Apple Ingredient

Natural Component of Apple Peels Found To Help Prevent Muscle Weakening 

In search of an effective method to prevent muscle wasting that comes with illness and aging, researchers have located a natural compound that is very promising. 

The findings reported in the June issue of Cell Metabolism (a Cell Press publication), identify a natural component of apple peels known as Ursolic Acid as a promising newnutritional therapy for the widespread and debilitating condition that affects nearly everyone at one time or another. 

"Muscle wasting is a frequent companion of illness and aging," explained researchers from The University of Iowa, Iowa City. "It prolongs hospitalization, delays recoveries and in some cases prevents people going back home. It isn't well understood and there is no medicine for it." 

The research team first looked at what happens to gene activity in muscles under conditions that promote weakening. Those studies turned up 63 genes that change in response to fasting in both people and mice and another 29 that shift their expression in the muscles of both people who are fasting and those with spinal cord injury. Comparison of those gene expression signatures to the signatures of cells treated with more than 1300 bio-active small molecules led them to ursolic acid as a compound with effects that might counteract those of atrophy. 

"Ursolic Acid is an interesting natural compound," they said. "It's part of a normal diet as a component of apple peels. They always say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away..." 

The researchers next gave Ursolic Acid to fasted laboratory subjects. Those experiments showed that ursolic acid could protect against muscle weakening as predicted. When ursolic acid was added to the food of normal subjects for a period of weeks, their muscles grew. Those effects were traced back to enhanced insulin signaling in muscle and to corrections in the gene signatures linked to atrophy. 

The subjects given ursolic acid also became leaner and had lower blood levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. The findings therefore suggest that ursolic acid may be responsible for some of the overall benefits of healthy eating. 

"We know if you eat a balanced diet like mom told us to eat you get this material," the researchers explained "People who eat junk food don't get this." 

It is not yet clear whether the findings will translate to human patients, but the goal now is to "figure out if this can help people." If so, they don't yet know whether Ursolic Acid at levels that might be consumed as part of a normal diet might or might not be enough.

Journal Reference: 

mRNA Expression Signatures of Human Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Identify a Natural Compound that Increases Muscle Mass. Cell Metabolism

A Broken Toe

A broken toe will take about 6 weeks to heal. If the toe is still hurting after 6 weeks, you will need another X-ray to see how the toe is healing and to take further action. There are several treatment options when it comes to treating a broken toe. Some of the most effective treatment options are foot surgery by an orthopedic surgeon, elevating the foot, application of ice, and then resting the foot, the use of antibiotics, a tetanus shot, the process of reduction where the broken parts are lined up so that they heal normally, and by buddy taping whereby a small bandage is placed between the broken toe and the next one. 

One of the most effective broken toe treatment options is however the use of a special shoe. These shoes are advantageous over casts in broken toe treatment in that they offer flexibility because you can remove them whenever you want such as when you want to take a shower. These shoes are advantageous in that they can be used after the injury heals and they can be used by another person. Using the shoe for broken toe treatment means you are not exposed to the risks characteristic of surgery such as the risk of infection. 

You should however not go for the first special/medical shoe for broken toe treatment you come across. There are several considerations that you should make if you are to make the right choice. One of the most important considerations is the fabric used in the shoe. You will be wearing the shoe for about 6 weeks and it should therefore be as comfortable as possible. The best materials in the market today are suede, canvas like fabrics, gortex like rubber, and leather. Leather is particularly effective in that it is easily broken into a few days after you start wearing the shoe and this means the shoe will adapt to the shape of your foot. Other advantages of leather are that it will not burn or melt easily, it has great aesthetic value, and it is easily polished. 

Another important consideration should be durability. The shoe should not only last the 6 weeks it takes for the broken toe to heal – go for a shoe that can be used for another broken toe in the family. Go for a shoe that has a steel shank and this will increase its durability. Scrutinize the shoe critically for obvious design flaws, paying particular attention to the stitches and the padding. 

Consider the sole of the shoe. Dig your fingers into soles when doing your comparisons and avoid the shoes where the sole bends easily and you feel the air. You should however not go for tougher and thicker rubber since this will not be comfortable. Walk in the shoe for a while to find out if it is comfortable. When buying a special/medical shoe for broken toe treatment, consider its flexibility. Consider how the contours of your foot will feel after an 8-hour day and consider the ease/difficulty of removing the shoe. Cost considerations are important, as are the features of the shoes such as electrical hazard, well insulated, and waterproof.

ADHD Diet

There has been increasing research with respect to the ADHD diet and other aspects of nutrition that may be involved in the successful treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 

The nutritional management of ADHD is one aspect that has been relatively neglected to date, but food additives, refined sugars, food sensitivities or allergies, and fatty acid deficiencies have all been linked to ADHD. 

There is increasing evidence that many children with behavioral problems are sensitive to one or more food components that can negatively impact their behavior. 

We know that food has a tremendous impact on mood states. Consider the infamous “sugar crash” or how sluggish one feels soon after consuming a large, greasy meal. 

