Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day… The original article can be found here:

They say your eyes are the window to your soul. Well then, shouldn’t we give them a little TLC? If you stare at a computer screen all day, like the majority of Americans, then this article is for you. Here’s how to do eye yoga to reduce eyestrain, keep eye muscles sharp, promote better eyesight and more.

Why your tired eyes need eye yoga

If you spend eight or more hours staring at a computer screen every day, your eyes might be in trouble — and you might not even know it! Over time, you could develop a condition called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which is characterized by several signs:

• Squinting
• Blurred vision
• Dry, red eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Double vision
• Headaches
• Neck or back pain

If this sounds like you, you might want to give eye yoga a try. It’s been in use for centuries, helping to combat eye strain, vision issues and more. Try these strengthening exercises for improved eye health:

1. Practice palming

Our eyes are used to staring at lights all the time. From the moment we wake up, we’re taking in the blue light emission on our phone, artificial lights in our office and blinking lights in traffic. That’s a lot of stimulation for the eyes! This simple palming exercise can give them a rest, any time of day.

Rub your palms together to create some heat in your hands, then gently set them over your eyes in a “cupping” position. Allow your eyes to rest in the darkness. Relax and breathe here for a few minutes, enjoying the peace and solitude this brings.

2. Blink rapidly

Blinking helps to nourish the eyes while relaxing the muscles and preventing dryness. Ideally, we would all blink 25 times per minute. However, when we’re intensely focused on something — like a detailed Excel spreadsheet or a shocking YouTube video, we may blink less. Here is an exercise to help you balance out intense staring sessions.

In your comfortable seated position, relax and breathe deeply using your diaphragm — you’ll see pranayama (breathing) come up over and over again. Now loosen your jaw, separating your lips from one another, releasing any tension in your face or forehead. Find a point of focus, then blink rapidly 10 times in a row. Close your eyes for 20 seconds, then repeat this exercise three more times.

3. Gaze up and down

Now that your eyes are warmed up, use this simple up and down movement from Yoga Journal. Make sure to relax and check in with your breath again. Next, imagine a clock in front of you. Shift your gaze up towards 12:00 then down towards 6:00. Be careful not to move your neck; this exercise is for your eyes only. Do this up-and-down eye stretch 10 times, slowly back and forth. After your done, try the same exercise looking left to right.

4. Do eye circles, both directions

Think of this as flexibility training for your beautiful eyes. Yoga International recommends moving your eye gaze around in as big a circle as possible, without using any help from your neck or spine. Start by remembering to breathe deeply. Send your eye gaze up towards the ceiling, and slowly work your way around in a clockwise circle. Try to squeeze in at least three deep breaths per circle. When you’ve reached the top, rest your eyes with the “palming” method. Try the same sequence again, moving counterclockwise this time.

5. Shift your focus

We’re not meant to look at up-close materials all the time, and yet we do! This simple exercise of shifting your focus will help retrain your eyes to see detail at different perspectives.

First, hold your right arm out one full length in front of you and stick the thumb straight up. Focus your eye gaze on your thumb. Slowly move your thumb towards your face until it appears blurry. Pause, then slowly move your thumb away from you back to the starting position. Repeat this a few more times, being mindful of your pace and breathing.

6. Try trataka (fixed gazing at a candle)

Obviously, don’t do this at work if you shouldn’t be lighting candles, but feel free to give this a try the next time you’re relaxing at home. This meditation exercise will help sharpen the focus of your eyes and send energy to your third eye — the point between the eyes on the forehead that guides intuition. Trataka is also said to enhance concentration, improve memory and quiet the restless mind.

Here’s how to try the ancient practice of trataka: set up a candle three feet away from you. Find a comfortable seated position, where you can keep your spine erect and the flame is level with the eyes. Next, using a fixed gaze, stare into the flame and focus only on your breathing. Listen to the thoughts that enter your mind, without judgment. Simply let them float by like clouds. When your eyes begin to water, close them and rest in the darkness. Some yoga practitioners recommend this exercise for up to 40 minutes, but do what makes sense for you.

Always give your eyes a break

In addition to doing eye yoga regularly, there are a number of things you can do to reduce eye strain. When you’re at work, make sure to follow the 20-20-20 rule. This means every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Also, make sure to complete the following tips from the American Optometric Association:

• Reduce the glare on your screen by angling your computer away from the window or adding a glare filter to your monitor.
• Rearrange your monitor so that it is 20 to 28 inches from your face and 15 to 20 degrees below eye level. You shouldn’t have to stretch your neck like a turtle or squint your eyes to see what’s on the screen.
• Adjust the brightness on your monitor away from factory settings, particularly if you’re working after dark. The blue light emitted from screens interrupts natural melatonin production, the hormone that lets you know it’s time to sleep. In other words, if your screen is too bright, it’ll interrupt your natural circadian rhythm and ability to get deep, healing sleep.

In yoga, there’s a stretch for just about everything — and the eyes are no exception. After all, they work just as hard as any other muscle in the body. Practice eye yoga every day to keep your eyes sharp while giving them the break they deserve.

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The post Tired, Strained Eyes? Here Are 6 Eye Yoga Exercises You Need NOW appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day… The original article can be found here:

I bet if you looked in the mirror you wouldn’t say to yourself, “I look a little fungusy today.” More than likely, you don’t really know what it looks like to be fungusy.

Truth be told, you can’t really look like fungus (or a mushroom for that matter), but there is a good chance that fungus, to some degree or another, is compromising your health.

Don’t get too wigged out when I use the word fungus. We are all covered in fungal communities; they take up residence on us and within us, forming tight-knit colonies according to their kind. Many of these fungi are harmless, and a good number are quite necessary for health. However, when the bad guys move into the neighborhood, things get funky.

Fungi vs. bacteria

Before I go on, let’s first take a quick look at the difference between fungi and bacteria. Both are minute organisms that are found in almost every ecosystem on earth, and both can associate with other groups of living things. As mentioned above, they can either be harmless and necessary in biological processes, or they can be highly dangerous.

The main difference between fungi and bacteria is their cellular structure. Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms, meaning they do not possess a nucleus, while fungi are eukaryotic organisms, meaning they have a very well-defined nucleus. While both organisms have cell walls, what makes up these cell walls is different. Fungi, for the most part, have long hollow tubes that form networks (hyphae).

Each of these tubes is bordered by a strong wall made from chitin — the same substance that forms the exoskeletons of insects. Hyphae grow from their tips and reach out in a branching manner to form a network called mycelium. As the mycelium grows, it produces fruiting bodies and other structures that are rich with reproductive spores.

Bacteria multiply by binary fission when parent bacterium divide to make the same sized daughter cells. Fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually by a process of branching fragmentation and budding (as in the case of yeast).

Fungi are scavengers, feeding off dead stuff — kind of like the buzzards you see cleaning up roadkill along the highway. Bacteria, on the other hand, are a little more sophisticated in the fact that they can actually manufacture their own food.

Types of fungal infections

There are several fungal infections that result from different types of fungi entering the body.

For instance, Aspergillus fungi can be inhaled through the mouth or nose and can cause fever, cough and wheezing. In very severe instances, this fungal infection can spread to other organs including the brain, skin and bones.

