Amazing Sand Sculptures</h1> <article> <h1>Amazing Sand Sculptures</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:15 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">As an impoverished child in Orrisa, India, Sudarsan Pattnaik would go to his local beach and build sand castles. His hobby eventually made him famous and wealthy. Here are some of the sand sculptures carved by Pattnaik.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </article> <article> <h1>Can Alcohol Really Protect Your Heart?</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:14 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">A study has suggested that drinking alcohol every day may cut the risk of heart disease in men by more than a third. But the research has come under fire from scientists who say the study is flawed and should not encourage anyone to drink more.<br /> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The controversial study found that men who drank moderate, high and very high levels of alcohol had a lower risk of coronary heart disease.</p> <p>Heavy drinking can damage organs and lead to early death. According to the World Health Organization, 76 million of the estimated 2 billion people in the world who drink alcohol suffer ill health as a result, and alcohol causes around 1.8 million deaths every year. </article> <article> <h1>Strength Training Can Help People With Lung Disease</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:14 GMT</p> <p>People with chronic lung disease can strengthen their arms and legs with resistance training, and this strength may help them perform everyday tasks more easily, according to a new review of 18 studies.</p> <p>Small but significant increases in strength of arm and leg muscles were seen after short-term progressive resistance training.</p> <p>Often, the researchers noted, COPD patients don't have access to weight machines. However, home exercises with resistance bands, free weights, and other simple equipment can also be helpful. </article> <article> <h1>Newborn Babies Were NOT Designed to Sleep Alone</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:13 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">According to Dr. Jay Gordon, babies sleeping on a safe surface with sober, nonsmoking parents respond to their parents, and the parents respond to them. The chance of SIDS occurring in this situation are close to zero. Babies in a crib or in a room away from their parents, on the other hand, will breastfeed less and are at greater risk of infections, including life-threatening ones.<br /> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The medical profession, as it often does, is approaching the entire idea of the family bed backward. A baby in the same bed with his or her parents is surrounded by the best possible surveillance and safety system. It must be the responsibility of the manufacturers and proponents of cribs and separated sleep to prove that such disruption is safe, not the other way around.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <br /> Newborn babies breathe in irregular rhythms and even stop breathing for a few seconds at a time. To put it simply, they are not designed to sleep alone. </article> <article> <h1>Most Britons Reject Swine Flu Vaccine</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:13 GMT</p> <p>More than half of Britons being offered vaccination against pandemic H1N1 flu are turning it down because they fear side-effects or think the virus is too mild to bother.</p> <p>A survey of more than 100 family doctors indicated that there was widespread resistance from patients, and that on average only 46 percent of those offered the vaccination agree to have it.</p> <p>Doctors reported particular difficulties in persuading pregnant women to be vaccinated against the virus.</p> <p>Skepticism has been growing in Britain and other European countries about health authorities' handling of the H1N1 pandemic, because the number of people infected has been lower than originally feared. </article> <article> <h1>Disrupted Sleep Patterns Harming Officers' Health</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:12 GMT</p> <p>A police officer who works the night shift, typically from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., already is at a disadvantage when it comes to getting good sleep. Add frequent overtime to that schedule, and an officer may getting to bed as the sun comes up, setting the stage for short and unrestful slumber. </p> <p>A new study shows that this combination of night work, overtime and shortened sleep can contribute to the development among police officers of metabolic syndrome, a combination of unhealthful factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), primarily heart disease and stroke. </p> <p>The study involved almost 100 randomly selected police officers. Clinicians obtained a fasting blood sample, and measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure and waist circumference, and participants also completed an extensive questionnaire on demographics and lifestyles choices. Researchers also obtained day-by-day data on shift-work and overtime hours from payroll records. </p> <p>Results showed that overall, 30 percent of officers working the night shift had metabolic syndrome, compared to about 21 percent in the overall general population. </article> <article> <h1>Men Married to Smart Women Live Longer</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:10 GMT</p> <p>A study has determined that for men, long life and good health have nothing to do with the man’s education and everything to do with his wife’s. Men married to smart women live longer. </p> <p>The effect may relate to skill at processing advice about healthy lifestyles, and passing it on -- educated married women are more likely to share their good lifestyle habits. </p> <p>These habits could include food choice, exercise routines, and risk-avoidance. </article> <article> <h1>Major Victory with Swine Flu Scandal</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:57:13 GMT</p> <p>European scientists and health authorities are facing angry questions about why H1N1 flu has not caused death and destruction on the scale first feared, and they need to respond deftly to ensure public support.</p> <p>Accusations are flying in British and French media that the pandemic has been "hyped" by medical researchers to further their own cause, boost research grants and line the pockets of drug companies.</p> <p>Britain's Independent newspaper this week asked "Pandemic? What Pandemic?"</p> <p>France's Le Parisien newspaper ran the headline: "Swine flu: why the French distrust the vaccine" and noted a gap between the predicted impact of H1N1 and the less dramatic reality.</p> <p>"Although some 30-odd people have died....the disease is not really frightening," it said. "Dangerous liaisons between certain experts, the labs and the government, the obscurity of the contracts between the state and the pharma firms have added to the doubt."</p> <p>In response, scientists are walking a fine line. They say that although the virus is mild, it can still kill, and that the relatively low fatalities in Europe are in part, the result of official response to their advice.</p> <p>However, in Britain, health authorities' original worst-case scenario -- which said as many as 65,000 could die from H1N1 -- has twice been revised down and the prediction is now for around 1,000 deaths, way below the average annual toll of 4,000 to 8,000 deaths from seasonal winter flu. </article> <article> <h1>A Cell Phone on Your Hip Weakens Your Bones</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:45:46 GMT</p> <p>Research suggests that wearing a cell phone on your hip may weaken an area of your pelvis. Using an X-ray technique used in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with osteoporosis, researchers measured pelvic bone density in 150 men who regularly carried their cell phones attached to their belts. </p> <p>The men carried their phones for an average of 15 hours each day; they had used cell phones for an average of six years.</p> <p>The researchers found that bone mineral density was lowered on the side of the pelvis where the mobile phones were carried. The findings raise the possibility that bone density could be adversely affected by electromagnetic fields emitted by cell phones. </article> <article> <h1>Five Steps to Overcoming Gout Naturally</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:29:22 GMT</p> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">By Dr. Mercola<br /> <br /> Often in past centuries, gout was laughingly passed off as an affliction of the rich, because it usually affected those who had easy access to fancy foods and plenty of liquor. However today we know better and this report will review these myths and help you understand the real cause of gout.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Anyone who has experienced the excruciating pain of a gout attack knows that it is no laughing matter. Some sufferers have described the intense pain of a gout attack as similar to being burned by a flame. Others say it feels like they were skewered by a hot poker. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">A gout attack, or “flare,” usually strikes suddenly, and generally at night. Mysteriously, it often targets the large joint of your big toe.<sup>1</sup> Your skin becomes red, inflamed, and overly sensitive. Even the light pressure of a bed sheet can become unbearable. A fever may also be present. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> </blockquote> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" dir="ltr"><b><span style="color: #c00000;">What Exactly is Gout?</span></b> </p> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by painful, stiff and inflamed joints.<sup> </sup>The stiffness and swelling are a result of excess uric acid forming crystals in your joints, and the pain associated with this disease is caused by your body’s inflammatory response to the crystals.<sup>2</sup> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Gout is essentially a breakdown of the metabolic process that controls the amount of uric acid in your blood. Gout can occur in any joint of your body, but most commonly occurs in your big toe. </p> <h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></h1> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">With or without treatment, gout symptoms will usually go away within three to 10 days, and the next attack may not occur for months, or even years, if at all. Nonetheless, if more attacks occur, they tend to increase in frequency, become more severe, and last longer.<sup>3</sup> Over time, recurrent gout attacks can damage your joints and the surrounding areas.<sup>4</sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This is why it’s important to treat your gout as soon as possible, before it begins damaging your body permanently. Natural treatments are kinder and gentler to your body than drugs, as well as being more effective overall. I’ll discuss in an upcoming section natural treatments that can pack a real punch in helping your body get rid of gout.</p> <h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></h1> </blockquote> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" dir="ltr"><strong><span style="color: #c00000;">The Real Cause of Gout<br /> </span></strong></p> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><sup></sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">You may have wondered why you developed gout, while your spouse, neighbor, or co-worker didn’t. The simple answer is typically quite straightforward once you understand how your body works and is generally related to your diet and lifestyle. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Your genetics also play a relatively minor role. If either or both of your parents had gout, you have a higher predisposition to getting it.<sup>5</sup> That means your children also are at risk for gout. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">But simply reducing your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages during childhood could lessen the risk of gout as an adult, and I’ll discuss why this may be in an upcoming section.<sup>6 </sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">At the most basic level, a gout attack usually results from years of having high levels of uric acid in your blood, a condition called hyperuricemia.<sup>7</sup> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">While uric acid normally dissolves in your blood and passes harmlessly through your kidneys, it’s possible for your body to either produce too much uric acid or excrete too little in your urine. The resulting buildup of uric acid forms needle-like crystals in your joints and surrounding tissues that causes the intense pain.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Hyperuricemia often has no symptoms, but as these uric acid levels increase in your blood, mainly due to poor dietary choices, your risk of an impending attack increases also. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Besides gout, elevated uric acid is related to a variety of other health conditions, including: </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Diabetes </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">High cholesterol </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">High blood pressure </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Kidney disease </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Heart disease </li> </ul> </blockquote> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" dir="ltr"><strong><span style="color: #c00000;">Just How Common is Gout?<br /> </span></strong></p> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Between 2 million and 5 million Americans suffer from gout,<sup>8 </sup>about 90 percent of them being men in their 40s and older.<sup>9 </sup>In recent years, the prevalence of gout has been rising rapidly in the United States and in other developed countries. This comes as no surprise, because the principal reason for the increase of gout stems from the processed foods we consume, along with our devotion to other unhealthy lifestyle habits.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In developing nations, much of the food is harvested and eaten right out of the earth. There are no processing plants to remove the nutrients from their food. Their entire lifestyle is exceedingly healthy. Indigenous people live hardy, outdoor lives with plenty of exercise, non-processed, nutrient-rich foods, and little or no access to television, video games, or even liquor. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">But in the United States and other Westernized countries, this is no longer true. America has for the most part shifted its dietary preferences to highly processed foods, and many are now suffering from diseases like gout as a result.</p> </blockquote> <h4 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="color: #c00000;">High-Fructose Corn Syrup is a Major Risk Factor</span></h4> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Although gout is commonly blamed on eating too many high-purine foods, such as organ meats, anchovies, herring, asparagus and mushrooms, there is another clear culprit: high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).<sup>10</sup> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Countless health problems have been linked to the consumption of HFCS, not the least of which is gout. A recent study showed that consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing gout.<sup>11</sup> </p> <p class="srch-metadatamercola" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The study, done by U.S. and Canadian researchers, indicated that men who drank two or more sugary soft drinks a day had an <i>85 percent</i> higher risk of gout than those who drank less than one a month. In fact, the risk significantly increased among men who drank five to six servings of sugary soft drinks a week. Fruit juice and fructose-rich fruits such as oranges and apples also increased the risk.<sup>12</sup> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This makes sense on many levels, but first and foremost because fructose is known to inhibit the excretion of uric acid. <br /> <br /> Fructose also reduces the affinity of insulin for its receptor, which is the principle characteristic of type 2 diabetes.<sup>13</sup> Further, HFCS has been implicated in elevated blood cholesterol levels, and it has been found to inhibit the action of white blood cells in your immune system.<sup>14</sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Many of the health conditions that HFCS causes, including high cholesterol and diabetes, also increase your risk of developing gout.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Additionally, fructose converts more readily to fat than other sugars, making it a major risk factor for both diabetes and obesity -- another gout risk factor. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In a fructose metabolism study, it was noted that when two high-fructose breakfast drinks were consumed, the build-up of stored fat continued into the afternoon, during which time the quick conversion of fructose to fat remained active during digestion of the lunch meal.<sup>15</sup> The study concluded that the higher the concentration of fructose in the diet, the higher the rate of fat conversion.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Frequently, fruit juices also have fructose added to them, and if you still believe that this is an acceptable form of sugar, think again. Fructose contains no beneficial enzymes, vitamins, minerals, or additional micronutrients. Instead, it actually leeches them from your body.<sup>16</sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Unbound fructose, found in large quantities in HFCS, can also interfere with your heart's use of vital minerals such as magnesium, copper and chromium<b>.</b></p> </blockquote> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" dir="ltr"><strong><span style="color: #c00000;">Hidden Fructose in Your Foods</span></strong></p> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">You may think that avoiding fructose means just staying stay away from desserts and sweet drinks, but unfortunately there is more to it asfructose is hidden in many foods you would not even suspect. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">According to biochemist Russ Bianchi, HFCS is “<em>intentionally mislabeled, or (uses) deceptively legally noncompliant names like: 'chicory,' 'inulin,' 'iso glucose,' 'glucose-fructose syrup,' 'dahlia syrup,' 'tapioca syrup,' 'glucose syrup,' 'corn syrup,' 'crystalline fructose,' and flat-out fraud 'fruit fructose,' or…'agave'…"<sup>17</sup></em> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Even processed meats and other foods you would never imagine contain HFCS. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Why? </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The commercial food industry embraces HFCS because it is easier to blend, and sweeter than table sugar. And it’s also cheaper. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Additionally, the food manufacturers can sell more products because they know that HFCS, like all sugar, has an addictive effect, and once your taste buds are stimulated, you will want more and more.<sup>18 </sup>Sugar, and added salt, can stabilize food ingredients, enabling food manufacturers to keep it on the shelves longer.<sup>19</sup> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The industry has also started to air deceptive ad campaigns claiming that HFCS is all natural to counteract this information. <br /> <br /> Fortunately you don’t have to be deceived by them as you now know the truth. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So, instead of drinking enormous amounts of sugar-laden sodas, fruit juice, and other sweet beverages that will only worsen or cause gout, your best choice will be to choose pure water, because the fluids will help to remove uric acid from your body.<sup>21</sup> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">You can add small amounts (about a teaspoonful) of fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice to your water for flavor. But use caution with higher quantities if you have issues with your insulin level, because too much added fruit juice can adversely affect that. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Also, be sure to eliminate those cookies, cakes, pies, candy bars, and other sweets that can aggravate your gout just as badly as HFCS.<sup>22</sup> </p> </blockquote> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" dir="ltr"><b><span style="color: #c00000;">Maintaining Ideal Body Weight Large Part of the Solution</span></b></p> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Another risk factor for gout is obesity, or any excessive weight gain. Approximately half of all gout sufferers are overweight.<sup>23</sup> <br /> <br /> Excess weight worsens gout because irritated nerve endings are further irritated by having to support and deal with extra weight.<sup>24</sup> Of course, obesity can worsen any type of arthritis. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Furthermore, medical data shows a remarkably high prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (heart disease and diabetes symptoms such as insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and high triglyceride levels) in gout sufferers.<sup>25</sup></p> <p>A 2002 study of obese women with Metabolic Syndrome found that weight gain, especially around the abdomen, led to increased levels of proteins from their immune systems called cytokines. Certain cytokines cause an inflammatory response, which can contribute to the formation of fatty deposits in arteries, otherwise known as atherosclerosis.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">After a one-year program of diet, exercise, and behavioral counseling, each obese women in the study lost at least 10 percent of their starting weight (about 22 pounds, on average). They also showed a significant reduction in their levels of cytokines and other potentially damaging proteins.<sup>26</sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Weight loss represents a safe method for reducing inflammatory states and ameliorating blood-vessel dysfunction in obese women. Cytokine levels returned towards normal even though women did not lose all their excess weight. Gout is an inflammatory condition, and it is clear from this study that losing weight, and keeping it off, will greatly improve your chances of avoiding further gout attacks. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">You can do this most effectively by first determining your Nutritional Type.™ The next section will give you more details on this revolutionary system to better health and lasting weight loss.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">And if you didn’t have enough reasons to avoid HCFS, remember that it also exacerbates obesity. Excess sugar in any form, particularly HFCS, also harms organs like your liver and pancreas, leading to bone loss, anemia and heart problems.<sup>27</sup></p> </blockquote> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" dir="ltr"> <strong><span style="color: #c00000;">Eating Right for Your Nutritional Type™ Can Dramatically Help</span></strong></p> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The REAL underlying problem causing the inflammation associated with gout, and the subsequent damage, is likely due to having chronically elevated blood sugar. (The sugar molecule causes far more damage than any other molecule.) And, your number one way of normalizing your blood sugar and insulin levels is through your diet.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">But what constitutes an optimal diet?</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">As I said earlier, it definitely includes limiting or eliminating your intake of HFCS, sugar and grains (which are metabolized as sugar). For most people this means first eliminating soft drinks and fruit juices, along with sugary snacks. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">But there’s more to it than just that.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">It is important to understand that there is no perfect diet for everyone. We each have our own unique individual and biochemical nutritional needs. The science of Nutritional Typing™ was developed over three decades and customizes your food choices based on the way <i>your </i>body reacts to food. </p> <p class="srch-metadatamercola" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Nutritional Typing™ will classify you into one of three groups:</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <ul> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">High protein, high fat, low carbs (Protein type)</div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">Low protein, low fat, high carbs (Carb type)</div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">Mixture between the above (Mixed type)</div> </li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">When you eat based on your Nutritional Type™, you will resolve most health disorders, including gout, and achieve optimum heath. Not only will cravings that have plagued you for years disappear, but your newfound energy will amaze you.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">You will also discover how much impact foods can have on your state of mind. Eating the wrong foods for your Nutritional Type™ will not only imbalance you on a physical level, but also on an emotional one. This can easily leave you feeling irritable, nervous, angry, hyper, depressed, or hopeless. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">You see, foods and individual nutrients do not behave the same way in two people with different Nutritional Types™. This explains why some healthy foods that make other people energetic (and slim) might make you unhealthy, sluggish, bloated, heavier, or more prone to gout.<sup>29</sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">And it also explains why, no matter how much you try to stick to foods you've been told are 'healthy,' or even organic, you may still not feel as good as you'd like to. There is a reason for this. It's the result of a giant factor outside your control -- your metabolism.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">However, once you determine your <strong>Nutritional Type™</strong> and understand your own unique characteristics, you will start choosing foods that will move you away from weight issues, disease, and accelerated aging, and towards optimal health and your naturally ideal weight!</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">To find out how you can determine your <strong>Nutritional Type™, go to <i>Mercola.com</i> and enter the words <i>Nutritional Type</i> into the search window.</strong></p> </blockquote> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" dir="ltr"><strong><span style="color: #c00000;">Limiting Alcohol Crucial for Success with Gout<br /> <br /> </span></strong>Gout is often seen in association with hypertension, excessive alcohol consumption,<sup>30</sup> and coronary artery disease,<sup>31</sup> so alcohol is a strong risk factor for this disease.</p> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In general, I believe alcohol should be reserved for people who have already achieved optimal wellness and therefore have their carbohydrates (sugars and grains) under control, and do not have disease conditions such as gout, diabetes, or other signs of ill health.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Although wine has been shown to have some health benefits, it may also increase your insulin levels,<sup> </sup>which is not only a risk factor for diabetes, but increased insulin levels have been linked with a shorter life span, in general.<sup>34 </sup>So it needs to be used cautiously, especially if you have gout.