What Are the Health Benefits of FOS?

Fructooligosaccharides, known as FOS, form a class of carbohydrates you may want to consider adding to your diet. They are beneficial to the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system and, according to a 2009 study in the "Journal of Medicinal Food," may even reverse bone loss.

Structure and Digestion

FOS has a unique structure that is not processed in the gastrointestinal tract like other carbohydrates. Most carbohydrates begin enzymatic breakdown in the mouth, and this breakdown continues until the carbohydrates reach the small intestine where they are absorbed into the bloodstream. FOS is resistant to enzymatic breakdown and enters the colon intact, where it is broken down in a process of fermentation by beneficial bacteria that live in the gut.

Colon Benefits

Fermentation of FOS produces short-chain fatty acids. Short-chain fatty acids decrease the risk of colon cancer, according to a 2011 study in the journal "Carcinogenesis." According to a 2009 study in the "Journal of Nutrition," they suppress genetic material that promotes tumor development. A 2007 review article in the "Journal of Nutrition" found that FOS improves the colon's immunity against infectious agents. FOS also reduces episodes of constipation.

Calcium and Bone Benefits

Fructooligosaccharides increase calcium absorption, according to research reported in a 2009 study in the "Journal of Nutrition." When combined with prunes in a 2010 study in the "Journal of Medicinal Food," FOS reversed bone loss in an animal model of post-menopausal, osteoporotic women. FOS may be used as an adjunct to conventional medicine in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Other Benefits and Sources

FOS is used as a dietary sweetener, and since it is not metabolized in the small intestine it does not contribute calories to the diet. FOS is also associated with lower serum cholesterol.
Fructooligosaccharides are extracted from fruits and vegetables like asparagus, bananas, tomatoes and garlic. FOS is also available over the counter in powder and pill form.

View original source

Read more »

FDA finally admits chicken meat contains cancer-causing arsenic (but keep eating it, yo!)

(NaturalNews) After years of sweeping the issue under the rug and hoping no one would notice, the FDA has now finally admitted that chicken meat sold in the USA contains arsenic, a cancer-causing toxic chemical that's fatal in high doses. But the real story is where this arsenic comes from: It's added to the chicken feed on purpose!

Even worse, the FDA says its own research shows that the arsenic added to the chicken feed ends up in the chicken meat where it is consumed by humans. So for the last sixty years, American consumers who eat conventional chicken have been swallowing arsenic, a known cancer-causing chemical. (http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/loc...)

Until this new study, both the poultry industry and the FDA denied that arsenic fed to chickens ended up in their meat. The fairytale excuse story we've all been fed for sixty years is that "the arsenic is excreted in the chicken feces." There's no scientific basis for making such a claim... it's just what the poultry industry wanted everybody to believe.

But now the evidence is so undeniable that the manufacturer of the chicken feed product known as Roxarsone has decided to pull the product off the shelves (http://www.grist.org/food-safety/20...). And what's the name of this manufacturer that has been putting arsenic in the chicken feed for all these years? Pfizer, of course -- the very same company that makes vaccines containing chemical adjuvants that are injected into children.

Technically, the company making the Roxarsone chicken feed is a subsidiary of Pfizer, called Alpharma LLC. Even though Alpharma now has agreed to pull this toxic feed chemical off the shelves in the United States, it says it won't necessarily remove it from feed products in other countries unless it is forced by regulators to do so. As reported by AP:

"Scott Brown of Pfizer Animal Health's Veterinary Medicine Research and Development division said the company also sells the ingredient in about a dozen other countries. He said Pfizer is reaching out to regulatory authorities in those countries and will decide whether to sell it on an individual basis." (http://www.usatoday.com/money/indus...)

Arsenic? Eat more!

But even as its arsenic-containing product is pulled off the shelves, the FDA continues its campaign of denial, claiming arsenic in chickens is at such a low level that it's still safe to eat. This is even as the FDA says arsenic is a carcinogen, meaning it increases the risk of cancer.

The National Chicken Council agrees with the FDA. In a statement issued in response to the news that Roxarsone would be pulled from feed store shelves, it stated, "Chicken is safe to eat" even while admitting arsenic was used in many flocks grown and sold as chicken meat in the United States.

