Pages

Saturday 3 September 2016

7 Medical Myths Even Doctors Believe

Popular culture is loaded with myths and half-truths. Most are harmless. But when doctors start believing medical myths, perhaps it's time to worry.
In the British Medical Journalthis week, researchers looked into several common misconceptions, from the belief that a person should drink eight glasses of water per day to the notion that reading in low light ruins your eyesight.
"We got fired up about this because we knew that physicians accepted these beliefs and were passing this information along to their patients," said Dr. Aaron Carroll, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine. "And these beliefs are frequently cited in the popular media."
And so here they are, so that you can inform your doctor:

Myth: We use only 10 percent of our brains.
Fact: Physicians and comedians alike, including Jerry Seinfeld, love to cite this one. It's sometimes erroneously credited to Albert Einstein. But MRI scans, PET scans and other imaging studies show no dormant areas of the brain, and even viewing individual neurons or cells reveals no inactive areas, the new paper points out. Metabolic studies of how brain cells process chemicals show no nonfunctioning areas. The myth probably originated with self-improvement hucksters in the early 1900s who wanted to convince people that they had yet not reached their full potential, Carroll figures. It also doesn't jibe with the fact that our other organs run at full tilt.

Myth: You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Fact: "There is no medical evidence to suggest that you need that much water," said Dr. Rachel Vreeman, a pediatrics research fellow at the university and co-author of the journal article. Vreeman thinks this myth can be traced back to a 1945 recommendation from the Nutrition Council that a person consume the equivalent of 8 glasses (64 ounces) of fluid a day. Over the years, "fluid" turned to water. But fruits and vegetables, plus coffee and other liquids, count.

Myth: Fingernails and hair grow after death.
Fact: Most physicians queried on this one initially thought it was true. Upon further reflection, they realized it's impossible. Here's what happens: "As the body’s skin is drying out, soft tissue, especially skin, is retracting," Vreeman said. "The nails appear much more prominent as the skin dries out. The same is true, but less obvious, with hair. As the skin is shrinking back, the hair looks more prominent or sticks up a bit."

Myth: Shaved hair grows back faster, coarser and darker.
Fact: A 1928 clinical trial compared hair growth in shaved patches to growth in non-shaved patches. The hair which replaced the shaved hair was no darker or thicker, and did not grow in faster. More recent studies have confirmed that one. Here's the deal: When hair first comes in after being shaved, it grows with a blunt edge on top, Carroll and Vreeman explain. Over time, the blunt edge gets worn so it may seem thicker than it actually is. Hair that's just emerging can be darker too, because it hasn't been bleached by the sun.

Myth: Reading in dim light ruins your eyesight.
Fact: The researchers found no evidence that reading in dim light causes permanent eye damage. It can cause eye strain and temporarily decreased acuity, which subsides after rest.

Myth: Eating turkey makes you drowsy.
Fact: Even Carroll and Vreeman believed this one until they researched it. The thing is, a chemical in turkey called tryptophan is known to cause drowsiness. But turkey doesn't contain any more of it than does chicken or beef. This myth is fueled by the fact that turkey is often eaten with a colossal holiday meal, often accompanied by alcohol — both things that will make you sleepy.

Myth: Mobile phones are dangerous in hospitals.
Fact: There are no known cases of death related to this one. Cases of less-serious interference with hospital devices seem to be largely anecdotal, the researchers found. In one real study, mobile phones were found to interfere with 4 percent of devices, but only when the phone was within 3 feet of the device. A more recent study, this year, found no interference in 300 tests in 75 treatment rooms. To the contrary, when doctors use mobile phones, the improved communication means they make fewer mistakes
.
"Whenever we talk about this work, doctors at first express disbelief that these things are not true," said Vreeman said. "But after we carefully lay out medical evidence, they are very willing to accept that these beliefs are actually false."