Cryptococcus neoformans is found in the soil or in bird droppings. This fungus also enters the body through the mouth or nostrils and can cause a lung infection resulting in a cough or chest pain.

Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus that is commonly found in eastern and central United States in soil that contains bird and bat feces. When spores are disturbed, they can be inhaled and can cause flu-like symptoms, body aches, fever and cough.

Candida albicans

Yeast, also known as Candida albicans, is a type of fungus that is present in all humans. The fungus is found on both the skin and mucus membranes. In small amounts, it is harmless to the body.

However, when the growth of yeast increases dramatically, the results can be absolutely devastating. Did you know that yeast overgrowth is considered to be one of the most prevalent, yet unrecognized conditions to man?

When you have a healthy body, the yeast is kept under control by the healthy bacteria within your body. However, medical antibiotics — and those found in much of the meat we eat — will upset the balance of your friendly bacteria. Since antibiotics are nonselective, they work to weaken the good bacteria that keep yeast in check.

The yeast then begins to flourish, and before you know it, it’s completely out of control. Antibiotics are not the only contributor to the upset of your healthy bacteria; cortisone, some birth control pills and certain drugs have an effect on it, as well.

Once the yeast has overgrown in your body, it thrives on sugar, carbohydrates, moldy foods, fermented foods and vinegar. If you’ve ever noticed that your cravings for any of these are very strong, chances are, you have a yeast overgrowth in your body.

When the level of yeast is elevated in your body, toxins are released into your bloodstream in high amounts. These waste products have a profound effect on your well-being and are linked to many health problems.

Signs of yeast gone wild

The effects of yeast overgrowth will worsen over time, and will seriously compromise physical, mental and emotional well-being. According to researchers, hidden, deviant fungus may be the reason for any number of seemingly unrelated health complaints.

Just another reason why it is so important to not look at symptoms in isolation. Very often, you will find that two seemingly unrelated things, like muscle twitches and frequent bladder infections, are the result of yeast gone wild.

Here are 32 signs that yeast may have moved in and is slowly taking over your body. If you suffer frequently from more than three of these, it may be time to learn more about yeast.

• Fungal infections on skin or nails
• Athlete’s foot
• Toenail fungus
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Bad breath
• Dry mouth
• Joint pain
• Numbness
• Hair loss
• Headaches
• PMS
• Heartburn
• Burning eyes
• Lack of impulse control
• Hyperactivity
• Poor concentration
• Brain fog
• ADD, ADHD
• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ulcerative colitis or multiple sclerosis
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Strong cravings for sugar or refined carbohydrates
• Eczema or psoriasis
• Hives
• Seasonal allergies or itchy ears
• Urinary tract infections
• Vaginal or rectal itching

The spit test

Yeast overgrowth is one of the most difficult health issues to detect because of the small amount that is present in everyone. The best way to determine if you have yeast overgrowth is by taking a look at your lifestyle and diet.

Do you crave sweets and carbohydrates, experience constant illness, have a mental illness that doesn’t respond to medication, or generally feel “unwell?” Chances are you’re experiencing yeast overgrowth and need to make some changes to your diet.

You can also try the spit test. Yeah, we know, it sounds a little gross, but a spit test offers a really good analysis of what is going on inside your body and may show signs of a yeast overgrowth. The best time to take this test is as soon as you wake up in the morning, before you even get out of bed.

How to do the spit test

• Gather as much spit as possible in your mouth.
• Spit into a clear glass with room temperature filtered water.
• Watch carefully.

1. The saliva will float at first. Watch to see if there are thin projections extending downward into the water after 15 minutes or so. They may look like hairs or strings. If this happens you may have a candida overgrowth problem.
2. If your saliva is very cloudy and sinks to the bottom within a few minutes, or parts of the saliva slowly sink, yeast overgrowth is a possibility. The particles are yeast colonies which band together.
3. If your spit is still floating after about an hour, it is likely that your yeast is under control.

The downward spiral

Candida can be linked to serious health problems. Once this fungus begins to thrive in the body, general health will spiral downward. The cravings for sugar and other foods that nourish the yeast will get stronger, and on and on it will go.

Eventually, the immune system becomes so weak that the symptoms are no longer tolerable. Often physicians will prescribe antibiotics to treat the symptoms, thus killing off the last of any friendly bacteria. When yeast is in this advanced state, depression and suicidal thoughts are very common.

How to kick the bad fungus to the curb

According to the National Candida Center, if you have symptoms and your spit test is positive for yeast, it is a pretty good indication that you have a candida overgrowth problem. The first step in addressing the problem is to adjust your diet.

Eliminate all processed foods and sugar, and begin eating only wholesome, organic foods if possible. The following foods also help the body heal from the assault of candida overgrowth and encourage the proliferation of healthy bacteria:

1. Coconut oil

This tropical treasure has strong antifungal properties, which will kill the bad bacteria and support immune system functioning. Replace your other cooking oils with coconut oil and add liberally to foods or your coffee. Aim for two tablespoons daily to start.

2. Garlic

Garlic also has strong antifungal properties and will destroy unfriendly bacteria while encouraging the growth of good bacteria. It detoxifies and encourages healthy liver and colon functioning. Use garlic liberally to jazz up your food or chew freely on two to three cloves per day. Note: Raw garlic is far superior in its efficacy.

3. Seaweed

It may not be too appealing to look at, but seaweed is a highly nutrient-dense food that can fight against yeast overgrowth. Many times, people with yeast overgrowth suffer from hyperthyroidism, and seaweed is rich in iodine, which helps balance the thyroid gland. In addition, seaweed is a detoxifier and helps to flush toxins out of the body while cleaning the digestive system. Eat fresh seaweed or take high-quality kelp supplements for best results.

4. Pumpkin seeds

These tiny seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have antiviral and antifungal properties. They help to reduce the inflammation caused by yeast and fight depression as well. Add pumpkin seeds to your cereal, salads or even eat them as a tasty snack.

5. Ginger

Ginger is a powerful detoxifier that increases circulation and flushes toxins out of the liver while supporting the immune system. It helps reduce intestinal gas and soothes inflammation from yeast overgrowth. Make ginger tea by grating a 1-inch piece of ginger root and adding it to two cups of boiling water and a fresh slice of lemon.

Once you get your diet under control and introduce foods that fight the bad bacteria, you can consider taking a high-quality probiotic or eating a little bit of fermented food daily to keep your healthy bacteria count in good order.

Exercising daily and learning how to manage stress in your life will also help to keep fungus from taking over your body.

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The post 32 Signs Fungus Might Be Taking Over Your Body appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Salt. The salt of the earth. A vital electrolyte for our bodies to function—without salt, we can die.

However, salt is almost always at the top of the “foods to avoid” list. It seems the entire medical profession and along with most dietitians and nutritionists hate salt. Why is salt looked at as such a terrible thing for your health?

Salt vs Sodium

Salt is not pure sodium. Salt is a natural product that contains sodium. Table salt (like Morton salt) contains around 97% sodium. Other types of salt like sea salt and Himalayan pink salt contain less sodium, but do contain a few other minerals including magnesium, potassium and small amounts of calcium.

