Interesting Facts About Our Liver

I have received this great info from my email and thought that it would be nice to share these interesting facts to others.
























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How to Lower Cholesterol Without Using Drugs

I would like to share this info which I have received through email.

How I Lower Cholesterol Without Using Drugs
Written by theconsciouslife

All these years, despite regular exercise and avoiding saturated and trans fat laden foods, my level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or commonly known as the bad cholesterol, has remained relatively high.

I supposed I am one of those who is genetically engineered to produce high cholesterol regardless of weight, lifestyle and diet. But this doesn’t mean that I can do nothing about the plaques that are building inside my arteries.

Rather than taking medication like statins, I chose to use whole foods as the solutions to my predicament. And there is certainly no lack of choices from nature for me to choose from.
After six months of trial, I have reduced my bad cholesterol level from as high as 200 mg/dL to the current 120 mg/dL, which is considered desirable. Over time, I am confident that the number will go down even further. In this article, I’ll share a list of inexpensive foods which I have consciously included into my diet that worked for me.

Cholesterol-Lowering Foods That Work

1. Oatmeal. Oatmeal is very effective in lowering cholesterol because it contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber which binds with cholesterol and bile acid, preventing them from being reabsorbed by the body. I take two tablespoon of instant oatmeal mixed with hot water every morning with breakfast. I don’t recommend adding sugar, but if you find it too bland, try adding some honey to it. If time permits, I suggest you cook a bowl of regular oatmeal and add fruits and nuts for a heart-nourishing breakfast.



Side benefits: Oat is also found to reduce one’s risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers; improves immune response; stabilizes blood sugar and even has anti-aging properties!

Caution: Oat is relatively high in purine, a natural substance found in all living things. Excessive intake of high-purine foods can lead to gout in some people. However, some studies have also shown that plant-based purines doesn’t appear to increase the risk of gout. To be safe, if you have been advised to keep to a low-purine diet, follow your doctor’s recommendations.


2. Dried black fungus. Also known as wood ear or cloud ear, black fungus helps to lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides, and is found to have anti-coagulant properties that help to prevent plaque from building up in arteries. I usually add reconstituted dried black fungi in soups and eat them about two times a week. You can also add cooked dried black fungi in salads and give your meal an extra crunchy and slippery texture. Dried black fungus expand many times its size when rehydrated, so be careful not to use too much at a time.



Side benefits: Black fungus is a rich source of plant-based iron and is beneficial for people who suffer from iron-deficiency. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses black fungus as a blood tonic to improve blood circulation, and as a scavenger of the digestive system to remove indigestible impurities, like heavy metals, hairs and dust.

Caution: Choose only the dried form as fresh black fungus is known to cause phototoxic reaction in some people.


3. Eggplant. Known as aubergine or brinjal in some countries, eggplant is found to be effective in reducing cholesterol level, and improves blood flow. I usually stir-fry eggplant with garlic and eggs once a week.



Side benefits: The deep purple hue in the skin of eggplant is found to have anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. So do not remove the skin! Eggplant is also packed full of phytonutrients including nasunin which protects brain cell membranes from damage, and binds with excess iron.

Caution: Eggplant contains some amounts of oxalates. Studies on dietary oxalates leading to the formation of kidney stones are inconclusive. But, if you are suffering from existing kidney or gallbladder problems, you may want to seek your physician’s advice before taking eggplant regularly. Eggplant belongs to the nightshade family of vegetables which are not recommended for people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other joint problems like gout.


4. Black beans. Like other legumes, black beans are a good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber and high quality plant-based protein. I cook black beans together with rice, barley and green beans as a porridge once a week. To shorten their cooking time and make them easier to digest, soak black beans for at least 3 hours before cooking. Personally, I soak them overnight. Soaked beans will expand roughly twice their size, so adjust your amount accordingly.