14 Foods That Cleanse the Liver

Modern society is a sad state that produces many over-processed livers. When we overeat or eat processed or fried foods, and, anytime we are exposed to environmental pollutants or stress, the liver becomes overworked and overloaded. When the liver is taxed, it can’t process toxins and fat in an efficient way. There are many foods that can help cleanse the liver naturally by stimulating its natural ability to clean toxic waste from the body.

In the past, I have discussed my favorite cleansing foods. This list is a little more specific and focuses mainly on foods that can help cleanse your liver. In addition to taking a liver-cleansing supplement, and performing at least two liver and gallbladder cleanses per year, eating the following foods is the best way to keep your liver healthy and functioning the way you need it to. I would encourage you to incorporate these liver cleanse foods into your weekly diet.


1. Garlic

Just a small amount of this pungent white bulb has the ability to activate liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins. Garlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.


2. Grapefruit

High in both vitamin C and antioxidants, grapefruit increases the natural cleansing processes of the liver. A small glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice will help boost production of the liver detoxification enzymes that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.



3. Beets and Carrots

Both are extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene; eating beets and carrots can 
help stimulate and improve overall liver function.


4. Green Tea

This liver-loving beverage is full of plant antioxidants known as catechins, a compound known to assist liver function. Green tea is not only delicious, it’s also a great way to improve your overall diet. Learn more about the benefits of green tea.


5. Leafy Green Vegetables

One of our most powerful allies in cleansing the liver, leafy greens can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. Extremely high in plant chlorophylls, greens suck up environmental toxins from the blood stream. With their distinct ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides, these cleansing foods offer a powerful protective mechanism for the liver.
Try incorporating leafy greens such as bitter gourd, arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, mustard greens, and chicory into your diet. This will help increase the creation and flow of bile, the substance that removes waste from the organs and blood.


6. Avocados

This nutrient-dense super-food helps the body produce glutathione, a compound that is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins.


7. Apples

High in pectin, apples hold the chemical constituents necessary for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. This, in turn, makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.


8. Olive Oil

Cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp and flax-seed are great for the liver, when used in moderation. They help the body by providing a lipid base that can suck up harmful toxins in the body. In this way, it takes some of the burden off the liver in terms of the toxic overload many of us suffer from.


9. Whole Grains

Grains, such as brown rice, are rich in B-complex vitamins which are nutrients known to improve overall fat metabolization, liver function and liver decongestion. If possible, do not eat foods with white flour, instead try eating whole wheat alternatives.


10. Cruciferous Vegetables

Eating broccoli and cauliflower will increase the amount of glucosinolate in your system, adding to enzyme production in the liver. These natural enzymes help flush out carcinogens, and other toxins, out of our body which may significantly lower risks associated with cancer.


11. Lemons & Limes

These citrus fruits contain very high amounts of vitamin C, which aids the body in synthesizing toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water. Drinking freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice in the morning helps stimulate the liver.


12. Walnuts

Holding high amounts of the amino acid arginine, walnuts aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, which support normal liver cleansing actions. Make sure you chew the nuts well (until they are liquefied) before swallowing.


13. Cabbage

Much like broccoli and cauliflower, eating cabbage helps stimulate the activation of two crucial liver detoxifying enzymes that help flush out toxins. Try eating more kimchi, coleslaw, cabbage soup and sauerkraut. 


14. Turmeric

The liver’s favorite spice. Try adding some of this detoxifying goodness into your next lentil stew or veggie dish for an instant liver pick-me-up. Turmeric helps boost liver detox, by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens.

20 Scariest Food Facts

1. YOUR FOOD CAN LEGALLY CONTAIN MAGGOTS, RODENT HAIR, AND INSECT EGGS.


The FDA allows certain “defects” to slide by. Have a look at what your food can carry:
•    Canned pineapple can pack in up to 20% moldy fruit.
•    Berries can harbor up to 4 larvae per 100 grams.
•    Oregano can legally contain up to 1,250 insect fragments per 10 grams.
•    Cinnamon can carry up to 1 milligram of animal excrement per pound.
•    Ocean perch can harbor small numbers of copepods, parasites that create pus pockets.

