Recent research shows that treating gum disease may prevent heart attacks. Other conditions that have been linked to gum disease are diabetes, low birth weight babies and heart disease. Unhealthy conditions in the mouth can contribute to inflammation throughout the body, which has been associated with numerous diseases -- including cardiovascular disease.
"Certain bacteria present in the mouth may be related to clogging up the arteries by contributing to the plaque that builds on the walls of the arteries," said New York University oral microbiologist Walter Bretz.
"Systemically, visits to the dentist and hygienist may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and possibly heart attack, and can decrease the likelihood of tooth loss for diabetics," said Gwen Cohen-Brown, a dentist and lecturer for the New York State Department of Health.
Dentists generally recommend that patients have biannual visits with the dentist and hygienist, and brush after every meal. If this is not possible, try to at least brush in the morning and in the evening before bed, and floss daily.
Details of the study are in the March 1 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine:
For more detailed information, please click on the following links:
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/356/9/911
http://www.perio.org/consumer/nejm-perio-cardio.htm
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Red Meat - Major factor of global warming
A United Nations report has identified the world’s rapidly growing herds of cattle as the greatest threat to the climate, forests and wildlife. And they are blamed for a host of other environmental crimes, from acid rain to the introduction of alien species, from producing deserts to creating dead zones in the oceans, from poisoning rivers and drinking water to destroying coral reefs.
The 400-page report by the Food and Agricultural Organization, entitled Livestock’s Long Shadow, also surveys the damage done by sheep, chickens, pigs and goats. But in almost every case, the world’s 1.5 billion cattle are most to blame. Livestock are responsible for 18% of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming, more than cars, planes and all other forms of transport put together.
Burning fuel to produce fertilizer to grow feed, to produce meat and to transport it - and clearing vegetation for grazing - produces 9 per cent of all emissions of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas. And their gas and manure emit more than one third of emissions of another, methane, which warms the world 20 times faster than carbon dioxide.
Livestock also produces more than 100 other polluting gases, including more than two-thirds of the world’s emissions of ammonia, one of the main causes of acid rain. Ranching, the report adds, is “the major driver of deforestation” worldwide, and overgrazing is turning a fifth of all pastures and ranges into desert. Cows also soak up vast amounts of water: It takes a staggering 261 gallons of water to produce one gallon of milk.
Wastes from feedlots and fertilizers used to grow their feed over nourish water, causing weeds to choke all other life. And the pesticides, antibiotics and hormones used to treat them get into drinking water and endanger human health. The pollution washes down to the sea, killing coral reefs and creating “dead zones” devoid of life. One is up to 13,000 square miles, in the Gulf of Mexico, where much of the waste from US beef production is carried down the Mississippi.
The report concludes that, unless drastic changes are made, the massive damage done by livestock will more than double by 2050, as demand for meat increases. So, consider cutting back on red meat or cutting it out altogether. It is one of the easiest things an individual can do to have an enormously positive impact on our planet.
The 400-page report by the Food and Agricultural Organization, entitled Livestock’s Long Shadow, also surveys the damage done by sheep, chickens, pigs and goats. But in almost every case, the world’s 1.5 billion cattle are most to blame. Livestock are responsible for 18% of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming, more than cars, planes and all other forms of transport put together.
Burning fuel to produce fertilizer to grow feed, to produce meat and to transport it - and clearing vegetation for grazing - produces 9 per cent of all emissions of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas. And their gas and manure emit more than one third of emissions of another, methane, which warms the world 20 times faster than carbon dioxide.
Livestock also produces more than 100 other polluting gases, including more than two-thirds of the world’s emissions of ammonia, one of the main causes of acid rain. Ranching, the report adds, is “the major driver of deforestation” worldwide, and overgrazing is turning a fifth of all pastures and ranges into desert. Cows also soak up vast amounts of water: It takes a staggering 261 gallons of water to produce one gallon of milk.
Wastes from feedlots and fertilizers used to grow their feed over nourish water, causing weeds to choke all other life. And the pesticides, antibiotics and hormones used to treat them get into drinking water and endanger human health. The pollution washes down to the sea, killing coral reefs and creating “dead zones” devoid of life. One is up to 13,000 square miles, in the Gulf of Mexico, where much of the waste from US beef production is carried down the Mississippi.