Side benefits: These black pearls are loaded with antioxidant compounds that destroy free radicals. They also have a stabilizing effect on blood sugar and are revered in TCM for their detoxifying and kidney-supporting capabilities.

Caution: Be sure to check for and remove debris, small stones, damaged and moldy beans. Moldy beans produces aflatoxins that can cause liver cancer. Black beans also contain purines, so the same cautionary note for purines applies.


5. Corn. Corn fiber and corn oil are effective in reducing LDL and increasing the percentage of HDL. I add chopped corns into soup and eat them four times weekly.



Side benefits: Corn is also a good supplier of folate that helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and colon cancer. It is equally rich in thiamin (vitamin B1) which is essential for healthy cognitive functions.

Caution: Take whole corn, not processed corn products. Most processed corn products are either stripped clean of beneficial corn oil and fiber, or coated in thick layers of fat or cream. Some people are also allergic to corn; make sure you are not one of them before feasting on a freshly steamed corn on the cob.


6. Enoki mushroom. Known also as golden needle mushroom, this delicate mushroom with small white cap is rich in dietary fiber like chitin that helps to lower cholesterol. Blood pressure lowering compounds have also been found in enoki. For once a week, I will lay some enoki mushrooms in a bowl and pour hot soup over them before serving. This will prevent the mushrooms from overcooking and turning hard and fibrous.



Side benefits: Enoki mushroom contains a polysaccharide called flammulin, which has demonstrated anti-cancer and anti-tumor activities in some studies.

Caution: I do not recommend eating enoki mushrooms raw, as there has been a reported case of enoki being contaminated by listeria, which can cause listeriosis.


7. Kelp. Kelp is a type of seaweed that has been found to lower blood cholesterol in studies done in Japan. This effect may be due to its abundant plant sterols, which are essentially phytosterols, that inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. Kelps are excellent in soups as they impart a unique taste of the sea. I use them about once a week.

Side benefits: Kelp is an excellent source of iodine, which is essential for thyroid function, and lignans, which has anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. Kelp also produces alkali that helps to maintain an alkaline pH balance in our body.

Caution: TCM believes that kelp promotes delivery, so do avoid kelp during pregnancy.
Conclusion

In my experience, adopting an abstinence strategy isn't enough to lower my bad cholesterol level. While avoiding certain types of foods, such as deep fried fish and chips and pastries, is important, a large percentage of serum cholesterol appears to come from the body itself, and not derived from the food I eat. Therefore, it is important to actively incorporate cholesterol-lowering foods into my diet. This approach has proven to be effective in reducing my LDL while keeping the HDL relatively unchanged.

However, while the foods mentioned here are beneficial, it doesn’t mean that you should binge on them and exclud other foods from your diet. It is important to eat a wide range of different whole foods, and even different colors of foods to ensure that you are getting a good supply of different nutrients. Besides, too much of any good thing can actually work against you. So use your common sense and eat consciously. Your body will tell you what it really needs if you pay attention.



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Salmonella infects 1000, peppers now eyed

More than 1000 people have become ill from salmonella first linked to tomatoes. Adding to the confusion is the warning to certain people to avoid types of hot peppers too.



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Superfruits

Superfruits

One is scientifically proven to have 70 times more lycopene than tomatoes and 10 times more beta-carotene than carrots. Another has 40 times more zeaxanthin than corn and 60 times more Vitamin C than oranges.

Gac, though less known worldwide, is prized by the Vietnamese for being able to promote longevity, vitality and health. Available only three months of the year, it is called the "fruit from heaven."

The seeds of the large, bright-red fruit are traditionally used for liver and spleen disorders, wounds, hemorrhoids, bruises, swelling, dry eyes and night blindness.

Gac is especially high in beta-carotene and lycopene, a substance that has been found to lower the risk of prostate cancer and protect the eyes from age-related muscular degeneration and cataracts.

Zeaxanthin in wolfberry has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for 2,000 years for longevity, vision, wellness and headaches. Believed to protect the eye's retina from sun damage, zeaxanthin is one of two carotenoids that the retina accumulates selectively.