2. NUTRITIOUS FOOD COSTS 10 TIMES AS MUCH AS JUNK FOOD.

University of Washington researchers calculated the cost discrepancy between healthy food and junk foods and found that 2,000 calories of junk food rings up at a measly $3.52 a day. Yet for 2,000 calories of nutritious grub, the researchers plunked down $36. To add insult to fiscal injury, out of every dollar you spend on food, only 19 cents goes toward the stuff you eat. The other 81 percent goes toward marketing, manufacturing, and packaging. Think about that the next time your grocery bill jumps into triple-digit dollars.

3. GROCERS DON’T HAVE TO TELL YOU WHERE YOUR SALAD COMES FROM.

With fresh fruits and vegetables, supermarkets must tell you the country of origin, but with dried fruit and mixed produce, the law isn't so strict. That means a mixed bag of salads isn't required to disclose its location, and that can create problems if there's a bacterial outbreak. News reports might warn you about E. Coli-tainted spinach coming from a certain country, but if your spinach is packaged with other greens, you'll have no way of knowing if it's in your bag. That's a huge problem considering leafy greens top the CDC's list of foods most commonly associated with food borne illness.

4. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE LOSING THEIR NUTRIENTS.

According to the USDA, the fruits and vegetables we eat today may contain significantly fewer nutrients than those our grandparents ate. Researchers looked at 43 produce items and discovered drops in protein (6 percent), calcium (16 percent), iron (15 percent), riboflavin (38 percent), and vitamin C (20 percent). Your move: Eat more fruits and vegetables.

5. CALORIE COUNTS ON NUTRITION FACT LABELS AREN’T ACCURATE.

Researchers at Tufts University recently analyzed 269 food items from 42 national sit-down and fast-food restaurant chains, and they found that nearly 20 percent of samples contained 100 or more calories than reported by the restaurants. Think about it like this: If every meal you eat has 100 more calories than you need, you’ll gain more than 30 pounds this year.

6. CHICKEN TODAY CONTAINS 266 PERCENT MORE FAT THAN IT DID 40 YEARS AGO.

What’s more, today’s chicken also has 33 percent less protein, according to a study from the Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition at London Metropolitan University. The problem is modern farming practices. Cramped environments and unnatural diets produce birds that have the same weight problems as the humans who eat them.

7. MILK CONTAINS HORMONES THAT MAY CAUSE CANCER.

In 1970, a typical dairy cow could produce about 10,000 pounds of milk per year. Today, that same cow produces roughly 20,000 pounds. So did cows change? Nope. It’s their feed that’s different. Today’s cows are routinely fed a hormone called recombinant bovine somatotropin, or rBST. Problem is, studies have linked rBST to a multitude of cancers, including those of the prostate, breast, and colon. And while milk from rBST-treated cows is ubiquitous in America’s supermarkets, some of the biggest players are getting wise. Stores like Whole Foods, Wal-Mart, and Kroger only carry rBST-free dairy.

8. CONVENTIONAL SUPERMARKET PEACHES CAN BE COATED WITH AS MANY AS NINE DIFFERENT PESTICIDES.

Because peaches are prone to bruising, blemishing, and insect takeover, they’re routinely soaked in chemicals in the weeks before being shipped off to the supermarket. That’s why the Environmental Working Group rates peaches among the dirtiest conventional fruits in America. Also on that list: apples, celery, strawberries, and spinach. As a general rule, unless the produce has a thick, impermeable skin, assume it’s soaked in pesticides. Now wash it with water and mild soap before you eat it.