The Salt and Blood Pressure Connection

During the 1980s, researchers conducted a large global study that studies salt intake and blood pressure. What was discovered was that groups of people from undeveloped countries who didn’t use salt also had low blood pressure.

One of these groups were the Yanomami of the Amazon rainforest. The Yanomami have very low sodium in their urine, which indicates very low sodium consumption—and they have very low blood pressure. Even the very elderly Yanomami possess low blood pressure.

However, when you look at another group of primitive people, the Kuna of Panama, you see a slightly different story. The Kuna also consume a low sodium diet and have low blood pressure, but when certain groups of the Kuna had access to more generous amounts of salt, blood pressure still remained low. In other words, there doesn’t seem to be a direct relationship between salt intake and blood pressure. It’s quite possibly diet and other lifestyle factors as well.

Another study, a meta-analysis of 6,250 patients found no direct link between salt intake, high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. Like many of our dietary recommendations, we need to take other things into consideration.

Two other meta-analyses (analysis of multiple studies) found that sodium restriction reduced blood pressure 5.39 mm Hg for systolic (top number) blood pressure and reduced diastolic blood pressure (lower number) 2.82 mm Hg for those who already had hypertension. Sodium restriction dropped blood pressure only 2.42 mm Hg and down 1.00 mm Hg, in those with normal readings. Not much really.

In addition, restricting sodium intake can also increase triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, as well as causing elevated stress hormones.

However, increasing potassium intake (naturally found in fruit and vegetables) was associated with over a 7-point drop in systolic blood pressure and a 2-point drop in diastolic blood pressure, but only for people with hypertension. The takeaway here is that increased potassium (which a healthy diet provides) is more beneficial to lowering blood pressure than a salt-restricted diet.

Our Bodies Need Salt to Survive

The human body can’t live without some sodium. Salt is necessary for nerve transmission and to help contract and relax muscle fibers—including the muscles in the heart.

Some of the signs of salt deficiency include:

• Dehydration—the body cannot hold onto water as well without salt
• Muscle cramps
• Higher risk of heart attack
• Headaches
• Weakness
• Inability to withstand heat, especially when exercising
• Cognitive decline in elderly
• Irritability

When sodium levels are low in the body, chemical and hormonal messages signal the kidneys and even our sweat glands to hold onto water to conserve sodium.

Many studies point to the fact that sodium has many benefits in the body. It can actually help you conserve water, and make you feel less thirsty. Salt has several other health benefits too. Let’s explore some of those good things about salt:

Exercise performance and heat tolerance

Back when I used to race my bike in the heat of a St. Louis summer (think high 90’s temps + humidity in the 90% range), the heat used to really get to me. I remember a few races where I just got too hot to continue and dropped out. I was overheated and out of energy.

Once I learned about salt loading before racing or training in the heat, it was a game-changer. The heat no longer bothered me, and I had tons more energy. Suddenly instead of dropping out of races, I started winning them.

Studies show that sodium loading before exercising in the heat increases the body’s fluid volume and reduces the physiological strain on your body from the training. Sodium loading helps you work out harder, longer and more effectively. And guess what? This method works for you whether it’s hot out or not.

Salt and Electrolytes

Sodium from salt, is an important source of necessary electrolytes. Without sufficient electrolytes you can experience irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, fatigue, nausea, and even seizures. Sodium is an electrolyte which is also vital to maintain the proper fluid balance in our bloodstream, inside and outside our cells.

Sea salt is an excellent source of electrolytes, which has been shown to prevent muscle cramping during exercise. Sea salt contains sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, all of which you need for optimal health. These minerals must come from your diet because your body can’t create them.

Manage Stress Better

When we are stressed, our bodies have more of the hormone, cortisol circulating. When cortisol levels are high, you feel more stressed. Salt has been shown to help your body clear cortisol from the blood. The faster your body gets rid of cortisol, the better you feel. Low sodium diets are often associated with higher stress hormone levels, as well as depression and anxiety.

An experiment published in 1995 showed, for example, that when rats are put in stressful situations, they preferred to drink salty water rather than unsalted water. In another study, when wild rabbits were stressed, their sodium intake shot up.

In another 2014 study involving about 10,000 Americans, researchers found a relationship between salt intake and depression: women on low-sodium diets tended to be more depressed than women with a regular salt intake. People may be self-medicating with salt and not even know it.

Chronic stress does seem to increase cravings for salty food—unfortunately it’s usually salty processed foods like pizza, chips, or French fries. No wonder college kids are binging on this type of food. Could stress be the reason why an awful lot of Americans are munching on salty junk food?

You don’t have to mow through a bag of potato chips if you are stressed and craving salt. Grab a handful of healthy nuts or beef jerky to snack on. You can also just add a couple more grinds of fresh Himalayan salt to your healthy dinner or sprinkle some sea salt on those fresh veggies you are munching on.

Salt and Sex

Salt has been found to accelerate sexual maturation in animal models, resulting in more offspring. Male rats also tend to have increased sperm counts when on a higher sodium diet.

This 1991 experiment, on men whose sodium intake was lowered to 2.4 grams a day complained of erectile dysfunction more often than those who consumed three grams a day. The ED was even worse when combined with a diuretic (used for hypertension) and the low-sodium diet.

Growth

Sodium may also aid healthy growth. Scientists from the New Jersey School of Medicine found out if rats are put on low-salt diets, their bones and muscles fail to grow as fast as rats on a normal diet. Observational studies also note that children tend to crave more salt than adults do which may be explained by the needs of their growing bodies, bones and muscles.

Low Sodium and Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes have worsening outcomes when they follow a low salt diet. A 2011 study showed people with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to die prematurely on a low-salt diet due to higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Another study from Harvard linked low-salt diets to an immediate onset of insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes. Guidelines for salt restriction for people with type 2 diabetes may need to be reconsidered.

Aldosterone levels

Low sodium conditions can increase the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone is an adrenal hormone helps the body preserve sodium when it is perceived to be scarce.

High aldosterone levels are also associated with insulin resistance, and aldosterone-blocking medications are being explored as potential treatments for vascular disease and hypertension.

What Kind of Salt to Use?

Avoid using processed, table salt as it is higher in sodium, often has fillers and anti-coagulants and has a harsh, bitter taste. Better choices are natural salt such as these:

• Natural sea salt contains many more beneficial minerals such as magnesium and calcium and even iodine. Sea salt generally has a milder, smoother taste as well.
• Pink Himalayan salt is rich in minerals, containing all 84 essential trace elements required by your body.
• Celtic sea salt is an unrefined, unprocessed type of salt, sourced from clean coastal waters in France. Containing unprocessed and naturally forming minerals, this grey Sea Salt is harvested and dried and ready to use.

Salt makes food taste better. Ever eat a steak without salt? It’s bland and boring. Or try a plate of steamed veggies without salt. It’s just not all that good.

You can attempt to drop your salt intake to try to lower your blood pressure, but your body has ways of maintaining the levels it needs to function. And, food doesn’t taste as good, your performance in the gym and in bed may suffer, and your cortisol and insulin may go up.

