PFCs and Early Menopause

The perfluorocarbons (PFCs) found in household products ranging from carpeting to plastic containers and clothing may be to blame for early menopause in some women. A study from the University of West Virginia University School of Medicine found that women over the age of 42 with higher than normal blood levels of a type of PFCs called PFOA were more likely to have already gone through menopause and to have lower estrogen levels. The investigators looked at 26,000 West Virginia women whose drinking water supplies had been contaminated with PFCs in 2005 and 2006. In this population, levels of PFOA were 500 percent higher than the average American's. This data doesn't prove that PFCs caused early menopause, but the information suggests a correlation that has to be investigated further. Early menopause puts women at risk of osteoporosis and heart disease sooner than they would be otherwise. PFCs are due to be phased out in the U.S. by 2015. To lower exposure to these chemicals, avoid stain and water resistant fabrics, nonstick cookware and food packaged in grease-resistant containers.

Stomach Bacteria

Stomach bacteria are microorganisms, which cannot be seen with the naked eye. These Stomach bacteria can grow very fast as soon as they get most favorable conditions. There are some friendly bacteria such as intestinal flora or micro flora which is good form human health. These healthy stomach bacteria are helpful to release many useful vitamins such as vitamin K and vitamin B etc. The most important task that stomach bacteria will do is to maintain normal Ph level or acid level of human stomach. It is important to maintain normal ph level to remain healthy, but it is also important at the same time to maintain normal level of bacteria.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled carrots, jicama, cauliflower and string beans make a healthy snack to have on hand. The carrots offer a great deal of beta-carotene and iron. The jicama and cauliflower provide vitamin C and potassium, and the string beans have a good deal of antioxidants and also add some color to the combination. The vinegar here is well seasoned with the essence of mustard, dill weed, and garlic, all offset with a hint of sweet and balancing brown sugar. The pickling liquid makes an excellent dressing for any salad.

Ingredients:

1/2 pound carrots, peeled and cut in round on the diagonal (about 2 cups)

4 Worst Fast-Food Choices

I've already discussed the healthiest choices to make if you find that you have no alternative to eating fast food. Today, we cover four nutritional pitfalls to avoid when eating at a fast-food restaurant.

Opt out of cheese and condiments such as mayonnaise and tartar sauce, which can add unnecessary (and unhealthy) calories and fat. Use mustard or vinegar to add flavor as desired.

Avoid anything deep-fried. From chicken to potatoes to onions, deep-fried foods contain altered fats that are pro-inflammatory and detrimental to the body.

Skip the soda - it has no nutritional value and adds unnecessary calories to an already nutritionally-challenged meal. Order plain water instead.

Pickled Carrots

Pickled vegetables are wonderful because they can be prepared in advance and keep well in the refrigerator. These pickled carrots are like an Italian antipasto. In fact, they can be used as a vegetable, salad or appetizer. Pair them with a mild-flavored entr e like Potato-Rosemary Crusted Fish. Round out the colors on the plate with saut ed greens. If you like the recipe, try the same pickling marinade for other vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.

Ingredients:

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon onion, coarsely chopped

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder

Trouble Sleeping? Try Jasmine

If you experience anxiousness and troubled sleep, but don’t want to use prescription or over-the-counter sedatives, consider jasmine. Researchers have found that the scent of jasmine is as effective as Valium and similar drugs for relieving anxiety, promoting more peaceful sleep, and reducing anxiety upon waking. Particular jasmine fragrances were even shown to have the same neurochemical mechanism of action as barbiturates.

You can get the benefits of jasmine by taking a warm bath or shower with jasmine-scented soaps before bedtime, or placing a diffuser containing jasmine in your bedroom. Other recommendations for getting quality rest include paying attention to your sleep hygiene - don’t drink anything containing caffeine or alcohol before bedtime, keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature and make sure there is minimal or no light when you go to sleep. It's also helpful to spend time outdoors during the day, and take short, daytime naps when you feel tired and are able to do so.

4 Ways to Reduce the Risk of BPH

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that is common in American and European men over the age of 50. While the actual cause of the tissue growth is not completely understood, experts believe it is closely linked to hormone levels. Try the following to help reduce the risk of BPH:

Eat a diet low in saturated and trans-fats, focusing instead on the healthier monounsaturated and omega-3 fats.

Eat more whole soy foods. Asian men have a lower incidence of BPH and some researchers believe it is related to their intake of whole soy foods.

Picky Eating to Slow Alzheimer's

The idea here is to cut back on food containing the amino acid methionine. This simple dietary measure seems to reverse cognitive impairment in mice, enabling them to function normally again. The researchers at Temple University School of Medicine who saw this effect suggest that avoiding foods high in methionine might improve memory in patients in the early to moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease. Foods high in methionine include red meats, some types of fish, beans, eggs, garlic, lentils, onions, yogurt and seeds. In their study, the investigators put one group of mice on a high methionine diet and another group on a regular, healthy mouse diet. After three months, they switched half the mice on the high methionine diet to a healthy diet. After two months on the regular diet, they found a complete reversal of cognitive impairment they had seen earlier in this group of mice. The investigators noted that to slow progression of Alzheimer’s in humans, both physical and mental exercises are needed in addition to dietary changes.