What's astonishing about all this is that the FDA tells consumers it's safe to eat cancer-causing arsenic but it's dangerous to drink elderberry juice! The FDA recently conducted an armed raid in an elderberry juice manufacturer, accusing it of the "crime" of selling "unapproved drugs." (http://www.naturalnews.com/032631_e...) Which drugs would those be? The elderberry juice, explains the FDA. You see, the elderberry juice magically becomes a "drug" if you tell people how it can help support good health.

The FDA has also gone after dozens of other companies for selling natural herbal products or nutritional products that enhance and support health. Plus, it's waging a war on raw milk which it says is dangerous. So now in America, we have a food and drug regulatory agency that says it's okay to eat arsenic, but dangerous to drink elderberry juice or raw milk.

Eat more poison, in other words, but don't consume any healing foods. That's the FDA, killing off Americans one meal at a time while protecting the profits of the very companies that are poisoning us with their deadly ingredients.

Oh, by the way, here's another sweet little disturbing fact you probably didn't know about hamburgers and conventional beef: Chicken litter containing arsenic is fed to cows in factory beef operations. So the arsenic that's pooped out by the chickens gets consumed and concentrated in the tissues of cows, which is then ground into hamburger to be consumed by the clueless masses who don't even know they're eating second-hand chicken sh*t. (http://www.naturalnews.com/027414_c...)

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/032659_arsenic_chicken.html#ixzz1hxinPrvI

Read more »

What Foods Can Kids Make With No Cooking?

Eating healthy is as important for kids as it is for adults. Children need essential nutrients to keep growing strong. What kids don’t need is an adult to prepare every meal. Many well-balanced dishes are safe and easy enough for kids to prepare. As long as you provide nutritious ingredients, such as lean protein and whole grains, your kids will have everything they need for a healthy meal.

Stock your home with whole grain breads to ensure that your child consumes plenty of fiber when he makes his own healthy sandwich. Encourage kids to include lean protein in a simple sandwich to keep the food easy and nutritious. A low-fat peanut butter and low-sugar jelly sandwich on wheat bread is easy enough for a school-aged child to make in minutes. A low-fat ham and low-fat cheddar sandwich on multi-grain bread appeals to many kids.

Small and pre-cut vegetables are nutrient-packed items that kids can prepare without any cooking. Remind children to rinse each vegetable well before eating, preferably in a colander to make it easy for small hands. Stock up on cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, celery sticks and cucumber sticks. Kids may also enjoy radishes, mini pickles, artichoke hearts or palm hearts. Suggest pairing the vegetables with a light salad dressing, such as ranch, to help make the food more appealing to picky kids.

Basic spooning and pouring skills are all your kids need to turn granola and low-fat yogurt into a nutritious dish with calcium and fiber. Your little ones can alternate between a few spoonfuls of yogurt and one spoonful of granola to create a layered meal. Purchase small pieces of fruit that require no cutting, such as blueberries or raisins, to make it easier for kids to prepare a nutrient-packed dish. Advise children about appealing combinations, such as vanilla yogurt and honey granola with blueberries or strawberry yogurt and walnut granola with banana chunks.

As long as your child knows how to use a blender, she can create her own healthy smoothie as a quick meal or snack. A blueberry, banana, oatmeal and cottage cheese smoothie provides a filling drink with ample fiber and a mellow flavor for kids. A strawberry, banana and vanilla yogurt smoothie is a light drink that tastes sweet and provides calcium.

Snack mixes don’t have to be fattening or cooked to taste appealing to kids.
Teach your child to mix dry-roasted peanuts, fat-free pretzels, dried cranberries and raisins for a simple snack that has sweet, salty and tangy tastes. Suggest puffed wheat cereal, sunflower seeds and dried apple bits for a healthy treat with a fall theme - or mixed nuts, banana chips, shredded coconut and puffed rice cereal for a tropical theme.

Article reviewed by Marianne C 

View the original article here

Read more »

What Are You Missing From a Diet if You Crave Baby Powder?

Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images Baby powder is often used to treat diaper rash, as a deodorant and in cosmetic products. It is an astringent powder, typically consisting of either talcum or, in recent years, cornstarch. Pregnant women sometimes experience symptoms of pica, a condition that causes cravings for non-food items. One non-food item pregnant women might find themselves craving is baby powder. While the exact cause of these cravings is not verified, it is suspected that the body is attempting to compensate for a nutrient deficiency. Those who are not pregnant might experience cravings for baby powder as well. Some become addicted to it and eat baby powder on a daily basis. Craving baby powder might be a sign of an iron or vitamin D deficiency.

