Insomnia can lead to depression, diabetes, and weight gain.
Roughly 60% of Americans polled in a new survey say they don't get enough sleep. And when you set your clocks to "spring forward" on Sunday, you'll probably be joining them!
Besides costing an hour of sleep, adjusting to daylight savings can disrupt sleep patterns—and affect the body's circadian rhythms. Sleep disturbances are clearly linked to depression and other forms of mental problems.
For the first time, a new Dutch study shows that sleeplessness may actually shrink the part of the brain (gray matter) involved in decision-making… Continue reading Categories
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Sleeplessness May Shrink Your Brain
March 12th, 2010Insomnia can lead to depression, diabetes, and weight gain.
Roughly 60% of Americans polled in a new survey say they don't get enough sleep. And when you set your clocks to "spring forward" on Sunday, you'll probably be joining them!
Besides costing an hour of sleep, adjusting to daylight savings can disrupt sleep patterns—and affect the body's circadian rhythms. Sleep disturbances are clearly linked to depression and other forms of mental problems.
For the first time, a new Dutch study shows that sleeplessness may actually shrink the part of the brain (gray matter) involved in decision-making… Continue reading Think Twice About Mobile Phones for Kids
March 10th, 2010
Don't let dangerous radiation "cook" growing brains.
A startling new Swedish study shows that young people are 5 times more likely to get brain tumors if they use a cell phone before they're 20. And cordless phones also emit dangerous radiation.
Research finds that children's brains absorb twice as much radiation from these phones as adult brains. Not only do youngsters have thinner skulls and smaller heads than adults, but their brains also continue developing during childhood and adolescence—only increasing their risk.
With kids spending "significant time on mobile phones," warns David Carpenter, MD, dean… Continue reading Headaches? Parasites May Be to Blame
February 10th, 2010
Migraine may be an early warning sign of worms.
Do you get migraine or sinus headaches? If you also have a cat, you may have picked up Toxoplasma gondii, a dangerous parasite from your pet.
At least two recent studies suggest that headaches are an early warning sign of this inflammatory infection that—if unchecked—can lead to more serious neurological and immunological problems. While abdominal pain, anemia, fatigue, watery diarrhea, and even constipation are common signals of a parasitic infection, headaches can be another important clue in discovering and eliminating these "unwanted guests."
Originally considered a… Continue reading When Chest Pain Really Is Heartburn, Not a Heart Attack
February 5th, 2010
Reflux disease is serious, but you'll be surprised how easy relief can be.
The most expensive digestive disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) inflicts with burning pain just under the breastbone on about 40% of American adults. Consumers spend over $1 billion on antacids and other heartburn medicines, which often make this problem even worse.
Normally, digestion moves food down from the mouth to the rest of the GI tract. But eating too much too fast and consuming certain foods and drink—alcohol, chocolate, coffee, mints, pepper, and too many refined foods (especially fatty and sugary… Continue reading Lost That Loving Feeling?
February 1st, 2010
Rekindle romance naturally in time for Valentine's Day.
Julia R. Heiman, PhD, director of the Kinsey Institute for Sex, Gender, and Reproduction at Indiana University, estimates that 25 to 53% of women of all ages have low libido. And judging by all those commercials for erectile dysfunction, estimates that 30 million men experience sexual dysfunction don't seem at all unreasonable.
Candlelight and soft music may not be enough to spark that loving feeling in today's high-stress world. Before you invest in a bottle of bubbly or a slinky negligee for Valentine's Day, ask yourself… Continue reading D Defends Against Colon Cancer
January 27th, 2010
Detox is also important to remove disease-causing toxins.
Got enough vitamin D? Research increasingly points out that all age groups—77% of Americans—are low in this "sunshine" vitamin.
A new study at the University of Hawaii finds vitamin D lowers the risk for colorectal cancer in a variety of ethnic groups. "There is now quite a lot of evidence from studying populations that people who have low levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop bowel cancer," adds Dr. Panagiota Mitrou, science program manager for the World Cancer Research Fund.
In the biggest study yet… Continue reading Can Disinfectants Create Superbugs?
January 22nd, 2010
Drug-resistant bacteria are becoming all too common.
Whether hand sanitizers or industrial strength cleaners, disinfectants are increasingly the first line of defense against bacterial infection. Ironically, this weapon may also be helping to strengthen our microbial enemies—superbugs that resist commonly used disinfectants and antibiotic drugs.
Recent research shows that disinfecting wipes—used to protect against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylcoccus aureus)—can actually spread this prevalent superbug. Originally a hospital-based infection, MRSA has increased seven-fold in the larger community, striking gyms and locker rooms as well as outpatient medical facilities.
Scarier still, scientists now suspect that disinfectants can "train"… Continue reading Got Problems with Gluten? You Are Not Alone!
January 20th, 2010
Sensitivity to grains is linked to depression, headaches, and indigestion.
Wheat intake can trigger two increasingly prevalent immune-related conditions—celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. New Israeli research finds that people with multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory muscle disorders have antibodies to gluten (a protein in barley, wheat, and other grains) suggesting sensitivity to this reactive substance.
At least 3 million Americans have celiac disease, an inherited autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack—and eventually destroy—the walls of the small intestine. In people with related symptoms (anemia, arthritis, depression, diarrhea, digestive discomfort, infertility, malabsorption, and… Continue reading How Clean Is Your Drinking Water?
January 18th, 2010
Drugs, parasites, pesticides, and sewage can pollute water supplies.
Millions of Americans drink dirty water, reveals a recent analysis of government data. In the past three years alone, over 9,400 sewer systems—many in major U.S. cities—have dumped untreated or partly treated wastes, chemicals, and other toxins into lakes, rivers, and other water sources that can make their way into your home.
A recent study in the journal Pediatrics shows that the number of children suffering from diarrhea rises whenever sewers overflow. And as many as four million Californians get sick every year from swimming… Continue reading Ready for an Oil Change? Omega-9s Are Hot
January 11th, 2010
Surprise: Olive oil and nuts contribute to both weight loss and wellness.
For decades, scientists have linked the Mediterranean diet with cardiovascular health and longevity. But only recently have they recognized that one staple of this regional diet—olive oil—may be as beneficial as fruits and veggies or omega-3-rich fish and seafood. And not just because it's a healthier alternative to saturated fats or dangerous trans fats!
Olives, their oil (if carefully pressed), certain nuts and seeds (plus their oils), and avocados are sources of the hottest "good" fat—omega-9—or oleic acid. The specific kind of… Continue reading 
Visionary, health guru, diet/detox expert, author, spokesperson, role model, and natural foods icon, Ann Louise Gittleman has always been a trendsetter. 