Oxidation stress, known to increase with aging, is also addressed by zeaxanthin. Consumption of wolfberry dramatically decreased dizziness, fatigue, chest pains, sleep disorders and anorexia among the elderly.

Chestnut rose, a wild plant found in southwest China, has many components with antioxidant activity. It is rich in Vitamin C and E, biotin, polyphenols, zinc, polysaccharides and strontium.

Studies showed the fruit had restorative antioxidants, cardiovascular and mental benefits. It strengthened cells and aided in the conversion of sunlight into Vitamin D.

The Siberian pineapple, native to China, Mongolia, Russia and Northern Europe, is found to increase energy levels, protect the skin against nerve damage, help prevent heart disease and strokes, aid in stabilizing blood pressure and strengthen overall vascular health.

It contains powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidation stress in everyday situations such as exhaustive exercise, driving in heavy traffic, smoking, and weight-loss.

Overall, studies have concluded that gac, wolfberry, chestnut rose and Siberian pineapple were highly nutritious fruits that, individually or in combination, can greatly enhance a healthy diet. According to studies, regular consumption of g3 improves the antioxidant defense of the body.

Need to get rid of body toxins ?

Nowadays a lot of products are being advertised to help in detoxifying our body. One of the products that I read from a website was about Kinoki. Kinoki is the all natural way to collect harmful toxins from your body while you sleep. Kinoki Foot Pads as claimed use all natural tree extracts and powerful ions that helps in ridding our body of harmful toxins by placing the foot pads on the sole of our feet before going to bed and in the early morning the pad could have collected toxins from our body. Kinoki foot pads sounds great for detoxifying our body but then a lot of people may have tried it already. Others would testify that Kinoki Detox products have positve effects while others would say no effect.

I would say that we should better watch our diet, refrain from smoking and keep a exercise regularly. If we lead a healthy lifestyle, then we get rid of toxins buildup. Regular exercise and healthy diet should keep our body fit. Do you need detox products ?


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Tips to keep your eyes bright and healthy

Most of us works with computers at home or in office.  Some even use computers in excess of 8 hours.  This sometimes leads to red, dry and irritated eyes which could lead eye problems if precautions are not taken.  Here's some tips to keep your eyes health.

a.  Take a 10 minute visual break every hour
b.  Do not sit too close to your computer screen or when reading.  Objects should always be 45 and 60 centimeters away.
c.  Avoid excessively bright lights.  Soft, gentle lighting is best for your eyes.
d.  Blink from time to time to prevent your eyes from drying out
e.  Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.  These supply vitamins essential for healthy eyes.
f.  Wear sunglasses or UV protected eyeglasses outdoors.
g.  Have a regular eye check up to detect possible eye illnesses and prompt early treatment.

Autism: A gift of hope, courage and inspiration

Autism: A gift of hope, courage and inspiration
By Jeanne Tan Te

* It is my sincerest hope to continue inspiring parents who are facing the same dilemma that we've been through, that I share another story from the very courageous and giving lady, Awit Dalusong

It is my sincerest hope to continue inspiring parents who are facing the same dilemma that we've been through, that I share another story from the very courageous and giving lady behind www.autismpinoy.com, Awit Dalusong:

"A few weeks before giving birth to Ethan, I was busy surfing the internet trying to update myself on the latest research on how to take care of a newborn. When, suddenly, I was directed to a website with these words on the front page, "God gives special children to special parents." Immediately, I turned off the computer and said, "Well, I don't think I want to be special."

As fate would have it, two and a half years later, I was once again in front of the computer, trying to figure out why my son lost his language and why he has failed to make eye contact with anybody including his mom and dad. It really started with an innocent question from a friend. She asked me, "How does Ethan call his Ate Colleen?" I answered, "He doesn't really call her anything. He had about 60+ words but after his second birthday, his words suddenly disappeared. I think it's because he's been watching too much TV." That night, I got a text message from her with these words, "not to alarm you or anything but please have Ethan checked right away because it's unusual for a child to lose his language according to my uncle who is a psychologist." I deleted her message right away. Fear had hit home, and it hit me hard.