Conversely, think about the alertness and energy one feels after eating healthy food. 

As a result, diet modification is playing an increasingly important role in the management of ADHD and should be considered as part of the treatment protocol. 

While there is no "cure" for ADHD, diet is being increasingly included in ADHD treatments along with the time-tested treatments of medications (http://www.add-treatment.com/adhd-medications.html) and the behavioral techniques found in The Total Focus Program For Children (http://www.add-treatment.com/total-focus-program.html) and the Conquer ADD For Adults (http://www.conqueraddadhd.com/?hop=lovehealer). 

The Elimination ADHD Diet 

Elimination diets involve removing foods or ingredients that are suspected of contributing to ADHD symptoms. 

A study conducted at the University of Eindhoven, Netherlands, for example, investigated the effect of an elimination diet on children ages 3-7 years old with a diagnosis of ADHD. The elimination diet in this case was based on the Few Foods Diet (rice, turkey, pear and lettuce). 

According the results, 62% of the children showed an improvement in behavior according to the Conner's Behavior list and ADHD Rating Scale. Their conclusion is that in young children with ADHD an elimination diet can lead to a statistically significant decrease in symptoms. 

What To Eliminate 

Eliminate dairy products. This is the most important restriction. Almond milk, rice milk, and soy milk are great alternatives to cow milk. (Remember: cow's milk is for baby cows, not people.) Drink more water instead. 

Eliminate yellow foods such as corn and squash. Bananas are ok. 

Eliminate junk foods. If it comes in a cellophane wrapper, don't eat it. 

Eliminate fruit juice because it has high sugar content. Reduce sugar intake by as much as 90%. No chocolate, Nutrasweet, etc. 

Eliminate processed meats. If the meat has chemicals listed that you can't pronounce, don't buy it. 

Eliminate fried foods by as much as 90%. 

Eliminate all food coloring, particularly red and yellow. 

Remember, make the changes gradually one at a time. That way you can test whether the change helped or not. 

As always, work with your doctor when attempting any ADHD diet. 

ADHD Diet Supplements 

A supplementation ADHD diet involves adding vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients to make up for deficiencies in one's diet that may contribute to ADHD symptoms. 

At the Pomeranian Medical Academy in Poland, the effects of magnesium supplements on hyperactivity in children diagnosed with ADHD was examined in order to test a hypothesis that a magnesium deficiency may be involved in the etiology in ADHD. 

The study comprised 50 hyperactive children diagnosed with ADHD, aged 7-12 years, with a magnesium deficiency proven via blood samples. 

The children were given 200 mg/day for six months. At the end of treatment, hyperactivity was assessed using the Conner'ss Rating Scale for Parents and Teachers, the Wender's Scale of Behavior, and the Quotient of Development to Freedom from Distractibility. 

The children given 6 months of magnesium supplementation exhibited a significant decrease of hyperactivity compared to the control group which had not been treated with magnesium. 

ADHD Diet Examples 

In general, a rule of thumb is that whatever is good for the brain is likely to be good for ADHD. World renowned brain researcher and ADHD expert Dr. Daniel Amen recommends these ADHD diet suggestions: 

-Eat a high-protein diet that includes beans, cheese, eggs, meat, nuts, or protein supplements. They are thought to improve concentration and possibly increase the time ADHD medications work. 

-Reduce simple carbohydrates such as candy, corn syrup, honey, sugar, products made from white flour, white rice, and potatoes without the skins. 

-Eat more complex carbohydrates such as veggies, fruits (including oranges, tangerines, pears, grapefruit, apples, and kiwi). Eating complex carbs at night may aid sleep. 

-Eat more Omega acids which are found in tuna, salmon, other cold-water white fish, walnuts, Brazil nuts, and olive and canola oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are also available in supplement form such flax seed oil and primrose oil.

Better sleep

This set of FAQs contains the first eight questions of a two-part series. These FAQs & As contain information regarding the importance of sleep, sleep related illnesses, and getting better sleep. 

Why do I need a restful night's sleep? 

Eating right, exercising and sleeping well are key contributors to a healthy lifestyle. But many people underestimate the value of sleep. Like proper nutrition and exercise, sleep is essential to feeling your best. 

The mind and body do not shut down during sleep. Sleep allows the brain to consolidate the day's learning into memory and improves the ability to learn repetitive skills. During sleep, the body replaces old cells with new ones and re-energizes organs and muscles. Getting the right amount of sleep and getting a combination of light and deep sleep provide the most restorative benefit. 

Sleep loss that accumulates from one night to the next is known as a "sleep debt" or sleep deprivation. Even a modest loss may produce a serious sleep debt when sustained over several nights. Hint: You can't train your body to need less sleep. 

The National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research estimates that sleep deprivation costs billions ofdollars annually in accidents and lost productivity to our society. The effects on quality of life for millions of individuals and families are incalculable. 