Pica describes a disorder that causes your body to crave items and substances with no nutritional value. The most common cravings are for dirt and chalk. According to Dr. Glenn Tisman, 25 to 33 percent of all pica cases involve small children, 20 percent involve pregnant women and 10 to 15 percent involve individuals with learning disabilities. A small percentage of those affected have an iron or vitamin D deficiency. Indulging in pica cravings can be harmful to your body, and if you are pregnant, your baby.

Iron is a vital mineral for the human body and plays an important role in several cell functions. Iron deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies and is the leading cause of anemia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who suffer from anemia do not have adequate levels of red blood cells. Iron deficiency is most commonly caused by an increased need of iron, such as occurs during a growth spurt or pregnancy, or a sudden decrease of iron in the diet. Symptoms of an iron deficiency include weakness, tiredness, difficulty maintaining body temperature, decreased immune function and a swollen tongue. Dietary sources of iron include oysters, clams, fortified cereals, liver, soybeans, white beans, lentils, spinach, red meat and many others. If you have a craving for baby powder, you might not have enough iron in your diet.

Vitamin D, found in dietary sources including fortified milk, eggs, fish and cod liver oil, is vital for normal function of the human body. According to Dr. Oz, those suffering from cravings or addiction to baby powder might be suffering from a vitamin D deficiency. It can cause weak bones and muscles and contribute to a fatigued feeling. Exposure to sunlight triggers synthesis of vitamin D; those who receive little to no sunlight are at an increased risk of a deficiency. If you crave baby powder, you might be suffering from a deficiency in vitamin D. However, this cause is not as likely as an iron deficiency.

If you experience a craving for baby powder, you should consult a health care professional. If you consume baby powder on a regular basis, get help immediately as the addiction is harmful to your body. You should undergo blood tests to determine if you suffer from a deficiency and work with a physician to determine its cause. Once you have located the cause of your cravings, a health care professional can determine how to remedy it. You should not seek excess sun exposure to remedy a vitamin D deficiency, nor overeat for an iron deficiency.

Article reviewed by J. Betherman Last updated on: Dec 16, 2011

View the original article here

Read more »

Why Is it Important to Drink Water Before You Go to Sleep?

Drinking water is vital to having a healthy body. Your body is approximately 60 percent water. You use water to flush toxins out of your body, to transport nutrients to your cells and to keep the tissues of your nose, throat and ears sufficiently moist. Drinking water throughout the day is ideal, but there may be reasons to drink water before you go to sleep.

Taking time to drink some water when you get home after a night of heavy drinking may prevent a hangover. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it makes you urinate more, which increases your chances of becoming dehydrated. Drinking two to three glasses of water before you attempt to sleep it off can prevent dehydration, plus headaches and achiness, according to Go Ask Alice, a service of Columbia University. Limiting your alcohol intake to three to four drinks within a 24-hour time frame, avoiding mixing liquors and eating before you drink and with drinks can also help you prevent hangovers.

Dehydration can make you feel drained and tired, but not in a way that helps you sleep. Drinking water throughout the day replenishes the water your body loses through sweat, urination and bowel movements. Breathing also causes you to lose water. Feeling thirsty indicates that you are already on your way to becoming dehydrated. If you are thirsty at night, it means your body needs water, and you should not put it off until morning. The exact amount of water each person needs per day to prevent dehydration is unique. A general rule of thumb is to drink eight to nine cups per day, but your doctor can best advise you.

Many people like to work out at night. Your body's need for water increases during and after workouts. Drink water after workouts to rehydrate and re-energize. Go Ask Alice recommends 8 ounces of water within 30 minutes of finishing a workout, but that is assuming you drank sufficient water before and during your workout. Generally, you should drink 8 ounces of water during your warm up and every 10 to 20 minutes while exercising. So even if you just want to go to sleep, drink some water first.

Drinking a glass of water or warm milk may help soothe you to sleep, according to Dr. Oz, though water is preferable. However, drinking water right before bed may cause you to wake up to urinate during the night, possibly more than once. This could prevent you from getting enough rest to function optimally the next day. If you find this to be a problem, drink enough water throughout the day up until two hours before bedtime so that you are already well hydrated when it is time to go to bed. Then, drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning.

