Over 10 percent of American adults have diabetes—a figure that doubled from 1990 to 2005. Since obesity is the major reason for Type 2 diabetes, this epidemic is clearly growing.
Jaw-dropping new projections estimate that 43 percent of American adults will be obese (30 or more pounds overweight) by 2018! That will take a big bite—21 percent—out of healthcare spending.
In addition to diabetes, extra weight ups the risk for cancer, heart disease, and numerous other health problems. "There is a tsunami of chronic preventable diseases about to… Continue reading Categories
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Edge on Health Blog
Archive for November, 2009
If Someone I Loved Had Diabetes
November 30th, 2009
I'd Help Them Lose Weight for Keeps.
Over 10 percent of American adults have diabetes—a figure that doubled from 1990 to 2005. Since obesity is the major reason for Type 2 diabetes, this epidemic is clearly growing.
Jaw-dropping new projections estimate that 43 percent of American adults will be obese (30 or more pounds overweight) by 2018! That will take a big bite—21 percent—out of healthcare spending.
In addition to diabetes, extra weight ups the risk for cancer, heart disease, and numerous other health problems. "There is a tsunami of chronic preventable diseases about to… Continue reading
Over 10 percent of American adults have diabetes—a figure that doubled from 1990 to 2005. Since obesity is the major reason for Type 2 diabetes, this epidemic is clearly growing.
Jaw-dropping new projections estimate that 43 percent of American adults will be obese (30 or more pounds overweight) by 2018! That will take a big bite—21 percent—out of healthcare spending.
In addition to diabetes, extra weight ups the risk for cancer, heart disease, and numerous other health problems. "There is a tsunami of chronic preventable diseases about to… Continue reading Testosterone Works for Women, Too
November 27th, 2009
Boost Libido and Protect Your Heart.
Wendy (name has been changed) and her husband used to make love at least three times a week. But for the past six years, she's lost interest. "All of a sudden I didn't have any desire," she says.
She's not depressed and she loves her husband. "But after our second child was born, I just lost interest in sex," Wendy says.
Ever since Viagra and pills for male sexual dysfunction hit the market, drug companies have been searching for a female version. However,
sexuality is very different for women.
"Attempting to… Continue reading
Wendy (name has been changed) and her husband used to make love at least three times a week. But for the past six years, she's lost interest. "All of a sudden I didn't have any desire," she says.
She's not depressed and she loves her husband. "But after our second child was born, I just lost interest in sex," Wendy says.
Ever since Viagra and pills for male sexual dysfunction hit the market, drug companies have been searching for a female version. However,
sexuality is very different for women.
"Attempting to… Continue reading Are Restless Legs Keeping You Awake?
November 25th, 2009
Minerals Support Sound Sleep.
A metabolic sleep disorder that causes tingling, twitching, creeping sensations, cramps, burning, or aches in the lower limbs, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common problem. It can develop at any time—but mostly strikes from middle age on.
New research reports that the overall prevalence of this sleep disorder is 23 percent—much higher than previously believed. "Some risk factors for restless legs syndrome appear to be more common among women," says Ammar Alkhazna, MD, at the University of Missouri.
White women are four times more likely to experience restless legs than… Continue reading
A metabolic sleep disorder that causes tingling, twitching, creeping sensations, cramps, burning, or aches in the lower limbs, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common problem. It can develop at any time—but mostly strikes from middle age on.
New research reports that the overall prevalence of this sleep disorder is 23 percent—much higher than previously believed. "Some risk factors for restless legs syndrome appear to be more common among women," says Ammar Alkhazna, MD, at the University of Missouri.
White women are four times more likely to experience restless legs than… Continue reading Spice Up Your Holiday Cooking
November 23rd, 2009
Healing Herbs Kill Bacteria and Viruses.
Everyone wants a great tasting Thanksgiving feast. Isn't it nice to know that seasoning with herbs and spices can also kill the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause food poisoning?
Better yet, some—like cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, and turmeric—offer well-documented benefits for autoimmune disease, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, lung and neurological problems.
Researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor find that curcumin in the spice turmeric, which gives curry its bright yellow color, prevents the growth of breast cancer stem cells in the lab. Just be sure to add… Continue reading
Everyone wants a great tasting Thanksgiving feast. Isn't it nice to know that seasoning with herbs and spices can also kill the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause food poisoning?
Better yet, some—like cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, and turmeric—offer well-documented benefits for autoimmune disease, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, lung and neurological problems.
Researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor find that curcumin in the spice turmeric, which gives curry its bright yellow color, prevents the growth of breast cancer stem cells in the lab. Just be sure to add… Continue reading Could Your Pet Give You Worms?
November 20th, 2009
Parasites in Cats and Dogs Can Harm Humans Too.
As much as you may love your pet, don't kiss it—unless you want parasites. Your cat or dog is also a likely source of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria and other antibiotic-resistant "super bugs."
Americans currently own over 163 million cats and dogs, according to the Humane Society. That puts a lot of people at risk for worms and unwanted pathogens.
The most common parasites that pets pass on to their owners are toxocara (roundworm) and toxoplasma. In addition, fleas from cats and dogs can spread tapeworms… Continue reading
As much as you may love your pet, don't kiss it—unless you want parasites. Your cat or dog is also a likely source of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria and other antibiotic-resistant "super bugs."
Americans currently own over 163 million cats and dogs, according to the Humane Society. That puts a lot of people at risk for worms and unwanted pathogens.
The most common parasites that pets pass on to their owners are toxocara (roundworm) and toxoplasma. In addition, fleas from cats and dogs can spread tapeworms… Continue reading Let’s Talk Turkey Safety
November 18th, 2009
It's Easy to Plan a Healthy Thanksgiving.