Better yet, sticking to a low-carb, primal, paleo style diet with few carbs, no grains or sugar will actually help your body clear out salt quicker and, in the process, you will get healthier, your blood pressure goes down and cardiovascular markers start looking up. Enjoy your salt with a healthy diet!

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References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21036373/
https://chriskresser.com/shaking-up-the-salt-myth-the-dangers-of-salt-restriction/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/take-it-with-a-grain-of-salt
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/we-eat-a-lot-of-salt-but-scientists-say-there-are-good-reasons-for-that/2015/05/04/69ff7058-c806-11e4-a199-6cb5e63819d2_story.html
https://www.marksdailyapple.com/salt-what-is-it-good-for/
https://www.oklahoman.com/article/feed/687315/did-you-know-salt-reduces-stress

The post 9 Good Reasons to Eat Salt appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

The conventional medical mindset has always held that for women, the uncomfortable perimenopause and menopause symptoms women experience, result from an estrogen deficient as the ovaries start to shut down.

In reality, this is wrong.

During the ten years or so of perimenopause, (‘pre-menopause’), progesterone, a major female hormone that helps to balance estrogen, begins to drop. This is not a small drop, but more like it drops off a cliff. In fact, progesterone levels can plummet to nearly zero levels in the body.

While estrogen decreases slowly during perimenopause and menopause, the fact of the matter is that estrogen levels do not fall as dramatically–until after a woman’s last period–and even then they only fall about 40% or so, overall.

This creates a condition called “estrogen dominance” where the natural ratio of estrogen and progesterone become way out of balance. This means there is too much estrogen relative to progesterone. The symptoms can start years before menopause actually occurs. It is estimated that about 80% or more of women in the United States and Europe and other industrialized societies suffer from low progesterone and estrogen dominance.

What are the Symptoms of Low Progesterone?

The symptoms listed below affect many different body systems in the body, including the brain. Many women in their thirties and forties find that they experience moderate to severe symptoms of low progesterone. The symptoms include:

• Decreased sex drive
• Irregular, heavy menstrual periods
• Bloating (water retention)
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Headaches/Migraines
• Mood swings–irritability, anxiety and depression
• Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen and hips
• Low thyroid symptoms
• Foggy thinking, memory loss
• Fatigue
• Insomnia

Estrogen dominance can lead to a condition of increased inflammation, sudden onset allergies, autoimmune disorders , uterine cancer, ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, increased blood clotting, increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and accelerated aging.

What Causes Estrogen Dominance

In a normal menstrual cycle, estrogen is the dominant hormone for the first two weeks leading up to ovulation. Once ovulation occurs, estrogen is balanced out by progesterone during the last two weeks of the cycle.

As a woman enters perimenopause and menopause, anovulation begins (cycles where no ovulation occurs) and estrogen goes unopposed, causing many unpleasant symptoms. In industrialized countries such as the United States, there can be many other causes of estrogen dominance that contribute to this condition including:

• Excess body fat
• Too much stress, which depletes progesterone
• A low-fiber diet that doesn’t allow the body to rid itself of estrogen
• Birth control pills, patches, or other synthetic estrogen therapy
• Environmental agents called Xenoestrogens (artificial estrogens), from plastics, toxins in food and water, petroleum products, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, pesticides, weed killer, and personal care products such as lotion, make-up, nail polish, shampoos and soaps.

Estrogen Dominance Happens in Men Too

Although estrogen is typically a female hormone, men also have small amounts of estrogen and progesterone. When a man typically reaches his forties, both progesterone and testosterone levels begin to decline. This is when a man can become estrogen dominant. Symptoms of estrogen dominance for men include:

• Weight gain
• Loss of sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Man boobs
• Depression
• Anxiety

Estrogen can stimulate cell growth and cause prostate enlargement, prostate cancer and even breast cancer. Excess estrogen in men can also raise the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

How to Get Back in Balance

Helping your body to rid itself of excess estrogen, lowering stress, and making some lifestyle changes should help regain hormonal balance, and alleviate many of the symptoms of estrogen dominance. Here’s how:

• Follow a hormone-balancing diet:
  • Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Get adequate protein from natural sources.
  • Include healthy fats (omega 3 and saturated fats) and eliminate inflammatory omega 6 seed oils.
  • Avoid all sugars and processed foods.
• Eat lots of fiber. Excess estrogen is processed by the liver and excreted by the bowel; if stool remains in the bowel, estrogen is reabsorbed into the body.
• Use transdermal 2% bioidentical progesterone cream: Many of the symptoms of estrogen dominance can be relieved with a natural, over-the-counter, bioidentical progesterone, 2% cream. (For men and women)
• Lose excess body fat and get regular exercise — Strength training, in particular, helps build muscle and stronger bones.
• Detoxify your liver: Protect your liver and help it eliminate toxins such as alcohol, drugs, caffeine, or environmental agents, so it can help you eliminate excess estrogen.
• Decrease stress: Stress causes higher than normal levels of cortisol in the body. Progesterone is a pre-cursor to cortisol, so stress will drain the body of progesterone. Even a 10-minute meditation practice every morning can do wonders to ease stress, change your mindset and create a positive attitude.

If these measures do not cause a significant reduction in symptoms, it may be time to visit your health practitioner to get lab work done for hormone levels.

References
https://www.healthline.com/health/high-estrogen#symptoms-in-women
https://www.healthline.com/health/high-estrogen#treatment
https://www.drnorthrup.com/estrogen-dominance/
https://www.johnleemd.com/estrogen-dominance.html
https://lifesum.com/nutrition-explained/5-lifestyle-changes-that-will-restore-your-hormonal-balance
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/estrogen-in-men#symptoms-of-low-estrogen
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2008/11/dangers-of-excess-estrogen-in-the-aging-male

The post 11 Sneaky signs of low progesterone (important for men too) appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Honey has been a popular part of humans’ diet since hunter-gatherer days, as far back as 10,000 years ago. In fact, some researchers believed that primal man often ate large amounts of honey. Even today, some primitive tribes, like the Hadza, consume copious amounts of the golden gooey stuff and are considered super healthy, lean and fit.

Isn’t honey just sugar? And in that case, is honey bad for you? Although honey does contain plenty of fructose and glucose, honey is actually a real food with plenty of nutrients in it. Honey contains over a hundred different compounds including minerals, amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants. Entire colonies of honeybees thrive on the stuff. So, honey is MORE than just sugar–it is actually a health food.

Honey benefits include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic (kills cancer cells), and antibacterial properties.

Honey has the ability to raise antioxidant levels in the body, helping you fight off chronic diseases, including cancer. Several studies have also found that buckwheat honey, in particular, significantly increases serum antioxidant capacity.

In one study, men and women followed a controlled diet for two weeks, then followed that same diet for 14 days but also consumed honey daily. Honey consumption increased participants’ blood levels of vitamin C, uric acid, glutathione reductase, and beta-carotene.

Although regular sucrose (table sugar) and high fructose corn syrup are very pro-inflammatory, studies have shown that honey is anti-inflammatory. Honey can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, lowering the incidence of digestive disorders. Honey has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the airways helping to manage asthma as well.

Honey also has antibacterial properties and is known to help heal wounds and infections. Honey has been shown effective against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium—all antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Honey also inhibits the growth of H.pylori, the bacteria that causes ulcers.

Real Honey vs. Fake Honey

Huge differences can exist in the amount of nutrients honey can contain—even within the same types of honey and the same flowers. Wildflower honey tends to have higher amounts of antioxidants than clover honey, and buckwheat honey seems to have the most phenolics and flavonoids. Manuka honey has some of the highest antioxidant, antiviral, antibiotic characteristics and is considered “medical grade” honey.

Honey is labeled as: raw honey, organic honey, or pasteurized honey. Always buy raw, unfiltered local honey if possible. One of the key characteristics of genuine honey is the presence of pollen, which is also the source of honey’s many health benefits. Raw, unfiltered and unpasteurized honey contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes, whereas most of that is lost once honey becomes heat-treated and filtered.

The conventional honey you find in a conventional grocery store in the plastic bear is most likely fake. According to research from Food Safety News, up to 76% of honey options found in US grocery stores are either fake honey, or have been processed to the point that the majority of food laws around the world would prevent them from being labeled as “honey”.

Darker colored honey seems to be higher in bioactive compounds and shows greater antioxidant activity. Darker honey has more flavor.

1. Honey Improves Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies can happen in any part of the world, but here in the U.S., they usually begin in February and can last until the first frost. Seasonal allergies are generally the result of pollen being released by plants and trees and can be especially irritating to sensitive people. Allergies can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, sore throat, earaches, coughing, headaches, wheezing and asthma.

Over the counter medications often cause unpleasant side effects such as drowsiness, agitation, dry mouth, confusion and dehydration, so many people opt for natural allergy treatments such as honey.

The idea of treating with honey is this: when a person eats local honey, they ingest small amounts of the pollen they are allergic to. This may help them become desensitized to the pollen and react less.

In this study, participants allergic to birch pollen (a common tree allergy) were given birch pollen honey. The BPH patients reported a 60% lower total symptom score, twice as many asymptomatic days, 70% fewer days with severe symptoms, and they used 50% less antihistamines compared to the control group.

Pollen levels in local honey vary widely, but it seems that local honey may help ease symptoms of allergies and desensitize allergic individuals.

2. Stabilizes Blood Sugar

You wouldn’t think that eating honey would stabilize blood sugar, but it can. Keeping blood sugar level is the primary goal of people with diabetes. Even if you don’t have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar stable helps to control food cravings and helps you avoid gaining weight.

In the Journal of Medicinal Food study, researchers found that natural honey lowers blood glucose levels in healthy, diabetic, and hyperlipidemic individuals. In the diabetic group, honey caused a significantly lower rise in blood sugar than other types of sugar at 60, 120, and 180 minutes after consumption. This study also showed that honey helped to increase levels of insulin, which helps to remove glucose from the blood. This may be why honey decreases blood sugar.

3. Lowers Cholesterol

Total cholesterol is divided up into LDL cholesterol (often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol), HDL cholesterol (‘good’ cholesterol), and triglycerides. Honey has been found to help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, while increasing (this is a good thing) HDL cholesterol.

In a study of 55 overweight individuals, those who ate honey instead of table sugar experienced significant reductions in their cholesterol. LDL was reduced, while HDL increased. One other study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, found that honey decreased LDL and increased HDL in people of healthy weight in just 15 days.

These studies also showed that honey improved other important biomarkers for cardiovascular health including lowering inflammatory C-reactive protein (CRP), lowering overall blood glucose and decreasing triglycerides.

4. Honey for Colds

Honey has been found to be effective at killing bacteria, yeasts and even some viruses. Honey is also effective at helping to control coughs that accompany colds. This study, along with another study found honey to be effective for relieving coughing, especially nighttime coughs. In fact, it was found found that honey was even more effective at taming nighttime coughs than common cough suppressants.

And if you have a sore throat, honey is an excellent soothing remedy for sore throats as well. Honey acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, along with killing off bacteria and viruses to get a sore throat under control.

“Honey is one of the best remedies for a sore throat due to its natural antibacterial properties that allows it to act as a wound healer, immediately offering relief for pain while working to reduce inflammation. Honey can also kill bacteria and help fight off viral infections,” explains a physician at Penn Urgent Care in Philadelphia.

Even the CDC and the World Health Organization recommend honey to relieve sore throats for adults and children at least 1 year of age or older.

People can try stirring some honey into hot water to soothe a sore throat or cough. Adding lemon provides extra flavor and vitamin C. Manuka honey is also highly effective for germ-killing and medicinal purposes.

Note: Children younger than 1 year should not have honey due to the risk of infant botulism.

5. Soft Glowing Skin and Shiny Hair

Honey is considered a ‘humectant’, which means that it attracts moisture from the surrounding air and helps your skin hold moisture better. And, since it has antibacterial and antiviral qualities, it can also help to fight acne, heal blemishes, stop redness, and even help herpes sores heal faster.

You can help your skin become glowing and soft by massaging a half teaspoon or so of honey into your face. Leave on your skin about 10 minutes and then rinse off.

Want a natural exfoliator? Just stir a pinch of baking soda, salt, or sugar into some honey and rub it on your skin in circular motions. Leave it on for 2 minutes, then rinse off with warm water for smoother skin.

Honey can help your hair look more shiny and less frizzy. Add honey to hair in the shower after your shampoo. Let it soak in a few minutes, then rinse. You can also help your hair look shinier by adding a teaspoon of honey to a quart of water. Rinse with the honey water after you’ve shampooed and dry your hair. Enjoy your shimmering tresses!

Remember to always purchase and use raw, unfiltered honey for the best results. You can find raw honey in your favorite health food store. If you’d like local honey, check your community farmers’ market for the best results.

Speaking of all of the powerful health benefits of honey… My good friends at TheAlternativeDaily wanted to offer you a FREE copy of their new book, The Honey Phenomenon, which details dozens of ways to use honey to heal and revitalize your skin, hair, teeth, and even help improve your heart health, brain health, fight aging, and help with coughs or allergies too! It really is a miraculous substance.

Don’t miss your FREE copy of The Honey Phenomenon before they run out of copies.

References
https://chriskresser.com/here-are-the-top-5-health-benefits-of-honey/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/20-unusual-uses-for-honey_b_949475
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/honey-remedy
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/seasonal-allergies#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1
https://localrootsnyc.com/blogs/news/how-to-spot-the-imposter-real-honey-vs-fake-honey
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/manuka-honey-could-help-strengthen-the-bodys-immune-system-defenses-301030943.html
https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/319821
https://wholisticfamilycare.com/local-wildflower-honey-protocol-for-seasonal-allergies/
https://www.marksdailyapple.com/is-honey-a-safer-sweetener/
https://www.mybeeline.co/en/p/us-76-percent-is-fake-honey#:~:text=According%20to%20research%20commissioned%20by,from%20being%20labeled%20as%20honey.
https://localrootsnyc.com/blogs/news/how-to-spot-the-imposter-real-honey-vs-fake-honey
https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat
https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/sore-throat.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/honey-for-sore-throat
https://www.healthline.com/health/honey-for-sore-throat

The post 5 Odd Uses for Honey appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

You may have seen an interesting new ingredient on your healthy food products lately and have been wondering exactly what it is. Monk fruit, or lo han guo, is a small green melon from China with a very sweet taste—but zero calories as a sweetener and zero carbs. It also does not raise blood sugar levels. This sweet little secret has been around for decades, but is just now making its way into mainstream foods as a healthy, zero calorie, natural alternative sweetener.

We’ve had a variety of choices for low calorie sweeteners over the years. However, most of them have previously met with negative reviews due to potentially serious health issues.

Consider for example, these low-calorie artificial sweeteners that have been on the market (all approved by the FDA):

• saccharin/SweetN’Low
• aspartame/NutraSweet
• sucralose/Splenda
• neotame/Newtame
• acesulfame potassium/Ace-K, Sunett, Sweet One

All of these have been found to have adverse health effects, negatively affect the gut microbiome, have links to some types of cancers, increase appetite and actually cause weight gain.

Saccharin or benzoic sulfinide, was discovered by a scientist studying coal tar derivatives. This coal tar derivative was considered a cancer risk and has been a controversial sweetener ever since.

Aspartame, or NutraSweet as it is called, has been found to be neurotoxic and the excitatory amino acids in it can cause long term damage to the brain neurons. One of aspartame’s primary ingredients, phenylalanine, blocks the production of serotonin in our gut, which not only negatively affects moods, causing anxiety and depression, but low serotonin also brings on food cravings—especially for sweet, starchy foods. Result is often weight gain.

While sucralose was marketed as a safer artificial sweetener called Splenda, it is a chemically created compound modified by adding chlorine atoms to sugar. This is like ingesting small amounts of chlorinated pesticides. Oh, and by the way, sucralose was discovered in the 1970’s by scientists who were working on creating a new pesticide.

Many people are actually allergic or sensitive to artificial sweeteners and can have reactions ranging from an itching, oozing rash, hives, eczema to nausea, diarrhea, and wheezing.

Artificial sweeteners have been found to disrupt our microbiome in our gut as well, causing a big drop in serotonin production. This can lead to a variety of digestive problems, brain dysfunction and mood disorders including:

• Seizures
• Migraines/headaches
• Gut dysbiosis
• Diarrhea
• Asthma
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s
• Brain tumors
• Sperm damage
• ADHD
• Cancer
• Kidney dysfunction

Artificial sweeteners also trigger insulin release and increase appetite, defeating the purpose for which they are used in the first place—causing cravings, excessive eating and weight gain.

Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant, has been used for years as a safe and natural alternative to artificial sweeteners. Stevia, however, when used in its more natural form, can have an unpleasant aftertaste that is bitter or metallic tasting. And, some people actually have allergic reactions to stevia. Many of the commercially marketed stevia products are mixed with dextrose, erythritol, and lactose, making them nutritionally much different and iffy as far as being a healthy sweetener.

Enter monk fruit. Monk fruit has traditionally been used in herbal medicine and has a naturally sweet taste. Monk fruit contains something called mogrosides, which are intensely sweet.

Monk fruit sweetener has several health benefits as a natural sweetener. It has zero calories, zero carbohydrates and no harmful side effects–like the FDA-approved artificial sweeteners listed above.

Monk fruit also contains antioxidants and does not raise blood sugar, making it safe for diabetics or weight loss. According to this 2011 study, monk fruit has been safely used in traditional Chinese medicine for many, many years. One of its uses is to relieve sore throats and minimize phlegm in colds and flu.

And since monk fruit has been used for centuries, it is a safe and healthful sweetener. The Food and Drug Administration has determined that monk fruit is “generally recognized as safe (GRAS)” for everyone, including pregnant women and children.

However, outside of traditional Chinese medicine, monk fruit mass is just now beginning to be mass marketed, so more scientific studies will have to be done to determine its overall effects.

The downside of monk fruit includes the fact that monk fruit is difficult to grow and harvest–and it spoils easily–so it is still a fairly expensive product. While it is gaining in popularity, it is still tricky to find monk fruit sweetener at your local grocery or health food store.

Monk fruit does have a little bit of a bitter or strange aftertaste, depending on the food or drink it is included in. Monk fruit sweeteners can be used in coffee, tea, salad dressings, sauces, baked goods, and even as a sweetener in collagen and protein powders.

While monk fruit has zero calories and carbohydrates, be careful because most baked goods, smoothies and other drinks still have plenty of calories on their own, and can fool you into thinking you are not eating any calories.

Monk fruit is a member of the Curcurbitaceae family, which includes pumpkin, cucumbers, squash, and melons. If you are allergic to any of these foods, you may be allergic to monk fruit.

While monk fruit may need further research to study all of its health impacts, it seems to be a great, natural alternative to other artificial sweeteners—and great for anyone who wants to limit sugar in their diet. Especially those with diabetes or following a weight loss diet. While there are a few claims about monk fruit’s ability to prevent cancer or other health problems, more research is needed.

Try this luscious, healthy, frosted monk fruit brownie recipe from our friends at Healthline and thesmartcookieblog.com. You are sure to enjoy every bite!

Speaking of diabetes…If you think that Type 2 Diabetes is irreversible like many misinformed doctors will tell you, then you need to read some of the proof below on how to naturally reverse Type 2 Diabetes…

Although eating “paleo” or even low-carb is a good first step, you’ll also see below other techniques on just how simple it can be to “fix” your diabetes, control your blood sugars, and lose all of that excess fat sitting on your stomach.

> 1 Simple trick to REVERSE your Diabetes, naturally (while getting off drugs ASAP)

References
https://www.truthinadvertising.org/extra-ingredients-natural-stevia-product/
https://chriskresser.com/how-artificial-sweeteners-wreak-havoc-on-your-gut/
https://usrtk.org/sweeteners/aspartame_health_risks/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322769#stevia

The post Monkfruit–The Curiously Sweet, Low Calorie Natural Sweetener appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, BSN,co-author of the best-sellers: The Fat Burning Kitchen,The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging&The Diabetes Fix

Headaches, skin rashes, skin breakouts, brain fog, depression, anxiety, ADHD and even anemia may be sly symptoms of gluten intolerance–even if you have tested negative for celiac disease. And even if you’ve never had any of the digestive discomfort that most people recognize as the primary symptom of gluten intolerance.

You see, conventional tests done by your doctor may only be showing you a small part of the picture. While the standard gluten lab test may turn up negative, you can still be having a serious physical and mental reaction to gluten and other components in wheat, rye and barley.

Here’s the reason–

Wheat contains more than just the ‘gluten’ that you react to. Wheat contains several proteins including gliadin, alpha gliadin, glutenins, agglutinins, and prodynorphins that can cause reactions.

When wheat is eaten, the body begins to break down these proteins in the digestive tract. Enzymes called tissue transglutaminases (tTGs) are produced. During this process, additional proteins are formed called deamidated gliadins and gliadorphins. Yes, I know that is a lot to ‘digest’, but stay with me on this–

Celiac disease does major damage to the small intestine and destroys its sensitive lining that absorbs nutrients from food. When you are tested for celiac disease, you are tested for only ONE specific gliadin, alpha gliadin and tissue transgluaminase, tTG-2.

