the PCBs and other toxins contain in fish oil supplements and that consumers are unaware of this. The consumers should be made aware of these contaminants contained in the fish oil.

The fish absorb environmental toxins and chemicals, and those same chemicals are extracted into the fish oil which is then sold as a health supplement. Since the supplement seeks to offer in concentrated form, the goodness of Omega 3 contained in fish oil, the toxins are also being concentrated, the plaintiffs are alleging.

The defendants claim that their product meets are industry standards and regulations and labeling meets the requirements of the law.

It does make sense to place some credence in what the plaintiffs say; we are often made aware of the possible dangers of having farmed fish; pregnant women are advised to eschew certain kinds because of their mercury content. So it is not unreasonable to look more closely at fish supplements; particularly if they claim to be good for you and they may actually not be so!

Source: myfoxdc

It is no surprise then that people who want to live longer and healthier begin by eating heart healthy recipes to ensure that their heart is always in good working condition.

Just because we are always conscious about fatty build ups in visible areas of our body like our thighs, tummy, and arms doesn’t mean we have to consider these areas first when choosing the right foods to eat. The hearts is still the most important organ of the body.

Today, you can easily look for heart healthy recipes. They are found in cookbooks, health magazines, and even online. They feature recipes from all over the world which are all designed to keep the heart strong and healthy.

One thing these heart healthy recipes have in common is the fact that they all use ingredients that are good for the heart.

Most common ingredients in heart healthy recipes

1. Fish

Compared with other meat products out there, fish is more preferred in heart healthy recipes. They are rich in omega 3-fatty acids proven to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

They also prevent inflammation and blood clot. Tuna, salmon, and sardines are just some of the most common varieties of fish you have to eat at least three times a week.

2. Fruits

Heart healthy recipes are nothing without the inclusion of fresh fruits like apples, berries, oranges, mangoes, grapes, and bananas. Fruits contain soluble fibers which can lower bad cholesterol.

They are also rich in vitamins that can boost the immune system. Moreover, they are packed with nutrients like lycopene, carotene, and phytochemicals that protect the heart from harmful ailments and fight the growth of cancer cells.

3. Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and spinach are good sources of vitamin E and folate. They provide the body with nutrients for healthier cells, better memory, and stronger immune system. They go well with heart healthy recipes like garden salads and soups.

4. Nuts

If you are fond of eating chips and candies, switch to nuts. Almonds, peanuts, walnuts, and pistachios are just some of the nuts found in heart healthy recipes. They are rich in healthy oils, vitamin E, protein, and fiber.

5. Legumes

If meat is not an option, substitute with legumes like beans, peas, and lentils. They are excellent sources of protein and have lower fat content.

6. Whole grains

You can also find whole grains in heart healthy recipes. They contain fibers that naturally rid the body of harmful toxins. Further, they have less fat and packed with vitamins for a healthy heart.

7. Olive oil

Heart healthy recipes also include frying. However, you can’t just use any oil. Olive oil is the best choice since it contains monounsaturated fatty acids, phenols, vitamin E, carotenoids, carbolic acid, and chlorophyll. These nutrients are essential in lowering bad cholesterol level and fighting cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke.