Inflammation: Tame This Silent Killer With Food-Based Solutions

The bane of health, chronic inflammation is at the root of most disease. Cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cardiovascular troubles and periodontal issues are all influenced by an overactive inflammatory response. Fortunately, we have a powerful ally against inflammation residing in our kitchen. Through select foods and dietary adjustments, we can subdue this unruly beast and create a solid foundation for a healthy future.

The primary culprit—poor food choices

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury, helping to heal damage throughout the system. And yet, this mechanism can lead to serious illness when left unchecked. Dietary choices are the number one trigger for an exaggerated inflammatory reaction - especially sugary, high-glycemic and processed carbohydrates. Poor-quality fats like those found in meat and dairy, as well as trans fats in refined vegetable oils, are also problematic. In the scholarly paper "Control of Systemic Inflammation and Chronic Diseases - The Use of Turmeric and Curcuminoids," researcher Stig Bengmark observes:

How to Lose Weight With Yoga

(Gaiam)

By Lori Hall Steele

Yoga may not conjure up the same images of a calorie-burning, sweat-inducing workout as bootcamp workouts or cardio dance-party routines.

But don’t be fooled by yoga’s deep breathing and sometimes-slow poses: Doctors and personal training experts say it can seriously trim and tone your body — and also work on your mind and spirit to help you get healthier overall.

So take in what experts say about how to do yoga for weight loss, and get ready to pare down with some downward dogs.

Move Over Blueberries, Huckleberries Are the New Superstar

(Wild Harvest)  Move over blueberries, the REAL, healthy berries are in town. Huckleberries, lingonberries, gooseberries, currants, are all rare, possibly unheard of berries. However, they all have two very important factors in common. They are some of the most naturally healthy foods you can find and they can be found at Northwest Wild Foods. These wild berries can help prevent and cure some of the most notorious diseases affecting humans today including cancer, heart disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes. Although blueberries are healthy, these other berries actually blow them out of the water in antioxidant charts.

Common Toxin Lurking in Your Pantry Causes Obesity, Diabetes, Infertility and a Range of Unpleasant Side Effects

Typically, individuals concerned about health read labels and question if the food they consume will promote vitality and balance. So it's particularly disturbing when a hazardous ingredient is allowed to infiltrate the food supply under a misleading name which hides its true identity. Thanks to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we now have monosodium glutamate (MSG) covertly present in food as well as crops that are sprayed with a noxious pesticide riddled with the toxin. For those who believe buying organic produce and shopping at natural markets will protect you from this brain damaging, disease promoting agent - think again.

Research Reveals the Latest Weapon Against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's: Green Tea

Is it possible that the simple act of drinking green tea can help protect your brain against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease? A multitude of studies have looked into the effects that the tea has on neurological health—and the results are promising.

Shielding brain cells from the ravages of Parkinson's

A degenerative disorder that progressively attacks the central nervous system, Parkinson's disease eventually results from the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Currently, there is no cure. As reported by ScienceDaily, a study published in Biological Psychiatry (Elsevier) explored a possible treatment for the disease using green tea. Lead researcher Dr. Baolu Zhao and his team discovered that "green tea polyphenols protect dopamine neurons that increases with the amount consumed." Additionally, "[t]hey also show that this protective effect is mediated by inhibition of the ROS-NO pathway, a pathway that may contribute to cell death in Parkinson's."

The Surprising Natural Antidepressant: Cashews

(Natural Cures, Not Medicine) Two handfuls of cashews is the therapeutic equivalent of a prescription dose of Prozac. Inside you, the essential amino acid L-tryptophan is broken down into anxiety-reducing, snooze-inducing niacin. Even more important, tryptophan is also made into serotonin, one of your body’s most important neurotransmitters. Serotonin gives a feeling of well-being and mellowness, or as the Australians would say, “no worries.” This is such a profound effect that Prozac, Paxil and similar antidepressants usually either mimic serotonin or artificially keep the body’s own serotonin levels high. You can do the same thing with your food. And no one can tell us that beans, peas, cheese, nuts and wheat germ are toxic if you eat a lot of them!

Fortify Yourself Against Cancer, Inflammation, Depression and More With This One Aromatic Flower

A fierce champion of natural health, the rose has been recognized throughout history for its curative value. And now modern science validates many of the health giving features. A study published in the Journal of Food Science revealed that a hot infusion of air dried rose petals contained notable levels of phenols and anthocyanins along with gallic acid. Known not only for its antioxidant characteristics, gallic acid also has strong antiviral and antifungal properties. Furthermore, the acid destroys cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.