Friday, April 17

Tag: News by nature

Controversy Over Genetically Modified Organisms
Genetically Modified Foods

Controversy Over Genetically Modified Organisms

It all began in 2004 when Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States government to support genetically modified crops after which a Biosafety Law was enacted in in April 2015. Since then the question has bordered on whether Genetically Modified Foods (GMFs) are good substitutes as claimed by some experts? If the GMFs are indeed a boost to crops, they why all the furor about it with several countries imposing a ban on their production? In attempting to allay the fears about of GMOs, the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB) gave a response in one of its policy briefs, saying that “in real life nothing is absolutely safe but a degree of certainty is assured compared to other conventional breeding procedure. Experts in the health sector...
Using Natural Pain Remedies Instead of Typical Medication
Remedies

Using Natural Pain Remedies Instead of Typical Medication

Many of us rely on pain relievers to help us work through pains and aches in our bodies. However, drugs, whether prescription or over the counter, can come with unpleasant side effects, which is why some recommend using natural remedies you may have never heard of. Instead of taking medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, Perlstein says she's found complete relief from natural remedies, like arnica, which is derived from a plant in the daisy family. Internal medicine physician Ken Redcross says he's seen many of his patients make the switch from western medicine to eastern remedies. Help for pain that's considered chronic and for anyone already taking a handful of prescription medications, they should talk with their doctor before trying a natural remedy. NBCDFW.COM
20 Hidden Reasons Your Diet Isn’t Working
Diet

20 Hidden Reasons Your Diet Isn’t Working

Wait, isn’t the point of a diet that you are supposed to cut calories? Yes, but according to registered dietitian and author of Belly Fat for Dummies Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Focus on improving the nutritional quality of your diet rather than your calorie intake for improved body weight and health,” Palinski-Wade says. Intrigued? These are the other weight loss tips doctors wish you’d stop following. You aren’t eating enough calories Wait, isn’t the point of a diet that you are supposed to cut calories? Yes, but according to registered dietitian and author of Belly Fat for Dummies Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. “A calorie is not just a calorie,” she says. “Depending on what you consume, calories from nutrient...
Can A Plant-based Diet ‘Reverse’ Heart Disease?
Diet

Can A Plant-based Diet ‘Reverse’ Heart Disease?

Could eating a strict low-fat vegetarian or vegan diet really 'reverse' coronary heart disease, and if so should everyone be eating this way? BHF dietitian Victoria Taylor says: The idea that a low-fat vegetarian or vegan diet could ‘reverse’ heart disease has been circulating for more than 20 years. This way of eating has become more popular in the last couple of years. It has lots of benefits, but the truth is more complex than headlines suggest. A study published in 2014 looked at 198 patients to further investigate whether eating a strict plant-based diet could stop or reverse heart disease. It found of the 177 patients who stuck to the diet, the majority reported a reduction in symptoms and 22 percent had disease reversal confirmed by test results. But that study didn’t just ...
Are GMOs bad? Science Says They’re Safe
Genetically Modified Foods

Are GMOs bad? Science Says They’re Safe

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are hotly debated all around the world. Many people are very concerned about engineering crops and animals because of the long-term effect this might have on our planet and our bodies. It’s no wonder then that the opinions people have about GMOs are so polarizing. According to a 2016 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, “about half of Americans (48%) say the health effects of GM foods are no different than other foods, 39% say GM foods are worse for one’s health and one-in-ten (10%) say such foods are better for one’s health.” About one in six Americans are deeply concerned with GMOs and predominantly believe GM foods pose health risks. Are GMOs safe? Despite the public having polarized opinions on the safety of GMOs, scientists overwh...
The Keto Meal Plan for Beginners
Diet

The Keto Meal Plan for Beginners

So you've decided you want to try out the high-fat, low-carb diet, better-known as the fat-burning ketogenic diet. Whether it's to lose weight, have more energy, or fuel workouts differently, going keto is a popular choice right now. But figuring out a keto meal plan on your own is no easy feat, especially since eating a diet super high in fats doesn't come naturally to many people who are accustomed to the traditionally carb-heavy American diet. What's more, it's especially important to make sure your diet is well-planned when you're eating keto-style, because the foods you can choose from are limited. In addition to checking in with a dietitian if you're able, Stefanski recommends that you "talk to your doctor and make sure she or he is aware that you'll be starting a diet that comple...
Herbal Remedies With Prescription Drugs ‘Harmful’
Remedies

Herbal Remedies With Prescription Drugs ‘Harmful’

London [UK], Feb 5 (ANI): Mixing herbal remedies with conventional drugs can result in a wide range of dangers, according to a study. The researchers uncovered dozens of cases in which alternative treatments appeared to have altered the effects of prescription medication, either diluting it, making it more potent or causing potentially dangerous side effects. The paper turned up examples of patients who had suffered serious problems after taking herbal medicines alongside drugs including antidepressants and medication for HIV, epilepsy, heart disease. Recent studies have shown it is possible for some active ingredients in herbal medicines to affect drug metabolism, speeding up the rate at which other medicines are broken down in the liver and reducing their effectiveness. Previ...
7 Women Share What “Wellness” Means to Them
Wellness

7 Women Share What “Wellness” Means to Them

2017 was a hard year for women’s health. From the roller coaster of legislation threatening to repeal the ACA to the federal de-funding of Planned Parenthood — not to mention the general stress and anxiety of living in our socio-political climate — this past year made very clear how important it is for us as women to protect our own health. 1. Emily, St. Louis, MO: “Wellness means a lot of things for me in this season — primarily taking care of my body and mind. I try to remember to wear supportive shoes so my body doesn’t get achy and I will want to exercise. Also, I monitor my social media intake. 2. Rachel, Europe via Kansas: “For me, wellness meant leaving the country — my husband and I are currently traveling Europe with our dog. American politics were giving me literal anxiety ...
Health and Wellness: Understanding And Treating Hearing Loss
Wellness

Health and Wellness: Understanding And Treating Hearing Loss

One of the most common health conditions facing older Americans is also one of the least treated. More than 36 million Americans suffer from some degree of hearing loss, including 17 percent of all adults and more than a third of adults over the age of 65. Unfortunately, treatment is frequently delayed for years, with only about 20 percent of people seeking necessary treatment. Here are five things to know about hearing loss, including who it affects and how treatment can improve quality of life. • It is common • Hearing loss has several causes • It affects more than your ears • Untreated, it can lead to depression • It can be treated There are a variety of treatments that can help a person with hearing loss improve their hearing and quality of life. A visit to a health profes...
NO YOLK! Boiled Egg Diet: Does it Work?
Diet

NO YOLK! Boiled Egg Diet: Does it Work?

Entering a new year is a good time to correct some dietary deficiencies. So this article revisits a topic I covered eight years ago. When it comes to injuries such as muscle strains, ligament tears, nerve irritation, tendon tears, tendonitis, etc., most people would think about taking Advil, getting a cortisone shot, receiving physical therapy, chiropractic treatment or even surgery. In particular, there are three main dietary components that can have a positive influence on the recovery and prevention of injury. These three components are simple yet elusive: calcium/magnesium and zinc; hydration; and an anti-inflammatory diet. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals for all of our bodily systems. Calcium is required for all muscle contractions and nerve functions. Without calci...