Most Seniors Are Taking Too Many Prescriptions

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STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • The number of prescriptions taken by seniors doubled from 1988 to 2010, contributing to a higher incidence of functional limitations
  • The use of multiple medications increases the risk of adverse events and drug interactions that lead to permanent damage or death
  • Side effects from one drug often lead to the prescription of another to reduce symptoms, known as a “prescribing cascade”
  • The number of seniors prescribed antidepressants from 1991 to 2011 has more than doubled, while only 14.3% met the DSM-4 criteria for depression; the prevalence of symptoms and disorders has not decreased with more medicine
  • A focus on reducing inflammation and seeking the root causes of health conditions helps lower dependence on drugs that usually come with a significant list of side effects 

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Iron Overload Destroys Mitochondria and Sabotages Health

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STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Iron is essential for life as it transfers oxygen to your tissues. Hemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells, contains iron at its core, which reversibly binds to oxygen and supplies your tissues with it
  • Without proper oxygenation, your cells quickly start dying. However, excess iron can also cause severe problems by encouraging oxidation and tissue damage
  • Common health problems associated with elevated iron levels include cirrhosis, cancer, hepatitis C, gouty arthritis, arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and more
  • Recent research shows excessive iron damages mitochondrial function and impairs your heart function by inducing the death of muscle cells in your heart
  • Your iron level can be easily determined with a serum ferritin test. I believe this is one of the most important tests that everyone should have done on a regular basis as part of a preventive, proactive health screen

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Dill: Nature’s Lesser-Known Antibiotic

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Dill is chock-full of nutrients and compounds that are widely used for reducing excess gas, aiding in digestion and boosting the immune system. But the perks don’t end there: dill also provides strong antibiotic properties Continue reading →

NASA’s Mars orbiter takes a breathtaking photo of a 50-foot crater; impact could have occurred between 2016 to 2019, say experts

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NASA has captured what appears to be a new 50-foot wide impact crater on the surface of Mars. Continue reading →

One million new cases of sexually transmitted disease diagnosed each day, WHO warns

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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one million cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are contracted every day, with chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and syphilis infections being the most worrisome. Continue reading →

You May See a Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Your Eyes

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STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to liver enlargement and jaundice; some with a deficiency report eye twitching or spasms
  • Low levels of vitamin B12 may easily be missed as many physicians don’t routinely test for it, and symptoms may appear gradually
  • Symptoms include anemia, mental fogginess, muscle weakness and fatigue; left untreated it may cause severe or permanent neurological disease, blood disorders or death
  • Low stomach acid, needed to absorb the vitamin, contributes to insufficiency. Consuming conventionally grown meat can also contribute to a deficiency; you may need a supplement

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Can Chili Peppers Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes?

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STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Chili pepper consumption may significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which is known to help with a variety of health issues from digestion and inflammation to weight management and even cancer
  • Chili pepper consumption is not a one-stop solution, however, and it may not be the best choice for everyone. Consult with your doctor for the course of treatment that’s right for you 

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Asafoetida: Why This Stinky Herb Is so Beneficial

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STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • The Indian cooking spice asafoetida is a gum obtained from a type of giant fennel. It has an offensive smell akin to that of rotting garlic and sweaty feet, but an appetizing savory, umami taste
  • With its onion-garlic flavor, you can use it as a substitute for either of those ingredients. Many recommend using it in bean-based dishes, as it helps prevent gassiness
  • Asafoetida has antibacterial, antiparasitic and antiviral properties. In 2009, researchers discovered certain compounds in the herb were more effective at killing the H1N1 influenza virus than the commercial antiviral drug amantadine
  • Asafoetida also has antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, laxative and sedative properties, just to name a few. Historical uses include the treatment of nervous conditions, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough and more
  • This smelly herb can also be useful for the prevention and treatment of various gut ailments, and for feminine health issues such as sterility, premature labor, painful and excessive menstruation and leucorrhoea 

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Incredible ‘Heslington Brain’ Resists Rotting for 2,600 Years. Here’s How.

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Here’s how the famous Iron Age ‘Heslington brain’ got preserved. Continue reading →

New Proof the Ketogenic Diet Plan Fights Cancer

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Since ancient times, healers have known that food can be medicine – even if our conventional medical establishment has stubbornly resisted this fact. Continue reading →

Studies Prove Optimists are Less Likely to Get Dementia

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From ‘you’re as young as you feel’ to ‘age is just a number,’ our culture provides us with a wealth of adages urging us to take a positive attitude toward aging. Continue reading →

Real Risk of a Sneaky Deficiency for Vegans and Vegetarians

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STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Although there are several reasons people choose to stop eating meat, experts warn it’s important to understand your nutritional needs and include a vitamin B12 supplement to reduce real and permanent risks linked to deficiency
  • Moving into a new year more people consider lifestyle changes to affect physical, mental and emotional health. January has been dubbed “Veganuary,” as the number who choose to be vegetarians grows dramatically after the first of the year
  • There are some plant sources of active B12, but they also have B12 analogues blocking the uptake of true B12, potentially lowering your vitamin levels even further
  • Other conditions placing you at risk for deficiency are eating or absorption disorders, regular alcohol consumption, diabetes and long-term antacid use
  • Your heart and nervous system are dependent on vitamin B12. Consider using a quality supplement with the naturally occurring methylcobalamin form of the vitamin

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Documentary: High Mowing Organic Seeds for a New Food System

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STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • High Mowing Organic Seeds has become one of the only companies producing organic seeds from organically grown plants
  • Their mission is to grow organic seeds that came from an organic source that have high disease and insect resistance, high yield and that produce high-flavor crops
  • They now grow over 600 heirloom, open-pollinated and hybrid seeds, including vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers, for home gardeners and commercial growers
  • Ninety-five percent of the acreage of organic vegetable farms are planted with conventional seeds
  • Choosing organic seeds is important for avoiding pesticides and growing the heartiest, most resilient plants

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