The Autism Society's website confirmed any mother's worst nightmare. They enumerated fourteen behavioral signs and symptoms that may indicate autism. If the child manifested seven signs, then he needed to be diagnosed immediately. It was funny how my husband, Edward, and I desperately omitted some signs so Ethan wouldn't meet the seven signs or symptoms. I vividly recall saying, "I think he only has five signs, six max. Maybe he doesn't have autism after all." But, deep down, I knew the writing was on the wall. For the next several days, I never felt more scared, never felt more desperate and never thought I had so much tears to shed. We just knew he had autism. The diagnoses from the development pediatricians were mere formalities.

"Why my son?" was the question I asked myself everyday while I cried myself to sleep. Ethan crawled, lifted his head, sat, walked, uttered his first word exactly when he was supposed to, if not ahead of most kids his age. At eighteen months, he had uttered more words than his sister. His repertoire included the names of the secretaries in his Dad's office including complex words that a 3 year old may have difficulty pronouncing. He was a very happy boy with a constant smile plastered on his chubby little face. I fondly recall the Christmas before his second birthday, Ethan was dancing to the tune of the latest dance craze. He also gamely helped me show off his extraordinary verbal ability by perfectly identifying all the words in the flashcards. Everyone was really impressed with Ethan that I carried those flashcards wherever we went. Ethan (and I) enjoyed the applause and admiration. Then, out of the blue, autism entered our house, like a thief in the night it snatched my son's soul away from me. At two years old, our son virtually disappeared.

From a bubbly toddler, Ethan transformed into someone I barely know. He walked in circles, opted to play on his own, and the most devastating of all was that he seemed to have forgotten who his parents were. He had a blank look on his face all the time, our boy seemed lost, oblivious of our presence...

Edward had to kick me out of my depression and told me to "get to work because Ethan won't get well with you just sitting down." I called the Behavioral Management for Autistic Children (BMAC), Inc. (thank God for their website) and told them I wanted my son to undergo Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy ASAP.

Edward and I went to two developmental pediatricians and both confirmed that Ethan was indeed in the Autism Spectrum. We went back to the internet in search for hope. After a few days, we stumbled upon the website of the Autism Research Institute (ARI). ARI's theories on the biomedical approach in treating autism offered a new lease on life for our little boy. Incredulous as we were, our skepticism was still there. But it also offered us hope, and for a parent of a special kid, hope is all you could ask for. Prior to discovering the existence of BMAC, ABA therapy and the biomedical intervention of the Defeat Autism Now (DAN) movement, I felt so hopeless. I kept picturing Ethan ending up in an institution. My nightly prayer was for God to not let me lose patience in taking care of my boy for the rest of his life. In fact, one developmental pediatrician told us point blank, "Your son is autistic, and he'll forever be autistic." From that moment, we vowed to prove otherwise.

A month later, we went to Hongkong to meet with a DAN doctor who helped us get started with Ethan's biomedical and dietary intervention. If we were to help Ethan, Edward and I felt that we should address the behavioral and biomedical issues related to autism to ensure success. We felt we owed it to Ethan to explore every possible treatment available to help him recover. The DAN doctor told us that along with the ABA therapy, Ethan's biomedical interventions will put him on a faster track to recovery.

Ethan's first day of ABA was on June 28, 2004. I remember how frustrating the first session went. Ethan practically cried for the first two hours. I thought he could have cried longer had he not exhausted his energy from all that kicking, screaming, and running away. As the days rolled by, Ethan behaved better. For that alone, living with a child with autism seem to be more bearable.