9. YOU’RE PROBABLY EATING TRANS FAT WITHOUT KNOWING IT.

Slack FDA regulations allow food processors to claim zero trans fats even if the food contains .49 grams. To be clear, that’s .49 grams per serving. That means by the time you finish, say, an entire bag of Cheetos, you might be ingesting nearly 5 grams of trans fat. Sure the bag says “0 GRAMS TRANS FAT” right on the front, but if you look at the ingredient statement, you’ll see partially hydrogenated oil, the primary source of trans fat.

10. THE NUMBER OF DAILY CALORIES AVAILABLE TO EACH AMERICAN HAS INCREASED BY 500 OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS.

USDA data shows that the food industry supplies 2,700 calories to every man, woman and child in America. In 1970, that number was 2,200. That increase translates into 52 extra pounds of fat per person, per year.

11. COMMONLY USED FOOD DYES CAN ALTER YOUR KIDS’ BEHAVIOR.

Researchers at the University of Southampton found that colors such as Yellow #5, Yellow #6, and Red #40 could cause hyperactivity in children. Ironically, foods marketed to children are often the most heavily dyed foods in the supermarket.

12. YOUR STOMACH BUG IS LIKELY FOOD POISONING.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every year, 48,000 Americans receives food poisoning from contaminated food, and that puts a $152 billion strain on the economy. What’s worse, an astonishing 3,000 of those people die. 

13. FORTY-TWO PERCENT OF RAW SUPERMARKET CHICKEN IS CONTAMINATED.

In a study by Consumers Union, the driving force behind Consumer Reports, 12 percent of tested chickens were infected with Salmonella, and nearly half carried Campylobacter. Campylobacteriosis is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in America.

14. GULF COAST OYSTERS CARRY E. COLI.

When researchers from Arizona tested Gulf Shore oysters, they found E. coli in every single sample. As filter-feeders, oysters naturally sift through the pollutants in the water, increasing their risk of contamination by pathogens. If you’re buying oysters from anything less than a highly trusted source, make sure you cook them through. 

15. THE USDA IS ALLOWING YOUR MEAT TO BE “CLEANED” WITH AMMONIA—AND THEY’RE HIDING IT FROM YOU.

The typical fast-food burger is made with slaughterhouse trimmings, fatty cuts of beef typically reserved for pet food and cooking oil. What’s more, these burgers contain pieces of hundreds, potentially even thousands, of different cows. This creates an environment where bacteria thrive, so to clean the meat, the USDA allows a company called Beef Products to pipe the raw beef through pipes and expose it to ammonia gas. Never mind that ammonia is a poison or that evidence suggests the process may not be fully effective. The USDA deems it safe enough, and it allows the meat to be sold without any indication that it received the gas treatment.

16. ALUMINUM CANS ARE LINED WITH A HORMONE-DISRUPTING TOXIN.

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is the chemical found in plastic bottles, glass jar lids, and the lining of food-containing tins and cans. In your body, BPA acts similar to estrogen, and it has been linked to behavioral problems, reproductive issues, and obesity. The industry has been slow to find a replacement, so limit exposure by switching to glass containers or plastic bottles labeled BPA-free.

17. ROUGHLY TWO-THIRDS OF BOTTLED WATER DOESN’T COMPLY WITH FDA STANDARDS.

When the Food and Drug Administration set bottled-water regulations, it left in one gaping loophole: The regulations apply only to bottled waters sold across state or country borders. Bottles packaged and sold within a single state don’t have to comply with national standards. Although many states do have their own set of (nationally unregulated and unrecognized) regulations in place, one in five have none. Furthermore, government and industry estimates figure that 25 percent of water bottles sold in the US contain mere tap water. You should be so lucky as to end up with one of those; the FDA’s rules are far more lax than the tap water standards set by the EPA.

18. WE DRINK TWICE AS MANY CALORIES TODAY AS WE DID 30 YEARS AGO.

The average American drinks 450 liquid calories every day, according to a study from the University of North Carolina. And booze isn’t the problem. Blame the bigger bottles of soda, the sugar-loaded coffee drinks, and the barrel-sized smoothies.

19. FAST FOOD SIGNS ALTER YOUR BEHAVIOR

A study published last year in Psychological Science reveals that the mere sight of a fast-food sign on the side of the road is enough to make people feel rushed, which can lead to impulsive decisions—and dangerous nutritional choices. Sidestep your impulses the next time you eat out: Plan your order before you walk through the door and then stick with it.

20. THERE ARE CRUSHED BUGS IN YOUR FOOD.


Carmine, a vibrant red food colorant, is actually the crushed abdomen of the female Dactylopius coccus, a beetle-like African insect. Not only is the thought of eating bug juice gross, but it also poses an ethical issue for some vegetarians and vegans. Look for it in red-colored candies and juices.

Friday 2 September 2016

Benefits of Grapes, From Digestion to Skin Health

Grapes are one of the simplest, most common fruits out there, and they’re consumed all over the world. Though they’re often eaten raw as a snack or appetizer, they’re also frequently consumed in the form of juice or wine. We’ve heard all about the health benefits of wine, but you don’t need to drink any booze to obtain the health benefits of grapes. In fact, you can just munch on them between meals, keeping you full and hydrated in the process. Here are just a few of the health benefits you should consider:
Cancer Prevention
Like so many other fruits and veggies, grapes contain high levels of antioxidants that can help fight free radicals in the body. Antioxidants bind to these rogue oxygen molecules, which are suspected to cause cancer and other health issues.
In particular, grapes contain high levels of polyphenols. Medical News Today reports that polyphenols may help prevent cancers of the mouth, lungs, pancreas, prostate, esophagus and colon. 
Better Digestion
Instead of taking harsh laxatives or trying to eat more bread, simply add a handful of grapes to your routine. Grapes are a natural, gentle laxative that contain plenty of hydrating water alongside stores of fiber. This combination promotes regularity in a pleasant and delicious way.
Heart Health
As an added bonus, grapes are also really good for your heart. Grapes contain a flavonoid called quercetin that helps protect against LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and inflammation. Additionally, the fiber and potassium content of grapes is amazing for cardiovascular health—no wonder why so many people swear by a glass of red wine per day.
A Low-GI Snack
If you have blood sugar issues, you still need to consume grapes only in moderation, but you can take comfort in the fact that they’re considered a low-GI food (that is, their minimal glucose content puts them low on the glycemic index).
Phytonutrients
Phyto (or plant) nutrients can only be obtained from, well, plants. Grapes are a shining example of produce that can contain a diverse array of phytonutrients. These ingredients are a cocktail of healthy nutrients that can play a big role in longevity. In fact, World’s Healthiest Foods reported that the phytonutrient resveratrol, which is found in abundance in grapes, has as many longevity-increasing benefits as calorie restriction.
Skin Health
Finally, those exact phytonutrients that may increase your lifespan can also support skin health. A recent study actually found that the consumption of resveratrol found in red grapes could reduce symptoms of acne. More research is needed to clarify whether or not this is really the case and whether or not resveratrol needs to be applied topically in order to be effective for combating acne.
Nonetheless, what is already proven is that antioxidants can reduce signs of skin aging and keep you looking young longer. So when it comes to grapes, there’s certainly no harm in eating up!

What Your Food Cravings Say About Your Health

Is it the saltiness of potato chips, the cool creaminess of ice cream, or the rich flavor of chocolate? Whatever you're longing for, it may be your body's way of letting you know you're missing valuable nutrients. Here's how to decode your cravings. 

SWEETS 
If you crave sweets of almost any kind, you may be experiencing blood sugar fluctuations. Giving in to pie, candy, cake, or other goodies only makes the problem worse by causing blood sugar roller coasters that lead to more cravings. Yo-yo-ing sugar levels cause spikes in insulin production, which can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes. 

Instead, choose a piece of fruit--preferably one that's not loaded with natural sugars when you're craving sweets. And, in general, choose more high-fiber foods like beans and legumes and complex carbohydrates like whole grains that keep your blood sugar stable. 


CHOCOLATE
 
Cravings for chocolate often indicate that your body may be deficient in magnesium, a mineral whose deficiency may trigger headaches and lead to fatigue. Many nutritionists estimate that more than 80 percent of the population is lacking in dietary magnesium, which may explain why so many of us reach for chocolate. While chocolate can contain beneficial antioxidants, they usually come alongside plentiful amounts of sugar. If you eat chocolate, be sure to reach for dark chocolate--about 75 percent cacao or higher--which is usually lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants. Additionally, eat foods high in magnesium, such as nuts, seeds, fish, and leafy greens. 



SALTY FOODS 
Cravings for salty foods like potato chips or popcorn often mean chronic stress may be taking a toll on your adrenal glands--the two triangular glands that sit atop the kidneys and give us energy and help us to cope with stress of all kinds. When you're overly stressed, your adrenal glands release cortisol, which can make you ravenous high-fat, simple-carb foods that your body can use quickly. 

Getting on top of the stress in your life is essential. Try meditation, breathing exercises, or other stress management techniques. Research at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City showed that people who take a break to breathe deeply or meditate before reaching for salty snacks reduced their stress hormones by 25 percent and cut the bingeing in half. 



RED MEAT
 
Not surprisingly, cravings for red meat usually indicate an iron deficiency. Often people crave burgers or steaks. Menstruating women are especially vulnerable to iron deficiencies, which can make them more likely to suffer from PMS symptoms according to study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Beans and legumes, unsulphured prunes, figs, and other dried fruits are high in iron. However, eat dried fruits in moderation, since they are high in sugar and are acid-forming foods. Too many of these foods will counteract your best weight-loss efforts. 

CHEESE 
Cravings for cheese or pizza often indicate a fatty acid deficiency, which is common since few people get enough omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and other joint problems. Reach for raw walnuts, wild salmon, and flaxseed oil, and add ground flaxseeds to your diet. 



THE CRAVING CURE
 
Most cravings are actually signals from our bodies that we are dehydrated, but we misinterpret them as hunger pangs. By drinking a tall glass of water first, you may be giving your body exactly what it wants and alleviate the craving altogether. By some estimates, 80 percent of people are chronically dehydrated. So before you reach for food to nix your cravings, quench them with some water. Then wait half an hour. More often than not, they'll be gone. 

7 Things You Shouldn’t Do Before Bed

Oh, the power of a good night’s sleep. A whole gamut of positive benefits can be seen from getting enough rest, but for many of us, hitting the sack can be challenging. There’s plenty of advice out there about what to do to get to sleep but what about what not to do?

1. Exercise
No, you don’t get to ditch your yoga mat or running shoes all together. Exercise is a vital activity for your health, and can actually contribute to getting better-quality sleep. The problem, though, is that exercising within three hours of bedtime can raise your body temperature, and make dozing off more difficult. Breaking a sweat, then, is best left for earlier in the day!

2. Watch TV/Surf the Web
Studies have shown that pre-slumber screen time can impede your body’s ability to fall asleep. The likely culprit? Well, the bright lights of these screens can hinder the development of melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep. So close that laptop and turn off that TV about an hour before bed.

3. Take a Hot Shower/Bath
Like exercise, hot showers and baths can actually help you fall asleep. The problem, however, comes out of taking one too close to the time you plan on hitting the sack. Being overheated or sweating can make it difficult to sleep. Let your body cool down before heading off to bed.

4. Drink Too Many Fluids
Caffeine, of course, and alcohol both make it difficult to get a good night’s rest. But drinking a lot of any liquid within the last hour or two before you go to bed will lead to those dreaded late night bathroom breaks, and further disrupt your slumber. You shouldn’t go to bed thirsty, however, as you’ll likely wake up in the middle of the night to get a drink of water. Balance is key here.