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Most importantly for those suffering with gout, alcohol may raise the levels of uric acid in your blood, and therefore could even initiate a gout attack, so it’s wise to limit the alcohol you drink, or eliminate it altogether. </p> </blockquote> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" dir="ltr"><strong><span style="color: #c00000;">Avoid Drug Solutions for Gout Unless Absolutely Necessary</span></strong></p> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Over the years, medical science has used a number of pharmaceuticals in an attempt to treat gout. That list includes, among others, NSAIDs, Colchicine, corticosteroids, Corticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone),<sup>35</sup> Febuxostat, Aloprim, and Zyloprim.<sup>36</sup> But even if drugs like these could cure gout, and there is little, if any, evidence they can, you still would have to deal with some very nasty side effects.<sup>37</sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">NSAIDS alone, for example, are known to have the following side effects<sup>38</sup>:</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Gastrointestinal upsets including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Rash, dizziness, headaches, drowsiness </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Fluid retention </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Shortness of breath </li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Kidney failure, liver failure, ulcers, prolonged bleeding after an injury. </li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Additionally, NSAIDs may increase your risk of potentially fatal stomach and intestinal adverse reactions (for example, bleeding, ulcers, and perforation of the stomach or intestines). These events can occur at any time during treatment and without warning symptoms. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">NSAIDs (except low-dose aspirin) may also increase your risk of potentially fatal heart attacks, stroke, and related conditions.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Drugs such as Allopurinol and Colchicine, which work by either lowering your uric acid levels and decreasing crystal formation, or by simply blocking your body’s natural inflammatory response, are also very commonly prescribed for gout. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">But these drugs also have very dangerous, long-term side effects, and gout is frequently regarded as a lifelong condition, so you may end up staying on these drugs for very long periods of time, which can wreak havoc with your health.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">On the other hand, natural remedies will end up helping not only the problem they were meant for, but also other body issues as well, because they work holistically within your entire system. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">That said, because of the intense pain of a gout attack, you may still need some type of pain medication initially, typically an anti-inflammatory, until you can get the symptoms under control.<sup>39 </sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></strong> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you’re looking for immediate relief in a natural form<strong>, </strong>try cayenne cream. Also called capsaicin cream, this spice comes from dried hot peppers. It alleviates pain by depleting your body's supply of substance P, a chemical component of nerve cells that transmits pain signals to your brain.</p> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><span style="color: #c00000;"><strong>Exercise Can Dramatically Help</strong></span></p> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">While exercise is not recommended while your joints are in pain or when it might cause further injury, once your gout is under control, exercise is needed as a necessary adjunct to a healthier lifestyle.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Exercise will even help prevent further attacks by increasing circulation and normalizing your uric acids levels, which it does primarily by normalizing your insulin levels.<sup>40</sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><sup></sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">An<sup> </sup>exercise routine has other advantages as well. Studies have shown that it works as an effective antidepressant,<sup>41 </sup>strengthens your immune system so it can fight off diseases like cancer,<sup>42</sup> and it can even improve insulin resistance and reverse pre-diabetic conditions.<sup>43 </sup> </p> </blockquote> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" dir="ltr"> <strong><span style="color: #c00000;">Fight Inflammation with Cherries and Strawberries</span></strong></p> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Tart cherries contain two powerful compounds, anthocyanins and bioflavonoids. Both of these compounds slow down the enzymes Cyclo-oxyygenase-1 and -2, which helps to relieve and prevent arthritis and gout in your body.<sup>44</sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Cherries, along with strawberries and other berries, are also a rich source of antioxidants. This means they help prevent or repair damage done to your body’s cells by free radicals. The antioxidants replace the free radicals in your body before they can cause any damage. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Dr. Wei, a nationally known, board-certified rheumatologist, recalled this story about the powerful effect of cherries on gout:</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><i>“Dr. Ludwig W. Blau, relating how eating a bowl of cherries one day led to complete relief from pain, sparked off the interest in cherries in the treatment of gout. Dr. Blau's gout had been so severe that he had been confined to a wheelchair. One day, quite by accident, he polished off a large bowl of cherries, and the following day the pain in his foot was gone. <br /> <br /> </i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><i></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><i>“(Dr. Blau) continued eating a minimum of six cherries every day, and he was free from pain and able to get out of his wheelchair. Dr. Blau's research led to many other people suffering from gout who reported being helped by cherries.” </i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Dr. Wei said that good results have also been reported with strawberries, which may be due to the fact that this food helps your body eliminate uric acid.<sup>45 </sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">There are a number of ways you can enjoy your berries while they go to work benefiting your gout. If fresh cherries are out of season, or if you just want more variety, try concentrated cherry juice.<sup>46</sup> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Cherry juice concentrate can contain about 55 to 60 tart cherries in every ounce. That’s a single recommended serving, so in other words, you’d have to eat 55 to 60 cherries to get the same health benefit (and I don’t recommend eating 55 to 60 cherries, as that is too much sugar ... But with a concentrate, you can get the health benefit of the cherries without all the sugar).</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">While it may not be as easy to find organic, un-pasteurized tart cherry or strawberry juice, you can find it if you search on the Web, and local health food stores should be able to order it for you also. Just make sure any juice you buy is, ideally, organic, un-pasteurized, and has no added HFCS or other sugars.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Another option is to purchase frozen or canned tart cherries or strawberries. Organic is best, but if you can’t locate any, you can use regular varieties in a pinch. Normally it’s best to avoid non-organic canned or frozen goods, since they often have residual pesticides and additives, along with HFCS and other sweeteners and preservatives.</p> </blockquote> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" dir="ltr"> <strong><span style="color: #c00000;">A Recap: The Top Steps to Prevent and Treat Gout</span></strong></p> <blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If left untreated gout can become increasingly painful and lead to joint damage. So if you experience sudden, intense pain in your joints, especially your big toe, it’s important to seek help. </p> <p class="srch-metadatamercola" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Here is a recap of the essential steps to addressing gout:</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><b>1. Find out your nutritional type.</b> This will tell you what foods your body needs to thrive, including whether you should be eating more fats and protein, or less.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><b>2. Avoid drinking soda, fruit juice and other sweet beverages.</b> Instead, drink plenty of pure water, as the fluids will help to remove uric acid from your body. Cutting back on all forms of sugar and grain in your diet is also important.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><b>3. Limit the alcohol you drink (or eliminate it altogether).</b> Alcohol may raise the levels of uric acid in your blood.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><b>4. Exercise.