However, Ethan's lack of expressive communication was still a very deep concern for everyone in the family (especially his grandparents). So, in the summer of 2005, I flew to Canada and the United States to attend a couple of workshops on Verbal Behavior spearheaded by Dr. Vince Carbone.

When I came back home, I was very eager to share what I learned from the workshops. I was ecstatic that the staff was excited to incorporate Verbal Behavior in Ethan's program. I have been blessed to work with a team that was very supportive in my endeavors to strengthen my son's program.

Ethan recently turned 4 years old. He knows all the uppercase and lowercase alphabets. He knows his numbers from 1- 20. He easily identifies all the shapes, colors, body parts and animal sounds. He has about 300+ receptive vocabulary. He knows the concept of opposites. His fine motor skills have dramatically improved to indicate that he now has the ability to concentrate on tasks. He feeds himself during mealtimes with great scooping control. Our greatest achievement by far is that Ethan can now sight read common words. But, Ethan is still a work in progress. He still has very limited expressive language. Most of his words are just approximations. His social skills need to be addressed. But there's no denying that he's had a major leap in his cognitive skills. A year and a half ago, he was a boy who didn't know any nursery song. Fast forward to today, Ethan can fill in words to some of his favorite songs. The point is, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The tunnel might be long and winding, but that light is a guide for me to persevere more for my son.

The year 2005 has been good to Ethan. Ethan got a coveted slot at International Montessori School, a school with a well-established inclusion program. The directress, Ms. Judith Gonzalez is very supportive with Ethan's dietary and biomedical intervention. She has been an answered prayer to a mother like me. The icing on the cake is that the school uses ABA techniques during Ethan's pull out sessions with his SPED teacher. Ethan's socialization skills practically blossomed overnight. He now enjoys being around other children. A far cry from several months ago when he opted to be left alone and showed no interest to be part of a group.

I am often asked what keeps me going despite the fact that my son has autism. The answer is simple, I have fully accepted Ethan's condition but I also haven't given up hope that I will recover him. Don't be afraid to tell people that your child has autism.

Upon confirming that Ethan was in the Autism Spectrum, I was afraid that my friends would pull away from me. Believe it or not, I never felt more loved and more understood by the people I cared about the most after I revealed Ethan's condition to them. Also, it's important to study. The best way to fight autism is to face it head on with courage, conviction and research. Nobody has all the answers to your child's condition. Parents are in the best position to decide what they feel is best for their children. I am currently doing some volunteer work for the Generation Rescue group. I also moderate an online support group for Filipino families affected by autism. Every week, I receive several emails from parents from here and abroad who wish to learn more about helping their children. Nothing excites me more than reading emails from parents inquiring about autism and recovery.

Yes, Ethan is a special child. He has made significant steps but he is still on the proverbial long road to recovery. Every now and then, my six year old daughter innocently assures me that "Ethan is on the road to recovery but there's just traffic, Mom." I still hope that Ethan will attend a good University, borrow my car to go on dates and get married someday. Edward still hopes that his little boy will be a world-class athlete. Yes, we still have high hopes for him and we will never give up until we find the solution.

They say that God gives special children to special people. We truly believe that parents of special children are some of the greatest caregivers in the world, the uber parents as they say. It's a tough honor, but it surely is worth living up to. Every child with autism deserves nothing less."



See also related posts :
Autism: A gift of hope, courage and inspiration
Autism - Checking for Symptons
Light at the end of the tunnel
Autism : Brief List of Where to Begin
Autism (part 2): Signs of Autism
Raising a Child with ADHD
Autism Resources for English speakers in Hong Kong

6 Serious Medical Symptoms

I find this medical article from WebMD to be quite informative and could serve as a good reminders to us.

Some medical symptoms are warnings that you need immediate care. Learn to recognize these "six flags" -- six medical symptoms -- you should keep in mind:

1. If you have unexplained weight loss and/or loss of appetite , you may have a serious underlying medical illness.

"If you're on a diet, you're expecting this to happen. But if you're eating the same way -- and now have to adjust your belt a few notches tighter -- you could have a serious problem,"  says Neil Shulman, MD, a professor of internal medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, and has authored numerous medical books and scientific papers. .