We're talking about more than the Norman Rockwell image of the traditional holiday feast. Turkey, if it's raised sustainably and carefully prepared, can be a good source of lean protein, packed full of cancer-fighting selenium and stress-busting B vitamins—just in case Thanksgiving get-togethers make you a little tense.
Also turkey has all that relaxing tryptophan (the amino acid your brain uses to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps calm you down). The amount of tryptophan in a Thanksgiving turkey dinner isn't enough to make you sleepy. But… Continue reading
We're talking about more than the Norman Rockwell image of the traditional holiday feast. Turkey, if it's raised sustainably and carefully prepared, can be a good source of lean protein, packed full of cancer-fighting selenium and stress-busting B vitamins—just in case Thanksgiving get-togethers make you a little tense.
Also turkey has all that relaxing tryptophan (the amino acid your brain uses to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps calm you down). The amount of tryptophan in a Thanksgiving turkey dinner isn't enough to make you sleepy. But… Continue reading Secrets Your Face Can Reveal
November 16th, 2009
What Your Skin Says About Overall Health.
The largest organ in the body, your skin works hard to protect the rest of you from environmental toxins and unwanted pathogens. In fact, your body sheds approximately one-third of its impurities through the skin.
When the liver is on overload, toxins find their way through your skin and radically affect its clarity and elasticity. Wrinkles, blotchy patches, and blemishes appear. Your complexion may start to look sallow, grayish, or discolored—fairly quickly.
New cells are created at the lowest, or basal, layer of skin and gradually force their… Continue reading
The largest organ in the body, your skin works hard to protect the rest of you from environmental toxins and unwanted pathogens. In fact, your body sheds approximately one-third of its impurities through the skin.
When the liver is on overload, toxins find their way through your skin and radically affect its clarity and elasticity. Wrinkles, blotchy patches, and blemishes appear. Your complexion may start to look sallow, grayish, or discolored—fairly quickly.
New cells are created at the lowest, or basal, layer of skin and gradually force their… Continue reading Anxious? Relax Naturally
November 13th, 2009
Protect Your Mental Health.
Whether it's news of the recent shootings at Fort Hood or incessant "tweets" about swine flu, there are plenty of reasons to feel anxious these days. Research confirms that more Americans suffer anxiety, often turning to alcohol, since 9/11.
Whether they experience abdominal pain, brain fog, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, irritability, rapid breathing, sexual problems, or sweaty palms, 19 million adults in this country have anxiety disorders. And most are women.
Conventional medicine prescribes anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants. But researchers at Harvard Medical School admit that these… Continue reading
Whether it's news of the recent shootings at Fort Hood or incessant "tweets" about swine flu, there are plenty of reasons to feel anxious these days. Research confirms that more Americans suffer anxiety, often turning to alcohol, since 9/11.
Whether they experience abdominal pain, brain fog, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, irritability, rapid breathing, sexual problems, or sweaty palms, 19 million adults in this country have anxiety disorders. And most are women.
Conventional medicine prescribes anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants. But researchers at Harvard Medical School admit that these… Continue reading Beat Those Blood Sugar Blues
November 11th, 2009
7 Sugar-Busting Nutrients.
From leftover Halloween treats right through to New Year's party fare, it's easy to overindulge this time of year. But who needs the extra—and nutrient empty—calories?
If Americans knew all the dangers of sugar, it would be withdrawn from our list of safe food additives. Known to suppress the immune system and feed cancer cells, sugar and foods containing this sweetener quickly raise blood sugar (glucose) levels, providing a quick "high" followed by an equally rapid crash.
Sugary drinks and foods lead to belly fat, implicated in heart disease, and lower insulin… Continue reading
From leftover Halloween treats right through to New Year's party fare, it's easy to overindulge this time of year. But who needs the extra—and nutrient empty—calories?
If Americans knew all the dangers of sugar, it would be withdrawn from our list of safe food additives. Known to suppress the immune system and feed cancer cells, sugar and foods containing this sweetener quickly raise blood sugar (glucose) levels, providing a quick "high" followed by an equally rapid crash.
Sugary drinks and foods lead to belly fat, implicated in heart disease, and lower insulin… Continue reading Leaky Gut Syndrome
November 9th, 2009
The Painful Consequences of Faulty Digestion.
Seemingly unrelated symptoms—abdominal pain, acne, allergies, anemia, arthritis, anxiety, colitis, constipation, cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, hives, irritable bowel, skin rashes, trouble concentrating, vaginal infections, and unexplained weight change—can all result from the same problem, leaky gut.
Normally, the lining of the intestines absorbs only well-digested nutrients. But if the intestinal lining becomes irritated, its tight junctions (that normally seal off the digestive tract from unwanted substances) loosen to allow undigested food, bacteria, and toxins to reach the bloodstream.
The immune system sees these unwanted substances as foreign invaders and triggers… Continue reading
Seemingly unrelated symptoms—abdominal pain, acne, allergies, anemia, arthritis, anxiety, colitis, constipation, cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, hives, irritable bowel, skin rashes, trouble concentrating, vaginal infections, and unexplained weight change—can all result from the same problem, leaky gut.
Normally, the lining of the intestines absorbs only well-digested nutrients. But if the intestinal lining becomes irritated, its tight junctions (that normally seal off the digestive tract from unwanted substances) loosen to allow undigested food, bacteria, and toxins to reach the bloodstream.
The immune system sees these unwanted substances as foreign invaders and triggers… Continue reading 
Visionary, health guru, diet/detox expert, author, spokesperson, role model, and natural foods icon, Ann Louise Gittleman has always been a trendsetter. 