</b> Being overweight increases your risk of gout, and regular exercise will help you to maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall health.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><b>5. Try tart cherries or concentrated tart cherry juice.</b> Tart cherries contain two powerful compounds, anthocyanins and bioflavonoids. Both of these compounds slow down the enzymes Cyclo-oxyygenase-1 and -2, which helps to relieve and prevent arthritis and gout in your body.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Interestingly, we have had many readers state that alfalfa tablets have provided a fair measure of relief and improvement from gout as well. I have no experience with this but it would certainly seem another avenue to explore since it is a natural product with virtually no downside or side effects. Nutmeg has also shown promise for relieving gout symptoms, so if you enjoy this spice feel free to add it liberally to your diet.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So please remember that you don’t need to take a dangerous drug to deal with this painful condition. You CAN address the underlying cause of gout and excess uric acid formation via all-natural means.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><sup></sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><sup></sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><sup>---------------------------------------------------------------</sup><b></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>1 </sup>Signs and Symptoms of Gout, <a href="http://www.gout.com/what_is_gout/signs_symptoms_gout.aspx?id=semjan09con&gclid=CLaBzoy_lpgCFRKLDQodW3xgnQ"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.gout.com/what_is_gout/signs_symptoms_gout.aspx?id=semjan09con&gclid=CLaBzoy_lpgCFRKLDQodW3xgnQ</span></b></a>, (Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>2 </sup>DrTheo.com, Jason Theodosakis, M.D., Dr.Theo on Arthritis, <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.drtheo.com/about/arthritis.htm">http://www.drtheo.com/about/arthritis.htm</a></span></b>,</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;">(Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>3 </sup>Signs and Symptoms of Gout, <a href="http://www.gout.com/what_is_gout/signs_symptoms_gout.aspx?id=semjan09con&gclid=CLaBzoy_lpgCFRKLDQodW3xgnQ"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.gout.com/what_is_gout/signs_symptoms_gout.aspx?id=semjan09con&gclid=CLaBzoy_lpgCFRKLDQodW3xgnQ</span></b></a>, (Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>4 </sup>Gout.com. 2008, Long-Term Affects of Gout, <a href="http://www.gout.com/what_is_gout/effects_gout.aspx"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.gout.com/what_is_gout/effects_gout.aspx</span></b></a>, (Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>5 </sup>Gout.com,<sup> </sup>Who Gets Gout?, <sup> </sup><b><a href="http://www.gout.com/what_is_gout/who_gets_gout.aspx">http://www.gout.com/what_is_gout/who_gets_gout.aspx</a></b>, (Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>6</sup> Sugary Sweet Drinks Bring on Chronic Disease Later in Life, <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/01/06/sugary-sweet-drinks-bring-on-chronic-disease-later-in-life.aspx"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/01/06/sugary-sweet-drinks-bring-on-chronic-disease-later-in-life.aspx</span></b></a>, (Accessed January 19, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>7 </sup>Gout and Uric Acid Education Society, Diagnosis and Stages of Gout, <a href="http://www.gouteducation.org/gout/diagnosis.aspx"><b>http://www.gouteducation.org/gout/diagnosis.aspx</b></a>, (Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><sup><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>8 </sup>How to Eliminate Gout without Dangerous Drugs,</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/12/09/how-to-eliminate-gout-without-drugs.aspx"><span style="font-size: 10px;">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/12/09/how-to-eliminate-gout-without-drugs.aspx</span></a></b><span style="font-size: 10px;">, (Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>9 </sup>About.com, Arthritis, 2008, Getting to Know Gout, <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://arthritis.about.com/od/gout/a/gettoknowgout.htm">http://arthritis.about.com/od/gout/a/gettoknowgout.htm</a>, </span></b>(Accessed January 17, 2009) </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>10</sup> The Plague of High Fructose <em>Corn Syrup</em> in Processed Foods, <a href="articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/02/01/the-plague-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-processed-foods.aspx"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/02/01/the-plague-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-processed-foods.aspx</span></b></a>,<cite> </cite>(Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>11</sup> Medline, Current Opinion in Rheumatology, 2008, 20(2):179-186, ISSN: 1040-8711, Hak AE; Choi HK, Lifestyle and Gout, <a href="http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/18349748"><b>http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/18349748</b></a>, (Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>12 </sup><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Surge in Gout Blamed on Sweet Drinks,</span> <b><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/02/19/surge-in-gout-blamed-on-sweet-drinks.aspx" title="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/02/19/surge-in-gout-blamed-on-sweet-drinks.aspx">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/02/19/surge-in-gout-blamed-on-sweet-drinks.aspx</a></b><b>, </b> (Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>13 </sup>Corn Syrup Linked to Diabetes, <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/05/26/corn-syrup-diabetes.aspx">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/05/26/corn-syrup-diabetes.aspx</a></span>, </b> (Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>14 </sup>The Plague of High Fructose <em>Corn Syrup</em> in Processed Foods, <a href="articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/02/01/the-plague-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-processed-foods."><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/02/01/the-plague-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-processed-foods.</span></b></a><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">aspx</span></b>,<cite> </cite>(Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>15 </sup>Fructose Converts to Fat Faster Than Other Sugars, <a href="http://medheadlines.com/2008/07/28/fructose-converts-to-fat-faster-than-other-sugars/"><cite><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">medheadlines.com/2008/07/28/fructose-converts-to-fat-faster-than-other-sugars/</span></b></cite></a>,<cite> </cite>(Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>16 </sup>Beware of New Media Brainwashing about High Fructose Corn Syrup,<sup> </sup><b><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/07/08/beware-of-new-media-brainwashing-about-high-fructose-corn-syrup.aspx" title="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/07/08/beware-of-new-media-brainwashing-about-high-fr ">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/07/08/beware-of-new-media-brainwashing-about-high-fructose-corn-syrup.aspx</a></b>,<cite> </cite>(Accessed January 19, 2009)<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><sup><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>17</sup> The Plague of High Fructose Corn Syrup in Processed Foods, <b><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/02/01/the-plague-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-processed-foods.aspx" title="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/02/01/the-plague-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-processed- ">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/02/01/the-plague-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-processed-foods.aspx</a></b>, (Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>18 </sup>Is Fast Food Addictive? </span><span style="font-size: 10px;"><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/02/12/fast-food-part-two.aspx"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><b>http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/02/12/fast-food-part-two.aspx</b></span></a>, (Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>19 </sup>Surge in Gout Blamed on Sweet Drinks<span style="text-decoration: underline;">,</span> <b><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/02/19/surge-in-gout-blamed-on-sweet-drinks.aspx" title="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/02/19/surge-in-gout-blamed-on-sweet-drinks.aspx">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/02/19/surge-in-gout-blamed-on-sweet-drinks.aspx</a></b><b>, </b>(Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><sup><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>20</sup> Corn Syrup’s New Disguise, <b><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/11/13/corn-syrup-s-new-disguise.aspx" title="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/11/13/corn-syrup-s-new-disguise.aspx">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/11/13/corn-syrup-s-new-disguise.aspx</a>, </b>(Accessed