The report concludes that, unless drastic changes are made, the massive damage done by livestock will more than double by 2050, as demand for meat increases. So, consider cutting back on red meat or cutting it out altogether. It is one of the easiest things an individual can do to have an enormously positive impact on our planet.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Can your multivitamin make you sick?
Spotlight on Vitamin A
Check the label of your multivitamin to see if the source of Vitamin A is Mixed Carotenoids. That is the only healthy form of Vitamin A. If your supplement uses another form of Vitamin A, and it probably does, then your supplement may be causing you more harm than good. If it is unclear, then it is most likely isolated Beta Carotene or preformed Vitamin A (Retinol).
Studies have shown that isolated Beta Carotene and preformed Vitamin A (Retinol) can actually shorten your lifespan. In other words, you are not only wasting your money by taking these supplements, you are actually harming your health. Articles in the world's most respected medical journals like the Lancet, the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the National Cancer Institute all recommend against taking any supplement with preformed Vitamin A (Retinol) or isolated Beta Carotene.[1]
But, I have heard that Vitamin A is good for you?
Yes, Vitamin A found naturally in plant foods is very healthy for you. However, Vitamin A made in a laboratory is not.
Fruits and vegetables provide you with a natural mixture of carotenoids such as Lutein, Lycopene, Zeaxanthin, Alpha Carotene and Beta Carotene. Studies consistently show that getting a large quantity of these Mixed Carotenoids in your diet greatly lowers your risk of getting various diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and macular degeneration.
Unfortunately, taking isolated Beta Carotene actually blocks absorption of disease-fighting carotenoids. Because it negatively impacts your blood levels of Mixed Carotenoids, supplemental Beta Carotene actually increases risk of disease and all-cause mortality.
Preformed Vitamin A (Retinol) is even worse than Beta Carotene. Preformed Vitamin A is toxic and even fatal in high doses. It is so toxic that the government of the
Is your current nutritional supplement causing you more harm than good? If so, click here to learn more about VITAFORCE -- the only multivitamin that is made from whole food ingredients and is perfectly balanced with the ideal quantity of each of your daily vitamins and minerals.
[1]Lancet. 1997 Jun 14;349(9067):1715-20.; N Engl J Med. 1996 May 2;334(18):1150-5.; N Engl J Med. 1996 May 2;334(18):1145-9.; J Natl Cancer Inst. 1996 Nov 6;88(21):1560-70.
New ways to prevent UV sun damage
As the record summer heat continues, are you protecting your skin from the sun's damaging UV rays? What you may not know is that most skin damage occurs during your daily activities. In the absence of sunscreen, skin protection depends solely on your skin's own defenses.
Numerous recent studies [1] now show that consuming significant quantities of carotenoids, vitamin E and selenium boosts your skin's natural defenses against UV damage. UV damage leads to skin cancer, wrinkling, sun spots, moles and other skin damage. Getting these nutrients everyday is an essential and overlooked component for maintaining healthy and radiant skin.
[1] Annual Review of Nutrition, Vol. 24: 173-200, July 2004; The American Society for Nutritional Sciences, J. Nutr. 133:98-101, January 2003;bPhotodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine Volume 19 Page 56, April 2003; Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2004) 122, 510-517
Are you concerned about bone loss?
The following are the results of studies reported at the recent IOF (International Osteoporosis Foundation) World Congress on Osteoporosis in Toronto. [1] The most important studies of the year are reported at this event, and below are the summaries of the most important information presented:
- New research shows calcium from food might do more to protect bones than supplemental calcium in pill form. Dietary sources were associated with high levels of active estrogen metabolites in urine, which is important because estrogen builds bone mass during youth and prevents bone loss during aging;
- A recent study out of Belgium indicates that vitamin D levels might be low all over the world, and that people of all ages should be supplementing with Vitamin D to protect against bone fractures;
- People should be taking at least 800 IU's of Vitamin D a day to protect against bone fractures; and
- Vitamin D must be taken with calcium to protect against hip fracture risk.
[1] The press release is dated
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