But here’s some VERY important points to consider:

• People can and do react negatively to other components in wheat and gluten that are not included in the standard celiac/gluten intolerance test.
• Even if you test negative for celiac disease you can have serious negative reactions to other wheat proteins or transglutaminases.
• For every ONE case of celiac disease diagnosed, 6.4 cases of gluten intolerance remain undiagnosed — many with NO gastrointestinal symptoms at all. That means that only about 15 percent of people with gluten issues are actually diagnosed.
• Gluten intolerance can be a real health problem. This is called Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity or NCGS.

Silent Celiac Disease

The common symptoms that most physicians recognize as being associated with celiac disease are bloating, gas, indigestion and diarrhea. What is less common are some of the other physical symptoms—some of the serious—of gluten intolerance, that may not even include any digestive symptoms at all.

Gluten intolerance can manifest itself in a variety of ways in different body systems, making it a tricky masquerader. This insidious condition can affect nearly every system in the body including brain, nervous system, bones, teeth, skin, endocrine system, liver, blood vessels, and of course the digestive system.

Brain Fog

Brain fog can happen as a result of inflammation, and inflammation is one of the hallmarks of this health issue. Brain fog can occur in the morning when you first wake up, hours after you’ve ingested gluten, or can happen right after eating foods containing gluten. Brain fog makes you feel excessively tired and fatigued, with a feeling of fogginess, making it hard to focus or think clearly.

Depression and Anxiety

At least a quarter of those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance report anxiety or depression frequently. Studies show that those with celiac disease or NCGS have reported that they are much more likely to feel anxious, have panic disorder, social phobias, ADHD or depression.

Another way to look at this is if you have any issues with anxiety, depression, or ADHD, you should strongly consider eliminating ALL gluten from your diet for at least 2-3 weeks to see if you have an improvement in symptoms. It is very possible that these symptoms are a manifestation of either silent celiac disease or NCGS.

Headaches and Migraine

Headaches and migraines have a strong connection to gluten reactions as well. In fact, people with celiac disease and NCGS report having headaches and migraines at a much higher rate than the rest of the population. If you have frequent headaches or migraines, it’s time to consider removing gluten from your diet.

A 2018 review of multiple studies published in Nutrients found that the prevalence of headaches reported in those who had diagnosed celiac disease was 26 percent, significantly higher than control groups without celiac sensitivity. The review also noted that headaches and migraines, were often reported as the first symptom of celiac disease—a far cry from the usual digestive issues.

To back up this up, another study in the medical journal Headache found that 56% of people with reported gluten sensitivity, and 30% of those with diagnosed celiac disease, suffered from chronic headaches compared to only 14% of people in the non-celiac control group.

Skin Rashes and Eczema

People with silent celiac disease (no digestive symptoms) or NCGS can also develop painful burning rashes, psoriasis, or other undefined dermatitis. This occurs after consuming foods with gluten in them, although it may be very difficult to discover the connection if there are no corresponding digestive symptoms to go with this.

The most common skin disorder connected to gluten causes is a painful rash called dermatitis herpetiformis. DH is actually a skin condition closely linked to celiac disease or NCGS.

One of the hallmarks of this skin condition is that the reaction to gluten occurs primarily in the skin, but no obvious intestinal discomfort is apparent. While people with DH are at the same risk for the complications suffered by people with celiac disease, as many as 20% of people with DH may have a normal intestinal biopsy.

DH can be diagnosed definitively with a skin biopsy. If you have odd itchy rashes or scaly skin, eliminate all gluten from your diet and see what happens. You may notice a positive result immediately.

[Personally, I suddenly started having horrible, burning, extremely itchy rashes all over my face and neck in my mid 40’s. I had no digestive symptoms to speak of. Although I went to several doctors no one could find a cause. It took me two full years of eliminating possible irritating foods, lotions, and soaps to figure out a connection. Once I removed all gluten from my diet, no more rashes!]

Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is a very common trait linked to both celiac disease and NCGS. Some research notes that it may often be the FIRST noticeable connection to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, and up to 75 percent of those who have been diagnosed with anemia may also be gluten intolerant. Studies show that anemia is reported as the most frequent symptom of adult celiac disease or NCGS.

Gluten disorders interfere with absorption of iron, vitamins and other minerals in the gut and anemia tends to be one of the first signs of malabsorption. Even worse, anemia makes one feel tired and weak, further exacerbating the fatigue that gluten can cause.

Long Term Damage Caused by Celiac Disease or NCGS

If the above health symptoms don’t get your attention about the possibility of eliminating gluten from your diet, take a look at the list below. These diseases often result from long-term exposure to gluten—whether it is celiac disease, silent celiac disease or NCGS. These include:

• Epilepsy
• ADHD
• Schizophrenia
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Thyroid Disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Dementia
• Gluten Ataxia

One study actually found a very strong link to gluten sensitivity and neurological conditions of unknown origin. And for some people with gluten sensitivity, the primary symptom they experienced was neurological dysfunction. The data suggests that nearly 60 percent of people with neurological dysfunction of unknown origin test positive for anti-gliadin antibodies.

What about you? Are you or anyone you know experiencing any of the above health issues? Even if you have tested negative for gluten or don’t have any of the usual digestive reactions to gluten, gluten may still be the root cause for some of your nagging health problems.

There is no ‘for-sure’ test for non-celiac gluten sensitivity, but as many as 1 out of 20 Americans may have this malady. And unfortunately, many doctors still do not believe that NCGS even exists in spite of it being validated as a real clinical condition.

Since conventional medical doctors may still be hesitant to connect gluten to various health issues. I still believe the very best test for gluten reactions is to do an elimination diet for 30 days, and then reintroduce it for 48 hours, eating it at every meal. Record all physical, mental and emotional symptoms ranging from 1 hour after gluten ingestion to 48 hours after the last gluten consumed.

The majority of studies here have investigated whether or not certain health issues are signs of gluten intolerance, and whether or not they can be addressed by going gluten free. And it turns out, these health problems—including the serious health problems—improved or totally resolved when following a gluten-free diet.

According to Dr. Chris Kresser, this test by Cyrex Laboratories offers a comprehensive blood panel that will screen for all wheat and gluten proteins. Even then, it should not totally replace a gluten challenge. Note: this blood test will need to be ordered by your physician or another healthcare provider.

Whether you may have silent or atypical celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it is important to eliminate gluten from your diet to avoid long term damage to your bones, brain, nerves, digestive system, and more.

If you suffer from celiac disease, NCGS, or just want to AVOID gluten completely and you love bread, I have some NEWS for you!!!

My friend Kelly came up with the most delicious, healthy and most important gluten free bread! Click here to enjoy the world’s healthiest bread!

References
https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/related-conditions/dermatitis-herpetiformis/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/gluten-sensitivity-vs-celiac-disease-562964
https://www.verywellhealth.com/surprising-signs-you-may-have-a-gluten-allergy-4147574
https://www.verywellhealth.com/celiac-disease-and-migraine-563110

The post ‘Silent’ Celiac Disease May be Destroying Your Health appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at Paleohacks, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day. You can find the original article here…

By: Megan Patiry

Black seed oil, or Nigella Sativa, comes from the seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant. Native to Asia, historical accounts date the use of its seeds as far back as ancient Egypt.