January 19, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>21 </sup>Surge in Gout Blamed on Sweet Drinks<span style="text-decoration: underline;">,</span> <b><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/02/19/surge-in-gout-blamed-on-sweet-drinks.aspx" title="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/02/19/surge-in-gout-blamed-on-sweet-drinks.aspx">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/02/19/surge-in-gout-blamed-on-sweet-drinks.aspx</a></b><b>, </b> (Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><sup><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>22</sup> </span><a href="http://www.mercola.com/article/sugar/dangers_of_sugar.htm" title="http://www.mercola.com/article/sugar/dangers_of_sugar.htm"><span style="font-size: 10px;">The Dangers of Sugar,<strong> </strong></span></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /> </span><a href="http://www.mercola.com/article/sugar/dangers_of_sugar.htm" title="http://www.mercola.com/article/sugar/dangers_of_sugar.htm"><strong><span style="font-size: 10px;">http://www.mercola.com/article/sugar/dangers_of_sugar.htm</span></strong></a><span style="font-size: 10px;">, (Accessed January 14, 2009)<b> </b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>23</sup> About.com, Arthritis, 2008, Getting to Know Gout, <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://arthritis.about.com/od/gout/a/gettoknowgout.htm">http://arthritis.about.com/od/gout/a/gettoknowgout.htm</a></span>, </b>(Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>24</sup> 29 Diseases and Conditions Directly Attributable to Being Overweight, <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/09/02/20-diseases-and-conditions-directly-attributable-to-being-overweight.aspx"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/09/02/20-diseases-and-conditions-directly-attributable-to-being-overweight.aspx</span></b></a><b>, </b>(Accessed January 19, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>25 </sup>Medline, Current Opinion in Rheumatology, 2008, 20(2):179-186, ISSN: 1040-8711, Hak AE; Choi HK, Lifestyle and Gout, <a href="http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/18349748"><b>http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/18349748</b></a>, (Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><sup><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>26</sup> Modest Weight Loss May Cut Heart Risks of Obesity,</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/02/02/obesity-part-three.aspx, (Accessed January 20, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>27 </sup>The Plague of High Fructose Corn Syrup in Processed Foods, <b><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/02/01/the-plague-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-processed-foods.aspx" title="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/02/01/the-plague-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-processed- ">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/02/01/the-plague-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-processed-foods.aspx</a></b>, (Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>28 </sup>Nutritional Typing – Take Control of Your Health, <a href="http://products.mercola.com/nutritional-typing/"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://products.mercola.com/nutritional-typing/</span></b></a>, (Accessed January 17, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>29 </sup>10 Profound Ways Nutritional Typing Will Help Your Health, <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/11/22/metabolic-typing-part-five.aspx/"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/11/22/metabolic-typing-part-five.aspx/</span></b></a>, (Accessed January 19, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>30 </sup>Medline, 2007, 24(1):21-36, ISSN: 1170-229X, Hoskison KT; Wortmann RL, Management of gout in older adults: barriers to optimal control, <b><a href="http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract?src=search&queryText=Management+of+gout+in+older+adults++barriers+to+optimal+control&src=medlinesearch&pmid=17233545%2C">http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract?src=search&queryText=Management+of+gout+in+older+adults++barriers+to+optimal+control&src=medlinesearch&pmid=17233545%2C</a></b>, </span><span style="font-size: 10px;">(Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>31 </sup>MedLine, 2005, 60(7):24-31, Gouty arthritis. A primer on late-onset gout, <a href="http://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/ebm/record/16026179/full_citation/Gouty_arthritis__A_primer_on_late_onset_gout_"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/ebm/record/16026179/full_citation/Gouty_arthritis__A_primer_on_late_onset_gout</span></b>_</a>, (Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>32 </sup>Advanced Plan: Beverages, <a href="http://www.mercola.com/nutritionplan/advanced_beverages.htm"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.mercola.com/nutritionplan/advanced_beverages.htm</span></b></a>, </span><span style="font-size: 10px;">(Accessed January 19, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>33 </sup>Alcohol and The Brain, 2008, Eric Chudler, PhD., <a href="http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/whowe.html"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/whowe.html</span></b></a>,</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;">(Accessed January 20, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><sup><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></sup></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>34 </sup>Mouse Studies Confirm the Key to Longevity, <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/11/13/mouse-studies-confirm-the-key-to-longevity.aspx">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/11/13/mouse-studies-confirm-the-key-to-longevity.aspx</a></span></b>, (Accessed January 19, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>35 </sup>Medline, 2007, 24(1):21-36, ISSN: 1170-229X, Hoskison KT; Wortmann RL, Management of gout in older adults: barriers to optimal control, <b><a href="http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract?src=search&queryText=Management+of+gout+in+older+adults++barriers+to+optimal+control&src=medlinesearch&pmid=17233545%2C">http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract?src=search&queryText=Management+of+gout+in+older+adults++barriers+to+optimal+control&src=medlinesearch&pmid=17233545%2C</a></b>,<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;">(Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>36 </sup>About.com, 2007, Carol and Richard Eustice, How to treat Gout with Diet and Medication, <a href="http://arthritis.about.com/od/gout/ht/treatgout.htm"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://arthritis.about.com/od/gout/ht/treatgout.htm</span></b></a>, </span><span style="font-size: 10px;">(Accessed January 19, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>37 </sup>Medline, 2006, 45(11):1422-1431, , ISSN: 1462-0324, Sutaria S; Katbamna R; Underwood M<br /> Barts, Effectiveness of interventions for the treatment of acute and prevention of recurrent gout--a systematic review,<b> <a href="http://search.medscape.com/medline-search;jsessionid=33731C98E55E17BCFAF0B1FD0D735279?newSearch=1&queryText=Effectiveness+of+interventions+for+the+treatment+of+acute+and+prevention+of+recurrent+gout--a+systematic+review"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://search.medscape.com/medline-search;jsessionid=33731C98E55E17BCFAF0B1FD0D735279?newSearch=1&queryText=Effectiveness+of+interventions+for+the+treatment+of+acute+and+prevention+of+recurrent+gout--a+systematic+review</span></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;">,</span></b> (Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>38 </sup>What Are the Side Effects of NSAIDs?, <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal_antiinflammatory_drugs/article.htm">http://www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal_antiinflammatory_drugs/article.htm</a></span></b>, (Accessed January 19, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>39 </sup>How to Eliminate Gout Without Drugs,<br /> <b><a href="http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/how-to-eliminate-gout-without-drugs-72806.aspx" title="http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/how-to-eliminate-gout-without-drugs-72806.aspx">http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/how-to-eliminate-gout-without-drugs-72806.aspx</a>,</b> (Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup><span style="text-decoration: underline;">40 </span></sup>Exercise Good for Depression. <b><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/01/26/exercise-depression-part-two.aspx" title="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/01/26/exercise-depression-part-two.aspx">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/01/26/exercise-depression-part-two.aspx</a>,</b> (Accessed January 20, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>41</sup> How Exercise Protects you from Cancer, <b><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2006/06/01/how-exercise-protects-you-from-cancer.aspx" title="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2006/06/01/how-exercise-protects-you-from-cancer.aspx">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2006/06/01/how-exercise-protects-you-from-cancer.aspx</a>,</b> (Accessed