        "With ovarian cancer , the opposite is true," he says. "Fluid builds in the abdomen, and women think they are gaining weight. But if you have been         at the same weight range for years, and doing nothing different, see a doctor."

2. Slurred speech, paralysis, weakness, tingling, burning pains, numbness, and confusion are signs of a stroke , and you should get to an appropriate emergency center immediately. Early treatment may prevent permanent damage to the brain or even save your life.

        Slurred speech can often go unnoticed, says Shulman. However, you might have a blood clot in a blood vessel in the brain or bleeding of a blood         vessel.

3. Black, tarry stools may indicate a hemorrhage from an ulcer of the stomach or the small intestine. It is important to stop the bleeding and to rule out cancer as a cause.

        What you eat changes the color of stools. But black, tarry stools mean there may be bleeding higher in the digestive tract.   It could be a sign of a         bleeding ulcer or cancer.

4. A headache accompanied by a stiff neck and fever is an indicator of a serious infection called meningitis .

        In fact, if you can't put your chin on your chest, that's a sign you may have bacterial meningitis, says Shulman. With bacterial meningitis, you need         antibiotics immediately to kill the bacteria before it infects and scars the brain.

5. A sudden, agonizing headache, more severe than any you have felt before, could mean you are bleeding in the brain. Go to an emergency room immediately.

        A brain aneurysm is rare, but it can happen -- even in people under 40. "It can be very disastrous if it's not treated," says Shulman.    If you have a         severe,         crushing headache, you may have an aneurysm, which is a blood-filled pouch bulging out from a weak spot in the wall of a brain artery. If         treated         before it bursts, it could save your life.

6a. For women: Vaginal bleeding after menopause is a warning sign of possible cancer.

        Some women are in denial when they discover postmenopausal bleeding. "Others think it's a little cut, or something in their urine," says Shulman .          But bleeding after menopause is a symptom of uterine cancer , which is treatable if caught early.

6b. For men: A lump in your testicle with or without a small lump in the groin could be serious. Testicular cancer is more commonly found in testicles that did not naturally descend from the abdomen to the scrotum.

        Guys, when you take a shower, check yourself, says Shulman. "That doesn't mean you have to do it every day, but once in awhile. It's so simple,         simpler than washing your hair. It becomes an automatic thing, then it's easier to remember. If you know what 'normal' feels like, then you'll know         when it feels abnormal."

SOURCES: Shulman, N. Your Body's Red Light Warning Signals, Dell, April 13, 1999. Neil Shulman, MD, professor of internal medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta.
Web Source : http://women.webmd.com/features/6-serious-medical-symptoms

Autism - Checking for Symptons

Here are 7 questions parents with children three years or younger are often asked during checks for signs of autism.  Replies must be one of the following four choices :
a.  Never,
b.  Rarely
c.  Sometimes
d.  Often

1.  Does your child take an interest in other children ?

2.  Does your child ever pretend, for example, to talk on the phone or take care of dolls, or pretend other things

3.  Does your child ever use his/her index finger to point , to indicate interest in something ?

4.  Does your child ever bring objects over to you (parent) to show you something ?

5.  Does your child imitate you ?  (eg. you make a face, will your child imitate ?)

6.  If you point at a toy across the room, does your child look at it ?

7.  Does your child look at your face to check your reaction when face with something unfamiliar ?

If two or more of the answers are never, your child has an inclination towards autism.

Source : HK University Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine


See also related posts :
Autism: A gift of hope, courage and inspiration
Autism - Checking for Symptons
Light at the end of the tunnel
Autism : Brief List of Where to Begin
Autism (part 2): Signs of Autism
Raising a Child with ADHD
Autism Resources for English speakers in Hong Kong