5. Work
Whatever work or school issue it is, it can certainly wait until morning. Getting work done stimulates your brain and can cause you unneeded stress — pretty much the opposite of what you want to feel if you’re trying to fall asleep!

6. Read Engrossing Stories
Many of us have done this: you’re reading a really interesting novel and you tell yourself, “Oh just one more page!” Suddenly, it’s 2AM and you have to be awake in four hours. Yep, reading a really interesting book, essay or novel before bed will make it difficult to get to sleep. Perhaps you can remedy it by finding the most boring thing imaginable to read?!


7. Have Serious Conversations
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “don’t go to bed angry.” And, as it turns out, it’s totally accurate! Research has shown that sleeping directly after a fight or traumatic experience will effectively preserve your emotions until you awake. The human body is adverse to falling asleep in dangerous situations — it’s a defense mechanism. Thus, you’ll have a much harder time falling asleep after a big blowout. It’s best to resolve conflicts before you hit the sack.

7 Ways to Lick Your Sugar Cravings for Good

Do you want your ice cream, cake and your candy too?  Now you can lick those sugar cravings for good with natural foods, nutrients and food timing tricks.  Here are 7 ways to send your sweet tooth packing:
Saffron: Research shows that an extract of the spice saffron (Crocus sativus) gets to the root of sweet cravings and helps eliminate them.  It appears to work by regulating brain pathways in what is now referred to as the “Feed-Feedback Cycle.”  In one study published in Nutrition Research researchers found that between-meal snacking (used as a measure of cravings) was reduced by 55% when participants took saffron extract.  Another study published in the journal Nutraveris found that between-meal snacking was reduced by 51% in women after only 4 weeks of taking the saffron extract.
Snacking: Sugar cravings often arise from low blood sugar levels.  It’s the body’s way of letting us know that it needs more energy to fuel our cells. But, don’t just choose any snack.  Choose a healthy option.  Eating sugar when you have sugar cravings just creates a vicious cycle that’s hard to break, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar levels that will come crashing down within an hour or two, inspiring more sugar cravings.  Snacking every two to three hours on healthy snacks stabilizes blood sugar levels, stopping sugar cravings in their tracks.
Protein: Protein foods break down slowly, gradually releasing energy to the body as it needs it, keeping blood sugar levels stable.  Most people assume the only protein foods are meat or poultry but that’s not the case.  There are many excellent vegetarian protein foods, including:  lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, pinto beans, cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans, avocados, quinoa and so many other delicious options.
Chromium: While it is an important mineral, chromium is often overlooked. It helps maintain strong arteries, blood and heart health, and it also plays a significant role in alleviating a “sweet tooth.” Chromium lessens crav­ings, mood swings and weight gain linked to fluctuating blood sugar levels since it helps to keep them balanced. Chromium also plays an important role in energy production in our bodies so supplementing with chromium can give energy levels a boost too.  Chromium is also naturally found in many whole grains, Romaine lettuce, onions, beans, legumes and ripe tomatoes.  Supplementing with 200 to 500 micrograms of chromium daily can help reduce cravings.
Water: Our body sends us messages when it needs something.  Due to most people’s tendency toward food, we may misinterpret dehydration as hunger pangs.  I always tell my clients to drink a large glass of pure water when they have a sweet tooth and wait 30 minutes.  Most of the time the cravings disappear.
Fiber: Similar to protein foods, eating fiber helps to stabilize blood sugar levels to prevent rapid spikes and drops, thereby reducing or eliminating cravings altogether.

Fruit: When nothing but something sweet will satisfy your sugar cravings, have a piece of fruit.  It comes with lots of minerals, vitamins, fiber, and phytonutrients that not only help slow the absorption of its natural sugars, they also help with healing and improving overall health.  There are so many delicious fruits to choose from.  Just keep some on hand when you have a snack attack.