Folklore from the surroundings regions, including Indian and Arabic civilizations, refer to the tiny seeds as “Habbatul barakah” (seed of blessing) for their ability to ease indigestion, treat asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, diarrhea, and even energize the body and ease “dispiritedness” (1).

Today, these claims seem to withstand the tests of an impressive amount of present-day studies. Black seed oil’s main phytochemical compounds, thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol, have been shown to have an astounding number of benefits, from being potent antifungals to possible contenders in the fight against Alzheimer’s and autism (2, 3).

Black Seed Oil Benefits

Below we’ll take a look at the top nine benefits of black seed oil, breaking down exactly why these little seeds hold so much power.

1. Black Seed Oil May Prevent Diabetes

Black seed oil shows huge promise when it comes to preventing and managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. One study out of the Indian Council of Medical Research found that black seed oil actually caused a partial “regeneration” of pancreatic cells, lowered previously elevated serum glucose levels, and lowered serum insulin concentrations (4).

In the same study, researchers also mentioned that black seeds improved glucose tolerance as well as the major type 2 diabetes drug metformin without the nasty side effects of stomach pain, bloating, headaches, heartburn, and flushing (5). Of course, you’ll want to speak to your doctor before quitting any medications.

2. Black Seed Oil Has Anti-Cancer Properties

If research has anything to say about black seed oil, it’s that it is a potent cancer cell fighter. Studies have shown its active compound, thymoquinone, reduces malignant colon tumor sizes, induces cell death in pancreatic and breast cancer cells, and has anti-metastatic actions (i.e., helps stop the spears of cancers) (6).

One study also mentioned that the combination of thymoquinone with standard cancer treatments like chemotherapy could actually reduce the toxicity of chemo and make treatments more effective (7).

Combined with chemotherapy, black seed oil can make cancer treatment more effective.

Interestingly, scientists from another study mentioned that thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone’s antitumor effects may be dose-dependent, stating: “The results indicate that THQ antitumor activity may be improved with further dose increase of the investigated substance.” This was after also discovering that these two compounds resulted in a 52 percent decrease in tumor cells (8).

Now, we all know that the positive results of these studies don’t necessarily mean that black seed oil is a definite cancer cure for everyone. However, it does give us a great starting point in using this oil as an alternative treatment.

3. Black Seed Oil Protects Against Liver Damage

Black seed oil has been shown to protect against liver damage from hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury while also protecting liver tissue against the effects of toxic metals. It has even been shown to create a protective effect against radioactive chemicals, including cadmium, by rejuvenating the antioxidants that were depleted after exposure to the chemicals (9).

4. Black Seed Oil Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Black seed oil has also been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Osteoporosis (which is heavily linked to inflammation) is just one of the ailments researchers put up to bat against black seed oil, and they found that its thymoquinone content inhibited a wide variety of substances that cause inflammation (10).

In addition, scientists also discovered thymoquinone’s ability to inhibit molecules that cause allergic airway inflammation in the lungs (the kind that you might experience in an allergic reaction) (11).

5. Black Seed Oil Promotes Skin Health

Applying black seed oil topically also appears to have endless benefits. In the case against acne, researchers discovered that application of the oil resulted in reduction of lesions in just two months, attributing the results to black seed oil’s antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects (12).

Apply black seed oil topically to reduce acne.

In a separate study, black seed oil was also shown to inhibit skin cancer cells in mice; it delayed “papilloma formation and reduced the number of papillomas per mouse” (13).

The fact that black seed oil is anti-inflammatory and shows a good amount of antioxidant activity also makes it great for use as an anti-aging moisturizer.

6. Black Seed Oil Has Antibacterial & Antifungal Properties

Antibacterial and antifungal resistance is a well-known problem in the medical field today. As a result, scientists have started looking outside the box of traditional western therapies (i.e., antibiotics) for answers.

Black seed oil emerged as one of the most promising. Researchers in one study discovered its active components thymol, thymoquinone, and thymohydroquinone were 100 percent effective in inhibiting 30 different pathogens (14).

It has also been found in several other studies to inhibit the growth of candida yeasts and Staphylococcus aureus (staph) infection (15, 16). This is powerful news, since candida overgrowth has become very common due to modern diets high in processed sugars, as well as the fact that staph infections are also common in hospitals.

7. Black Seed Oil Promotes Weight Loss

While oils aren’t the first substances that come to mind when we think of weight loss, it turns out that black seed oil could play a role in fighting obesity. Researchers believe its ability to improve glucose tolerance, enhance liver health, decrease inflammation, and regulate glucose levels all play a role in helping the body return to a normal weight.

Black seed oil regulates glucose levels, helping you lose weight!

After all, our ability to optimize our glucose levels and use carbohydrates efficiently plays a huge role in obesity and insulin resistance, so weight loss could be a likely side effect of improving these factors (17). And the best part about optimizing our glucose levels? No fad diets required!

8. Black Seed Oil Boosts Immunity

Consuming black seed oil may also be an effective way to naturally increase your immunity. Studies show black seed oil enhances natural killer T cells (cells that fight viral infections) while also having the ability to restore resistance against lethal infections (18, 19).

Black seed oil’s effect on the immune system is even powerful enough to protect against radiation. One study found, “N. sativa oil is a promising natural radioprotective agent against immunosuppressive and oxidative effects of ionizing radiation” (20).

9. Black Seed Oil Fights Allergies

Black seed oil also appears to be an effective remedy against allergy symptoms.

One study found that patients suffering from allergic rhinitis (and everything that comes with it, like runny and itchy noses, sneeze attacks, excess mucous and congestion) found relief after being exposed to black seed oil for just two weeks. Researchers attributed these results to black seed oil’s powerful anti-inflammatory effects (21).

Where to Get Black Seed Oil

With benefits like these, it’s safe to say we’re all looking forward to cherishing a bottle of black seed oil for ourselves. Luckily, it can be purchased online directly with Activation Products Black Seed Oil or through sites like Amazon. Various health food retailers may also carry black seed oil capsules, if you’re looking for something in pill form.

What to Look For

Just like any other oil, there are a few important things to look for when purchasing black seed oil:

• Cold-pressed
• No additives
• Organic
• Packaged in dark glass (to protect from rancidity)

Also keep in mind that black seed oil has a number of different names, including black oil, black cumin oil, etc., so be sure to check the ingredient list for purity before purchasing.

How to Use Black Seed Oil

For internal use, you can either take a teaspoon or tablespoon of black seed oil straight, or drizzle it on a salad or on veggies in place of olive oil. For skin and hair, this oil makes an excellent moisturizer. Apply to a clean face to use as a nourishing moisturizer at night, or apply to scalp and hair ends for a few minutes before showering to boost shine.

The amount of studies on black seed oil are not only impressive, but the fact that most of them show significant positive results is extremely encouraging for researchers looking into ancient methods of healing. After all, the discovery of black seed oil and its proven benefits have shown us there is credibility to ancient medicinal writings and techniques.

One thing is for sure: the benefits of black seed oil truly gives it the well-deserved title of “seeds of blessings.”

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