In some instances, severe sleep deprivation is a sign of a sleep disorder such as insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy or restless legs syndrome. If you feel you have a chronic or serious sleep problem, see your doctor or a sleep specialist. 

What is insomnia? 

Insomnia is the term that refers to the difficulty of getting to sleep or waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to get back to sleep. It doesn't only refer to the chronic sleeplessness that keeps one up all night. There are many causes of insomnia, and doctors are learning more and more about insomnia and how to treat it. 

What can I do to sleep better? 

Getting comfortable is one way to help you sleep better. Here are some tips you can try tonight to help you sleep better: 

Make sure that your room isn't too hot or cold; keep your room between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If your feet are cold, wear socks. 

If you have an allergy, close your window. 

Make sure your pillows are comfortable. Clean under the bed and wash the drapes, blankets, and bedspread to eliminate irritants. 

Use a humidifier during the winter months and use air conditioning when it's warm and humid. 

Listening to soothing music at a low volume can be helpful to some. 

whether you are sleeping at night or during the day? 

Drinking alcohol late in the evening. Because alcohol in modest amounts is a stimulant in many people, even two or three drinks can distort the body's metabolism. Try to keep nightcaps to one drink, or replace alcohol altogether with a glass of warm milk. 

Can a nice mattress sooth back pain? 

Yes. An extra concentration of coils in the middle third of the sleep set where your lower back is located can help relieve back pain. 

Why can my co-worker get away with only five or six hours of sleep a night when I find myself needing at least eight or nine or I start falling asleep in the afternoon? What's the right amount of sleep? 

It differs for every person. Some people may need as much as 10 hours a night and others need much less. The average person needs 7-8 hours a night. If you find yourself sleepy during the day, you probably need more sleep at night. Or if you sleep longer on the weekends than during the week, you probably need more sleep during the week. 

Lately I find myself waking up more tired than I used to. How can I get a better night's sleep? 

A few key things should help. Try going to bed and getting up at the same time every day - even on the weekends. This will help keep your biological clock in sync. Develop a sleep ritual by doing the same things each night just before bed. This is a signal for your body to settle down for the night. Unwind early in the evening so that worries and distractions don't keep you from getting a restful night's sleep. Finally, create a restful sleep environment - sleep in a cool, quiet, dark room on a comfortable, supportive mattress and foundation - to get your best night's rest. 

I sleep during the day now because I'm working a different shift at work. Is there anything I can do to help myself sleep better? 

Make sure your room is dark - use heavy window coverings to block out the light. Also, make sure your room is cool, between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 18 degrees Celsius). Sleep on a comfortable, supportive mattress and foundation that offers you enough space to move around comfortably. And sleep in a room that's quiet. The sleep environment is a very controllable part of restful sleep - whether you're sleeping during the day or at night. You can adjust the temperature, replace an uncomfortable or worn-out mattress, block out noise with earplugs or a white noise machine and keep light from your bedroom with dark blinds or eye shades. Don't allow bad sleep surroundings keep you from achieving excellent sleep!

Gout Remedies

Gout affects a growing number worldwide with chronic inflammatory arthritis. Originally less common than it is now, the lifestyle of the modern world combined with the availability of foods that contribute to gout has led to more people having the disease. 

If an individual has gout, this means that they typically suffer from chronic arthritis brought about by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. These crystals are formed within the body because of high levels of uric acid in the blood, which is in turn caused by several factors, which include genetic predisposition, food intake and lifestyle. 

Arthritis attacks brought on by gout can vary in intensity, but is often chronic, lasting for days at a time. Without treatment, this can lead to constant pain, and eventually permanent damage that the body cannot recover from. 

There are a number of ways to treat gout, though the most common method is to deal with the current arthritis attack. Pain relief is possible through the use of a variety of anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers; should the person with gout choose, there are also more natural methods and gout remedies that can relieve the pain and lessen inflammation. 

Whichever specific gout remedy is used to deal with the gouty arthritis, the next step to treatment is to deal with the heightened levels of uric acid. Making sure the levels of uric acid are more normal is vital, in order to prevent future arthritic attacks. Even modern medicine recommends natural methods of doing this, through the use of diet and lifestyle modification to remove sources of uric acid, and encourage more efficient removal of excess uric acid in the blood. 

In some cases conventional medicine may prescribe medication to allow the uric acid levels to go down sooner, though this method is only prescribed for more extreme cases. Aside from medication, there are also natural gout remedies that are able to help reduce the levels of uric acid in the blood. These can be used in conjunction with the previously mentioned changes to diet and lifestyle that are recommended to people with gout. 

Those with gout may also choose to combine both conventional and alternative natural methods and gout remedies to manage their gout. Generally speaking, natural gout remedies are safe to be combined with conventional medications, though it is still best to get advice from your medical practitioner before doing so. 

With proper use of different gout remedies, arthritic pain from gout can be alleviated and avoided. Find out more about gout remedies and natural methods for treating gout by checking out http://www.ArthritisNaturalRemedies.com/gout-remedies.