January 20, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>42</sup> Exercise Can Reverse Pre-Diabetes, <b><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/04/05/exercise-diabetes-part-two.aspx" title="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/04/05/exercise-diabetes-part-two.aspx">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/04/05/exercise-diabetes-part-two.aspx</a>,</b> (Accessed January 20, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>43</sup> How to Eliminate Gout Without Drugs, <b><a href="http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/how-to-eliminate-gout-without-drugs-72806.aspx" title="http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/how-to-eliminate-gout-without-drugs-72806.aspx">http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/how-to-eliminate-gout-without-drugs-72806.aspx</a>,</b> (Accessed January 14, 2009)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>44</sup> The Top Six Reasons Why Cherries are Naturally Good for You,<strong> <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/01/17/cherries-health.aspx" title="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/01/17/cherries-health.aspx">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/01/17/cherries-health.aspx</a>,</strong> (Accessed January 14, 2009) </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>45 </sup>Cherry and gout, 2004, Nathan Wei, MD, FACP, FACR,<b><i> <a href="http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/cherry-and-gout.html"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/cherry-and-gout.html</span></b></a></i></b> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><sup>46 </sup>Cheers for Cherries, <b><a href="http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/cheers-for-cherries--21741.aspx" title="http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/cheers-for-cherries--21741.aspx">http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/cheers-for-cherries--21741.aspx</a>,</b> (Accessed January 20, 2009)</span></p> </article> <article> <h1>35 Years of the World’s Best Microscope Photography</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:20:37 GMT</p> <p>Nikon’s annual Small World photomicrography competition this year produces some amazing pictures of microscopic objects and creatures.</p> <p><strong>Pleurosigma (marine diatoms)</strong></p> <br /> <p><strong>Larva of Pleuronectidae</strong></p> <br /> <p><strong>Snail eggs</strong></p> <p><strong>Fluorescent actin protein filaments</strong></p> <strong></strong><br /> <p><strong>Polyurethane elastic fiber bundle</strong></p> <p></p> <p><strong>Soap Film<br /> <strong> </article> <article> <h1>What are the Dangers of Mutating Pet Flu Viruses, and Does Your Pet Need a Flu Shot?</h1> <p>Dr. Becker — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:19:00 GMT</p> <p>On October 20, Fox News reported that dog flu, also known as H3N8, or CIV for Canine Influenza Virus, could be added to the list of illnesses to think about if you’re a dog owner. CIV is reportedly a mutated form of Equine Influenza, or horse flu, and was first discovered about three years ago.</p> <p>CIV is thought to be mild in most cases with a mortality rate from 1-5 percent. It has already been identified in 30 different states including Florida. </p> <p>Vets warn it can be tough to identify because its symptoms mimic other canine illnesses like kennel cough. Altamonte Springs, FL veterinarian Dr. Roger Hart says the symptoms can include: runny nose, weepy eyes, cough, bronchitis and even pneumonia. </article> <article> <h1>How Washington Lobbyists Control Legislation</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:09:30 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">During the U.S. House debate on overhauling health care, the speeches of many lawmakers echoed with similarities. Often, that was no accident. Statements by more than a dozen lawmakers were ghostwritten, in whole or in part, by Washington lobbyists working for Genentech, one of the world’s largest biotechnology companies. </p> <p>E-mail messages show that the lobbyists drafted one statement for Democrats and another for Republicans.</p> <p>Genentech, a subsidiary of the Swiss drug giant Roche, estimates that 42 House members picked up some of its talking points -- 22 Republicans and 20 Democrats.</p> <p>In recent years, Genentech’s political action committee and lobbyists for Roche and Genentech have made campaign contributions to many House members. And company employees have been among the hosts at fund-raisers for some lawmakers, as well. </article> <article> <h1>Meditation Eases Heart Disease</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:09:28 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Heart disease patients who practice Transcendental Meditation have reduced death rates.</p> <p>Researchers randomly assigned more than 200 people to meditate or to make lifestyle changes. The meditation group was asked to practice for 20 minutes twice a day. The lifestyle change group received education classes in traditional risk factors, including dietary modification and exercise. </p> <p>After nine years, the meditation group had a 47 percent reduction in deaths, heart attacks and strokes. </article> <article> <h1>How to Help Your Overweight Child</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:09:27 GMT</p> <p>Parents need to think about their children’s weight before their kids become teenagers. "They should engage in an active lifestyle as a family so it becomes a habit. </p> <p>Here are some ideas for helping your child get a handle on his or her weight: </p> <ul> <li> <div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Encourage them to find a physical activity they enjoy -- one that doesn't depend on their joining a team</div> </li> <li> <div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Make small changes that add up to extra movement; take the stairs instead of the elevator</div> </li> <li> <div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Involve everybody in the family, no matter what their size and shape </div> </li> </ul> </article> <article> <h1>U.S. Obesity Rate Continues to Skyrocket</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:09:26 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Obesity is likely to cost the U.S. about $344 billion in medical-related expenses by 2018, taking up about 21 percent of health-care spending.</p> <p style="margin: auto 0in;" class="inside-copy">These calculations are based on the projection that in 10 years, 43 percent of Americans adults will be obese if obesity continues to rise at the current rate. Extra weight increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and many types of cancer. </p> <p style="margin: auto 0in;" class="inside-copy">Even if the percentage of obese adults doesn't continue to rise, but stays at the current rate of 34 percent, then excess weight will cost the nation about $198 billion by 2018. </article> <article> <h1>How to Avoid a Customer-Service Nightmare</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:09:22 GMT</p> <p>Bad service is everywhere. The latest American Customer Satisfaction Index finds that airlines score a failing 64 percent. Hotels received 75 percent, as did car rental companies.</p> <p>What should you do when you encounter bad service?</p> <p><b>1. Don't provoke an angry service employee</b></p> <p>If you're faced with someone who is unpleasant, try to avoid a confrontation. Instead, do whatever is necessary to ease the tension -- even if it means agreeing with someone who is obviously wrong.</p> <p><b>2. Put yourself in their shoes</b></p> <p>Think someone is being rude? They probably feel the same way about you. Many misunderstandings can be averted by simply acknowledging travel industry employees and empathizing with them just a little.</p> <p><b>3. Try a smile</b></p> <p>A charm offense can be the best defense. When everyone expects the complaints, going positive can have shocking results.</p> <p><b>4. Document everything</b></p> <p>Sometimes, asking for names will result in better service -- but often you have to wait until getting home before drafting a brief, polite letter to the company. </article> <article> <h1>Mystery Ukrainian 'Super Flu' Raises New Questions About Origins</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:09:18 GMT</p> <p>Scientists are examining the strain of swine flu behind a deadly Ukrainian outbreak to see if the virus has mutated. A total of 189 people have died, and more than one million have been infected in the country.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">However, doctors in Ukraine's western Chernovetsky region, near the center of the flu outbreak, said lab tests showed at least some of the fatalities appeared to be caused by something dissimilar to both common flu and swine flu. The virus causing the deaths is extremely aggressive; it doesn't first infect the throat (as is common in flu), but strikes the lungs directly.