Article reviewed by J. Betherman

View the original article here

Read more »

Wheat Germ and Flax Seed for Oily Skin & Acne

Oily skin and acne can be problematic at all ages, but tend to be more of an issue during adolescence. Although there are a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications that can alleviate the symptoms of acne, natural solutions can also be used. Among these home remedies are wheat germ and flax seed. However, their effectiveness at treating acne is debatable.

Acne is the common name used for the skin condition known as acne vulgaris. According to the Academy of Dermatology, outbreaks of acne vulgaris are at their highest during puberty, although there are many factors that can cause this disorder. Noninflammatory lesions result due to abnormal keratinization in the upper canal of hair follicles, hormonal fluctuations, bacteria and immune hypersensitivity. The resulting lesions can range from mild to severe. They can be treated with antibacterial drugs and other forms of medication.

Another natural acne treatment is alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is found in plants. Flaxseed oil is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, alpha-linolenic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation of acne. By ingesting flax seed oil or a supplement containing flax seed oil, the alpha-linolenic acid you take in may prove beneficial in treating an acne outbreak, particularly if it is inflammatory acne.

Wheat germ is a good source of selenium, a trace mineral that helps your body perform certain functions, such as producing cell proteins called antioxidant enzymes that can protect your cells from being damaged. Selenium is commonly used in various natural over-the-counter acne remedies. A 1984 study published in the Swedish medical journal "Acta Derm Venereol" found that selenium had beneficial effects in treating acne. Adding wheat germ to your diet can increase your intake of selenium, which may serve to lessen the adverse effects of an outbreak of acne.

Selenium, however, can have negative side effects if ingested in large amounts. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that taking too much selenium can result in an array of health problems, including stomach problems, rashes, scaly and itchy skin, nausea and dizziness. However, this warning primarily concerns selenium supplements. You would have to eat a massive amount of wheat germ to ingest enough selenium to be dangerous. If you do experience any of these symptoms and think you may be suffering from selenium poisoning, it's crucial that you see a doctor immediately.

Article reviewed by Craig Sanders

View the original article here

Read more »

Wild Rose Hips & Respiratory Problems

Respiration refers to taking in oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide, or inhaling and exhaling. Your respiratory system includes several parts, such as the throat and lungs, that work simultaneously to oxygenate your cells for carrying out normal bodily functions. Respiratory problems result from various factors, including organ failure or being exposed to allergens. Wild rose hips, the ripe seeded fruit of roses, has many uses, but for some, can trigger respiratory complications.

Rose hips grow from colorful, flowering perennial roses. The "hips" are the flowering portion of the plant, typically located on the thorny branches of the ripened stem. Rose hips have use in cooking as a flavorful and sweet accessory to jams or baked goods. Historically, rose hips were used in the Middle Ages to remedy chest congestion associated with the common cold or as a diuretic to alleviate constipation. This plant is rich in vitamin C and also contains vitamins A, B and K, notes Drugs.com. The allure of adding rose hips to tea or taking them as a supplement is the antioxidant properties that help in protecting your immune system.

Rose hips have no known side effects in healthy individuals. However, excess exposure to the dust, or pollen, of rose hips can trigger respiratory distress in people with underlying allergies to the substance. A 1990 study published in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" confirmed that industrial workers with asthma and those with less severe respiratory ailments experienced breathing complications with regular exposure to rose hips. Similarly, anaphylactic reactions to contact with rose pollen has also been documented in a 2003 case review from the journal "Allergologia et Immunopathologia."

Anaphylaxis refers to a severe and, in some instances, life-threatening allergic reaction to a substance. The condition typically occurs immediately after exposure to the trigger allergen and includes symptoms of airway constriction, tongue or throat swelling, skin reactions and changes in pulse. In extreme cases, respiratory distress prohibiting proper breathing can occur. Although clinically documented cases of wild rose hips having this effect are scarce, it can happen. If you choose to use wild rose hips supplements, first consult your physician.

Difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath, accompanied by tightness in the chest, is a typical signal of pending respiratory distress. Escalating signs include changes in color around your mouth, lips and overall skin, labored breathing followed by grunting, sweating and wheezing. If you experience signs of respiratory distress after using rose hips, but not related to anaphylactic shock, contact your physician for recommendations. However, if you experience respiratory distress along with signs of allergic reaction, seek medical care immediately.

Article reviewed by Eric Lochridge

View the original article here

Read more »