<br /> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Some have reported that a few months prior to this outbreak, microbiologist Joseph Moshe called a radio show run by a doctor, claiming that a pharmaceutical company was producing a bioweapon disguised as a swine flu vaccines in a lab in the Ukraine. Moshe was later arrested in LA -- after failed attempts to force him out of his car with tear gas, he was immobilized with a taser.<br /> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Regarding the epidemic, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko stated, "We cannot relax even for a moment because the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts two more waves of flu, including the bird flu, are expected in Ukraine. There is no alternative to vaccination." A day earlier she admitted she was not vaccinated and that she, "like all other people", plans to rely on garlic, onion and lemon as a way of preventing the flu. </article> <article> <h1>Avoid Routine Mammograms if You are Under 50</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:14:27 GMT</p> <p>According to updated guidelines set forth by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, women in their 40’s should not get routine mammograms for early detection of breast cancer.</p> <p>The group's previous recommendation was for routine screenings every year or two for women age 40 and older. They now recommend that before having a mammogram, women ages 40 to 49 should talk to their doctors about the risks and benefits of the test, and then decide if they want to be screened.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">While roughly 15 percent of women in their 40’s detect breast cancer through mammography, many other women experience false positives, anxiety, and unnecessary biopsies as a result of the test, according to data.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Obama administration distanced itself from the new standards, saying government insurance programs would continue to cover routine <a title="In-depth reference and news articles about Mammography." href="http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/test/mammography/overview.html?inline=nyt-classifier"></a>mammograms for women starting at age 40. </article> <article> <h1>Avoid Swimming Pools if You Have Allergies or Asthma</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:29:59 GMT</p> <p class="textbodyblack" style="margin: auto 0in;">Swimming in a chlorinated pool may boost the odds that a child susceptible to asthma and allergies will develop these problems.</p> <p class="textbodyblack" style="margin: auto 0in;">Chlorinated pools irritate the airways of swimmers, exerting a strong additive effect on the development of asthma and respiratory allergies such as hay fever and allergic rhinitis.</p> <p class="textbodyblack" style="margin: auto 0in;">The impact of chlorinated pools on the respiratory health of children and adolescents appears to be much more important -- at least by a factor of five -- than that associated with secondhand smoke. </article> <article> <h1>Fish Farming Makes Diseases More Virulent</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:29:59 GMT</p> <p>The conditions in which fish are farmed may be the reason infections such as columnaris disease are becoming increasingly virulent. Fish farming creates selective pressures that encourage the most lethal strains of disease to thrive.</p> <p>A 23-year study concluded that the high density of fish, the stress of the animals and even the treatment administered to them have acted as selective pressures favoring the more virulent strains of the pathogens. </p> <p>Columnaris disease leads to skin lesions, fin erosion and gill necrosis, and has become a serious problem in aquaculture. In the U.S., it is one of the biggest causes of death in farmed catfish, costing the industry millions of dollars a year. </article> <article> <h1>Your Complexion Reveals Your Diet and Health</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:29:58 GMT</p> <p>Researchers have found that your complexion affects how healthy, and therefore how attractive, you appear. What’s more, your diet may be crucial to achieving the most desirable complexion.</p> <p>Using specialist computer software, study participants were asked to manipulate the skin color of male and female Caucasian faces to make them look as healthy as possible. They chose to increase the rosiness, yellowness and brightness of the skin. </p> <p>Skin that is slightly flushed with blood and full of oxygen suggests a strong heart and lungs, supporting the study's findings that rosier skin appeared healthy. Smokers and people with diabetes or heart disease have fewer blood vessels in their skin, and so skin would appear less rosy.</p> <p>But the preference for more golden or 'yellow-toned' skin as healthier might be explained by the 'carotenoid pigments' obtained from vegetables in the diet. These plant pigments are powerful antioxidants that soak up dangerous compounds produced when your body combats disease. They are also important for your immune and reproductive systems and may help prevent cancer. </article> <article> <h1>Drug Makers Raise Prices in Face of Health Care Reform</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:29:58 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Even as drug makers promise to support health care reform by shaving $8 billion a year off the nation’s drug costs after the legislation takes effect, the industry has been raising its prices at the fastest rate in years.</p> <p>In the last year, the industry has raised the wholesale prices of brand-name prescription drugs by about 9 percent. That will add more than $10 billion to the nation’s drug bill, which is on track to exceed $300 billion this year. It is the highest annual rate of inflation for drug prices since 1992. The drug trend is distinctly at odds with the direction of the Consumer Price Index, which has fallen by 1.3 percent in the last year. </p> <p>Drug makers say they have valid business reasons for the price increases. Critics say the industry is trying to establish a higher price base before Congress passes legislation that tries to curb drug spending in coming years. </article> <article> <h1>Important New Vitamin D Research Papers</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:29:57 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you didn't get a chance to attend the high level Canadian vitamin D conference earlier this month, the new important papers are now posted on line. By clicking the link below, you can look at PDFs of crucial research by leading experts in the field, including:<br /> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><a href="http://www.grassrootshealth.net/media/download/garland-gorham-mohr_sip_vit_d_prevent_2009.pdf">Vitamin D for Cancer Prevention: Global Perspective</a></i>, by Cedric F. Garland, Edward D. Gorham, Sharif B. Mohr and Frank C. Garland</li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><a href="http://www.grassrootshealth.net/media/download/grant-mohr_sip_eco_ultra_b_vit_d_cancer_2009.pdf">Ecological Studies Of Ultraviolet B, Vitamin D And Cancer Since 2000</a></i>, by William B. Grant and Sharif B. Mohr</li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><a href="http://www.grassrootshealth.net/media/download/johnson_sip_vit_d_breastcancer_2009.pdf">Vitamin D and Breast Cancer</a></i>, by Elizabeth R. Bertone-Johnson</li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">As well as many more. </article> <article> <h1>How to Hold Your Breath Like David Blaine</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:29:57 GMT</p> <p>For four months, David Blaine held the Guinness world record for holding your breath after breathing pure oxygen: 17 minutes and 4.4 seconds.</p> <p>Do not attempt these techniques without proper supervision. This is not a joke. David Blaine himself has almost died on several occasions.</p> <p>Here’s one technique David uses. First, some definitions --</p> <p><strong>Deep breathing:</strong> “Deep breathing” involves taking a big breath in through the mouth, holding for one second, and then exhaling for 10 seconds through your mouth through your almost-closed mouth with tongue pressed against your lower teeth. It should be a hissing exhalation and make a “tsssssss” sound. <strong>All breathing and exercises are performed though the mouth. </strong></p> <p><strong>Purging:</strong> “Purging” involves a strong exhalation as if you were trying to blow a toy sailboat across a pool, followed by a big but faster inhalation. David’s cheeks were puffed out as he demonstrated the exhalation. Be careful not to heave or rock back and forth, which wastes oxygen. Keep as still as possible.</p> <p><strong>Semi-purging:</strong> Breathing between the above two. More forceful than deep breathing but less forceful than full purging. Used for recovering after each time trial.</p> <p><strong>The Steps:</strong></p> <p>1:30 deep breathing<br /> 1:15 purging (if you feel like you’re going to pass out, do it less intensely)</p> <p>Hold breath for target 1:30, no more<br /> After 1:30, take 3 semi-purge breaths</p> <p>1:30 deep breathing<br /> 1:30 purging</p> <p>Hold breath for target 2:30, no more<br /> After 2:30<br /> Take 3 semi-purge breaths</p> <p>2:00 deep breathing<br /> 1:45 purging</p> <p>Hold breath for as long as possible<br /> After exhalation:<br /> Take 3-10 hard semi-purge breaths until your recover</p> <p>David’s record using the above method is 7:47. </article> </main></body></html>